To investigate the relationship between systematic inflammatory biomarkers and cognition in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

We recruited 36 patients diagnosed with MS (31 with relapsing-remitting and 5 with progressive) who presented for treatment at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Patients underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, and serum blood samples were collected. Cognitive data was divided into an overall Cognitive Composite score and seven cognitive domains (i.e., Attention, Verbal Memory, Visual Memory, Visuospatial Ability, Language, Processing Speed, and Executive Function) using z-score averages. Pearson's product-moment correlations were conducted to determine the relationship between cognitive performance and 14 inflammatory biomarkers specifically chosen for their potential role in MS.

Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) was significantly correlated with Executive Function (r= -.355; p=.039) and Processing Speed (r= -.528; p= .001) scores. Additionally, Interleukin-10 (IL-10) was significantly correlated with Visual Memory (r= -.346; p= .041) scores. Finally, Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-a) was significantly correlated with Visual Memory (r= -.347; p= .041).

Studies investigating associations between inflammation and cognition in MS are lacking. In our sample of persons with Multiple Sclerosis, G-CSF biomarkers were negatively correlated with Executive Function as well as Processing Speed. In addition, IL-10 and TNF-a biomarkers were negatively correlated with Visual Memory scores. These findings in a representative sample of patients with MS highlight the need for further research exploring the relationship between systematic inflammatory biomarkers and cognition in MS.