Serum Interleukin Levels in MS Patients Compared to Controls

In a study with 26 MS patients and matched controls, levels of interleukins IL-6, IL-16, IL-18, and IL-36 were significantly higher in MS patients (p < 0.001). IL-6 correlated with disability measures such as T25FW (r = 0.53, p = 0.008). Notably, IL-16 was elevated in newly diagnosed MS compared to long-standing cases (p = 0.012).

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Source: Read original source (PMID 42784122)

This plain-English summary was written by AI from a published abstract and may contain errors. It is not medical advice. Read the original study and talk to your MS team before making decisions about treatment.

Why it matters

These findings suggest potential differences in interleukin levels in MS that could inform future research, but do not establish any clinical utility or specific biomarkers for MS.

What this does not prove

The study did not apply corrections for multiple comparisons, making it exploratory in nature. It also does not confirm that these interleukins act independently or provide actionable clinical insights.

Next milestone

No next milestone was established from the available source.

Study facts

Study design: Observational
Participants / samples: 26 · basis not reported
Randomised: No
Controlled: Yes
Primary endpoint met: Not reported
Relevant MS type: Not reported
Publication date: 2026-09-01
Evidence reviewed: Abstract only
Regulatory approval: Not reported
Research areas: Not classified

Original sources

Primary evidenceSerum Levels of the Proinflammatory Cytokines IL-6, IL-16, IL-18, and IL-36 in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis from the Western Region of Saudi Arabia: Associations with Disease Duration and Disability. ↗DOI: 10.3390/neurolint18090168

Supporting passages (11)

study designThis single-center, cross-sectional, matched case-control study enrolled 26 MS patients and 26 age- and sex-matched controls.

subjectsThis study evaluated serum levels of IL-6, IL-16, IL-18, and IL-36 in Saudi adults with MS compared with matched healthy controls and examined associations with disease duration, phenotype, treatment, and disability.

sample sizeenrolled 26 MS patients and 26 age- and sex-matched controls.

randomizedThis single-center, cross-sectional, matched case-control study enrolled 26 MS patients and 26 age- and sex-matched controls.

controlledThis single-center, cross-sectional, matched case-control study enrolled 26 MS patients and 26 age- and sex-matched controls.

findingsAll four interleukins were higher in MS patients than in controls (p < 0.001).

findingsIL-6 showed a notable correlation with disability, with T25FW (r = 0.53, p = 0.008) and, weaker, EDSS (r = 0.38, p = 0.052); IL-18 showed a weak, non-significant correlation with T25FW (r = 0.35, p = 0.126); IL-16 and IL-36 showed no relevant associations.

findingsIL-16 was higher in newly diagnosed than in long-standing cases (p = 0.012); no differences by phenotype or treatment were observed for any marker.

limitationsNo correction for multiple comparisons was applied given the exploratory design.

limitationsThese findings are hypothesis-generating and should not be interpreted as evidence of independent or clinically actionable biomarker utility.

publication datePublication date: 2026-09-01

AI assessment, not yet reviewed by a person · version 1 · Community votes are separate from evidence review.