The effects of IVIg therapy on serum levels of neuropeptide Y and cytokines in Guillain-Barré syndrome

Background Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a common acute immune-mediated inflammatory disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system (PNS) of humans. Studies in humans and in animal models revealed that neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels are altered in some neurodegenerative and neuroimmune disorders. Herein, we investigated the levels of NPY and cytokines in the serum of GBS patients and explored the roles of NPY in the disease severity and its short-term prognosis. Methods Twenty patients with GBS (case group) and twenty healthy individuals (control group) were enrolled in this study. NPY levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (including interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17A, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)) were analyzed using cytometric beads array (CBA). The clinical characteristics, disease severity, and short-term prognosis were compared between the two groups. Results Compared with the control group, the levels of NPY and cytokines were significantly increased in the serum of patients with GBS. NPY levels in the serum of GBS patients were correlated with the disease severity. Conclusion Our results suggest that NPY and cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of GBS. The levels of NPY can help to predict the severity of the disease.