Association of cytokine levels with treatment duration and patient family history in Egyptian multiple sclerosis patients

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the diseases that is widely spreading all over the world, with no clear etiology or definite pathological mechanism. Although there is no cure for MS, multiple therapeutic agents called disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) have been developed to relieve worsening symptoms and counteract its progression. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of DMTs on some proinflammatory cytokine levels in the serum of Egyptian MS patients over different treatment durations. Additionally, link the levels of serum cytokines with patients' clinical parameters. A total of 192 MS Egyptian patients were recruited and classified based on treatment duration and DMT types. The levels of IL-6, IL-17A, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were detected using the ELISA technique. Results showed that MS patients treated for a period longer than 24 months were associated with a significant decrease in IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels compared to untreated patients or patients treated for less than 12 months. IL-6 correlated directly with the Expanded Disability Status Scale score, whereas IL-17A and IFN-γ were inversely correlated in treatment-naïve MS patients. Additionally, MS patients with a family history of autoimmunity have a lower age at onset of the disease with a higher TNF-α level. In conclusion, proinflammatory cytokine levels were correlated with MS patients on long-term treatment with DMTs. IL-6 was linked with worsening disability in MS patients, while TNF-α was linked to a family history of autoimmunity.