Comparison of Foxp3 mRNA expression and circulating adipocytokines and inflammatory mediators in MS patients in term of the clinical course of disease.

<div><p>In parallel with disease progression in patients with MS, the level of inflammatory markers as well as adipocytokines including resistin and leptin decreased and the expression of FoxP3 and circulating level of visfatin increased.</p> <p>TNF-α: tumor necrosis factor-alpha; IL-1β: interleukin-1 beta; hs-CRP: high sensitivity C-reactive protein; Foxp3: forkhead box P3.</p></div

Schematic diagram of the proposed mechanism for the pathogenesis of MS.

<p>The elevation of circulating adipocytokines and pro-inflammatory mediators on one hand, and the reduction of FoxP3 expression on the other hand have provided strong evidences into understanding the pathogenesis of MS. Additionally, it is plausible that high level of resistin, visfatin and leptin could enhance pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in a positive feedback loop, which in turn lead to the loss of Foxp3 expression.</p