Ratio of immunocompetent cells and NLR index in men of extreme professions (hydrographers) in the Arctic region of the Russian Federation

Rotational shift work in the Arctic region's northern seas has a substantial influence on the physiological condition of the human body and has a high risk of reducing reserve capacities, particularly the immune system. Assessing immune homeostasis by identifying immune balance, specifically the levels of expression of lymphoproliferation and lymphoapoptosis markers that determine the body's susceptibility to diseases, is important for maintaining public health in the Arctic region's extreme climatic and professional environments. The aim of this study is to assess the ratio of lymphocyte phenotypes CD10, CD71, CD95 and the NLR index in men working on rotating shifts in the Arctic. Materials and Methods. The study comprised 65 healthy adults aged 43,2±2,7 years: 45 males working rotating shifts of less than 3 months, 3 to 6 months, and more than 6 months, and 20 male residents (control). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocytes with the CD10 marker to CD95, and lymphocytes with the CD71 marker to CD95 were estimated. Results. The median neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) among rotating shift hydrographers is within the ideal normal range (1-2), regardless of shift duration, as in contrast to permanent residents, whose median NLR is stress-increased (2-3). In rotating shift workers, the CD10/CD95 ratio is balanced between 0.85 and 1.15, with evidence of a relative rise in CD10 expression levels with shift durations of more than 6 months. In 65% of Arctic inhabitants, CD10 expression levels are quite low. The CD71/CD95 ratio is balanced between 0.85 and 1.1, regardless of shift duration or permanent residence in the Arctic region. Conclusions. In the investigated hydrographers, fluctuations in the median NLR and the CD10/95 ratio are associated with the duration of the shift; the median CD71/95 ratio is least susceptible to fluctuations in both rotating shift workers and the control group; the CD71/95 ratio is stable, determines the immune balance of the surveyed, and can be used to assess the immune system's adaptability to Arctic conditions. Keywords: Arctic, Immune balance, Lymphoproliferation, Lymphopoptosis, Rotational shiftwork, Hydrographers