Serum-soluble receptor for advanced glycation end product levels in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

OBJECTIVES: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. There is evidence that oxidative stress is implicated in the pathophysiology of the neurodegenerative disorders, including ALS. Data from the literature suggests that the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) participates in pathological conditions, including oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 20 patients with ALS and 20 patients from the control group. The serum-soluble RAGE (sRAGE) levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent method. RESULTS: The study showed that sRAGE levels are significantly decreased in serum of the patients with ALS comparing to the control group (P < 0.05). The correlation between the serum sRAGE levels and clinical parameters of the disease was not significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that sRAGE participates in pathophysiology of the ALS. It is possible that low sRAGE levels may influence neurodegeneration.