Abstract
ObjectivesThis study sought to explore the expression patterns of repulsive guidance molecules a (RGMa) in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and to explore the correlation between RGMa and the clinical features of NMOSD.MethodsA total of 83 NMOSD patients and 22 age-matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in the study from October 2017 to November 2021. Clinical parameters, including Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, degree of MRI enhancement, and AQP4 titer were collected. The expression of serum RGMa was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared across the four patient groups. The correlation between serum RGMa levels and different clinical parameters was also assessed.ResultsThe average serum expression of RGMa in the NMOSD group was significantly higher than that in the HC group (p < 0.001). Among the patient groups, the acute phase group exhibited significantly higher serum RGMa levels than did the remission group (p < 0.001). A multivariate analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between RGMa expression and EDSS score at admission, degree of MRI enhancement, and segmental length of spinal cord lesions. There was a significant negative correlation between the expression of RGMa in NMOSD and the time from attack to sampling or delta EDSS.ConclusionsThe current study suggests that RGMa may be considered a potential biomarker predicting the severity, disability, and clinical features of NMOSD.
Highlights
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) is a rare autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) associated with aquaporin-4 (AQP4) in which astrocytopathy is the primary pathology followed by neuroaxonal damage [1, 2]
A multivariate analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between repulsive guidance molecules a (RGMa) expression and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score at admission, degree of MRI enhancement, and segmental length of spinal cord lesions
The current study suggests that RGMa may be considered a potential biomarker predicting the severity, disability, and clinical features of NMOSD
Summary
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) is a rare autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) associated with aquaporin-4 (AQP4) in which astrocytopathy is the primary pathology followed by neuroaxonal damage [1, 2]. Permanent disability rate is high among NMOSD patients, with approximately 35% of patients exhibiting severe visual impairment and 26% suffering from motor impairment [4, 5]. Treatment can significantly reduce the disability rate and mortality, emphasizing the importance of early identification of NMOSD episodes and early treatment [6]. AQP4 antibody can help diagnose NMOSD, but its titer level and disease severity do not always show a consistent trend or predict relapse [7,8,9]
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