Serum prolactin level in patients with multiple sclerosis: a case control study.
BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system and is considered to be multifactorial with an autoimmune component. Prolactin (PRL) is a neuroendocrine peptide with potent immunomodulatory properties. Hyperprolactinemia enhances several autoimmune disorders and may play a role in the pathogenesis of MS. The aim of this study was to compare serum PRL levels in MS patients with those of healthy controls. MATERIAL/METHODS: There were 43 patients with definite MS and 43 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Conditions leading to a rise in PRL, such as pregnancy, lactation, and specific underlying diseases and drugs, were excluded. PRL levels were measured in fasting blood samples. For the MS group, disease duration and subtype, clinical manifestations, and expanded disability status scores (EDSS) were also recorded. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in serum PRL levels between the case and control groups in both women and men (376.78+/-231.11 mIU/l in female patients with MS vs. 364.19+/-202.55 mIU/l in female controls, 266.00+/-200.83 mIU/l in male patients with MS vs. 197.25+/-65.25 mIU/l in male controls). We also found no significant relationship between PRL and disease activity, disease duration, and EDSS. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings do not support the hypothesis that MS patients are in a hyperprolactinemic state. However, further studies in more homogenous MS subgroups are needed.