Leukocyte Gene Expression and Plasma Concentration in Multiple Sclerosis: Alteration of Transforming Growth Factor-βs, Claudin-11, and Matrix Metalloproteinase-2

Multiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the present of leukocytes in the brain tissue and subsequently the formation of sclerotic plaques. Leukocytes penetration into the blood-brain barrier is related to several factors, such as, the conversion of leukocyte gene expression or plasma characteristics. In this frame, we explore alteration of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) family, and Claudin-11 (as a main myelin structural protein) in leukocytes and blood plasma of multiple sclerosis patients compared to the normal group. Blood samples were collected from thirteen men affected by MS and fifteen healthy men. Leukocyte gene expression was measured using real-time PCR and plasma parameters were examined by ELISA. The results of this study showed that the gene expression of Claudin-11 was significantly higher in MS group compared with normal. Interestingly, the MMP-2 pattern was similar to Claudin-11 and correlated positively with it. It was observed that, although the expressions of TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 are down-regulated in the leukocytes of subjects with MS, they showed higher levels of these cytokines in blood plasma. The plasma level of TGF-beta 3 in MS patients was higher than normal and correlated with Claudin-11 concentration. In conclusion, the aberrant pattern of Claudin-11, TGF-beta s family, and MMP-2 expression in leukocytes of the MS patients was observed in this study. Moreover, the plasma levels of TGF-beta s family increased in the MS group. The findings of this study provide clues for further investigations to assay MS pathogenesis.