Adiponectin as a novel predictive biomarker of multiple sclerosis course

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a serious neurological disease, the actual worldwide prevalence of which is estimated to be 2,8 million people (35,9 per 100,000). During the course of MS, various neurological symptoms and its complications result in raising patient disability, which range from skeletal muscles impairment, to losses in cognitive functions. Achieving control over course of MS progression appears to be crucial in its treatment. This enforces the need for recognizing novel predictive factors so as to allow prognosis of future remissions and/or progressions. Adiponectin, hormone secreted by adipose tissue, currently is considered as a possible candidate for such a biomarker. The aim of this review is to summarise present knowledge and to assess possible clinical usage. According to collected data, adiponectin measurements in serum and cerebrospinal fluid appear to provide plausible and useful biomarkers in predicting the course of MS. Further studies are, however, needed, especially using non-invasive, but promising sources such as saliva.