Investigation of serum levels of orexin-A, transforming growth factor β, and leptin in patients with multiple sclerosis

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease affecting various inflammatory and nutritional parameters. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the Body Mass Index (BMI) of MS patients and the serum levels of leptin, orexin-A, and Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β).

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 25 patients suffering from MS and 40 healthy individuals as the case and control groups, respectively. The serum levels of leptin, orexin-A, and TGF-β were assessed in the participants using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay methods. Moreover, data were analyzed using the descriptive statistical indices, t-test, chi-square test, and linear regression test.

Results: According to our results, the participants' mean age was 38.04 ± 7.53 and 40.23 ± 5.88 in the case and control groups, respectively. Also, the groups were not significantly different in gender, age, alcohol consumption, and smoking (p > 0.05). It was found that the mean serum levels of orexin-A and TGF-β were significantly lower in the MS patients compared to the control group, while the mean serum leptin levels were significantly higher (42.8 vs. 18.9 ng/ml, p < 0.001). Moreover, there was no significant relationship between the BMI of the MS patients and their serum levels of orexin-A, TGF-β, and leptin (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: In conclusion, we found significantly lower levels of orexin-A and TGF-β and a significantly higher level of leptin in the MS patients compared to the control group. In addition, there was no significant relationship between the BMI and the serum levels of orexin-A, TGF-β, and leptin in MS patients.