Analysis of Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor as a Prognostic Biomarker in NMOSD and MOGAD.

Objective: Soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) is a biomarker for T cell activity. T cells are involved in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) pathogenesis. However, sIL-2R has so far not been evaluated in these conditions.

Deep Learning Modeling to Differentiate Multiple Sclerosis From MOG Antibody-Associated Disease.

Background And Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is common in adults while myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is rare. Our previous machine-learning algorithm, using clinical variables, ≤6 brain lesions, and no Dawson fingers, achieved 79% accuracy, 78% sensitivity, and 80% specificity in distinguishing MOGAD from MS but lacked validation. The aim of this study was to (1) evaluate the clinical/MRI algorithm for distinguishing MS from MOGAD, (2) develop a deep learning (DL) model, (3) assess the benefit of combining both, and (4) identify key differentiators using probability attention maps (PAMs).

Fasting elicits gut microbiome signature changes that extend to type 1 diabetes patients.

The gut microbiome has been linked to the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D), identifying it as a promising therapeutic target. Nutritional interventions, which are an effective way to modulate the gut microbiome, thus show potential to be applied as complementary therapies for T1D. One particular dietary intervention, prolonged therapeutic fasting, has been shown to ameliorate symptoms of several autoimmune diseases, while also modifying the gut microbiota composition of healthy populations.

Fasting, ketogenic, and anti-inflammatory diets in multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial with 18-month follow-up.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common inflammatory disease of the central nervous system in young adulthood leading to disability and early retirement. Ketone-based diets improve the disease course in MS animal models and health outcomes in different pilot studies of neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods: We enrolled 105 individuals with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) in an 18-month, randomized, controlled study, and randomized them into (1) standard healthy diet (SD) as recommended by the German Nutrition Society, (2) fasting diet (FD) with 7-day fasts every 6 months with intermittent fasting at 6 of 7 days a week or (3) ketogenic diet (KD) with 20–40 g carbohydrates per day.

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy occurs in High Frequency in Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Disease, Seropositive and Seronegative Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders compared to Multiple Sclerosis and Healthy Controls.

Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD) are autoimmune inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system. Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is characterized by a serous retinal detachment with leakage of fluid through the retinal pigment epithelium accumulating under the retina. This study investigated a potential association between CSCR and these neuroinflammatory disorders.

Comparative effectiveness of disease-modifying therapies for highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis despite previous treatment - a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Background: Comparative assessments of all available disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in patients with highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) are lacking, even though some of these DMTs are restricted to this MS subpopulation. We therefore aimed to compare DMTs in patients with highly active RRMS using re-analyses of individual patient data (IPD) provided by study sponsors.

Methods: We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that included adult patients with RRMS and directly compared alemtuzumab, cladribine, dimethyl fumarate, fingolimod, natalizumab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, ozanimod, ponesimod and teriflunomide, or compared these DMTs with other drugs or placebo.

Neurobehavioral mechanisms of fear and anxiety in multiple sclerosis.

Background: Anxiety is a common yet often underdiagnosed and undertreated comorbidity in multiple sclerosis (MS). While altered fear processing is a hallmark of anxiety in other populations, its neurobehavioral mechanisms in MS remain poorly understood. This study investigates the extent to which neurobehavioral mechanisms of fear generalization contribute to anxiety in MS.

Self-medication and off-label prescribing in post COVID-19 syndrome: Baseline data of a randomized acupressure and qigong trial.

Background: Post COVID-19 syndrome (PCS), characterized by persistent fatigue and multi-systemic symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection, emerged as a clinical challenge with limited treatment options and high patient burden. This paper presents the medication history and clinical baseline characteristics of PCS patients recruited in a randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Methods: Patients who reported PCS symptoms of ≥12 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection and who met defined fatigue criteria were included in this study.

Investigation of the association of serum GFAP and NfL with brain and upper cervical MRI volumes in AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD and MOGAD.

Background: Serum glial fibrillary acidic protein (sGFAP) is associated with disease activity in aquaporin-4-immunoglobulin G-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (AQP4-IgG+NMOSD). Serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) is a biomarker for neuroaxonal damage. However, the association of sGFAP and sNfL with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumes in AQP4-IgG+NMOSD is unclear.

Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Astrocytopathy Based on a Two-Center Chinese Cohort Study.

Objective: Glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy (GFAP-A) is a recently defined nosological form belonging to the class of autoimmune inflammatory disorders affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we report the clinical and MRI characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of a GFAP-A cohort from two centers in China.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data from 38 adult patients with positive GFAP antibodies and diagnosed as GFAP-A between June 2019 and September 2024.

Mapping CD4+ T cell diversity in CSF to identify endophenotypes of multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory CNS disease with heterogeneous manifestation. Prognostic markers for early classification of MS are currently under investigation. Higher diagnostic resolution of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has the potential to contribute significantly to patient stratification, which should be especially important for a subgroup of patients with high risk to convert to a progressive disease course.

Neuroprotective role of high dose Vitamin D supplementation in multiple sclerosis: Sub-analysis of the EVIDIMS trial.

Background: Previous evidence suggests that vitamin D may help with neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS). Considering this, the study aims to investigate whether higher-dose vitamin D supplementation in individuals with MS can lead to reduced atrophy, as measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and MRI structural outcomes. This objective builds upon the established notion of thalamic and brainstem atrophy as reliable markers of disease progression and the potential association between adequate vitamin D levels and improved visual outcomes in MS patients.

Advancing research on regulatory autoantibodies targeting GPCRs: Insights from the 5th international symposium.

The 5th International Symposium on Regulatory Autoantibodies Targeting GPCR (RAB-GPCRs) advanced the understanding of the significant role played by autoantibodies targeting G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in various human diseases. Once considered passive markers, RAB-GPCRs are now recognized as active modulators of cellular signaling, immune regulation, and inflammation. The symposium highlighted their involvement in multiple prominent pathologies, including autoimmune diseases, cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases, and neuroimmunologic disorders such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and post-COVID-19 syndrome (ME/CFS/PCS), as well as solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SOT/HSCT).

Generation of decellularized human brain tissue for investigating cell-matrix interactions: a proof-of-concept study.

The brain extracellular matrix (ECM) regulates myelin repair and regeneration following a demyelinating event by interacting with neuronal progenitors and immune cells. Therefore, generation and characterization of decellularized human brain tissue (DHBT) in regions with distinct neuroregenerative capacities are essential to determine factors modulating the cellular regenerative behavior. We have established an effective decellularization protocol for the human neural stem cell (NSC)-rich subventricular zone (SVZ) as well as, frontal cortex (FC) and white matter (WM), and defined region-specific matrisomes with comparative proteomics.

The impact of autoimmune comorbidities on the onset attack recovery in adults with AQP4-NMOSD and MOGAD.

Background: Aquaporin-4 neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-NMOSD) often coexists with other autoimmune diseases (AIDs), whereas such comorbidities are less common in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD). This study investigates the impact of additional AIDs on early relapse recovery and disability in patients with AQP4-NMOSD and MOGAD.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients aged > 16 years with AQP4-NMOSD (n = 175) or MOGAD (n = 221), who were followed at a nationally commissioned Oxford service and categorized based on the presence of at least one AID.

Comorbidities Are Associated With Unfavorable Outcome in Aquaporin-4 Antibody Positive Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders and Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease: Exploratory Study From the CROCTINO Cohort.

Background: Comorbidities occur in aquaporin-4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-NMOSD), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), and double seronegative NMOSD (DN-NMOSD), potentially contributing to a less favorable disease course.

Objectives: To characterize comorbidities in AQP4-NMOSD, MOGAD, and DN-NMOSD and assess their association with optic neuritis (ON) outcomes by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in AQP4-NMOSD.

Methods: Four hundred and forty-two participants from the CROCTINO cohort were evaluated for comorbidities.

Prognostic Factors for Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms in Radiologically Isolated Syndrome.

Importance: Understanding the risk factors for symptom development will allow clinicians to stratify people with radiologically isolated syndrome (pwRIS) more effectively and tailor their management strategies accordingly.

Objective: To identify prognostic factors at radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) diagnosis associated with the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms.

Design, Setting, And Participants: This cohort study was performed in samples collected between July 2004 and September 2022 and included 33 MS centers.

RECLAIM-A retrospective, multicenter observational study aimed at enabling the development of artificial intelligence-driven prognostic models for disease progression in multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by a progressive worsening of disability over time. As many regulatory-cleared disease-modifying treatments aiming to slow down this progression are now available, a clear need has arisen for a personalized and data-driven approach to treatment optimization in order to more efficiently slow down disease progression and eventually, progressive disability worsening. This strongly depends on the availability of biomarkers that can detect and differentiate between the different forms of disease worsening, and on predictive models to estimate the disease trajectory for each patient under certain treatment conditions.

Latin American RAND/UCLA modified Delphi consensus recommendations for management and treatment of adult MOGAD patients in clinical practice.

Introduction: Over the last decade, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) has seen significant advancements, with new diagnostic criteria and emerging biomarkers, increased recognition of more diverse clinical phenotypes, and new insights into disease prognosis and therapeutic strategies. Consequently, the management of MOGAD patients in Latin America (LATAM) has become more complex in clinical settings. This consensus was established to assess the best practices and treatment approaches for MOGAD in LATAM, with the goal of improving long-term outcomes for these populations.

Brain Characteristics in Patients With Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disorder by 7.0 Tesla MRI.

Background: Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) can radiographically mimic multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The disease hallmarks cortical lesion, central vein sign (CVS) and paramagnetic rim lesions identified in MS have not yet been comprehensively investigated in MOGAD.

Methods: We have characterized 45 patients with MOGAD using 7.

The role of serum neurofilament light (sNfL) as a biomarker in multiple sclerosis: insights from a systematic review.

Objective: This systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to explore the role of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) as a biomarker in multiple sclerosis (MS) disease management.

Methods: The review was conducted in accordance with the recommendation laid by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews. A comprehensive literature search was performed in key biomedical databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, MEDLINE-In-Process, and all Evidence-Based Medicine [EBM] Reviews databases) to retrieve studies reporting the association between sNfL and disease activity in patients with MS.

Relevance of choroid plexus volumes in multiple sclerosis.

Background: The choroid plexus (ChP) plays a pivotal role in inflammatory processes that occur in multiple sclerosis (MS). The enlargement of the ChP in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is considered to be an indication of disease activity and has been associated with periventricular remyelination failure. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the relationship between ChP and periventricular tissue damage which occurs in MS, and to elucidate the role of neuroinflammation in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS).

Comprehensive analysis of B cell repopulation in ocrelizumab-treated patients with multiple sclerosis by mass cytometry and proteomics.

Ocrelizumab, an anti-CD20 antibody, depletes CD20 B cells, which subsequently repopulate over months. Little is known about changes in other immune cell populations and molecular markers associated with B cell repopulation. Here, we performed a comprehensive characterization of immune cells from ocrelizumab-treated patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) using mass cytometry.

Worse recovery from acute attacks and faster disability accumulation highlights the unmet need for improved treatment in patients with late-onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (COPTER-LO study).

Objective: This study analyzed clinical characteristics, attack recovery and long-term disability accumulation in late-onset (LO ≥ 50 years at onset) versus early-onset (EO < 50 years) NMOSD.

Methods: This multicenter cohort study included demographic and clinical data from 446 NMOSD patients collected from 35 German Neuromyelitis Optica Study Group (NEMOS) centers. Time to disability milestones was estimated through Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression models adjusted for sex, year of onset, immunotherapy exposure and antibody status.