Serum FAM19A5 in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: Can it be a new biomarker representing clinical status?

Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) targets astrocytes and elevates the levels of astrocyte-injury markers during attacks. FAM19A5, involved in reactive gliosis, is secreted by reactive astrocytes following central nervous system (CNS) damage. Objective: To investigate the significance of serum FAM19A5 in patients with NMOSD. Methods: We collected clinical data and sera of 199 patients from 11 hospitals over 21 months. FAM19A5 levels were compared among three groups: NMOSD with positive anti-aquaporin-4 antibody (NMOSD-AQP4), other CNS demyelinating disease, and healthy controls. Results: The median serum FAM19A5 level was higher in the NMOSD-AQP4 (4.90 ng/mL (3.95, 5.79)) than in the other CNS demyelinating (2.35 ng/mL (1.83, 4.07), p