Interferon-Beta-1Beta Protects Against Multiple Sclerosis-Induced Endothelial Cells Apoptosis Publisher Pubmed



Javanmard SH¹ ; Mohammad Saadatnia M^{2, 3} ; Vida Homayouni V¹ ; Mahin Nikoogoftar M⁴ ; Maghzi AH^{3, 5} ; Etemadifar M³ ; Chaitanya VG⁶ ; Mcgee JC⁷ ; Minagar A⁷ ; Alexander JS⁶
Source: Frontiers in Bioscience - Elite Published:2012

Abstract

Disruption of the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) due to endothelial cell (EC) injury is an essential step in formation of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. We investigated the role of endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis in the pathophysiology of MS, studying the therapeutic effect of IFN-beta-1b against MS sera-induced endothelial apoptosis. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with sera from patients with active MS (in relapse), MS in remission, or sera from healthy volunteers (each n = 5). Apoptosis was assessed by annexin V-propidium iodide staining. Effects of IFN-beta-1b on EC apoptosis were tested at increasing doses (10, 100, and1000 U/ml). Nitrite (NO2--) levels were determined in culture supernatants. EC apoptosis was increased by sera from exacerbating MS patients, but not remission, compared to healthy individuals (p<0.001). Effects were blocked by IFN-beta-1b at 10U/ml (p<0.05), but not higher doses, and was associated with increased NO/NO2- production (p<0.05). EC apoptosis leading to disruption of the BBB may play a role in MS etiology and represents a novel therapeutic mechanism of action for IFN-beta-1b in MS therapy.