Interferon-beta1b treatment modulates cytokines in patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis

The role of astrocytes in multiple sclerosis pathogenesis

INTRODUCTION

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS), in which astrocytes play an important role as CNS immune cells. However, the activity of astrocytes as antigen-presenting cells (APC) continues to be subject to debate.

DEVELOPMENT

This review analyses the existing evidence on the participation of astrocytes in CNS inflammation in MS and on several mechanisms that modify astrocyte activity in the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Astrocytes play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of MS because they express toll-like receptors (TLR) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) classI andII. In addition, astrocytes participate in regulating the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and in modulating T cell activity through the production of cytokines. Future studies should focus on the role of astrocytes in order to find new therapeutic targets for the treatment of MS.

Synergetic and antagonistic effects of combined calcitriol and interferon-β treatment on cytokine production by stimulated PBMCs

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the effects of calcitriol and interferon-β on in vitro PBMC cytokine production from a cohort of 22 healthy adults not on medication.

METHODS

PBMCs were incubated with calcitriol and/or 100 or 400IU interferon-β or nothing, followed by stimulation with concanavalin A.

RESULTS

When combined, calcitriol and interferon-β appeared to potentiate the effects of one another on reducing IL-6. Calcitriol significantly reduced the production of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IFN-γ, while interferon-β significantly reduced production of IL-6 and TNF-α, and increased IL-10.

DISCUSSION

This is the first study to evaluate the effects of combined calcitriol and interferon-β on cytokine production in PBMCs in vitro, demonstrating novel synergetic effects.

Cytokine patterns after therapy with Avonex®, Rebif®, Betaferon® and CinnoVex™ in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis in Iranian patients

Aim: Several lines of evidence exist which suggest that changes in the expression of circulating cytokines are linked to the development or reoccurrence of multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of relevant cytokines after therapy with IFN-β formulations in MS patients. Materials & methods: In this study, blood samples were collected from 70 MS patients undergoing four different types of IFN-β formulation treatment and 100 healthy controls. After 24 months of treatment, the serum levels of IL-17A, IL-12, IFN-γ and IL-10 in patients and healthy controls were analyzed by ELISA. Results: Our results demonstrated that serum levels of IL-17A were significantly higher in patients treated with CinnoVex™ and Avonex® when compared with healthy controls. Serum levels of IL-10 were significantly decreased after therapy with CinnoVex, whereas serum levels of IFN-β were elevated. No difference in serum levels of IL-12 were detected between patients and controls. Conclusion: Results of our study suggest that CinnoVex and Avonex modulate the immune system less than Rebif® and Betaferon® in MS patients, and an elevated dose of CinnoVex and Avonex may be required for better regulation of the immune system in MS patients.