Cytokine and CXCL13 Concentrations in Patients with Clinically Isolated Syndrome
In a study involving 84 patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and 84 controls, researchers found significantly higher concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, and CXCL13 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of CIS patients compared to controls, particularly notable for CXCL13. However, the nominal difference in IL-10 did not remain significant after corrections.
- Tags
- #Biomarkers
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not yet assessed
- Mechanism
- Not yet assessed
- Evidence strength
- Not yet assessed
- Outcome
- Not yet assessed
Why it matters
This study provides insights into potential inflammatory processes in CIS, which may inform understanding of neuroinflammatory conditions. Elevated cytokine levels could indicate early disease activity related to multiple sclerosis, but further research is needed.
What this does not prove
The study does not confirm whether the elevated biomarkers are produced in the central nervous system (intrathecal production). It also does not establish a direct link between CIS and conversion to multiple sclerosis.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Observational
- Participants / samples
- 84 · patients with CIS and controls
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Yes
- Primary endpoint met
- No
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-09-28
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Biomarkers
Original sources
- Primary evidenceCerebrospinal fluid and serum cytokine and CXCL13 profiles in clinically isolated syndrome. ↗DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2026.107951
Supporting passages (15)
study phaseClinically isolated syndrome (CIS) represents the earliest clinical manifestation of a demyelinating process suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS).
study designTo compare cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum concentrations of selected cytokines and CXCL13 in patients with CIS and neurological controls.
subjectsMETHODS: CSF and serum samples collected between 2020 and February 2026 were analysed from 84 patients presenting with CIS, defined within the diagnostic framework of the 2017 revised McDonald criteria, and 84 controls with non-inflammatory neurological conditions.
speciesMETHODS: CSF and serum samples collected between 2020 and February 2026 were analysed from 84 patients presenting with CIS, defined within the diagnostic framework of the 2017 revised McDonald criteria, and 84 controls with non-inflammatory neurological conditions.
sample sizeMETHODS: CSF and serum samples collected between 2020 and February 2026 were analysed from 84 patients presenting with CIS, defined within the diagnostic framework of the 2017 revised McDonald criteria, and 84 controls with non-inflammatory neurological conditions.
sample size basisMETHODS: CSF and serum samples collected between 2020 and February 2026 were analysed from 84 patients presenting with CIS, defined within the diagnostic framework of the 2017 revised McDonald criteria, and 84 controls with non-inflammatory neurological conditions.
controlledand 84 controls with non-inflammatory neurological conditions.
peer reviewedJournal: Multiple sclerosis and related disorders
primary endpoint metThese findings are compatible with heterogeneous inflammatory processes involving CNS-associated and systemic components but do not establish intrathecal production of the investigated biomarkers.
research categoriesThese findings are compatible with heterogeneous inflammatory processes involving CNS-associated and systemic components but do not establish intrathecal production of the investigated biomarkers.
publication datePublication date: 2026-09-28
comparatorcontrols with non-inflammatory neurological conditions.
primary endpointTo compare cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum concentrations of selected cytokines and CXCL13 in patients with CIS and neurological controls.
findingsRESULTS: Patients with CIS had significantly higher CSF concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, and CXCL13 than controls, with the most pronounced difference observed for CXCL13.
limitationsThese findings are compatible with heterogeneous inflammatory processes involving CNS-associated and systemic components but do not establish intrathecal production of the investigated biomarkers.
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