Ann Clin Neurophysiol.  2021 Apr;23(1):46-52. 10.14253/acn.2021.23.1.46.

Investigation of serum biomarkers for neuropathic pain in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: a preliminary study

• Hyun JW
• Kim Y
• Kim HJ

• KMID: 2515607
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14253/acn.2021.23.1.46

Abstract

Background
We aimed to investigate candidates for serological biomarkers of neuropathic pain in individuals with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).
Methods
We analyzed 38 sera samples from 38 participants with NMOSD in National Cancer Center. Neuropathic pain was evaluated using the painDETECT questionnaire. Pain with neuropathic components (painDETECT score ≥ 13) was observed in 22 participants, among whom 17 had definite neuropathic pain (painDETECT score ≥ 19). The remaining 16 participants had non-neuropathic pain (painDETECT score < 13). Serum glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels were assessed using a single-molecule array assay. Several cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and IL-17A, were measured by a multiplex bead-based immunoassay.
Results
In comparison of NMOSD participants with neuropathic pain components (or definite neuropathic pain) and those with non-neuropathic pain, the absolute values of serum GFAP, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 levels were higher in participants with neuropathic pain components (or definite neuropathic pain), but these findings did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusions
Further larger-scale investigations to find reliable serological biomarkers for neuropathic pain in NMOSD are warranted.

Keyword

Neuromyelitis optica; Neuralgia; Biomarker; Serum

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Comparison of levels of serum biomarkers between neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder participants with neuropathic pain component and non-neuropathic pain (NP). GFAP, glial fibrillary acidic protein; IL, interleukin; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

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  Fig. 2. Comparison of levels of serum biomarkers between neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder participants with definite neuropathic pain (NP) and non-NP. GFAP, glial fibrillary acidic protein; IL, interleukin; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

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