Increased cerebrospinal fluid YKL-40 levels are associated with disease severity of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

BACKGROUND

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) is a severe immune-mediated inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) syndrome. YKL-40, as a new inflammatory marker, has been studied in many autoimmunity and CNS diseases. Our aim of this study was to investigate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum YKL-40 levels in patients with NMOSD and their association with disease severity.

METHODS

We measured CSF and serum YKL-40 levels in 29 patients with NMOSD and 21 age- and sex-matched controls. We analyzed the associations between CSF YKL-40 levels and the clinical variables of NMOSD.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, patients with NMOSD had significantly higher CSF YKL-40 levels. Moreover, CSF YKL-40 levels were positively correlated with the Expanded Disability Status Scale scores.

CONCLUSIONS

YKL-40 could be a NMOSD severity biomarker and a potential target for NMOSD treatment.