CSF/serum matrix metallopeptidase-9 ratio discriminates neuro Behçet from multiple sclerosis

In neuro Behçet disease with multiple sclerosis-like features, diagnosis could be challenging. Here, we studied the cerebrospinal fluid and serum inflammatory profile of 11 neuro Behçet and 21 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients. Between the soluble factors analyzed (MMP9, TNF α, IL6, CXCL13, CXCL10, CXCL8, IFN γ, IL10, IL17, IL23, and others) we found MMP9 increased in neuro Behçet serum compared to multiple sclerosis and decreased in cerebrospinal fluid. Furthermore, neuro Behçet analysis of circulating natural killer CD56_DIM subset suggests their potential involvement in increased MMP9 production. We believe that these findings may have a translational utility in clinical practice.