Short-Term Effect of High-Dose Vitamin D on the Level of Interleukin 10 in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Vitamin D has been related to the prevention of MS and to modulating its course. Recent studies have shown the safety of high-dose vitamin D in MS. Objective:This study compared the effects of high-dose vitamin D on interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels in MS patients in a double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Methods: Ninety-four patients with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) were randomized into a treatment and a placebo group. Both groups received conventional MS treatment. The intervention group received 50,000 IU of vitamin D every 5 days for 3 months. IL-10 was measured at baseline and after 3 months. Results: Serum levels of IL-10 were (median IQR): 12.58 +/- 11.97 and 10.97 +/- 9.97 pg/ml in the intervention and placebo groups, respectively, at baseline (p = 0.161); after 3 months, these levels were 13.76 +/- 18.95 and 11.31 +/- 19.63 pg/ml, respectively (p = 0.158). The IL-10 level increased significantly after receiving high-dose vitamin D for 3 months (13 = 0.737, p = 0.015 and R-2 = 0.91). Conclusion: IL-10 levels increased significantly in RRMS patients after taking high-dose vitamin D-3 for 3 months. High-dose vitamin D might be useful in promoting an anti-inflammatory state in RRMS patients. 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel