Prognostic value of odor identification impairment in multiple sclerosis: 10-Years follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Olfactory dysfunction has been linked to clinical severity variables in multiple MS populations. Though, its prognostic value is still unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the long-term outcome associated with Brief-Smell Identification Test (B-SIT) performance in a cohort of MS patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of the clinical records was conducted in 149 patients who participated in a previous study, with a median follow-up of 121 months. Demographic and clinical data regarding the last clinical appointment with EDSS measurement were collected. Multiple Sclerosis Severity Scale (MSSS) and Age-Related Multiple Sclerosis Severity (ARMSS) scores were calculated. Date of the last clinical contact or death was recorded. RESULTS: Among MS patients with progressive clinical course (n = 33), those with impaired B-SIT at baseline had greater change per month during follow-up (as measured by increases in MSSS and ARMSS scores) and a higher hazard of death. No significant associations were found among patients with relapsing and remitting MS (n = 116). CONCLUSIONS: The study results demonstrate that odor identification impairment has prognostic value in progressive MS, suggesting that a brief odor identification measure can be a marker of neurodegeneration in progressive MS.

Circulating microRNAs as potential biomarkers for genetic generalized epilepsies: a three microRNA panel.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Genetic generalized epilepsies (GGEs) encompass a group of syndromes of mainly genetic causes, characterized by the involvement of both hemispheres. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs with a critical role in the regulation of neuronal biological processes through gene expression modulation. Dysregulated miRNA expression has been shown in epilepsy. Due to their stability in biological fluids like serum, miRNAs have assumed a prominent role in biomarker research. Our aim was to evaluate circulating levels of three miRNAs in GGE patients and assess their putative diagnostic value. METHODS: MiR-146a, miR-155 and miR-132 were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction in the serum of 79 GGE patients (47 women, 32 men, 35.1 ± 12.4 years) and 67 healthy individuals (41 women, 26 men, 42.4 ± 10.1 years). Relative expression values were calculated using the 2-ΔΔCt method. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess diagnostic value. MiRNA expression was correlated with clinicopathological features. RESULTS: Serum levels of miR-146a and miR-155 were significantly upregulated in GGE patients relative to controls (3.13 and 6.05, respectively). Combined miR-146a, miR-155 and miR-132 serum levels performed well as a diagnostic biomarker, discriminating GGE patients from controls with an area under the curve of 0.85, 80% specificity and 73% sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that miR-146a, miR-155 and miR-132 may partake in GGE epileptogenesis. A panel of three circulating miRNAs with potential value as a GGE biomarker is reported for the first time. Novel biomarkers may help to identify new treatment targets and contribute to improved patients' quality of life through earlier diagnosis and a more precise prognosis.