Serum Vitamin A levels and Associated Retinoic Acid Markers are NOT associated with EDSS or Lesion Volume in Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Normal or Normalized Serum Vitamin D Levels (P3.393)

Objective: To determine if Vitamin A levels are associated with increased lesion volumes and/or EDSS. Background: Although vitamin D appears to be associated with MS disease progression, it remains unclear the role of retinoic acid(vitamin A) plays in MS disease. Previous studies indicated retinoic acid may play a role in remyelination and disease progression. We investigated whether MS patients with normal vitamin D levels had differences in T2 lesion volumes and EDSS when divided into two Vitamin A levels groups(low normal vs high normal serum levels). Design/Methods: 26 RRMS patients were selected as they had a vitamin D level above the insufficient level of 20ng/ml. With all but 4 patients above the insufficient level, the majority of patients had vitamin D levels greater than 30ng/ml. The majority of patients were supplemented with vitamin D in order to achieve adequate serum levels. These patients were divided into two groups, essentially splitting the normal serum vitamin A range(0–98ng/ml). Beta-carotene, retinol binding protein(RBP), and lipid panel levels were obtained from these patients as well. T2 lesion volumes were computed using MIPAV/Lesion Toads Software.EDSS was also collected. Results: A t-test of lesion volume between the low normal vitamin A group (0–49ng/ml)versus the high normal group(>49ng/ml) revealed an almost statistically significant difference between these two groups (p=0.052), indicating a trend towards higher vitamin A levels being associated with lower lesion volumes. RBP and betacarotene were not significantly different between these groups (all p>0.05). In patients with 5, there was no significant difference in average vitamin A level, however. Conclusions: In patients with corrected vitamin D levels, no association with higher normal vitamin A levels was noted with regard to EDSS but there may be a trend towards lower lesion volume in those with higher vitamin A levels, which may indicate a protective effect over time. Study Supported by: The Conrad N. Hiton Foundation Disclosure: Dr. Puttagunta has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lesdesma has nothing to disclose. Dr. Berube has nothing to disclose. Dr. Torabi Moghaddam has nothing to disclose. Dr. Serna has nothing to disclose. Dr. Garcia has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mehta has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen, TEVA CNS, and Gerson Lehrman Group as a speaker and/or consultant.