Profile of cytokine levels in relapsing remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: a clinical and laboratory study.

Objectives A clinical and laboratory study was performed to evaluate the plasmatic profile of cytokines in patients with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) compared to Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS); additionally, the possible relationship between cytokines levels and clinical indicators of disability in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) were also assessed. Materials and Methods Thirty RRMS and 30 SPMS patients were enrolled. A peripheral blood sample was obtained for each patient and the following cytokines were determined: IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, TNF-alfa, TGB-beta1, IFN-gamma. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was used to determine the disability level caused by MS. Results IL-17 levels were significantly higher in RRMS compared to SPMS patients (p=0,002), whereas TGF-beta levels were significantly lower in RRMS compared to SPMS subjects (p=0,007); conversely, no significant differences were detected in the remaining cytokines between the two groups. Correlation analysis, carried out by means of the Rho coefficient of Spearman, documented a negative significant correlation between EDSS score and IL-17 levels (Rho -0,335, p 0,010) and a significant positive correlation between EDSS and TGF beta1 levels (Rho 0,352, p 0,009). Discussion The evidences of higher levels of IL-17, a cytokine with pro-inflammatory properties, and lower levels of TGF-beta1, a molecule with immuno-soppressant activity, in RRMS compared to SPMS patients could contribute to a better understanding of mechanisms leading to conversion from RRMS to SPMS; moreover, the identification of biological markers associated with different MS clinical phases could play a crucial role in the management of MS patients in clinical practice.