Elevated cerebrospinal fluid homocysteine is associated with blood-brain barrier disruption in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.

Homocysteine (Hcy) has been shown to be relevant in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Although the CSF Hcy changes were explored in patients with ALS previously, the outcomes were inconsistent, and the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) may involve in the process. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between concentration of Hcy and BBB integrity indicated by CSF/serum albumin ratio (Q_alb).

CSF and plasma/serum levels of Hcy, folate, and vitamin B12 and other biochemical biomarkers such as albumin, β₂-microglobulin, high sensitive-C reactive protein (hs-CRP), microalbumin, immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, IgA, and complement 3 and 4 were analyzed in all 31 ALS patients and 34 controls. Routine CSF analysis including cells/leukocytes count, total protein, glucose, and chlorides were also performed.

CSF Hcy levels (0.50 ± 0.46 vs 0.25 ± 0.27 μmol/L) and Q_alb (8.09 ± 3.03 vs 6.39 ± 2.21) were significantly higher in the ALS group than that in controls (P < 0.05). The generalized linear mixed model analysis showed that the CSF Hcy was positively correlated with Q_alb in ALS patients (P < 0.05).

BBB permeability is increased in ALS patients. CSF Hcy level is associated with BBB integrity. Q_alb is a significantly independent predisposing factor for CSF Hcy.