TITLE:
Intrathecal IgG synthesis in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) is decreased by natural human alpha interferon
AUTHORS:
William A. Sheremata, Alan Sazant, Vincent Riesgo, Alex Burns
KEYWORDS:
Multiple Sclerosis; Interferon-Alpha; Intrathecal-IgG Syntesis
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology,
Vol.4 No.7C,
July
17,
2013
ABSTRACT: Intrathecal IgG synthesis (IT IgG Syn) is an established biomarker used for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Earlier studies used this biomarker to assess the impact of 2 different synthetic forms of interferon alpha (IFN-α) in chronic progressive MS. Unexpectedly, IT IgG synthesis was increased by this treatment. For the first time, we have assessed this parameter in relapsing-remitting patients to measure the impact of natural IFN-α treatment in a doseranging study in six dosage groups (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, & 30 MIU). We have found that IFN-α normalized IT IgG Synthesis at 12 weeks treatment for all dosage groups. Two weeks after stopping IFN-α results rose slightly. At 52 weeks, 28 weeks after stopping IFN-a results revealed cessation of IT IgG Synthesis in half of the patients (15, 20, 25 MIU weekly). These results reflect different outcomes for relapsing-remitting patients vs. chronic progressive patients. They may, however, reflect differences in the biological properties of the interferon products used. An optimal range of dosage with natural human IFN-α dosage for MS is suggested by the results.