Il-23 Plasma Level Measurement in Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (Rrms) Patients Compared to Healthy Subjects Publisher Pubmed



Shajarian M^{1, 5} ; Alsahebfosoul F^{2, 5} ; Etemadifar M^{3, 5} ; Sedaghat N^{2, 5} ; Shahbazi M^{4, 5} ; Firouzabadi FP^{4, 5} ; Dezashibi HM^{4, 5}
Source: Immunological Investigations Published:2015

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuroinflammatory disease with unknown etiology and variable clinical evolution. Interleukin-23 (IL-23), a member of the IL-12 cytokine family is a heterodimeric cytokine composed of the IL-12p40 subunit, and with a novel p19 subunit, its ability to enhance the expansion of T helper type 17 (Th17) cells indicates the responsibility for many of the inflammatory autoimmune responses. Objective: The objective of the project is to measure IL-23 level in plasma of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in comparison with healthy control subjects. Methods: In a case-control study, plasma was collected from healthy subjects as control group (n=40) and patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) (n=40). The plasma level of IL-23 was assessed by ELISA method. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS (Ver. 16). Results: Plasma level of IL-23 in MS patients was significantly increased compared to control subjects (p Value<0.001). Conclusions: Our findings revealed the increased IL-23 level in patients' group. In conclusion, the inhibition of IL-23 might be a novel and promising therapeutic strategy, especially in the therapy of autoimmune inflammatory diseases. IL-23 plays a pivotal role in development of MS and might be a specific marker and therapeutic target for MS. © 2015 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.