Cerebrospinal Fluid BAFF and APRIL Levels in Neuromyelitis Optica and Multiple Sclerosis Patients During Relapse. Wang H, Wang K, Zhong X, Qiu W, Dai Y, Wu A, Hu X. Source Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
Neuromyelitis optica and pregnancy B. Bourre, MD, R. Marignier, MD, H
Introduction and Pathophysiology Introduction Spasticity has been defined as an increase in muscle tone due to hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex and is characterized by a velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes. [1] Spasticity usually is accompanied by paresis and other signs, such as increased stretch reflexes, collectively called the upper motor neuron syndrome. Paresis particularly affects distal muscles, with loss of the ability to perform fractionated movements of the digits
Abstract Autologous peripheral hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (APHSCT) was performed to treat a patient with neuromyelitis optica. We observed that the patient achieved clinical remission after APHSCT during 12 months of follow-up. The patient improved on the expanded disability status scale neurologic assessment and the Scripps neurologic rating scale worksheet scores on follow-up examination compared with baseline.
ABSTRACT Tetramers of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) water channels form supramolecular assemblies in cell membranes called orthogonal arrays of particles (OAPs). We previously reported evidence that a short (M23) AQP4 isoform produced by alternative splicing forms OAPs by an intermolecular N-terminus interaction, whereas the full-length (M1) AQP4 isoform does not by itself form OAPs but can coassemble with M23 in OAPs as heterotetramers. Here, we developed a model to predict number distributions of OAP size, shape, and composition as a function M23:M1 molar ratio.
The availability of natalizumab for the treatment of multiple sclerosis has revolutionised the practice of neurology in at least one salient way: we now spend much more time thinking about progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The reasons for this increased attention are not difficult to identify
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory disease affecting the optic nerve and spinal cord, in which autoantibodies against aquaporin 4 (AQP4) water channel protein probably play a pathogenic role. Here we show that a B-cell subpopulation, exhibiting the CD19intCD27highCD38highCD180− phenotype, is selectively increased in the peripheral blood of NMO patients and that anti-AQP4 antibodies (AQP4-Abs) are mainly produced by these cells in the blood of these patients. These B cells showed the morphological as well as the phenotypical characteristics of plasmablasts (PB) and were further expanded during NMO relapse
Aquaporin 4(AQP4) is a water channel protein strongly expressed in the central nervous system in perimicrovessel astrocyte foot processes, the glia limitans, and ependyma. Expression of AQP4 is highest at the blood-brain barrier and blood-spinal cord barrier, supporting its critical function in material transport across these structures. Recently, presence of the anti-aquaporin-4 antibody in sera has been used as an important diagnostic tool for neuromyelitis optica, suggesting a potential role in central nervous system inflammation.
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease with generally poor prognosis that selectively targets optic nerves and spinal cord. Although diagnostic criteria for NMO are available, there is still a need for biomarkers, predicting disease development and progression to improve individually tailored treatment. CSF proteins were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis and identified by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)
Growing evidence suggests that interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-17-secreting CD4(+)T (Th17) cells are involved in the pathogenic mechanisms of multiple sclerosis (MS). IL-17-secreting CD8(+) T cells were recently identified as a novel subset of CD8(+)T cells.
Background: Chitinases are a family of hydrolases characterized by the ability to cleave the environmental polysaccharide chitin. Although mammals do not synthesize chitin, they do synthesize chitinases, and chitinase-like proteins (CLPs)
Background: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is assumed to be immunologically distinct from multiple sclerosis (MS). Adequate studies about cytokines and chemokines in NMO have been lacking.Objective: To investigate the contribution of cytokines/chemokines in the pathogenesis of NMO.Methods: We measured 27 cytokines/chemokines and Th17 cell-associated cytokines in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 31 NMO, 29 MS and 18 other non-inflammatory neurological disorders patients. The serum levels of some cytokines/chemokines were also measured.