Effect of interferon-β and atorvastatin on Th1/Th2 cytokines in multiple sclerosis

Beneficial effects by both interferon-β and statin treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) may be linked to interference with the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance. We determined patterns of Th1/Th2 cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-12p70, tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon-γ, and IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10, respectively) in the serum of patients with relapsing-remitting MS treated with 250 μg interferon-β 1b or with interferon-β plus 40 mg atorvastatin.In treatment naïve patients with MS, a trend for lower TNF-α serum levels compared to controls was detected (P = 0.08). Interferon-β treatment increased TNF-α levels, while a trend for lowering of IL-5 serum levels was found (P = 0.07). Addition of atorvastatin raised IL-12p70 serum levels (P < 0.05). Mean levels of two Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) showed a non-significant increase after addition of atorvastatin.We conclude that interferon-β and atorvastatin exert divergent action on Th1/Th2 serum cytokines levels in MS. Supplemental atorvastatin might promote a Th1-type response by raising IL-12p70. Further studies are required to support a Th2 cytokine shift by atorvastatin in patients with MS.