Effect of interferon-beta and atorvastatin on Th1/Th2 cytokines in multiple sclerosis.
Beneficial effects by both interferon-beta and statin treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) may be linked to interference with the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance. We determined patterns of Th1/Th2 cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-2, IL-6, IL-12p70, tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon-gamma, and IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10, respectively) in the serum of patients with relapsing-remitting MS treated with 250microg interferon-beta 1b or with interferon-beta plus 40mg atorvastatin. In treatment naïve patients with MS, a trend for lower TNF-alpha serum levels compared to controls was detected (P=0.08). Interferon-beta treatment increased TNF-alpha levels, while a trend for lowering of IL-5 serum levels was found (P=0.07). Addition of atorvastatin raised IL-12p70 serum levels (P<0.05). Mean levels of two Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) showed a non-significant increase after addition of atorvastatin. We conclude that interferon-beta and atorvastatin exert divergent action on Th1/Th2 serum cytokines levels in MS. Supplemental atorvastatin might promote a Th1-type response by raising IL-12p70. Further studies are required to support a Th2 cytokine shift by atorvastatin in patients with MS.
Sellner
Johann
J
Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland. sellner@lrz.tum.de
Greeve
Isabell
I
Findling
Oliver
O
Kamm
Christian P
CP
Minten
Carsten
C
Engelhardt
Britta
B
Grandgirard
Denis
D
Leib
Stephen L
SL
Mattle
Heinrich P
HP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000069059:Atorvastatin; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006538:Heptanoic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015848:Interleukin-5 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000494:pharmacology; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*
D016207:Cytokines; D006538:Heptanoic Acids; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D007370:Interferon Type I; D015848:Interleukin-5; D011758:Pyrroles; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D000069059:Atorvastatin