Cytokine Gene Expression in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Abstract

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is characterized by multiple areas of inflammation, demyelination and neurodegeneration. Infiltrating Th1 CD4+ T cells secrete proinflammatory cytokines. They stimulate the release of some cytokines, expression of adhesion molecules and these cytokines may cause damage to the myelin sheath and axons. In this study, we analyzed plasma levels and gene expressions of five important cytokines in the new diagnosed MS Patients by ELISA and Real time PCR. PCR amplifications were performed to determine the IL-17, IL-23, IL-10, IL-27 and TGF-β mRNA expression levels using the SYBR Green PCR Kit. Our results showed significant decrease in IL-10, IL-27 and TGF-β but there was no significant difference in the IL-17 and IL-23 between patients and healthy controls. Altogether, our results indicated that dysregulation of cytokines, mainly increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreased expression of inhibitory cytokines occurred in MS patients. This study may shed light to the probable role of these cytokines in neurodegeneration mechanism and current or future use of cytokines in managing and treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Keywords

• Autoimmunity
• Cytokines
• Inflammation
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Neurodegeneration