Expression analysis of protein inhibitor of activated STAT ( PIAS ) genes in IFNβ-treated multiple sclerosis patients

Protein inhibitors of activated STAT (PIAS) are transcription co-regulator of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathway as well as nuclear factor-κB family of transcription factors. Both of them are involved in cytokine release during inflammatory response. Considering the role of cytokine imbalance in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS), we compared blood expressions of genes in 48 interferon β (IFNβ)-treated MS patients with those of healthy subjects by means of real time PCR. Although the expression levels of these genes were not significantly different between MS patients and healthy subjects, significant inverse correlations have been found between expression and age at disease onset. and expressions were inversely correlated with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in patients. Moreover, expression was correlated with disease duration in patients and with age in controls. In addition, expression was inversely correlated with EDSS and age at disease onset while it was positively correlated with disease duration. The present study provides evidences for altered expression of genes in IFNβ-treated MS patients compared with healthy subjects. However, future studies are needed for elaboration of their exact function in this disorder.