Discrimination of multiple sclerosis patients from healthy individuals using a combination of walking ability and blood metallic nanoparticle concentrations

BACKGROUND: The concentrations of metallic nanoparticles have been associated with symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), which may affect the neuronal excitatory-inhibitory balance by depositing on the myelin sheath. A balanced regulation of the cortical–striatal–thalamic–cortical pathway is necessary for optimal walking performance. Alterations in neuronal excitatory-inhibitory balance have the potential to adversely impact walking ability. AIM:To explore the importance of metallic nanoparticles to walking ability in people with MS (PwMS) and healthy controls (HC). METHODS:The present study involved 30 individuals, including 19 PwMS (EDSS=2.4±0.3) and 11 HCs. Whole blood samples were collected for the quantification of aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, nickel, zinc and total metallic nanoparticles (T-NPs). The participant’s walking ability was assessed using the Time Up and Go (TUG) test and the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). RESULTS:The findings showed negative correlations between 6MWT performance and aluminum (r=-0.45,p