Promising effect of rapamycin on multiple sclerosis

In this study eight patients with RRMS were chosen and included in the trial. Patients received rapamycin (Rapacan, Biocon, India) for six months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the patients’ brain was taken before and after the therapy. Patients’ expanded disability status scale (EDSS), and FoxP3 and GARP gene expression, and Treg cell proliferation were also been evaluated. All the patients had some degrees of significant reduction in mean plaque area size (P=0.012, Z=-2.520), and minimum and maximum size of the plaques (P=0.012, Z=-2.521). EDSS of 50% of patients was decreased after the treatment, yet it was not significant (P=0.059, Z=-1.89). The expression rate of FOXP3 (P=0.003) and GARP genes in Tregs increased after the therapy. We found a promising response to rapamycin among our cases with minor side effects and it may be considered as a therapeutic option of this disease.
Source: Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders - Category: Neurology Source Type: research