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Shen X. Research progress on pathogenesis and clinical treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs). Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2023; 231:107850. [PMID: 37390569 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2023.107850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) are characteristically referred to as various central nervous system (CNS)-based inflammatory and astrocytopathic disorders, often manifested by the axonal damage and immune-mediated demyelination targeting optic nerves and the spinal cord. This review article presents a detailed view of the etiology, pathogenesis, and prescribed treatment options for NMOSD therapy. Initially, we present the epidemiology of NMOSDs, highlighting the geographical and ethnical differences in the incidence and prevalence rates of NMOSDs. Further, the etiology and pathogenesis of NMOSDs are emphasized, providing discussions relevant to various genetic, environmental, and immune-related factors. Finally, the applied treatment strategies for curing NMOSD are discussed, exploring the perspectives for developing emergent innovative treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Shen
- Department of Neurology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200000, PR China.
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2
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Fang L, Gong Y, Han K, Lv Y, Li M, Wang J. Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis with mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Acta Neurol Belg 2023; 123:243-246. [PMID: 34224079 PMCID: PMC8256407 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-021-01723-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Le Fang
- grid.415954.80000 0004 1771 3349Department of Neurology, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130031 China
| | - Yushuang Gong
- grid.415954.80000 0004 1771 3349Department of Neurology, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130031 China
| | - Kai Han
- grid.415954.80000 0004 1771 3349Department of Neurology, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130031 China
| | - Yalin Lv
- grid.415954.80000 0004 1771 3349Department of Neurology, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130031 China
| | - Miao Li
- grid.415954.80000 0004 1771 3349Department of Neurosurgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130031 China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Neurology, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130031, China.
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3
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Munera M, Buendía E, Sanchez A, Viasus D, Sanchez J. AQP4 as a vintage autoantigen: what do we know till now? Heliyon 2022; 8:e12132. [PMID: 36506380 PMCID: PMC9730132 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. Munera
- Medical Research Group (GINUMED), Universitary Corporation Rafael Nuñez, Colombia,Corresponding author.
| | - E. Buendía
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia,Department of Internal Medicine, Centro Hospitalario Serena del Mar, Cartagena, Colombia,Clinical and Biomedical Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cartagena, Colombia
| | - A. Sanchez
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia,Clinical and Biomedical Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cartagena, Colombia
| | - D. Viasus
- Division of Health Sciences, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - J. Sanchez
- Group of Clinical and Experimental Allergy (GACE), IPS Universitaria, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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Khurana R, Agrawal M, Mehta R, Shankar S. Tuberculosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: A conundrum. Rom J Ophthalmol 2022; 66:277-280. [PMID: 36349166 PMCID: PMC9585497 DOI: 10.22336/rjo.2022.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Infectious atypical optic neuritis (AON), like tubercular, is a vision threatening condition with phenotypic overlap with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD). The overlapping neurological manifestations and negative AQP4-Ab-assay make it difficult to discover the primary cause of neuritis. Case presentation: We report two paediatric cases with NMOSD that did not fulfil the diagnostic criteria. Moreover, associated undiagnosed tuberculosis at the time of presentation and negative AQP4-Ab clouded the diagnosis and delayed the treatment. The first case was initially diagnosed with infectious optic neuropathy. By the time steroids were started, optic atrophy had already set in. The second case had optic neuritis, LETM, and intracranial-tuberculomas with no signs of pulmonary-tuberculosis with negative CSF-analysis. So, systemic steroids were started promptly. The history of LETM in both cases raised the suspicion of NMOSD. Conclusion: The importance of accurate clinical diagnosis and early intervention in cases of AON was emphasized in a limited resource country, that could potentially result in salutary visual outcomes, especially in the paediatric age group Abbreviations: AON = atypical optic neuritis, TB = tuberculosis, NMOSD = neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, LETM = longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis, AQP4-Ab = anti-Aquaporin-4 Antibodies, RE = right eye, LE = left eye, MRI = magnetic resonance imaging, CSF = cerebrospinal fluid, ATT = anti-tubercular treatment, DOV = diminution of vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolli Khurana
- Department of Ophthalmology, Military Hospital, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Mohini Agrawal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Command Hospital, Pune, India
| | - Raman Mehta
- Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismology and Neuroophthalmology, Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Sandeep Shankar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India
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Saied Z, Nabli F, Rachdi A, Jeridi C, Douma B, Belal S, Ben Sassi S. Neuromyelitis optica and concomitant pulmonary tuberculosis: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2021; 15:391. [PMID: 34353370 PMCID: PMC8344150 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-021-03002-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Concomitant diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease and pulmonary tuberculosis has rarely been reported.
Case report We report a case involving a young Tunisian male patient who developed dry cough followed, 2 months later, by weakness in the lower limbs. The findings of central nervous system imaging and anti-aquaporin-4 antibody positivity were compatible with the diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease. Constellation of the clinical and the typical radiological pulmonary findings in our patient, coming from an endemic region, allowed the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis, although sputum smear examination for acid-fast bacilli and cultures was negative. The patient received anti-tuberculous polytherapy associated with immunomodulation, consisting of methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulins. Pulmonary infection symptoms initially improved but with no motor recovery. The patient suddenly died at home 4 months after the onset of the first symptoms. Current data regarding the clinical presentation of this underreported concomitant or associated condition, the possible pathophysiological mechanisms, and the therapeutic options were reviewed. Conclusions This case underscores the necessity to understand the exact mechanism of these coincident entities and to clarify the best immunomodulatory choice since immunosuppression targeting neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease can lead to dissemination of pulmonary tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakaria Saied
- Neurology Department, Mongi Ben Hmida National Institute of Neurology, University of Tunis El Manar, Jbel Lakhdhar Street 1007, LaRabta Bab Saâdoun, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Fatma Nabli
- Neurology Department, Mongi Ben Hmida National Institute of Neurology, University of Tunis El Manar, Jbel Lakhdhar Street 1007, LaRabta Bab Saâdoun, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Amine Rachdi
- Neurology Department, Mongi Ben Hmida National Institute of Neurology, University of Tunis El Manar, Jbel Lakhdhar Street 1007, LaRabta Bab Saâdoun, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Cyrine Jeridi
- Neurology Department, Mongi Ben Hmida National Institute of Neurology, University of Tunis El Manar, Jbel Lakhdhar Street 1007, LaRabta Bab Saâdoun, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Bissene Douma
- Neurology Department, Mongi Ben Hmida National Institute of Neurology, University of Tunis El Manar, Jbel Lakhdhar Street 1007, LaRabta Bab Saâdoun, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Samir Belal
- Neurology Department, Mongi Ben Hmida National Institute of Neurology, University of Tunis El Manar, Jbel Lakhdhar Street 1007, LaRabta Bab Saâdoun, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Samia Ben Sassi
- Neurology Department, Mongi Ben Hmida National Institute of Neurology, University of Tunis El Manar, Jbel Lakhdhar Street 1007, LaRabta Bab Saâdoun, Tunis, Tunisia
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Zayet S, Zaghdoudi A, Harrabi H, Goubantini A, Tiouiri Benaissa H. Devic's neuromyelitis optica associated with active pulmonary tuberculosis, Tunisia. New Microbes New Infect 2020; 39:100828. [PMID: 33425364 PMCID: PMC7777500 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2020.100828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Devic's Optic neuromyelitis (OND) is a very rare disease defined as a central nervous system (CNS) inflammation resulting in optic neuritis and/or myelitis. The discovery of a highly specific serum autoantibody biomarker for the diagnosis has triggered a great interest in conducting further research into this disease. The association of OND with Tuberculosis (TB) is even rarer and could be an entirely random conjunction. To our knowledge, we reported the first case of Neuromyelitis Optica associated with pulmonary TB in Tunisia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Zayet
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hopital La Rabta, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - A Zaghdoudi
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hopital La Rabta, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - H Harrabi
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hopital La Rabta, Tunis, Tunisia.,University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunisia
| | - A Goubantini
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hopital La Rabta, Tunis, Tunisia.,University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunisia
| | - H Tiouiri Benaissa
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hopital La Rabta, Tunis, Tunisia.,University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunisia
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Tsymala I, Nigritinou M, Zeka B, Schulz R, Niederschick F, Matković M, Bauer IJ, Szalay M, Schanda K, Lerch M, Misu T, Fujihara K, Bennett JL, Dahle C, Pache F, Rommer P, Leutmezer F, Illes Z, Leite MI, Palace J, Scholze P, Reindl M, Lassmann H, Bradl M. Induction of aquaporin 4-reactive antibodies in Lewis rats immunized with aquaporin 4 mimotopes. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:49. [PMID: 32293546 PMCID: PMC7160927 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-00920-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Most cases of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) harbor pathogenic autoantibodies against the water channel aquaporin 4 (AQP4). Binding of these antibodies to AQP4 on astrocytes initiates damage to these cells, which culminates in the formation of large tissue destructive lesions in the central nervous system (CNS). Consequently, untreated patients may become permanently blind or paralyzed. Studies on the induction and breakage of tolerance to AQP4 could be of great benefit for NMOSD patients. So far, however, all attempts to create suitable animal models by active sensitization have failed. We addressed this challenge and identified peptides, which mimic the conformational AQP4 epitopes recognized by pathogenic antibodies of NMOSD patients. Here we show that these mimotopes can induce the production of AQP4-reactive antibodies in Lewis rats. Hence, our results provide a conceptual framework for the formation of such antibodies in NMOSD patients, and aid to improve immunization strategies for the creation of animal models suitable for tolerance studies in this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Tsymala
- Department Neuroimmunology, Medical University Vienna, Center for Brain Research, Spitalgasse 4, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Magdalini Nigritinou
- Department Neuroimmunology, Medical University Vienna, Center for Brain Research, Spitalgasse 4, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bleranda Zeka
- Department Neuroimmunology, Medical University Vienna, Center for Brain Research, Spitalgasse 4, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rouven Schulz
- Department Neuroimmunology, Medical University Vienna, Center for Brain Research, Spitalgasse 4, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Felix Niederschick
- Department Neuroimmunology, Medical University Vienna, Center for Brain Research, Spitalgasse 4, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mia Matković
- Department Neuroimmunology, Medical University Vienna, Center for Brain Research, Spitalgasse 4, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabel J Bauer
- Department Neuroimmunology, Medical University Vienna, Center for Brain Research, Spitalgasse 4, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Szalay
- Department Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Medical University Vienna, Center for Brain Research, Spitalgasse 4, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kathrin Schanda
- Clinical Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 66/2, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Magdalena Lerch
- Clinical Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 66/2, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Tatsuro Misu
- Departments of Multiple Sclerosis Therapeutics and Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryomachi, Aobaku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Kazuo Fujihara
- Departments of Multiple Sclerosis Therapeutics and Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryomachi, Aobaku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Jeffrey L Bennett
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Charlotte Dahle
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Florence Pache
- Department of Neurology and NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paulus Rommer
- Department of Neurology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fritz Leutmezer
- Department of Neurology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Zsolt Illes
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital and University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Maria Isabel Leite
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Jacqueline Palace
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Petra Scholze
- Department Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Medical University Vienna, Center for Brain Research, Spitalgasse 4, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Reindl
- Clinical Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 66/2, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hans Lassmann
- Department Neuroimmunology, Medical University Vienna, Center for Brain Research, Spitalgasse 4, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Monika Bradl
- Department Neuroimmunology, Medical University Vienna, Center for Brain Research, Spitalgasse 4, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.
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Grieve JK, Day S, Connell D, O'Riordan J. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and active tuberculosis. BMJ Case Rep 2020; 13:13/1/e231524. [PMID: 31900293 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-231524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis is on the rise again. It brings with it potential for neurological involvement both as a direct infection and as a parainfectious process. Accordingly we report the development of neurological problems affecting a 48-year-old patient's vision and sensation while being treated for active tuberculosis. At its nadir her vision deteriorated to nil perception of light and she had a sensory level to T10. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder was diagnosed. We discuss our management strategy with neuromodulation in the context of active tuberculosis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Scott Day
- General Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Tayside, UK
| | - David Connell
- Respiratory, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Tayside, UK
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Concurrent aquaporin-4-positive NMOSD and neurosyphilis: A case report. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2019; 34:137-140. [PMID: 31272070 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2019.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a common neuroinflammatory demyelinating disease associated with aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody in the central nervous system. Neurosyphilis is a neurological disease caused by Treponema pallidum infection. NMOSD commonly occurs concurrently with autoimmune diseases. However, they have rarely been associated with infectious diseases. In this report we describe a rare case of concurrent AQP4-positive NMOSD and neurosyphilis. A 60-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a complaint of progressive weakness in his legs for one month. T2-weighted magnetic resonance images of the spinal cord showed longitudinal extensive lesions at C7-T7. The rapid plasma reagin test and T. pallidum particle agglutination assay performed using patient serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were positive. Additionally, the AQP4-immunoglobulin (Ig) G was detected in the serum and CSF. The patient's symptom gradually improved after penicillin and methylprednisolone treatment. This case report highlights the possibility of the presence of an infectious disease in patients with NMOSD.
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Zhong X, Zhou Y, Lu T, Wang Z, Fang L, Peng L, Kermode AG, Qiu W. Infections in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. J Clin Neurosci 2017; 47:14-19. [PMID: 29066232 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an inflammatory astrocytopathy that has both genetic and environmental causes. A growing body of evidence suggests that the presence of several infectious agents correlates with the development of NMOSD. In this review, we summarize studies that either support or present evidence against the hypothesized association between infection and NMOSD. We will also present an overview of potential mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of NMOSD. Finally, we provide some beneficial properties that infectious elements may have based on "hygiene hypothesis". It is of great clinical significance to further investigate the complex mechanisms by which infections may affect autoimmune diseases to develop better strategies to prevent and treat them, although so far no causal link between infectious agents and NMOSD has been established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Zhong
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Lu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanhang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong 999 Brain Hospital, China
| | - Ling Fang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lisheng Peng
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Allan G Kermode
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Department of Neurology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Perth, Australia; Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to report the frequency of autoimmune disorders and autoantibodies in 22 patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), as well as whether the seropositivity for autoantibodies differs between anti-aquaporin 4 (AQP4) positive and AQP4 negative NMO patients. METHODS Demographic, medical records, and a profile of autoantibodies were evaluated in 22 NMO patients, including AQP4, anti-thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-thyroperoxidase (anti-TPO), anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg), anti-double-stranded DNA, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic, anti-cyclic citrullinate peptide, rheumatoid factor, anti-SSA/Ro, anti-SSB/La, anti-Smith antibodies (anti-Sm), anti-ribonucleoprotein, anti-nucleosome, and anti-Scl70. Thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxin were measured. RESULTS The frequency of women was higher than men (95.5% vs. 4.5%) and 68.2% were Afro-Brazilians. Six (27.3%) patients presented other autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto thyroiditis (n=2), Graves' disease (n=1), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (n=1), systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis (n=1), and Raynaud's phenomenon (n=1). The most frequent autoantibodies were anti-AQP4 (54.5%), anti-nucleosome (31.8%), ANA (27.3%), anti-TPO (22.7%), and anti-Tg (22.7%). Difference was not observed in the frequency of autoimmune disorders when the patients were compared according to their anti-AQP4 status. CONCLUSION The results of the present study underscored that the NMO patients present high frequency of autoantibodies against cellular antigens and the presence of autoimmune disorders. Further studies with large number of NMO patients may contribute to advances in the understanding of NMO disease mechanisms.
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