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Seasonal variation in immune measurements and MRI markers of disease activity in MS

From the Department of Neurology (Drs. Killestein, Meilof, Uitdehaag, and Polman), MS-MRI Center (Dr. Barkhof), and Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Drs. Adèr and Uitdehaag), VU Medical Center, and Department of Immunobiology (Drs. Killestein, Rep, and van Lier), CLB, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. J. Killestein, Department of Neurology, VU Medical Center, P.O. Box 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; e-mail: J.Killestein{at}vumc.nl

Background: The exact mechanisms by which T cells contribute to MS progression are not known. Recently, the results of cross-sectional studies suggested seasonal variation of both interferon (IFN)- production and the number of active MRI lesions in MS.

Objective: To investigate whether seasonal fluctuations of IFN- and active MRI lesions could be confirmed and whether any correlations could be detected.

Methods: Data were analyzed from a group of 28 MS patients in whom detailed longitudinal monitoring of both immune function and MRI measurements had taken place.

Results: Significant seasonal variation was observed in T-cell activation as measured by the ability of T cells to secrete the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor- and IFN-. Maximum values were found in samples obtained during autumn. Even though clear fluctuations were observed, no significant seasonal variation could be detected in the number of active MRI lesions. Fluctuations of in vitro IFN- secretion correlated weakly with changes in active MRI lesions.

Conclusions: The finding of seasonal variation of immune function in serially MRI-monitored MS patients suggests an environmental role in T-cell activation.

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