A simple blood test may help detect signs of multiple sclerosis, a disease of the brain and spinal cord,finds a discovery by researchers from the university in the UK that used advanced mass spectrometry techniques.
The current procedure for detection of MS requires the invasive, often painful process of collecting fluid from the brain and spine.
The research has identified two natural bio-marker compounds which have been linked to multiple sclerosis. The compounds Spingosine and dihydrospingosine were found to be at significantly lower concentration in blood samples from multiple sclerosis patients..These compounds have been previously found to be at lower levels of concentration in the brain tissue of patients with MS.
Now, the detection of these in blood plasma allows the non-invasive monitoring of these and related compounds.
_Deccan Herald_