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Open Access 01-12-2023 | Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis | Brief Report

Elevated blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of microglial activation and blood‒brain barrier disruption in anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis

Authors: Haoxiao Chang, Jia Ma, Kai Feng, Ning Feng, Xinxin Wang, Jiali Sun, Tianshu Guo, Yuzhen Wei, Yun Xu, Huabing Wang, Linlin Yin, Xinghu Zhang

Published in: Journal of Neuroinflammation | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Background

Anti-NMDA receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is an autoimmune disease characterized by complex neuropsychiatric syndrome and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) NMDAR antibodies. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) has been reported to be associated with inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS). Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) and cluster of differentiation (CD44) were measured to evaluate blood‒brain barrier (BBB) permeability in anti-NMDAR encephalitis. The roles of microglial activation and BBB disruption in anti-NMDAR encephalitis are not well known.

Findings

In this work, we detected increased expression levels of CSF sTREM2, CSF and serum CD44, and serum MMP9 in anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients compared with controls. CSF sTREM2 levels were positively related to both CSF CD44 levels (r = 0.702, p < 0.0001) and serum MMP9 levels (r = 0.428, p = 0.021). In addition, CSF sTREM2 levels were related to clinical parameters (modified Rankin Scale scores, r = 0.422, p = 0.023, and Glasgow Coma Scale scores, r = − 0.401, p = 0.031).

Conclusion

Increased sTREM2 levels in CSF as well as increased CD44 and MMP9 in serum and CSF reflected activation of microglia and disruption of the BBB in anti-NMDAR encephalitis, expanding the understanding of neuroinflammation in this disease. The factors mentioned above may have potential as novel targets for intervention or novel diagnostic biomarkers.

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Title: Elevated blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of microglial activation and blood‒brain barrier disruption in anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis
Authors: Haoxiao Chang
Jia Ma
Kai Feng
Ning Feng
Xinxin Wang
Jiali Sun
Tianshu Guo
Yuzhen Wei
Yun Xu
Huabing Wang
Linlin Yin
Xinghu Zhang
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis
Encephalitis
Biomarkers
Published in: Journal of Neuroinflammation / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1742-2094
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12974-023-02841-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Elevated blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of microglial activation and blood‒brain barrier disruption in anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis

Abstract

Background

Findings

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Findings

Conclusion

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