CD25 gene polymorphism and multiple sclerosis

The Role of Selected Interleukins in the Development and Progression of Multiple Sclerosis-A Systematic Review

Multiple sclerosis is a disabling inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system characterized by demyelination and neurodegeneration. Given that multiple sclerosis remains an incurable disease, the management of MS predominantly focuses on reducing relapses and decelerating the progression of both physical and cognitive decline. The continuous autoimmune process modulated by cytokines seems to be a vital contributing factor to the development and relapse of multiple sclerosis. This review sought to summarize the role of selected interleukins in the pathogenesis and advancement of MS. Patients with MS in the active disease phase seem to exhibit an increased serum level of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-13, IL-17, IL-21, IL-22 and IL-33 compared to healthy controls and patients in remission, while IL-10 appears to have a beneficial impact in preventing the progression of the disease. Despite being usually associated with proinflammatory activity, several studies have additionally recognized a neuroprotective role of IL-13, IL-22 and IL-33. Moreover, selected gene polymorphisms of IL-2R, IL-4, IL-6, IL-13 and IL-22 were identified as a possible risk factor related to MS development. Treatment strategies of multiple sclerosis that either target or utilize these cytokines seem rather promising, but more comprehensive research is necessary to gain a clearer understanding of how these cytokines precisely affect MS development and progression.

Interleukin 18 Polymorphisms and its serum level in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disorder of central nervous system. Although the definite pathogenesis of MS has not been understood, crucial role of environmental and genetic risk factors has been proposed.

PROPOSE

To determine the serum level of interleukin-18 (IL-18) as well as gene polymorphisms of IL-18 (rs1946518, rs360719, and rs187238).

METHODS

In this case-control study, 110 MS patients diagnosed according to the McDonald criteria and 110 healthy individuals were recruited. IL-18 gene polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction high-resolution melt test, and IL-18 serum level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique.

RESULTS

The mean age of the MS patients (89 females and 21 males) and the control group (89 females and 21 males) was 30.3 ± 9.25 and 30.28 ± 9.13 years, respectively. The mean serum levels of IL-18 in MS patients and healthy individuals were 341.56 ± 39.22 Pg/Ml and 146.52 ± 29.30 Pg/Ml, respectively (P < 0.001). The genotype of rs1946518 (but not rs360719 and rs187238) was significantly different between groups (P = 0.037 and P = 0.069, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In this study, we showed the significant higher IL-18 serum level and significant different frequencies of two polymorphisms of IL-18 in MS patients. These results show the important roles of IL-18 in MS pathogenesis. However, more studies are needed to verify our results in larger sample size.

Elevated serum level of IL-4 in neuromyelitis optica and multiple sclerosis patients

Mediators have important roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Interleukin 4 (IL-4) is one of the most important cytokines that has a regulatory effect on immune cells. In the current study, the serum level of IL-4 was assessed in the newly diagnosed neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and multiple sclerosis (MS) patients compared to healthy subjects. ELISA technique was used for assessment of the serum level of IL-4, and data analysis was performed by SPSS software. Serum level of IL-4 was elevated in both NMO and MS patients compared with healthy individuals (P < .001), but no statistically significant difference was identified between MS and NMO patients (P = .071). Furthermore, gender (female) and AQP4-Ab had significant impacts on the level of IL-4 in NMO patients (P < .001). These data show the crucial role of IL-4 in the pathogenesis of NMO and MS diseases. However, we suggest future studies to investigate the serum level of IL-4 in NMO and MS patients to clarify more roles of this cytokine in the pathogenesis of both diseases.

Serum level of interleukin 36 in patients with multiple sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune demyelinating disorder of central nervous system with unknown origin. In MS disease, T cells are pointed to myelin antigens and it leads to myelin loss and axonal degeneration. Cytokines are important regulators of immune system and has critical roles in MS pathogenesis. Interleukin 36, a member of interleukin 1 family, has been shown having important roles in some autoimmune disorders due to its proinflammatory actions and its role in host immunity.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

In the current study, 49 relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients and 41 healthy individuals were recruited. IL36 measurement was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique.

RESULTS

Mean age of RRMS patient and control group were 31.84 ± 6.89 and 34.27 ± 8.83 years, respectively. Serum level of IL36 were 61.91 ± 16.29 in MS patients and 42.26 ± 17.54 in healthy group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

in this study for the first time, significantly higher serum level of IL36 was determined in RRMS patients comparing healthy individuals. This data may suggest important roles of this cytokine in MS pathogenesis.