Does mitochondrial DNA predispose to neuromyelitis optica (Devic's disease)?

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) has similarities with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON, MIM 535 000) which is primarily due to mutations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that disrupt complex I of the respiratory chain. In this study, we found no evidence to support the hypothesis that ancient mtDNA polymorphisms are associated with or predispose to NMO. A study of this size cannot exclude a subtle increased susceptibility, especially if conferred by rare mtDNA variants in a region not directly sequenced here. However, this would be very difficult to demonstrate, given the rarity of NMO and the samples sizes required to show a convincing association between mtDNA variants and a complex disease.