Abstract
Interleukins (ILs)-22, 32 alpha and 34 were monitored in the sera of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients at different time intervals with or without interferon beta-1b, interferon beta-1a and fingolimod treatments. The results showed that sera of untreated RRMS patients were statistically higher in concentration of IL-22 (P < .001), but not IL-32 alpha and IL-34, than those of healthy individuals. Interestingly, interferon beta-1b, interferon beta-1a and fingolimod treatments led to a significant decrease of serum concentrations of ILs-22 and 32 alpha, but not 34, at 6 and 12 months of treatment, compared to their initial concentrations before initiating therapy. The correlation analysis revealed that the changes of serum IL-22 (r = 0.814) and, to a lesser extent, IL-32 alpha (r = 0.381) concentrations were positively correlated with those of expanded disability status score. In conclusion, serum IL-22 concentration may be a potential marker for MS disease severity and efficacy of treatment.