[Chemokines MIP-1 and MCP-1 and patients with multiple sclerosis treated with interferon beta-1a]

Chemokines: MCP-1 and MIP-1 alpha may play an important role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, influencing migration of lymphocytes to the CNS. One of possible mechanisms of interferon beta action may be an effect on chemokines. We measured MCP-1 and MIP-1 alpha chemokines in sera of 24 patients with MS treated with interferon beta-1a before and after 3 months of therapy and in 15 control patients. There was a significant increase of MIP-1 alpha concentration in sera of MS patients in comparison with control group. After 3 months of therapy with interferon beta-1a, MIP-1 alpha and MCP-1 levels did not differ from the values before therapy. Investigations will be continued after longer time of treatment with interferon beta.