Evaluation of Anti-Glycan Antibody Status in Relationship to Disease Parameters and as a Tool To Assist the Diagnosis of MS (P02.104)

Objective: To determine whether gMSDx status correlates with additional measures of disease activity and can assist with differential diagnosis of MS. Background Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease. No single biomarker can be used to reliably establish a diagnosis of MS, or to differentiate it from other diseases. In addition to specific features of CNS autoimmunity in MS, serologic evidence of general autoimmunity, including elevated ANA and EBV titers, has been reported. A recently commercialized test (gMSDx from Glycominds) that measures antibodies against specific glycans (GAGA4 IgM, or GM) indicates 57% sensitivity and 89-91% specificity for MS diagnosis when positive. Increased titers result in less sensitivity, but greater specificity. Glycans are major surface components of cells including white blood cells and anti-glycan antibodies are reported to be produced in response to pathogens. Specific anti-glycan antibodies have been demonstrated in both MS and Crohn9s Disease. Design/Methods: Medical records of patients referred for treatment or evaluation of possible multiple sclerosis or central nervous system inflammatory disease were examined for biographical information, disease characteristics and serologic and CSF data, including serum GAG4 IgM. Results: In this cohort, 90% of patients with a definite diagnosis of MS were either serum positive for oligoclonal bands (OCB) or anti-glycan antibodies, while only 10 % of patients were positive for both. CSF from 60% of patients were gMSDx positive, but negative for OCB. Females were more likely to be positive, concurring with other reports. Conclusions: The data suggest lack of correlation between the presence of (OCB) and anti-glycan antibodies, measured by the Glycominds test. This may reflect pathogenetic heterogeneity in the MS population. Additional study is required to more firmly establish the utility of this specific biomarker in MS. Supported by: USC Undergraduate Provost Fellowship. Donation from the Keough Family. Disclosure: Dr. Burnett has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec, Serono, Inc., Pfizer Inc, Bayer Healthcare, Acorda Therapeutics, and Teve Neuroscience. Dr. Kabadi has nothing to disclose.