Relationship between serum levels of IL-10, MRI activity and interferon beta-1a therapy in patients with relapsing remitting MS

Abstract

Background: The purposes of this study were to: (1) compare monthly serum IL-10 in patients with relapsing remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy controls, (2) determine the relationship between IL-10 and MRI activity and (3) determine the effect of interferon beta-1a (IFNB-1a) treatment on IL-10 levels. Results: Median serum IL-10 levels were lower in untreated RRMS (185.5 pg/ml) compared to controls (438.5 pg/ml) ( P=0.19). Serum levels of IL-10 did not appear to predict the appearance of new gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) lesions concurrently or 1 month thereafter. However, IL-10 levels were more likely to be elevated the month during which Gd+ lesions resolved (OR=3.14, P=0.01). Median IL-10 levels were lower during IFNB-1a treatment ( P=0.01). Conclusions: These observations suggest a relationship between serum IL-10 levels and resolution of abnormal vascular permeability in new lesions.