Immune status indicators in patients with multiple sclerosis in different ethnic groups in the Kyrgyz Republic

Background. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) and a leading cause of disability among young adults. Ethnic differences may influence MS incidence, clinical course, and underlying immunopathology. Purpose – to investigate immune status indicators, including cellular and humoral immune responses, in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) from different ethnic groups in the Kyrgyz Republic. Materials and methods. The study assessed subsets of T- and B-lymphocytes (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, CD19) and cytokine profiles (IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10), as well as immunoglobulin levels (IgA, IgM, IgG), in two ethnic groups. Results. Significant differences in cellular immunity were observed, with patients of Turkic origin showing decreased CD3+, CD8+, and CD19+ cell levels, and increased CD4+ cells. No significant ethnic differences were found in cytokine levels or humoral immunity. Conclusions. Ethnic background may influence cellular immune mechanisms in MS without affecting cytokine profiles or antibody production. These findings underline the importance of further research into ethnic-specific immunological features of MS to optimize personalized diagnostics and therapy.