Cytokine and Chemokine Profiles in Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

Objective: To screen cytokines and chemokines and determine their dynamic changes in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Methods: Eight NMOSD with seropositive aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-IgG) were enrolled, as well as 8 matched patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and 8 with noninflammatory neurological diseases, who were included as controls. In total, 102 cytokines and 34 chemokines were detected in the CSF and serum of NMOSD patients and controls. Results: CSF interleukin (IL)-17A levels were significantly higher in NMOSD patients in the relapsing phase (27.15 +/- 11.33) than in those in the remitting phase (10.04 +/- 3.11, p = 0.0017), and patients with MS (14.72 +/- 3.20, p = 0.0283) and other controls (10.39 +/- 11.38, p = 0.0021). CSF IL-6 levels were higher in the NMOSD patients in the relapsing phase (12.23 +/- 3.47) than in those in the remitting phase (5.87 +/- 2.78, p = 0.0001), and MS patients (7.38 +/- 2.35, p = 0.0033) and other controls (7.50 +/- 0.37, p = 0.0043). CSF CCL19 levels were also significantly higher in NMOSD patients in the relapsing phase (35.87 +/- 27.07) than in those in the remitting phase (10.71 +/- 3.62, p = 0.0215). Serum IL-19 levels were lower in NMOSD patients in the relapsing phase (6.23 +/- 1.95) than in those in the remitting phase (10.72 +/- 4.46, p = 0.0092). Further, there was a positive, significant correlation between serum IL-9 concentration and the Expanded Disability Status Scale score in the NMOSD patients in the relapsing phase (p = 0.04). Conclusion: In addition to IL-6 and IL-17A, IL-16 and CCL19 act as proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines, while IL-19 plays a protective role in NMOSD pathogenesis. (C) 2017 S.Karger AG, Basel