Learning from nature: pregnancy changes the expression of inflammation-related genes in patients with multiple sclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pregnancy is associated with reduced activity of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the biological mechanisms underlying this pregnancy-related decrease in disease activity are poorly understood.

Methodology

We conducted a genome-wide transcription analysis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 12 women (7 MS patients and 5 healthy controls) followed during their pregnancy. Samples were obtained before, during (i.e. at the third, sixth, and ninth month of gestation) and after pregnancy. A validation of the expression profiles has been conducted by using the same samples and an independent group of 25 MS patients and 11 healthy controls. Finally, considering the total group of 32 MS patients, we compared expression profiles of patients relapsing during

SUBMITTER: Gilli F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2813302 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature