Study Identifies Elevated FGF2 and Inflammatory Markers in ALS Patients, Suggesting New Diagnostic Avenues
A recent exploratory study has found significantly elevated levels of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and peripheral blood inflammatory indicators (PBIIs) in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) compared to healthy individuals. The research, conducted by scientists at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, aimed to understand the interplay between neurotrophic factors and inflammatory responses in ALS. The study observed strong correlations between FGF2, PBIIs, clinical staging, and disease progression rates. Specifically, PBIIs, particularly the systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), were significantly associated with disease severity and early progression. The ratio of serum FGF2 to derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) also showed potential as an auxiliary biomarker for later-stage disease. These findings suggest a coordinated dysregulation of neurotrophic support and systemic inflammation in ALS pathophysiology, providing new insights into the molecula... 
