Serum myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein as an indicator of diagnosis and disease activity in multiple sclerosis

ABSTRACT Background Protein components of myelin, such as myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), are potentially informative biomarkers of demyelination, but questions remain about the significance and usefulness of blood MOG protein levels in MS. Objectives In a case-control study, serum MOG protein levels were compared between MS and controls to determine the extent to which MOG levels are associated with the diagnosis and disease activity of MS. Results Serum MOG protein levels were higher in MS than healthy donors (mean difference 20.5 pg/ml, 95% CI 12.7, 28.2) and other neurological disease controls (mean difference 27.5 pg/ml, 95% CI 17.5, 40.5). Samples from MS in clinical relapse had higher MOG protein levels than MS in clinical remission (mean difference 15.3 pg/ml, 95% CI 6.11, 25.6). Correlation between serum MOG and NfL levels was moderate and MOG protein levels incrementally added information relevant to disease activity not captured by serum NfL levels. Conclusion MOG protein levels are elevated in the blood of individuals with MS and may be associated with disease activity.