Axonal degeneration and inflammation in acute optic neuritis. Issue 8 (16th July 2004)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Petzold, A; Rejdak, K; Plant, G T
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 75:Issue 8(2004)
• Page Start: 1178
• Page End: 1180
• Publication Date: 2004-07-16
• Subjects: MRI, magnetic resonance imaging -- MS, multiple sclerosis -- NfHSM135, phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain -- NOx, nitric oxide metabolites -- ON, optic neuritis -- VA, visual acuity; surrogate marker -- NfHSM135 -- nitric oxide metabolites -- citrulline -- optic neuritis -- axonal loss; Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2003.017236
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: To investigate whether plasma biomarkers for axonal injury and inflammation are related to loss and recovery of visual function in acute optic neuritis (ON). Methods: Eighteen patients with ON and 14 controls were investigated in a longitudinal, prospective study. Plasma phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (NfH SMI35 ; a surrogate marker of axonal injury), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), and citrulline (surrogate markers of inflammation) were measured. Results: Patients with ON had higher median plasma NfH SMI 35 values than controls (0.17 versus 0.005 ng/ml; p < 0.05) and higher NOx values (49 versus 35.5μM; p < 0.001). Plasma NfH SMI35 values correlated inversely with visual acuity at presentation ( R = −0.67; p = 0.01). NfH SMI35 was higher in patients with poor recovery of visual acuity than in those with good recovery (0.25 ng/ml versus 0.09 ng/ml; p < 0.05). Three of four patients with high NfH SMI35 and high NOx values experienced a poor recovery as opposed to only one of five with high NOx but normal NfH SMI35 values. Conclusions: NfH SMI35, a surrogate marker for axonal damage, is a prognostic indicator and should be considered in the design of neuroprotective treatment strategies.