Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, neurological disease characterized by targeted destruction on central nervous system (CNS) myelin. The autoimmune theory is the most widely accepted explanation of disease pathology. Circulating Th-1 cells become activated by exposure to CNS-specific antigens such as myelin basic protein. The activated Th-1 cells secrete inflammatory cytokines, which are pivotal for inflammatory responses. We hypothesize that enhanced production of inflammatory cytokines triggers cellular events within the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and/or spinal cord, facilitating the development of neuropathic pain (NPP) in MS. NPP, the second worst disease-induced symptom suffered by patients with MS, is normally regulated by DRG and/or spinal cord. Objective: To determine gene and protein expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF ) within DRG and/or spinal cord in an animal model of MS. Methods: Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in adolescent female Lewis rats. Animals were sacrificed every 3 days post-disease induction. DRG and spinal cords were harvested for protein and gene expression analysis. Results: We show significant increases in TNF expression in the DRG and of EAE animals at peak disease stage, as assessed by clinical symptoms. Conclusion: Antigen-induced production of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF within the DRG identifies a potential noel mechanism for MS-induced NPP.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, neurological disease characterized by targeted destruction on central nervous system (CNS) myelin. The autoimmune theory is the most widely accepted explanation of disease pathology. Circulating Th-1 cells become activated by exposure to CNS-specific antigens such as myelin basic protein. The activated Th-1 cells secrete inflammatory cytokines, which are pivotal for inflammatory responses. We hypothesize that enhanced production of inflammatory cytokines triggers cellular events within the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and/or spinal cord, facilitating the development of neuropathic pain (NPP) in MS. NPP, the second worst disease-induced symptom suffered by patients with MS, is normally regulated by DRG and/or spinal cord. Objective: To determine gene and protein expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF ) within DRG and/or spinal cord in an animal model of MS. Methods: Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in adolescent female Lewis rats. Animals were sacrificed every 3 days post-disease induction. DRG and spinal cords were harvested for protein and gene expression analysis. Results: We show significant increases in TNF expression in the DRG and of EAE animals at peak disease stage, as assessed by clinical symptoms. Conclusion: Antigen-induced production of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF within the DRG identifies a potential noel mechanism for MS-induced NPP.

A large number of cytokines are expressed in the feet and hands joints of patients with Rheumatoid arthritis. It is necessary to study the new cytokines which may help in prognosis and diagnosis of this autoimmune disease. Omentin1 and Interleukin 20 are the new cytokines and their expressions may have a role in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines; IL-1, IL-6 and TNF, in different cell tissues such as synovial fibroblasts, chondrocytes, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and, sera. It is conceivable that these biomarkers may be used in biological therapies.