The Effect of Vitamin A Supplementation on FoxP3 and TGF-β Gene Expression in Avonex-Treated Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoinflammatory condition of the central nervous system with impaired T helper (Th)17 and regulatory T cell (Treg) balance that is involved in disease immunopathogenesis. The vitamin A active metabolite, retinoic acid, can re-establish this imbalance through the modulation of gene expression of specific nuclear receptors including Forkhead box P3 (FoxP3). At present, few data exist on the impact of vitamin A supplementation on T cell balance. This study reports the results of a clinical trial, over a 6-month period, of 36 relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients that received vitamin A (25,000 IU retinyl palmitate) or placebo (one capsule of placebo per day). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from patients, and the expression of FoxP3 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta gene expression was measured using real-time PCR at the beginning and end of the study. The results of this study showed that vitamin A upregulated TGF-beta and FoxP3 gene expression. Therefore, vitamin A supplementation can be considered as a new approach in MS prevention and treatment.