Abstract

Multiple Sclerosis is the most common non-traumatic disorder of the central nervous system and is generally regarded as an immune-mediated disorder that occurs in young adults. Since cerebrospinal fluid is in close contact with the extracellular surface of the brain, it is of great interest to examine possible biomarkers for multiple sclerosis. Proteomic studies of cerebrospinal fluid samples represent an important step towards a better understanding of the disease and may lead to the identification of clinically useful markers. Methodological advances in proteomics allowed the comparison of the protein content in different cerebrospinal fluid samples, using gel or liquid-based approaches coupled with mass spectrometry. In this paper, we discuss the advantages and limitations of the strategies employed and the potential biomarkers for multiple sclerosis identified so far using proteomics-based approaches.

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, cerebrospinal fluid, biomarkers, proteomics, inflammatory demyelinating disease, autoimmune aetiology, heterogeneity, inflammation, neuronal lesions, magnetic resonance imaging, neurodegenerative disorders, homeostasis, mass spectrometry, gel-free techniques, proteomics-based technologies