Changes in the activation level of NF-kappa B in lymphocytes of MS patients during glucocorticoid pulse therapy

Nuclear factor-κB activity was analyzed in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients during the course of a methylprednisolone pulse therapy. Molecular effects were evaluated using lymphocytes derived from 20 MS patients before and after therapy and 24 healthy individuals. All patients responded to treatment clinically. The mean level of DNA-binding p65 in MS was proportionate to that of healthy controls, but was significantly decreased directly after therapy whereas the level of DNA-binding p50 was significantly elevated prior to therapy and remained unchanged. In summary, pulse therapy resulted in a decreased level of activated p65 NF-κB subunits leading to decreased levels of transcriptionally active pro-inflammatory NF-κB.