Effect of Vitamin D treatment on Interleukin-2 and Interleukin-4 Genes Expression in Multiple Sclerosis

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of central nervous system. The etiology of MS is slightly known, but genetic and environmental factors are reported. Vitamin D regulates gene expression and affects target cell functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression variation of IL-2 and IL-4 genes under vitamin D supplementation in patients with multiple sclerosis. Materials and Methods: In this study, blood samples were drawn from 32 patients before and after treatment with vitamin D. Quantitative real time PCR was used to measure IL-2 and IL-4 gene expression levels. Correlation analysis between the expression levels of genes and serum vitamin D, the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) as well as other clinical features of patients with MS was performed. Results: No significant difference of IL-2 and IL-4 genes expression level was observed with vitamin D supplementation. We did not find significant correlation between IL-2 and IL-4 mRNA levels and EDSS score in multiple sclerosis patients. Conclusion: We did not find any difference between the expression of IL-2 and IL-4 genes before and after treatment with vitamin D that it may have some effects on the prevention of multiple sclerosis through other inflammatory factors and signaling pathways. Abbreviation: MS (Multiple Sclerosis), IL(interleukin), EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale), VD (Vitamin D), VDR (Vitamin D Receptor), qRT-PCR (Quantitative Real-TimePCR)