Proteomic signatures of physical, cognitive, and imaging outcomes in multiple sclerosis

Abstract Background A quantitative measurement of serum proteome biomarkers that would associate with disease progression endpoints can provide risk stratification for persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and supplement the clinical decision‐making process. Materials and Methods In total, 202 PwMS were enrolled in a longitudinal study with measurements at two time points with an average follow‐up time of 5.4 years. Clinical measures included the Expanded Disability Status Scale, Timed 25‐foot Walk, 9‐Hole Peg, and Symbol Digit Modalities Tests. Subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging to determine the volumetric measures of the whole brain, gray matter, deep gray matter, and lateral ventricles. Serum samples were analyzed using a custom immunoassay panel on the Olink™ platform, and concentrations of 18 protein biomarkers were measured. Linear mixed‐effects models and adjustment for multiple comparisons were performed. Results Subjects had a significant 55.6% increase in chemokine ligand 20 (9.7 pg/mL vs. 15.1 pg/mL, p