Myasthenia gravis patients with low plasma IL-6 and IFN-gamma benefit from etanercept treatment

Tuzun E., MERIGGIOLI M., ROWIN J., YANG H., CHRISTADOSS P.

JOURNAL OF AUTOIMMUNITY, vol.24, no.3, pp.261-268, 2005 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 24 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2005
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.jaut.2005.01.013
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF AUTOIMMUNITY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.261-268
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Steroid-dependent myasthenia gravis patients improved following treatment with etanercept (recombinant human TNF receptor: Fc) in a prospective pilot trial. While the plasma anti -acetylcholine receptor antibody levels remained unaffected, etanercept treatment increased plasma levels of C3, circulating immune coniplexes, IL-10 and IFN-gamma. There was a direct correlation between plasma IL-6, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma levels and the post-treatment clinical scores of patients. Moreover, patients with lower pretreatment plasma IL-6 and IFN-gamma levels attained better clinical improvement following etanercept treatment. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.