A comparative study of the relative bioavailability of different interferon beta preparations.

Background: Three different recombinant interferon beta (IFNbeta) preparations are currently available for the treatment of MS, two IFNbeta-1a products (Rebif and Avonex) and one IFNbeta-1b product (Betaferon). These products differ with respect to the recommended dose, the dosage regimen, and the injection route. This study compared the relative biologic activity of these three products in vitro and in vivo.

Bioavailability of interferon beta 1b in MS patients with and without neutralizing antibodies.

Background: Neutralizing antibodies (NAB) to interferon beta (IFNbeta) occur in about one-third of MS patients treated with IFNbeta-1b and there is an association with a loss of clinical and MRI efficacy. However, there are no data regarding the bioavailability of IFNbeta-1b in patients with and without NAB.

Methods: The authors measured MxA in whole blood by ELISA, and serum-binding antibodies (SBA) by Western blot and ELISA in 134 samples of MS patients on IFNbeta-1b and 54 control subjects, and correlated the MxA levels and SBA titers with the NAB titer.

Lyme encephalopathy: long-term neuropsychological deficits years after acute neuroborreliosis.

We studied long-term cognitive deficits in 20 patients with previously diagnosed Lyme borreliosis several years (average 51.6 months) after their acute phase of illness. Compared with an age- and education matched control group Lyme patients revealed deficits of verbal memory, mental flexibility, verbal associative functions and articulation, but performed adequately on tests of intellectual and problem solving skills, sustained attention, visuoconstructive abilities and mental speed.

Neopterin production and tryptophan degradation in acute Lyme neuroborreliosis versus late Lyme encephalopathy.

Fourteen patients with Borrelia burgdorferi infection were investigated for possible abnormalities of tryptophan and neopterin metabolism. Four patients (2 were investigated before therapy, 2 when therapy had been already started) had acute Lyme neuroborreliosis, and 10 patients were investigated months to years after an acute infection. Increased concentrations of neopterin and of the tryptophan-degradation product, L-kynurenine, were detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with acute Lyme neuroborreliosis; one patient presented with subnormal tryptophan.