Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive devastating neurodegenerative disorder. It is characterized by both upper and lower motor neuron degeneration, leading to progressive skeletal muscle atrophy, paralysis, and consequent death. The pathogenesis of ALS and the risk factors are still not fully understood. Yet, metabolic abnormalities and nutritional factors have been recently the focus of interest among the various aspects of consideration. Vitamin A metabolite; Retinoic acid plays an important role in motor neuron development and neurite regeneration and its only carrier protein is retinol-binding protein 4.
Aim of the work: This study aimed to measure the serum level of retinol-binding protein4 (RBP4) and to investigate the association between the clinical aspects of ALS and serum retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) concentration as a potential biomarker for vitamin A metabolism in ALS patients.
Subjects and methods: This is a case-control study performed in the neuromuscular unit, Neurology Department, Ain-Shams University hospital. The study period was one year. Forty ALS patients were recruited and matched with forty healthy controls of matched age and sex. A Quantitative determination of human retinol-binding protein 4 concentrations in serum was assayed by Quantikine ELISA kit (2017 R & D Systems, inc.).
Results: Serum RBP4 level was statistically non significantly higher among the control group versus the ALS group.
Conclusion: Serum RBP4 concentration was found to be lower although statistically nonsignificant in ALS patients than in the controls group, further studies are needed.