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A new study reveals that a protein profile may help identify factors behind disrupted sleep, cardiovascular dysfunction and pain in patients with restless leg syndrome (RLS).

The findings, published in journal Fluids and Barriers of the CNS, could be useful for the development of new therapies, according to researchers.

Medical experts are still not sure what causes RLS or Willis Ekborn disease.  However, previous studies found that the disease is associated with iron deficiency in the brain, kidney failure, and low levels of the pleasure neurotransmitter dopamine.

RLS, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, affects between 5 percent and 10 percent of the population.  Researchers said symptoms can range in severity, including sleep deprivation, decreased ability to work and can lead to a reduction in quality of life.

Researchers compared cerebral spinal fluid of women with and without RLS.  They found that there was a significantly alerted level of six specific proteins with RLS. 

"Our results reveal a protein profile in the RLS/WED CSF that is consistent with iron deficiency, dopamine dysregulation and inflammation, " lead researcher Dr. Stephanie Patton from Penn State University said in a news release.

The study found that these proteins are responsible for transporting vitamin D into cells and regulating dopamine levels, cystatin C (a biomarker for pain found in people with sciatica and during labor) and a neuromodulator (PTGDS) involved in sleep disturbances.  Researchers also linked lower levels of apolipoprotein (Apo) A1 in people with RLS with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

"Although a small study, this CSF protein profile is consistent with observed neuropathological findings and supports existing hypotheses about the biology behind RLS/WED, which could prove clinically important in developing new treatments," Patton concluded.