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SAGE Publications, Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 9(16), p. 1066-1072, 2010

DOI: 10.1177/1352458510375100

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Urinary neopterin and nitric oxide metabolites as markers of interferon β-1a activity in primary progressive multiple sclerosis

Journal article published in 2010 by K. Rejdak, Sm Leary, A. Petzold ORCID, Aj Thompson, Dh Miller, G. Giovannoni
This paper was not found in any repository, but could be made available legally by the author.
This paper was not found in any repository, but could be made available legally by the author.

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Abstract

Background: Interferon beta has not been demonstrated to be effective in exploratory phase 2 clinical trials in primary progressive multiple sclerosis. However, using more sensitive indicators of a treatment response, such as biomarkers, might help to identify sub-groups of patients who may benefit from therapy. Objective: To assess the utility of measuring urinary neopterin and nitric oxide metabolite excretion for monitoring interferon β-1a (IFNβ-1a) treatment in patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Methods: Fifty patients from a phase II trial of IFNβ-1a (Placebo n = 20; Avonex® 1 × 30 μg/week (IFN-30), n = 15; Avonex® 1 × 60 μg/week (IFN-60), n = 15), were enrolled. Patients were assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Urine samples were collected on each visit, 3 months apart, for a period of 24 months. Nitric oxide metabolites, nitrite/nitrate (NOx), were measured by colorimetric assay and neopterin and creatinine (Cr) were assayed using a high-performance liquid chromatography technique. NOx/creatinine ratio (NOxCR) and urinary neopterin/creatinine ratio (UNCR) quotients were calculated. Results: There was no significant difference between pre-dose, baseline levels of UNCR or NOxCR between the study groups. On the intention-to-treat analysis, there was a significant difference in UNCR levels between the placebo compared with IFN-30 ( p = 0.03) or IFN-60 ( p = 0.002) groups. The IFN-30 and IFN-60 groups did not differ. Within IFNβ-1a-treated patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis, median UNCR values were significantly higher in clinically stable (no Expanded Disability Status Scale change) compared with progressive patients ( p = 0.002). IFNβ-1a treatment did not significantly influence NOx excretion in patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Conclusions: Urinary neopterin is a potential biomarker to monitor the in vivo effects of IFNβ-1a in primary progressive multiple sclerosis and other multiple sclerosis sub-types.