Identifying biomarkers of synaptic damage in multiple sclerosis

Identification of New Biomarkers Useful to Define the Course of Multiple Sclerosis and Study of the Mechanisms That Promote Synaptic Damage

Observational Neuromed IRCCS · NCT03217396

This study is testing blood and spinal fluid samples from people with multiple sclerosis to see if certain markers can help us understand brain changes and how the disease progresses.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorNeuromed IRCCS Academic / other
Locations1 site (Pozzilli, Isernia)
Trial IDNCT03217396 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study will analyze blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases over a five-year period. The study aims to evaluate levels of various biomarkers, including microRNAs, cytokines, and neuronal damage markers, to understand synaptic alterations associated with multiple sclerosis. Additionally, genotyping studies will be conducted to identify genetic variations that may correlate with clinical parameters and disease progression. Control groups will include healthy subjects and patients with other chronic neurodegenerative diseases.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are males and females aged 18 to 65 with a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and an EDSS score between 0 and 5.5.

Not a fit: Patients unable to provide informed consent or those with significant comorbid conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to the identification of novel biomarkers that improve diagnosis and monitoring of multiple sclerosis.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in identifying biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases, but this specific approach focusing on synaptic damage in multiple sclerosis is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male and female patients (age between 18 and 65 years)
2. Diagnosis of MS in accordance with McDonald's (2010 rev) criteria,
3. EDSS between 0 and 5.5 (included),
4. Patients able to provide informed consent to participation in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Inability to provide informed written consent
2. Altered basal blood count
3. Pregnancy or lactation
4. Contraindications for the execution of magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium
5. Significant clinical conditions in addition to SM or other chronic neurodegenerative diseases including latent viral infections

Where this trial is running

Pozzilli, Isernia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Multiple SclerosisParkinson DiseaseAmyotrophic Lateral SclerosisAlzheimer Diseasesynaptic plasticityneuroinflammationneurodegeneration
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.