Targeted lipidomics approach reveals the role of ceramide signalling in the pathophysiology of Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

BACKGROUND

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a group of chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system, involving optic nerves and spinal cord, leading to recurrent episodes of optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. The objective of the present study is to identify differentially expressed ceramide species that contributes to neuro inflammation associated with pathophysiology of NMOSD.

METHODOLOGY: The study used a labelled mass spectrometric approach to identify differentially expressed ceramide species (DECS) in AQP-4 IgG NMOSD and MOG IgG NMOSD variants of NMOSD.

RESULT: It was observed that lactosyl and glucosyl ceramide species of C16 and C18 types were upregulated in both variants of NMOSD along with sphingomyelin and their derivatives. The LIPEA analysis showed the upregulation of apoptotic, inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways in both AQP-4 IgG NMOSD and MOG IgG NMOSD variants.

CONCLUSION

The study for the first time employed a labelled approach to identify DECS in NMOSD variants and their involvement in mediation of neuroinflammation in dictating its underlying pathophysiology. This study provides insight into mechanistic involvement of ceramide species and their signalling for better diagnosis and therapeutic interventions.