SPECIFIC MARKER OF NEURODEGENERATION IN OPTIC NEURITIS DIAGNOSING

Aim. To assess prognostic value of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in blood serum and tear fluid in optic neuritis (ON).

Patients and methods. ON patients as well as healthy persons were examined. Group I included 27 patients (27 eyes) with acute ON. Group II included 23 patients (23 eyes) with ON and continuing optic nerve atrophy. Group III (controls) included 10 healthy persons (20 eyes). NSE levels in tear fluid and blood serum were measured using electrochemical luminescence immune analyzer Cobas-e-411.

Results. In group I, NSE levels in tear fluid and blood serum averaged 0.81±0.15 and 13.67±1.44 ng/mL, respectively. In group II, NSE level in tear fluid was 24.86±3.84 ng/mL (on average) while its blood serum level was within normal limits. In controls, NSE levels in tear fluid and blood serum were within normal limits (15.7±0.2 and 16.8±0.12 ng/mL, respectively).

Conclusions. In group I, NSE level in tear fluid was 19‑fold less than normal (р < 0.05). It appears to be due to the activation of hypoxia and anaerobic glycolysis in neurons. In group II, NSE level in tear fluid was 1.43‑fold higher than normal (р < 0.05). This may be due to neuronal degeneration and progressive death with NSE release from damaged neurons into the cellular matrix. 

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