IgLON5 autoimmunity tested positive in patients with isolated chronic insomnia disease

Clinical diagnosis of anti-IgLON5 disease is usually made when neurodegenerative processes have occurred. Considering the importance of sleep deprivation in predicting of neurodegenerative disorders, the present study aimed to determine the existence of IgLON5 autoantibodies in serum from patients with isolated chronic insomnia disease. The presence of IgLON5 autoantibodies in some patients with chronic insomnia disease can be considered a causing factor of insomnia which can be effective in more specific treatments of these patients. In the patients with neurological autoimmune diseases such as anti-IgLON5 disease, insomnia symptoms are very common. Clinical diagnosis of the anti-IgLON5 disease is usually made when neurodegenerative processes have occurred. To find the early signs of anti-IgLON5 disease, we evaluate the presence of IgLON5 autoantibodies in the serum of patients with chronic insomnia disease. Based on video-polysomnography, 22 individuals with isolated chronic insomnia disease were found. A control group of 22 healthy people was chosen using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). An indirect immunofluorescence cell-based test of serum anti-IgLON5 antibodies was used to investigate IgLON5 autoimmunity. Anti-IgLON5 antibodies were detected in the serum of four of these patients with the titer of 1/10. The presence of IgLON5 autoantibodies in some patients with chronic insomnia disease can be considered a causing factor of insomnia which can be effective in more specific treatments of these patients. Moreover, the recognition of anti-IgLON5 disease in the early stages and before the progression of tauopathies can be useful in effective and timely treatment.