BACKGROUND: Limited licensed medications are available for multiple sclerosis (MS) in pediatric patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of alemtuzumab in pediatric patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and disease activity on prior disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). METHODS: LemKids was a multicenter, multinational, single-arm, open-label, switch (from ongoing DMT to alemtuzumab treatment) study in pediatric RRMS patients (aged 10-<18 years), with disease activity on DMT. The primary endpoint was a comparison of the number of new/enlarging T2 lesions on the magnetic resonance imaging of the brain between the prior-DMT period and alemtuzumab treatment. RESULTS: This study was prematurely terminated due to low enrollment and an European Medicines Agency Article-20 pharmacovigilance review of alemtuzumab in adult RRMS. Of 46 screened patients, 16 were enrolled; 12 completed prior-DMT treatment period; 11 received alemtuzumab of whom 7 completed treatment. Patients on alemtuzumab developed fewer new/enlarging T2 lesions compared with prior-DMT (7 vs 178, relative risk (95% confidence interval): 0.04 (0.01-0.14)). No significant pharmacodynamic changes or safety concerns were noted in this limited dataset. CONCLUSION: Alemtuzumab treatment was associated with a low number of new/enlarging T2 lesions in pediatric patients with RRMS and was safe and well tolerated in seven patients during infusion and the initial 4 months.

• MeSH
• alemtuzumab * škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• imunologické faktory * škodlivé účinky   aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• magnetická rezonanční tomografie MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• relabující-remitující roztroušená skleróza * farmakoterapie   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• multicentrická studie MeSH

Alexander disease (AxD) is a rare and severe neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). While the exact disease mechanism remains unknown, previous studies suggest that mutant GFAP influences many cellular processes, including cytoskeleton stability, mechanosensing, metabolism, and proteasome function. While most studies have primarily focused on GFAP-expressing astrocytes, GFAP is also expressed by radial glia and neural progenitor cells, prompting questions about the impact of GFAP mutations on central nervous system (CNS) development. In this study, we observed impaired differentiation of astrocytes and neurons in co-cultures of astrocytes and neurons, as well as in neural organoids, both generated from AxD patient-derived induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells with a GFAPR239C mutation. Leveraging single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we identified distinct cell populations and transcriptomic differences between the mutant GFAP cultures and a corrected isogenic control. These findings were supported by results obtained with immunocytochemistry and proteomics. In co-cultures, the GFAPR239C mutation resulted in an increased abundance of immature cells, while in unguided neural organoids and cortical organoids, we observed altered lineage commitment and reduced abundance of astrocytes. Gene expression analysis revealed increased stress susceptibility, cytoskeletal abnormalities, and altered extracellular matrix and cell-cell communication patterns in the AxD cultures, which also exhibited higher cell death after stress. Overall, our results point to altered cell differentiation in AxD patient-derived iPS-cell models, opening new avenues for AxD research.

• MeSH
• Alexanderova nemoc * genetika   patologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• astrocyty * metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• buněčná diferenciace * fyziologie   MeSH
• gliový fibrilární kyselý protein * metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• indukované pluripotentní kmenové buňky * metabolismus   MeSH
• kokultivační techniky MeSH
• kultivované buňky MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mutace MeSH
• nervové kmenové buňky metabolismus   MeSH
• neurony metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• organoidy metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: A number of recent studies have shown that the intestinal microbiome, part of the brain-gut axis, is implicated in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis. An essential part of this axis, is the intestinal barrier and gastrointestinal disorders with intestinal barrier dysregulation appear to be linked to CNS demyelination, and hence involved in the etiopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the integrity of the intestinal barrier in patients with clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS) and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) using two serum biomarkers, claudin-3 (CLDN3), a component of tight epithelial junctions, and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), a cytosolic protein in enterocytes. METHODS: Serum levels of CLDN3 in 37 MS patients and 22 controls, and serum levels of I-FABP in 46 MS patients and 51 controls were measured using commercial ELISA kits. Complete laboratory tests excluded the presence of gluten-related disorders in all subjects. Thirty MS patients received either disease-modifying drugs (DMD), immunosuppression (IS) or corticosteroid treatment. RESULTS: CLDN3 levels were only significantly higher in the MS patients treated with DMD or IS compared to the control group (P=0.006). There were no differences in I-FABP serum levels between the groups. Serum CLDN3 levels did not correlate with serum I-FABP levels in CDMS, in CIS patients or controls. CONCLUSIONS: In multiple sclerosis patients, the intestinal epithelium may be impaired with increased permeability, but without significant enterocyte damage characterized by intracellular protein leakage. Based on our data, CLDN3 serum levels appear to assess intestinal dysfunction in MS patients but mainly in treated ones.

• MeSH
• biologické markery * krev   MeSH
• claudin-3 * metabolismus   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• funkce střevní bariéry MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• permeabilita * MeSH
• proteiny vázající mastné kyseliny * krev   MeSH
• roztroušená skleróza * patofyziologie   metabolismus   krev   MeSH
• střevní sliznice metabolismus   MeSH
• studie případů a kontrol MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cognitive impairment (CI) in multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with bidirectional changes in resting-state centrality measures. However, practicable functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) biomarkers of CI are still lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the graph-theory-based degree rank order disruption index (kD) and its association with cognitive processing speed as a marker of CI in patients with MS (PwMS) in a secondary cross-sectional fMRI analysis. METHODS: Differentiation between PwMS and healthy controls (HCs) using kD and its correlation with CI (Symbol Digit Modalities Test) was compared to established imaging biomarkers (regional degree, volumetry, diffusion-weighted imaging, lesion mapping). Additional associations were assessed for fatigue (Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions), gait and global disability. RESULTS: Analysis in 56 PwMS and 58 HCs (35/27 women, median age 45.1/40.5 years) showed lower kD in PwMS than in HCs (median -0.30/-0.06, interquartile range 0.55/0.54; p = 0.009, Mann-Whitney U test), yielding acceptable yet non-superior differentiation (area under curve 0.64). kD and degree in medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) correlated with CI (kD/MPFC Spearman's ρ = 0.32/-0.45, p = 0.019/0.001, n = 55). kD also explained fatigue (ρ = -0.34, p = 0.010, n = 56) but neither gait nor disability. CONCLUSIONS: kD is a potential biomarker of CI and fatigue warranting further validation.

• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• kognitivní dysfunkce etiologie   patofyziologie   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• magnetická rezonanční tomografie * MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• roztroušená skleróza * komplikace   diagnostické zobrazování   patofyziologie   MeSH
• rychlost zpracování MeSH
• únava * patofyziologie   etiologie   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Roztroušená skleróza je chronické autoimunitní onemocnění centrálního nervového systému, které postihuje především mladé dospělé a významně ovlivňuje jejich kvalitu života. Díky pokroku v diagnostických metodách a terapii se prognóza onemocnění zlepšila, přičemž včasné zahájení chorobu modifikující léčby hraje zásadní roli ve zpomalení progrese a snížení míry invalidity. Moderní léčebné strategie zahrnují nejen imunomodulační a imunosupresivní terapii, ale i symptomatickou léčbu a nefarmakologické přístupy, jako jsou rehabilitace a psychologická podpora. Klíčovou úlohu v péči o pacienty s roztroušenou sklerózou hrají nejen specializovaná centra, která zajišťují komplexní diagnostiku a dlouhodobou léčbu, ale také praktičtí lékaři. Ti často jako první rozpoznávají příznaky nemoci a následně koordinují péči mezi různými specialisty. Zajišťují rovněž monitorování celkového zdravotního stavu pacientů a pomáhají zvládat přidružená onemocnění. Budoucí výzvy v oblasti léčby roztroušené sklerózy zahrnují širší dostupnost inovativních terapií, zlepšení edukace pacientů a další výzkum zaměřený na vývoj účinnějších terapeutických strategií.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that primarily affects young adults and significantly impacts their quality of life. Advances in diagnostic methods and therapy have improved the prognosis of the disease, with early initiation of disease-modifying treatment (DMT) playing a crucial role in slowing progression and reducing disability. Modern treatment strategies include not only immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive therapy but also symptomatic treatment and non-pharmacological approaches such as rehabilitation and psychological support. A key role in the care of MS patients is played not only by specialized centres, which provide comprehensive diagnostics and long-term treatment, but also by general practitioners. They are often the first to recognize the symptoms of the disease and coordinate patient care among various specialists. They also ensure overall health monitoring and help manage comorbidities. Future challenges in MS treatment include increasing access to innovative therapies, improving patient education, and further research focused on developing more effective therapeutic strategies.

• MeSH
• biologická terapie MeSH
• imunomodulační látky terapeutické užití   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• roztroušená skleróza * diagnóza   terapie   MeSH
• stupeň závažnosti nemoci MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• přehledy MeSH

Autoimunitní encefalitidy jsou autoimunitně podmíněná onemocnění centrálního nervového systému s převážným postižením mozkové kůry. Jedná se o heterogenní skupinu stavů projevující se nově vzniklým neurologickým a psychiatrickým deficitem u dříve zdravých dětí. Tyto poruchy se odlišují závažností, klinickým průběhem a etiologií. Na rozdíl od dospělé populace u dětí převládají neparaneoplastické encefalitidy. V rámci prognózy a léčby je nejdůležitější identifikovat přítomnost antineuronálních protilátek. Rozlišujeme protilátky proti povrchovým antigenům nebo intracelulárním antigenům. Autoimunitní onemocnění příznivě reagují na imunoterapii, proto je nezbytná rychlá diagnostika a včasná léčba, která může vést k rychlejší úzdravě, snížení frekvence relapsů a kognitivního deficitu. Naše sdělení se zaměřuje na diagnostické a léčebné zkušenosti s nejfrekventovanějšími autoimunitními encefalitidami a protilátkami zprostředkovanými demyelinizačními syndromy v dětském věku ve Fakultní nemocnici Ostrava.

Autoimmune encephalitis is a group of autoimmune-related diseases of the central nervous system with the predominant involvement of the cerebral cortex. It is a heterogeneous group of conditions manifested by newly emerging neurological and psychiatric deficits in previously healthy children. These disorders differ in severity, clinical course, and aetiology. Unlike the adult population, non-paraneoplastic encephalitis is prevalent in children. Antineuronal antibodies are the most critical prognostic and therapeutic indicators. Antibodies are directed either against surface antigens or intracellular antigens. Autoimmune diseases respond favourably to immunotherapy. Therefore, rapid diagnosis and timely treatment are essential and can lead to faster recovery and lower rates of relapses and cognitive deficits. This article focuses on the diagnostic and therapeutic experience with the most common types of autoimmune encephalitis and antibody-mediated demyelinating syndromes in childhood at the University Hospital Ostrava.

• MeSH
• autoimunitní nemoci nervového systému * diagnóza   farmakoterapie   MeSH
• autoprotilátky analýza   imunologie   MeSH
• demyelinizační autoimunitní nemoci CNS diagnóza   farmakoterapie   MeSH
• dítě * MeSH
• imunoterapie metody   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• magnetická rezonanční tomografie metody   MeSH
• neurologické manifestace MeSH
• paraneoplastické syndromy etiologie   komplikace   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě * MeSH
• lidé MeSH

Chronická zápalová demyelinizačná polyneuropatia (CIDP) je získaná, imunitne sprostredkovaná neuropatia, spôsobená zápalom periférnych nervov a nervových koreňov. Jedná sa o najčastejšiu chronickú autoimunitnú polyneuropatiu, ktorá je stále poddiagnostikovaným ochorením. Ak sa dlhodobo nelieči alebo je liečená nesprávne, môže viesť k závažnému zneschopneniu s narušením jemnej motoriky, chôdze a celkovej mobility pacienta. CIDP býva asociovaná s viacerými ochoreniami ako sú diabetes mellitus, monoklonálne gamapatie, infekcia HIV, malignity či viaceré systémové ochorenia. V poslednej dobe pribúda referencií, že prevalencia CIDP má tendenciu byť vyššia u diabetikov, najmä u pacientov vo vyššom veku. Diagnostika CIDP u pacienta s diabetom je náročná, pretože superponované axonálne poškodenie pri možnej diabetickej neuropatii môže zakryť typické demyelinizačné elektrofyziologické nálezy. Na druhej strane diabetická polyneuropatia môže spôsobiť zvýšenie hladiny proteínov v likvore. Vo vysvetlení asociácie týchto dvoch ochorení existuje stále viacero kontroverzií. Stále nemáme adekvátny diagnostický nástroj pre jasné definovanie CIDP u diabetika. Výzvou pre neurológov je práve identifikácia potenciálnych biomarkerov CIDP u diabetického pacienta, pretože CIDP je liečiteľné ochorenie.

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an acquired, immune-mediated neuropathy caused by inflammation of peripheral nerves and nerve roots. It is the most common chronic autoimmune polyneuropathy, which is still considered underdiagnosed. If it remains untreated or improperly treated for a long time, it can lead to severe disability with impairment of the patient‘s fine motor skills, walking, and general mobility. CIDP may be associated with several diseases such as diabetes mellitus, monoclonal gammopathy, HIV infection, malignancies, or several systemic diseases. Recently, there have been several references that the prevalence of CIDP tends to be higher in diabetics, especially in older patients. Diagnosing CIDP in a patient with diabetes is challenging, because superimposed axonal damage in possible diabetic neuropathy can obscure typical demyelinating electrophysiological findings. On the other hand, diabetic polyneuropathy can cause elevated protein in cerebrospinal fluid. There are still many controversies in explaining the association of these two diseases. We still do not have an adequate diagnostic tool to clearly define CIDP in diabetic patients. The identifying a potential biomarkers of CIDP in diabetic patients is a challenge for neurologists, as CIDP is a treatable disease.

• MeSH
• biologické markery MeSH
• chronická zánětlivá demyelinizační polyneuropatie * diagnóza   terapie   MeSH
• diabetes mellitus 2. typu komplikace   MeSH
• diabetické neuropatie diagnóza   MeSH
• diferenciální diagnóza MeSH
• elektromyografie MeSH
• komplikace diabetu MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• neurologické poruchy chůze diagnóza   etiologie   terapie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• kazuistiky MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) can be categorised into aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-IgG) NMOSD or seronegative NMOSD. While our knowledge of AQP4-IgG NMOSD has evolved significantly in the past decade, seronegative NMOSD remains less understood. This study aimed to evaluate the predictors of relapses and treatment responses in AQP4-IgG NMOSD and seronegative NMOSD. METHODS: This was a multicentre, international, retrospective cohort study using the MSBase registry. Recurrent relapse risk was assessed using an Andersen-Gill model and risk of first relapse was evaluated using a Cox proportional hazards model. Covariates that putatively influence relapse risk included demographic factors, clinical characteristics and immunosuppressive therapies; the latter was assessed as a time-varying covariate. RESULTS: A total of 398 patients (246 AQP4-IgG NMOSD and 152 seronegative NMOSD) were included. The AQP4-IgG NMOSD and seronegative NMOSD patients did not significantly differ by age at disease onset, ethnicity or annualised relapse rate. Both low-efficacy and high-efficacy immunosuppressive therapies were associated with significant reductions in recurrent relapse risk, with notably greater protection conferred by high-efficacy therapies in both AQP4-IgG NMOSD (HR 0.27, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.49, p<0.001) and seronegative NMOSD (HR 0.21, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.51, p<0.001). Longer disease duration (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.99, p<0.001) and male sex (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.84, p=0.007) were additional protective variables in reducing the recurrent relapse risk for the AQP4-IgG NMOSD group. CONCLUSION: Although further studies are needed to improve our understanding of seronegative NMOSD, our findings underscore the importance of aggressive treatment with high-efficacy immunotherapies in both NMOSD subtypes, regardless of serostatus.

• MeSH
• akvaporin 4 * imunologie   MeSH
• autoprotilátky krev   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• imunoglobulin G * krev   MeSH
• imunosupresiva terapeutické užití   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• neuromyelitis optica * imunologie   farmakoterapie   MeSH
• recidiva * MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• multicentrická studie MeSH

INTRODUCTION: Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a debilitating central nervous system (CNS) disorder, is characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and neuronal degeneration. Despite advancements in immunomodulatory treatments, neuroprotective or restorative strategies remain inadequate. Our research is focusing on the potential of the positive allosteric modulator of AMPA receptors (AMPA-PAM), PF4778574, in addressing MS symptoms. METHODS: We utilized the MOG35-55 induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model in C57BL6J mice to examine PF4778574's therapeutic and prophylactic efficacy. Our comprehensive approach included clinical scoring, optical coherence tomography (OCT), optomotor response (OMR) and histological assessments. Additionally, we explored the effects of PF4778574 in comparison and in combination with the immunomodulatory agent fingolimod, and investigated the impact on Cuprizone induced toxic demyelination. RESULTS: Prophylactic administration of PF4778574 showed notable improvement in clinical EAE indices and reduction in neuronal loss. While it did not diminish microglial activity, it reduced demyelinated areas in optic nerves and in the corpus callosum. Both PF4778574 and fingolimod significantly enhanced clinical EAE scores and decreased demyelination. However, their combination did not yield additional benefits. In the cuprizone model, PF4778574 increased oligodendrocyte precursor and mature myelin-forming cells, suggesting a pro-remyelinating effect. DISCUSSION: PF4778574 demonstrates promise in mitigating EAE effects, especially in terms of clinical disability and demyelination. These results suggest AMPA-PAMs as potential targets of interest for MS treatment beyond immunomodulatory approaches.

• MeSH
• alosterická regulace MeSH
• AMPA receptory * metabolismus   MeSH
• demyelinizační nemoci farmakoterapie   metabolismus   MeSH
• encefalomyelitida autoimunitní experimentální * farmakoterapie   metabolismus   imunologie   MeSH
• fingolimod hydrochlorid farmakologie   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
• myši inbrední C57BL * MeSH
• myši MeSH
• roztroušená skleróza * farmakoterapie   metabolismus   imunologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• myši MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. The manifestation of MS is related to steroid changes during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. As data focusing on the effect of anti-MS drug treatment on steroidome are scarce, we evaluated steroidomic changes (79 steroids) in 61 female MS patients of reproductive age 39 (29, 47) years (median with quartiles) after treatment with anti-MS drugs on the GC-MS/MS platform and immunoassays (cortisol and estradiol). The changes were assessed using steroid levels and steroid molar ratios (SMRs) that may reflect the activities of steroidogenic enzymes (SMRs). A repeated measures ANOVA, followed by multiple comparisons and OPLS models, were used for statistical analyses. The anti-MS treatment decreased steroid levels in the follicular phase. Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAb), such as ofatumumab and ocrelizumab; inhibitors of the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PRI); and IFNβ-1a decreased circulating 17-hydroxy-pregnanes and shifted the CYP17A1 functioning from the hydroxylase- toward the lyase step. Decreased conjugated/unconjugated steroid ratios were found after treatment with anti-MS drugs, especially for glatiramer acetate and anti-CD20 mAb. In the luteal phase, IFN-β1a treatment increased steroidogenesis; both IFN-β1a and ocrelizumab increased AKR1D1, and S1PRI increased SRD5A functioning. Anti-CD20 mAb reduced the functioning of enzymes catalyzing the synthesis of immunomodulatory 7α/β and 16α-hydroxy-androgens, which may affect the severity of MS. The above findings may be important concerning the alterations in bioactive steroids, such as cortisol; active androgens and estrogens; and neuroactive, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory steroids in terms of optimization of anti-MS treatment.

• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• roztroušená skleróza * farmakoterapie   metabolismus   MeSH
• steroidy terapeutické užití   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH