Laboratory biomarkers of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Abstract

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). The diagnosis of the disease is quite challenging due to its variation among patients. As a result, the need to enhance diagnostic procedures, evaluate objective prognostic markers and promote effective monitoring of patients' responses to treatment has prompted the identification of many biomarkers. To present up-to-date knowledge on potential biomarkers for MS used to assess disease activity, progression, and therapeutic responses. The search for articles was conducted in various databases, namely, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL, using an identical search strategy and terms that included "Multiple Sclerosis," "MS," "biomarkers," "potential," "magnetic resonance spectroscopy," "progress," "marker," "predict," "disability," "indicator," and "mass spectrometry." Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed when scrutinizing the articles for inclusion in the study. The search process identified 75 articles that were used in this systematic review. MS biomarkers consisted of laboratory biomarkers, imaging biomarkers, and genetic and immunogenetic biomarkers. The efficacy, which leads to their potential classification, relies on numerous factors, such as sensitivity, specificity, clinical rationale, predictability, practicality, biological rationale, reproducibility, and correlations with prognosis and disability. Oligoclonal bands (OCBs) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features are the most established biomarkers so far, although kappa free light chains (kFLCs), the measles-rubella-zoster (MRZ) reaction, and neurofilament light chains (NfLs) might show potential in the near future after more studies are conducted.