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Abstract
Gene expression profiles were assessed in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple
sclerosis (RRMS) to identify gender effects. Clear gender differences in time to second
relapse and time to EDSS=6.0 progression in patients with late onset of the disease
(>40years) were evident, and occurred more rapidly in female RRMS patients. Identified
molecular biological mechanisms were related to increased immune activation associated
with prominent inhibition of apoptosis that enhanced inflammatory processes and were
more evident in female RRMS patients. Our findings open possibilities to explore gender-dependent
immunomodulatory treatments that will be based on gene expression mechanisms that
set the difference between male and female RRMS patients.