The neurodegenerative process in multiple sclerosis and the possible neuroprotective effect of treatment with β-interferon 1a (Avonex)

The dynamics of changes in the N-acetylaspartate/creatine ratio (NAA/Cr) in brain tissue in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) were studied by proton multivoxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy (PMRS) to identify relationships between these parameters and the clinical status of patients to assess the potential for using this method in monitoring disease severity and the extent of the neurodegenerative process. The potential neuroprotective effect of treatment with an interferon β-1a formulation for intramuscular administration (IFNβ-1a, Avonex) in patients with remitting MS (rMS) was also studied. A total of 26 patients with rMS took part in the study. Investigations included history-taking, neurological examination with assessment on the EDSS, neuropsychological testing, and dynamic MRI studies using PMRS. A decrease in the NAA/Cr ratio was seen in patients with rMS as compared with healthy subjects. Analysis of the NAA/Cr ratio at one year demonstrated a significant reduction. A negative relationship was found between the NAA/Cr ratio in brain tissue and the levels of neurological and cognitive deficit. Analysis of intramuscular IFNβ-1a treatment of MS demonstrated a stabilizing neuroprotective effect through the one-year treatment period, which may be associated with the effects of this agent on the neurodegenerative process in MS. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York.