Increased plasma interleukin-32 expression in patients with neuromyelitis optica.

PURPOSE: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The pathogenesis of NMO remains unclear. IL-32 is emerging as a critical molecule in the pathophysiology of immune-mediated chronic inflammatory diseases. Whether IL-32 levels are elevated in NMO patients is unclear. We aimed to determine whether IL-32 levels are elevated in NMO patients and explore its relationship with IL-6, IL-17, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores.

METHODS

Plasma IL-32α, IL-6 and IL-17A were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in NMO (n = 26), MS (n = 23) and 22 healthy controls.

RESULTS

We found IL-32α levels were higher in NMO patients compared with MS (p = 0.020) and healthy controls (p = 0.00001). IL-32α levels were increased in MS patients compared with controls (p = 0.009). IL-32α positively correlated with IL-6 and IL-17A levels and EDSS scores in NMO patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, plasma IL-32α levels are associated with inflammatory responses in NMO patients.