Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 10, 2026
A High Throughput, Multiplexed and Targeted Proteomic CSF Assay to Quantify Neurodegenerative Biomarkers and Apolipoprotein E Isoforms Status
Published on: October 20, 2016
Serum GPR37 as a novel biomarker for disease activity, disability, and differential diagnosis in NMOSD
Xiaotong Li1, Wencan Jiang1, Ting Xu1
1Laboratory Diagnosis Center, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119, South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100070, People's Republic of China; NMPA, Key Laboratory for Quality Control of In Vitro Diagnostics, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100070, People's Republic of China; Beijing Engineering Research Center, Immunological Reagents Clinical Research, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100070, People's Republic of China.
Background:
G protein-coupled receptor 37 (GPR37) has recently been earmarked as a rising candidate for use as a marker for central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating illness. In this study, we explored the ability of serum GPR37 to assess disease activity, functional impairment, and the efficacy of therapeutic interventions in patient cases of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Methods:
We prospectively enrolled 144 cases of NMOSD and 132 cases of MS, as well as 160 controls (healthy individuals and cases of other neural disorders). Serum GPR37 levels were measured using ELISA. Longitudinal changes in GPR37 were evaluated in patients receiving acute-phase treatment (MS: n = 22; NMOSD: n = 28) and in those undergoing stable-phase follow-up after six months of maintenance therapy (MS: n = 18; NMOSD: n = 20).
Results:
Compared to healthy controls, serum GPR37 was markedly decreased in MS and NMOSD. The reduction was most pronounced in NMOSD, distinguishing it from MS and other neurological diseases. Univariable and multivariable analyses revealed that, in patients with NMOSD, recent relapses were associated with decreased GPR37 levels. Additionally, GPR37 levels were negatively correlated with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores. Furthermore, serum GPR37 levels significantly increased after acute-phase treatment in both the MS and NMOSD groups, and this upward trend persisted over the subsequent six months of maintenance therapy.
Conclusion:
Serum GPR37 is a promising biomarker for the diagnosis of NMOSD and its differentiation from other neurological disorders. It also holds potential for assessing disease activity, disability severity, and treatment response in clinical practice, although the generalizability of these findings may be constrained by the single-center design.
