Changes in the BTK/NF-κB signaling pathway and related cytokines in different stages of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders

Objective: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) are blindness-causing neuritis; their pathogenesis is still not fully elucidated. Although it has been determined that Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) and NF-kappa B are associated with NMOSD, the changes that occur in different periods remain unknown. The study aimed to demonstrate the changes in the BTK/NF-kappa B pathway and related chemokines in different stages of NMOSDs. Methods: A total of 32 patients with NMOSD were selected as the experimental group, and 32 healthy volunteers were included in the control group. In this study, the BTK/NF-kappa B pathway and related chemokines in the cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood samples of patients with NMOSD were analyzed in the acute or remission phase. Results: BTK, NF-kappa B, PI3K, IKK, CXCL2, and CXCL12 levels in the NMOSD group in the acute or remission phase were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The BTK/NF-kappa B pathway plays a vital role in the progression of NMOSD pathology. Our results shed light on its important role as a therapeutic target for NMOSD.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the changes in the BTK/NF-kappa B pathway and related chemokines in the cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood samples of patients with NMOSD in different stages. The results showed that these factors were significantly higher in the NMOSD group in both the acute and remission phase compared to the control group. The study revealed the important role of the BTK/NF-kappa B pathway in the progression of NMOSD pathology and provided evidence for its potential as a therapeutic target.