Conclusion
NfH(SMI35) levels did not change significantly; however, tau protein levels did increase significantly within the reference range. Taking these findings together, the long-term effects of TCA on NfH(SMI35) and tau protein levels need to be investigated further to understand whether levels of both biomarkers will change over repeated TCA applications. Interestingly, S-100B protein levels decreased significantly during the first applications, which may have represented reduced astrocytic activity during TCA treatment.
Methods
In order to assess neurotoxic effects of TCA, neurofilament heavy-chain (NfH)(SMI35), tau protein, and S-100B protein levels were determined before and during treatment with TCA in 54 patients with primary progressive MS, as well as relapsing MS (relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive MS).
Results
NfH(SMI35) levels in the CSF of patients treated with TCA intrathecally did not increase significantly during the treatment cycle (p = 0.068). After application of TCA, tau protein levels were increased significantly at day 4 (p = 0.03) and at day 8 (p ≤ 0.001). S-100B protein levels decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) during treatment with TCA.