Anti-alpha-fodrin autoantibodies in Moyamoya disease

Kouichi Ogawa1, Shinji Nagahiro, Rieko Arakaki

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tokushima School of Medicine, Tokushima, Japan.

Stroke
|December 6, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Moyamoya disease (MMD) sera show a high incidence of autoantibodies against alpha-fodrin. This finding offers new insights into the arterial occlusion mechanisms in MMD.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare condition characterized by progressive occlusion of the circle of Willis arteries.
  • The underlying pathogenesis of MMD remains largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of anti-endothelial cell antibodies in MMD sera.
  • To explore potential autoimmune mechanisms contributing to MMD pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Enzyme-linked immunoassays and flow cytometry were used to test 32 MMD sera for anti-endothelial cell antibodies.
  • Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha to induce apoptosis.

Main Results:

  • A significant proportion of MMD sera (72%) exhibited reactivity with recombinant human alpha-fodrin.
  • MMD sera demonstrated anti-endothelial cell antibodies, particularly under apoptotic stimuli.

Conclusions:

  • MMD sera contain a high incidence of anti-alpha-fodrin autoantibodies.
  • These autoantibodies may play a role in the arterial occlusion characteristic of MMD, offering new insights into disease mechanisms.

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