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Serum interleukin-12 levels in patients with multiple sclerosis
J Drulović1, M Mostarica-Stojković, Z Lević
1Institute of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Yugoslavia. chcondru@eunet.yu
Neuroscience Letters
|August 27, 1998
Summary
Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were detected in the serum of patients with active multiple sclerosis (MS), suggesting their role in MS immunopathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Immunology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system.
- Interleukin-12 (IL-12) plays a role in modulating immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze serum concentrations of IL-12, TNF-alpha, and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in MS patients.
- To investigate the association between these cytokines and disease activity in MS.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 21 MS patients and 13 controls.
- Cytokine levels (IL-12, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta1) were measured using immunoassays.
- Patients were categorized into clinically active and inactive MS groups.
Main Results:
- Detectable IL-12 and TNF-alpha were found in 53% and 40% of clinically active MS patients, respectively.
- No IL-12 or TNF-alpha was detected in patients with clinically inactive MS.
- No significant differences in serum cytokine concentrations were observed between MS patients and controls.
Conclusions:
- IL-12 and TNF-alpha may play an active role in the immunopathogenesis of MS.
- Cytokine levels correlate with disease activity in multiple sclerosis.