Higher CSF DPP4 and Ba Levels in MS Patients Convert to Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

In a study of 80 MS patients, those who converted to secondary progressive MS (SPMS) had significantly higher levels of DPP4 and Ba in their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compared to those who retained relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). Specifically, elevated baseline levels were linked to an increased risk of SPMS conversion and faster disability progression.

Tags: #Biomarkers
Most relevant to: —
Source: Read original source (PMID 42893357)

This plain-English summary was written by AI from a published abstract and may contain errors. It is not medical advice. Read the original study and talk to your MS team before making decisions about treatment.

Human efficacy: Not yet assessed
Mechanism: Not yet assessed
Evidence strength: Not yet assessed
Outcome: Not yet assessed

Why it matters

Identifying biomarkers like DPP4 and Ba could help in understanding MS progression, potentially aiding in early intervention strategies for those at risk of converting to SPMS.

What this does not prove

The study is observational and does not establish causation, only associations between CSF biomarkers and disease progression.

Next milestone

No next milestone was established from the available source.

Study facts

Study design: Observational
Participants / samples: 80 · basis not reported
Randomised: No
Controlled: Not applicable
Primary endpoint met: Yes
Relevant MS type: Not reported
Publication date: 2026-10-18
Evidence reviewed: Abstract only
Regulatory approval: Not reported
Research areas: Biomarkers

Original sources

Primary evidencePutative predictive power of baseline cerebrospinal fluid dipeptidyl peptidase-4 on the conversion to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. ↗DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2026.2746401

Supporting passages (14)

study phaseOur aim was to analyze whether baseline cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of DPP4 and DPP4-induced complement breakdown byproducts might predict MS progression.

study designMETHODS: Levels of DPP4, factor C3a (C3a), factor C4a (C4a), factor Ba (Ba) and soluble membrane attack complex (sMAC) were measured by ELISA in CSF obtained during the first clinical attack of 80 MS patients.

subjects80 MS patients.

sample size80 MS patients.

randomizedThe association between CSF markers and disability progression was assessed by regression analyses.

controlledAs compared to patients preserving relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) status, SPMS-convertors showed significantly higher baseline CSF DPP4 (p = 0.035) and Ba (p = 0.013) levels.

primary endpoint metCONCLUSIONS: Baseline CSF DPP4 levels may predict the emergence of SPMS at the early stage of disease, whereas baseline Ba levels appear to be associated with earlier progression of MS.

research categoriesDipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) has many inflammation-related functions such as T cell activation, and complement activation and is recognized as a putative pathogenic factor in multiple sclerosis (MS).

publication datePublication date: 2026-10-18

comparatorAs compared to patients preserving relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) status, SPMS-convertors showed significantly higher baseline CSF DPP4 (p = 0.035) and Ba (p = 0.013) levels.

primary endpointthe conversion to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

follow upin a follow-up period of 9.4 ± 5.1 years.

findingsCONCLUSIONS: Baseline CSF DPP4 levels may predict the emergence of SPMS at the early stage of disease, whereas baseline Ba levels appear to be associated with earlier progression of MS.

limitationsTitle: Putative predictive power of baseline cerebrospinal fluid dipeptidyl peptidase-4 on the conversion to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

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