Serum levels of sTNFR-1 and sFas in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Med Sci Monit. 2002 Oct;8(10):CR720-3.

Abstract

Background: During the relapse of multiple sclerosis (MS), activated T cells, T cells autoreactive against myelin antigens as well as antigen-nonspecific lymphocytes and monocytes produce a number of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor). For a proinflammatory effect to take place TNF must bind together with appropriate receptors. The aim of the study was to assess value of serum sTNFR-1 and sFas levels with reference to clinical activation of disease.

Material/methods: Thirty-three patients with clinically documented diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS and 22 healthy subjects were included in the study. In 15 patients the measurements of sTNFR-l and sFas levels were performed at the beginning of MS relapse and in 18 subjects--they were taken in MS remission. 'I'he levels of both soluble molecules were determined with the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: Mean serum sTNFR-1 levels in patients with MS relapse did not differ significantly from mean sTNFR-1 level in patients with MS remission and a control group. Mean serum sFas level in patients with MS relapse was significantly higher comparing with the results obtained in patients with MS remission and in control group.

Conclusions: The absence of changes in serum sTNFR-1 levels relative to clinical activation of the disease makes this measurement ineffective in the assessment of MS status. On the other hand, the measurement of serum sFas levels may be a valuable parameter for the monitoring of both MS clinical course and immune response to treatment when the symptoms of neurological deficit aggravate.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / blood*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / physiopathology*
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / blood*
  • Remission Induction
  • Statistics as Topic
  • fas Receptor / blood*

Substances

  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • fas Receptor