Abstract |
In this pilot study, we serially determined the cytokine messenger RNA ( mRNA) expression pattern in whole blood samples from 12 patients with clinical isolated syndrome suggestive of early multiple sclerosis (MS) using a new sensitive quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Significantly higher levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha ( TNF-alpha; x 5.1), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma; x 4.8) and interleukin-10 (IL-10; x 5.6) mRNA were detected in MS patients at the time of a relapse compared to healthy controls. Treatment with i.v. methylprednisolone (MP) led to an increase of IL-4 mRNA and a significant decrease of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha mRNA expression. In this cohort of clinically stable patients, proinflammatory cytokines remained low during the 1-year follow-up period. As several indications point to a cytokine dysregulation in MS, quantitative analysis of cytokine mRNA profiles in whole blood samples by real time PCR may be a useful immunological marker to monitor disease activity in future therapeutic trials in MS.
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Authors | K G Kahl, N Kruse, K V Toyka, P Rieckmann |
Journal | Journal of the neurological sciences
(J Neurol Sci)
Vol. 200
Issue 1-2
Pg. 53-5
(Aug 15 2002)
ISSN: 0022-510X [Print] Netherlands |
PMID | 12127676
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Validation Study)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Cytokines
(biosynthesis, blood)
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Male
- Multiple Sclerosis
(blood)
- Pilot Projects
- Prospective Studies
- RNA, Messenger
(biosynthesis, blood)
- Statistics, Nonparametric
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