The Clinical Relevance of N-Acetylglucosamine Levels in Multiple Sclerosis

Early studies suggest that N-glycosylation is altered in multiple sclerosis (MS). N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) is a metabolic precursor to N-glycosylation. Investigators studied GlcNAc via its stereoisomer mix, N-acetylhexosamine (HexNAc), among different MS subtypes and clinical outcomes.

A discovery cohort included 54 MS patients and 66 healthy controls. HexNAc was 710 nM in healthy controls, 682 nM in those with relapsing MS (RMS), and 548 nM in those with progressive MS (PMS). In a confirmatory cohort of 180 patients with MS, lower HexNAc correlated with higher disability levels as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale and MS Functional Composite. Additionally, lower HexNAc correlated with reduced thalamic and white-matter vol…