Short summary

NMO patients are difficult to diagnose and will in general be detected within the group af patients already diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), transverse myelitis and optic neuritis. A pilot study from 2008 has indicated a higher prevalence than expected of NMO. If we are able to diagnose NMO faster and more precisely, the perspective is to optimize the methods of treatment for NMO patients and patients with associated diseases.

Rationale

The aims of the project are:

• To estimate the prevalence of NMO in the Region of Southern Denmark
• To investigate immunological serum markers and HLA-types i NMO patients and determine co-morbidity with other autoimmune disorders
• Characterise aquaporin-4 antibodies in in-vitro experiments
• To characterise the pathogenic effects of aquaporin-4 in CNS in an animal model and perform experimental treatment

Data and biological material

Journals, clinical evaluations, blood samples, CSF tests, autoantibody determination and experimental results from CD20 antibody studies on mice.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Institute of Regional Health Services Research, University of Southern Denmark

• Professor and "Head of Institute Kirsten Ohm Kyvik
• Neurologist and PhD-student Nasrin Asgari

Owens Group, Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark

• Professor and Neuroimmunologist Trevor Owens, PhD

The Consortium of Aquaporins, Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Aarhus

• Professor and Senior Hospital Physician Jørgen Frøkiær, DMSc

The Sclerosis Clinic of South Jutland (Sønderborg, Vejle, Esbjerg), Department of Neurology, Hospital of Southern Jutland

• Associated Professor Egon Stenager, DMSc

Department of Clinical Immunology, Odense University Hospital

• Associated Clinical Professor and Senior Physician Søren Thue Lillevang

Publications associated with the project

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) - an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS)/ Asgari N, Owens T, Frøkiaer J, Stenager E, Lillevang ST, Kyvik KO. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica 2011 Jun;123(6):369-84

A population-based study of neuromyelitis optica in Caucasians / Asgari N, Lillevang ST, Skejoe HP, Falah M, Stenager E, Kyvik KO. Neurology 2011 May 3;76(18):1589-95

HLA, PTPN22 and PD-1 associations as markers of autoimmunity in neuromyelitis optica / Asgari N, Nielsen C, Stenager E, Kyvik KO, Lillevang ST. Multiple Sclerosis 2012 Jan;18(1):23-30