Abstract
Background
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is associated with inflammatory mediators that may also trigger downstream signaling pathways leading to reduce insulin sensitivity.
Methods
We aimed to determine the risk association of hyperinsulinemia in NMOSD patients with seropositive AQP4-IgG and the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-17A compared with the control group.
Serum levels of metabolic (Insulin, Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), lipid profile) and inflammatory (IL-6 and IL-17) markers were assessed in 56 NMOSD patients and 100 controls.
Results
Hyperinsulinemia was more prevalent in NMOSD patients independent of age, sex and body mass index (BMI) (48.2% vs. 26%, p = 0.005) compared to control group. After adjusting age, sex and BMI, there was significant association between lower insulin sensitivity (IS) and NMOSD risk (95% CI: Beta = 0.73, 0.62 to 0.86, p = 0.0001).
Circulating levels of IL-6 and IL-17 were higher in NMOSD patients, and only IL-6 had an effect modifier for the association between lower insulin sensitivity and NMOSD risk.
Conclusions
Our data suggests that inflammatory pathogenesis of NMOSD leads to hyperinsulinemia and increases the risk of insulin resistance.
Response to: Eculizumab package insert recommendations for meningococcal vaccinations: call for clarity and a targeted approach for use of the drug in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder