Impact of Gut Dysbiosis on Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: Implications for Alcohol and Substance Use
Author(s): Lourdes de Fatima Ibanez Valdes and Foyaca-Sibat Humberto*
Abstract
The Central Nervous System (CNS) is affected by the chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease known as Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD). Acute myelitis, area postrema syndrome, acute brainstem syndrome, Optic Neuritis (ON), and symptomatic cerebral syndrome are among the primary clinical symptoms of NMOSD. People with NMOSD may experience significant visual impairments, mobility difficulties, and even death. With a 9:1 female to male ratio, the prevalence of NMOSD varies from 0.5 to 4 afflicted per 100,000.
NMOSD causes Astrocyte (As) and Oligodendrocyte (OLG) damage leading to demyelination and neurodegeneration. It typically does affect the optic nerves and the spinal cord, especially in long segments, but other features are helpful for the diagnosis. We review the relationship between NMOSD and dysbiosis as a main aid of this review.
Implications for alcohol and drug abuse in NMOSD: The therapy of NMOSD may become even more challenging if substance use, including alcohol, worsens gut dysbiosis and compromises immune function. Drinking alcohol can cause a heightened inflammatory response, increase intestinal permeability, and damage the integrity of the gut lining. The dysbiosis that already exists in NMOSD patients may be exacerbated by this disturbance in gut health, which could lead to increased symptoms and more relapses. Other medications, including some narcotics and stimulants, can potentially alter the gut microbiota’s composition and damage the central nervous system, which may have an adverse effect on the underlying immunological dysfunction in NMOSD. Dysbiosis and NMOSD are related, which emphasizes the need to treat substance use in NMOSD patients with caution because these conditions may affect gut health and perhaps exacerbate illness consequence Because dysbiosis and NMOSD are linked, it is important to treat substance use in NMOSD patients carefully because these disorders may impact gut health and perhaps worsen the effects of the illness. To help stabilize gut health and immunological function, more study on gut microbiota and its modulation may provide pharmacological targets for managing NMOSD and highlight lifestyle changes like cutting back on alcohol and other drugs.
