Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) is associated with treatment effects of Interferon beta-1b in patients with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (original) (raw)

Background: Subcutaneous IFNβ-1b is an established treatment for relapsing remitting MS and active SPMS, influencing cytokines and adhesion molecules. Objective: The study investigates IFNβ-1b's effects on serum levels of adhesion molecules and cytokine receptors in MS patients. Methods: Blood samples from 40 MS patients (20 placebo, 20 IFNβ-1b) in a European trial were analyzed for soluble adhesion molecules and TNF receptors using ELISAs. MRI assessed disease activity over 36 months. Results: A significant increase in serum sVCAM and sTNF-RII was observed in 80% of IFNβ-1b patients at month 1, correlating inversely with MRI activity later (p = 0.0093 for TNF-RII; p = 0.047 for VCAM). Conclusions: Elevated serum sVCAM and sTNF-RII during IFNβ-1b therapy may explain reduced immune cell migration and treatment effects.