The Urine Proteome Profile Is Different in Neuromyelitis Optica Compared to Multiple Sclerosis: A Clinical Proteome Study
Fig 1
Outline of the study: enrolment and sample processing.
Workflow and sample processing are shown. (A) Cohort 1: After initial screening and analysis of 176 urine samples, 67 samples were excluded due to presence of blood, nitrite, high albumin/creatinine ratio or low protein content. The remaining 109 samples were analysed as individual samples by quantitative LC-MS/MS proteomics compared to control groups of pooled samples of AQP4-seropositive NMO/NMO-SD, MS and HS samples, respectively, to yield 1112 proteins. (B) Cohort 2: For validation of increased Ig and AQP4 antibody excretion, samples from an independent cohort of patients with AQP4-seropositive NMO/NMO-SD (n = 9–10 pr group) were subjected to nephelometry and examination of anti-AQP4 by a cell-based assay. NMO/NMO-SD, neuromyelitis optica/neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder; MS, multiple sclerosis; HS, healthy subjects.