Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory demyelinative lesions in central nervous system. Relapsing-Remitting MS is the most common form of the disease observed in 85% of patients. This form presents with acute or sub-acute onset of neurological symptoms and patients may fully or partially recover and relapses may occur from time to time.~Regarding MS pathogenesis, the findings suggest the role of environmental factors in triggering the innate immune system and activating T cells and the onset of a chronic inflammatory response against myelin antigens in the central nervous system in people who are genetically prone to the disease. Among immune cells, T helper 17 (Th17) plays an important role in autoimmune response and are shown to be involved in clinical course of Relapsing-Remitting MS. Th17 cell differentiation is controlled by several cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1b (IL-1b) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Also, IL 6 have an inhibitory effect on Th17 cell differentiation through increased production of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and IL 10.~Currently, immunomodulatory drugs are considered as the first line treatment in MS. Fingolimod is the first oral immunomodulatory medication used for Relapsing-Remitting MS. It is phosphorylated by crossing the blood-brain barrier and is converted to its active metabolite, Fingolimod-P. This metabolite acts as a Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR1) on oligodendrocytes, microglias, astrocytes, and neurons and inhibits the entry of lymphocytes into the central nervous system. Therefore, it reduces demyelination and may also lead to remyelination.~Nutrition is known as a possible environmental factor in pathogenesis of MS. Positive clinical and biological effects of dietary supplements containing polyunsaturated fatty acids omega -3 (PUFA) in the course of autoimmune diseases such as MS have been studied. High levels of PUFA is found in fish oil which is also known as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agent. Several studies have evaluated the effect of fish oil as a dietary supplement in the treatment of MS however, conflicting findings are reported.~In this study, the investigators aim to evaluate the effect of Fingolimod with Fish oil compared to Fingolimod with placebo on TNF-α, IL1b, IL6, and IFN-gamma in patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple sclerosis.
This study evaluates the effect of adding fish oil to Fingolimod on some serum cytokines in patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.