Proteolytic balance in patients with multiple sclerosis during interferon treatment.
J Interferon Cytokine Res
; 22(6): 689-92, 2002 Jun.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-12162880
ABSTRACT
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive, inflammatory, demyelinating disease. An altered cytokine network has been reported to occur during the disease, and its pathogenetic role has been hypothesized. To date, interferon-beta (IFN-beta) is the most effective and reliable therapy in the majority of MS patients, although the mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects are not fully understood. Breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) with consequent extravasation of the T cells and their invasion of the brain parenchyma seems to be one of the most important steps in the pathogenesis of the disease. Matrix metalloproteinease-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 are enzymes with proteolytic activities toward extracellular matrix ECM components. They are physiologically balanced by the MMP tissue inhibitors TIMP-2 and TIMP-1, so that proteolysis occurs as the result of increased MMP or decreased TIMP levels. In 38 patients with MS, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 levels were similar before and after 9 months of IFN-beta therapy, whereas MMP-9 levels significantly decreased and TIMP-2 levels significantly increased in comparison to values obtained before treatment. These results suggest that IFN-beta modulates T cell activities, including MMP and TIMP production, thus contributing either to maintaining the integrity of the BBB or to slowing the progression of the disease.
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Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Interferón beta
/
Esclerosis Múltiple Recurrente-Remitente
Límite:
Adolescent
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Interferon Cytokine Res
Asunto de la revista:
ALERGIA E IMUNOLOGIA
Año:
2002
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Italia