Plasma 24-hydroxycholesterol is associated with narrower common carotid artery and greater flow velocities in relapsing multiple sclerosis

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) studies suggest greater cardiovascular disease burden and disturbances in the cholesterol pathways1,2 The potential impact of oxidized molecules (oxysterols) on MS is emerging (Figure 1).3
 Objective: To determine relationship between multiple oxysterol atherosclerosis patients.
 Materials methods: A total 99 patients (61 relapsing-remitting (RRMS) 38 progressive (PMS)) healthy controls (HCs) underwent magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) cross-sectional area (CSA) common carotid artery (CCA) was determined at three different levels before bifurcation (C7, C6 C5). Additionally, an echo-color Doppler ultrasound performed measures blood flow velocities were derived. Blood samples acquired time imaging examinations analyzed 24-, 25-, 27-hydroxycholesterol (24HC, 25HC, 27HC) 7-ketocholesterol (7KC) quantified ng/mL.
 Results: In patients, higher 24HC significantly associated with smaller CCA CSA measured all cervical (r=-0.201, p=0.046; r=-0.228, p=0.023, r=-0.215, p=0.032, for C7, C5, respectively). These associations driven by RRMS group only (r=-0.407, p=0.002 C7; r=-0.414, p=0.002, C6; r=-0.368, p=0.006 No seen HCs. Despite adjusting significant age effect (B=0.445, p=0.004), independently (B=-0.20, p=0.045). additionally time-averaged peak diastolic velocities. treated potent anti-inflammatory therapies had lower (p=0.019). quartiles expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores when compared to two (2.5 (IQR 1.9-3.1) vs 2.0 (1.5-2.5), p=0.038).
 Conclusions: Greater are patients. inflammatory activity may contribute production highly reactive oxysterols worsen atherosclerotic population. Potent medications can decrease levels.