Increased levels of IL-15 mRNA in relapsing--remitting multiple sclerosis attacks.
IL-15 is a proinflammatory cytokine which has recently been implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis, where it may play a role in the initiation and/or progression of the disease. We have used reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to study IL-15 mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy controls and relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients in a stable phase of the disease and during a bout, both before and after corticosteroid treatment (CST). IL-15 mRNA expression was found to be similar in controls and stable patients. We have detected an increased level of IL-15 mRNA in PBMC of patients with a relapse, which was maintained after CST. We have also found an inverse correlation between PBMC IL-15 mRNA levels at the onset of the relapse and the time elapsed since the previous attack, as well as an absence of correlation between IL-15 mRNA levels and the patient demographic and clinical characteristics. Results in the present work further suggest a role for IL-15 in MS pathophysiology.
Blanco-Jerez
C
C
Department of Neurobiology, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Crta. Colmenar Km 9, Madrid 28034, Spain.
Plaza
J F
JF
Masjuan
J
J
Orensanz
L M
LM
Alvarez-Cermeño
J C
JC
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019409:Interleukin-15 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000097:blood*; D012008:Recurrence; D015854:Up-Regulation / Q000276:immunology*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D019409:Interleukin-15; D012333:RNA, Messenger