Dysregulation of serum cytokine profile in Saudi Arabian multiple sclerosis patients: A case-control study

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder that disables young adults, primarily due to inflammation causing brain damage. This case-control study aimed to characterize the serum cytokine profile and its correlations with the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) in Saudi MS patients. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, sCD40L, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12P70, IL-1β, IL-5) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-4, IL-13, IL-1Ra, IL-2) in 80 MS Saudi patients and 80 matched healthy controls were measured. The study found significant dysregulation of cytokine levels in MS patients, with elevated levels of INF-γ, sCD40L, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12P70, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-13, IL-4, IL-1Ra, and IL-2, and a significant decrease in IL-10 compared to controls. Male MS patients had higher serum concentrations of INF-γ, IL-8, IL-6, IL-13, and IL-1β, and lower IL-10 levels compared to females. Treated MS patients had higher sCD40L levels and lower levels of IL-8, IL-12P70, IL-13, IL-1Ra, and IL-5 compared to untreated patients. No significant correlation was found between cytokines and EDSS. MS patients exhibit considerable dysregulation in cytokine levels, aiding in understanding the clinical course of MS. Higher cytokine levels were observed in males versus females. Comprehensive Cytokine Dysregulation : Saudi MS patients demonstrate significant elevation of 12 out of 13 measured cytokines compared to healthy controls, with pro-inflammatory markers (IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-12P70, IL-8, sCD40L, IL-5) markedly increased and the regulatory cytokine IL-10 significantly decreased. Sex-Specific Immune Profiles : Male MS patients exhibit significantly higher pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (IFN-γ, IL-8, IL-6, IL-13, IL-1β) and lower anti-inflammatory IL-10 compared to females, suggesting sex hormones influence cytokine production and disease pathogenesis. Absence of Disability Correlation : Unlike previous studies, no significant correlations were observed between serum cytokine levels and EDSS disability scores, potentially due to disease heterogeneity, treatment effects, or cross-sectional study limitations. Biomarker Potential : The distinct cytokine signature in MS patients, combined with treatment-responsive changes, supports the potential utility of cytokine profiling for disease monitoring, patient stratification, and therapeutic response assessment.