Takeaway
Levels of nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) of individuals with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) were higher compared with individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and may contribute to the pathogenesis of NMOSD.
Why this matters
Until the discovery of aquaporin 4 antibodies in individuals with NMOSD, NMOSD was considered a subtype of MS because of their similar clinical presentation. The results of this study suggest a possible diagnostic biomarker that may further distinguish between NMOSD and MS.