Correlation of Midkine serum level with pro- and anti-inflamatory cytokines in multiple sclerosis

Background: Midkine (MK) is a heparin-binding growth factor with promoting effects in inflammatory responses through enhancing leukocytes migration. Objective: To study the correlation between MK serum levels and concentration of inflammatory cytokines in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients. Methods: We evaluated the MK level and its relationship with inflammatory cytokines (IL-17 and IL-23) and antiinflammatory ones (IL-10 and TGF-β) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The serum concentrations of MK and cytokines were assessed by ELISA in 32. MS patients in comparison with 32 healthy subjects. Results: Our data showed that the MK concentration in MS patients is lower than healthy controls (341.15 ± 40. 71. Pg/ml vs. 620.15 ± 98. 61. Pg/ml, respectively, p=0.015). We also observed a significant decrease in IL-10, IL-23, and TGF-β cytokine levels in MS patients. There was a significant correlation between MK and IL-23 concentrations in our study (r = +0.829, p≤ 0.001). Conclusion: These results confirm a role for MK in inflammatory reactions in MS.