An international team of researchers has identified three genetic variants significantly associated with higher odds of developing neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) with self-reactive antibodies against the AQP4 protein. The data also suggest that, in terms of genetic risk factors, AQP4-positive NMOSD is more similar to systemic autoimmune diseases…
risk factors
For a rare group of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients who test negative for two self-reactive antibodies, being older than 32 at disease onset may increase the risk of relapses, a study found. In contrast, spinal cord involvement, with or without optic nerve inflammation, at disease onset was…
Depletion of sex hormone production by surgical removal of the ovaries significantly lessened activation of microglia — the brain’s immune cells —as well as neuroinflammation and nerve cell damage in female mice with induced neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)-like disease, a study shows. Similar effects were found in castrated…
Low vitamin D levels, certain infections, and specific dietary habits may increase the risk of developing neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). That’s according to the findings of a systematic review that analyzed data from 50 studies involving more than 21,000 people worldwide. Certain modifiable factors, such as diets high…
More than half of women with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) have never discussed pregnancy with their neurologist, and over 40% report that their pregnancies were unplanned, according to data from a survey-based study in Argentina. This lack of communication means that many women with NMOSD may enter pregnancy…
As wildfires rage across Ontario, Canada, and neighboring provinces, the skies over Toronto have turned hazy and the air has become a silent threat. For most, this means itchy eyes and a scratchy throat. But for those of us living with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), the…
People with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) are at a nine times higher risk of developing autoimmune rheumatic diseases, or those affecting the joints, muscles, or connective tissue, a South Korean study found. Connective tissue provides support, connection, and binding for tissues and organs. The findings align with a…
High levels of two proteins, called FAM3B and PF4V1, are associated with a reduced risk of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), while elevated levels of two other proteins, called CLEC11A and SERPINA1, are linked to increased odds of developing the immune system disease. These are the findings of a…
People who develop neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) at 50 years or older are significantly more likely to experience worse recovery from relapses and faster disability progression than those with early-onset disease, a study in Germany showed. These increased risks were seen despite comparable relapse rates, more intensive relapse…
Smoking is associated with a significantly higher risk of residual disability from onset attack in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients with antibodies against the AQP4 protein, a new study showed. Similar results were seen for the presence of nonsmoking vascular risk factors (VRF) such as high blood pressure,…
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