Evaluation of cytokines in multiple sclerosis patients treated with mesenchymal stem cells.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are currently strong candidates for stem cell therapy. Cytokines have a profound effect on the resultant immune responses. This study aims to evaluate variations in the cytokine profile of multiple sclerosis patients treated with autologous MSC. METHODS Twenty five patients received one dose of intrathecal MSCs (mean number: 29.5 × 10⁶). To measure the gene expression of FOXP3, IFN-γ, TGF-β, IL-4, IL-10, IL-6, and their serum proteins, samples were collected at five intervals: day 0 prior to injection and months 1, 3, 6, and 12 after MSC therapy. Gene expression was evaluated via real-time PCR and protein values were measured by ELISA. RESULTS There were no statistically significant variations in gene expression and serum level of cytokines after a 1-year follow-up of MSC-treated MS patients. The only correlation found was an increase in IL-6 gene expression in patients with progressive disease. CONCLUSION Intrathecal injection of MSCs does not affect cytokine variation in peripheral blood. Because the condition of most of our patients either improved or stabilized after stem cell therapy (SCT), we speculate that the immunomodulatory or neuroregenerative effects of MSC are exerted locally in the central nervous system.

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