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Immunological effects of methylprednisolone pulse treatment in progressive multiple sclerosis

R Ratzer1, J Romme Christensen1, B Romme Nielsen1

  • 1Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Journal of Neuroimmunology
|September 15, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Monthly oral methylprednisolone pulse therapy in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) impacts circulating immune cells. However, it does not alter key markers of Th17 and TFH cell activity in these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system.
  • Progressive MS (PMS) is characterized by relentless neurological decline.
  • Understanding the immunomodulatory effects of treatments is crucial for managing MS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of monthly oral methylprednisolone pulse treatment on immune cell populations in patients with progressive MS.
  • To investigate potential modulations in T helper 17 (Th17) and T follicular helper (TFH) cell activity.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 30 patients with progressive MS receiving monthly oral methylprednisolone pulse therapy.
  • Analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using flow cytometry to assess leukocyte phenotypes.

Main Results:

  • Out of 102 leukocyte phenotypes examined, 25 showed nominal significance (p<0.05) at week 12 compared to baseline.
  • After adjusting for multiple comparisons, 5 specific immune cell subpopulations demonstrated significant changes from baseline.
  • No discernible pattern indicated modulation of Th17 or TFH cell markers.

Conclusions:

  • Monthly oral methylprednisolone pulse treatment exerts measurable effects on circulating immune cells in progressive MS.
  • The treatment regimen did not significantly modulate markers associated with Th17 and TFH cell activity in this patient cohort.
Keywords:
CCR2CD27CD38CD70CD80MethylprednisoloneProgressive multiple sclerosis

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