Abstract
Interferon-beta regimens for immune-mediated diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), have not been compared regarding their biological effects. In this randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study, cytokine secretion by mitogen-stimulated PBMCs and serum response markers were assessed in volunteers receiving subcutaneous recombinant IFN β-1a (Rebif®, Ares-Serono) 22 μg once a week (QW), 22 μg three times a week, 66 μg QW, or placebo. The production of IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α and TNF-β markedly decreased during 24–48 h after each injection, with limited dose-dependency and no evidence of tolerance or effect augmentation over 1 month. IL-10 secretion remained unchanged. The increase in serum β 2-microglobulin, neopterin and 2-5A-synthetase was more sustained. Thus, IFN-β-induced immunomodulation in vivo strongly depends on the administration schedule, the time-integrated effect being 2–3 times greater when a same weekly dose is divided in three injections.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
