The analysis of IL-1 beta and its naturally occurring inhibitors in multiple sclerosis: The elevation of IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-1 receptor type II after steroid therapy

The aim of our investigation was to analyze the pattern of interleukin-1 (IL-1) family compounds: IL-1 beta, IL-1 receptor accessory protein (Acp), IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and IL-1 receptor type II (IL-1RII) in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 67 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and 31 controls. We found significantly elevated CSF levels of IL-1 beta, IL-1Ra and Acp in MS patients compared to controls (p = 0.001), while IL-1 beta and Acp were significantly elevated in MS sera (p = 0.001). IL-1Ra and/or IL-1 RII increased in sera of all 10 investigated patients after the steroid treatment for relapse. Our findings suggest the important beneficial role of the induction of IL-1 RII and IL-1Ra in MS.