Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
07:13
Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic Poly(I:C)
Published on: March 25, 2016
First trimester interleukin 8 levels are associated with postpartum relapse in multiple sclerosis
Rinze F Neuteboom1, Evert Verbraak, Jane S A Voerman
1Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|October 3, 2009
Summary
Pregnancy reduces multiple sclerosis (MS) activity, but postpartum relapse risk rises. Elevated interleukin 8 (IL-8) in early pregnancy predicts higher relapse risk after delivery, offering insights into MS disease course.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Reproductive immunology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) activity typically lessens during pregnancy.
- However, there is a notable increase in relapse risk immediately postpartum.
- The pro-inflammatory chemokine interleukin 8 (IL-8) is linked to MS disease activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between pregnancy-induced changes in interleukin 8 (IL-8) levels and fluctuations in multiple sclerosis (MS) disease activity.
- To determine if IL-8 levels during pregnancy can predict postpartum relapse risk.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 36 women with MS.
- Serum IL-8 levels were measured before, during (specifically third trimester), and after pregnancy.
- Correlation analysis was performed between IL-8 levels and MS disease activity, including postpartum relapse.
Main Results:
- Serum IL-8 levels showed a significant decrease during the third trimester of pregnancy (p = 0.03).
- High IL-8 levels in the first trimester were significantly associated with an increased risk of postpartum relapse (p = 0.007).
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy influences IL-8 levels, with a decrease observed in the third trimester.
- First-trimester IL-8 levels may serve as a predictive biomarker for postpartum relapse in women with MS.
- Understanding these hormonal and immunological shifts aids in managing MS during and after pregnancy.
