Nodding syndrome is an unexplained neurologic condition characterized by head nodding. It is a progressive and often fatal type of epilepsy affecting children in certain countries in East Africa, especially those between the ages of 5 and 15. Affected children experience cognitive dysfunction, neurological deterioration, stunted growth and the nodding of the head during seizures. When the children begin to eat or when they feel cold, they often develop nodding seizure. The effect of the disorder on families and communities can be devastating. It has been established that Onchocerca volvulus -- a parasite that is known to cause river blindness and is transmitted by the bites of black flies -- associates with Nodding syndrome. But the exact mechanism underlying this link remains an enigma. Nodding syndrome is restricted to parts of East Africa but Onchocerca volvulus is also found in other areas. Now a study, published in Science Translational Medicine and carried out by researchers from National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in the USA and Ministry of Health in Uganda, provides clues to the pathogenesis of Nodding syndrome. The research team analyzed serum samples from both Nodding syndrome patients and healthy people in Uganda, by using protein chip methodology. Higher levels of antibodies to leiomodin-1 were detected in Nodding syndrome patients than in controls. Moreover, leiomodin-1 antibodies were found in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients. Leiomodin-1, a protein that seems to influence cell shape, has been found in smooth muscle and thyroid cells. But this study revealed that it is also expressed in the nervous system. The discovery was confirmed by an examination of brain tissue. Furthermore, the investigators found that antibodies that bind to leiomodin-1 are capable of binding proteins from Onchocerca volvulus, indicating that certain Onchocerca volvulus proteins resemble leiomodin-1. Based on the findings, the investigators assumed that when the body produces antibodies to fight the parasite, these antibodies may mistakenly attack neurons due to the similarities between an Onchocerca volvulus protein and leiomodin-1. Notably, one-third of healthy controls also had leiomodin-1 antibodies. More research is required to uncover the precise function of leiomodin-1 in healthy people. A better understanding of leiomodin-1 is important to elucidate the mechanism of Nodding syndrome and other neurological disorders. The study does not prove Onchocerca volvulus is the culprit, but it supports the idea that Nodding syndrome may be an autoimmune disorder. So patients may benefit from immunomodulatory therapies. Lead investigator Dr Avindra Nath said: “We think that our observations for the first time really provide a testable hypothesis that can be explored in the field.” Study first author Dr Tory Johnson noted that “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Cusabio offers proteins and antibodies like HRP conjugated antibody.
