Vitamin D supplementation up-regulates IL-6 and IL-17A gene expression in multiple sclerosis patients

Int Immunopharmacol. 2015 Sep;28(1):414-9. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.06.033. Epub 2015 Jul 15.

Abstract

Vitamin D regulates gene expression and affects target cell functions. IL-6 and IL-17A are pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with MS pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the vitamin D effects on the expression level of IL-6 and IL-17A in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Also, we performed a correlation analysis between the gene expression and some clinical features such as serum level of vitamin D and the expanded disability status scale (EDSS). Significant up-regulation of IL-6 and IL-17A gene expression was shown under vitamin D treatment. Also, some gender specific correlations between the gene expression with vitamin D levels were detected in female RR-MS patients.

Keywords: EDSS; Gene expression; IL-17A; IL-6; Multiple sclerosis; Vitamin D.

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-17 / genetics*
  • Interleukin-6 / genetics*
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / drug effects
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / blood
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy
  • Multiple Sclerosis / genetics*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Up-Regulation / drug effects
  • Vitamin D / blood
  • Vitamin D / pharmacokinetics
  • Vitamin D / pharmacology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • IL17A protein, human
  • IL6 protein, human
  • Interleukin-17
  • Interleukin-6
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Vitamin D