Abstract
BackgroundSexual dimorphism shown in multiple sclerosis suggests an interaction between immune system and sex hormones. The objective of this study is to determine the hormonal profile and serum cytokine levels in Egyptian female patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) compared with healthy controls and their associations with disease disability.MethodsThis study was conducted on 40 female patients with RRMS and 20 age-matched controls subjected to measurements of the hormonal profile (estrogen, testosterone) and cytokine levels (interleukin 10 and 4 and tumor necrosis factor alpha) and disability assessment using Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).ResultsLevels of estrogen, testosterone, interleukin 10 and 4 (IL-10 and IL-4), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were higher in patients compared to control with no statistically significant difference. Estrogen levels were positively correlated with interleukin 10 and interleukin 4 levels and negatively correlated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), but there was no statistically significant correlation between hormonal profile or cytokine profile (IL-10, IL-4, and TNF-α) and EDSS.ConclusionsIt is suggested that estrogen has an anti-inflammatory effect on cytokine milieu; therefore, it can be tried as a treatment option in multiple sclerosis.
Highlights
Sexual dimorphism shown in multiple sclerosis suggests an interaction between immune system and sex hormones
Subjects This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 40 Egyptian female patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis diagnosed according to the McDonald criteria 2010 with regular menstrual cycles, and all were in remission
Excluded patients presented with progressive multiple sclerosis, history of steroid intake, or immunosuppressive treatment in the past 2 months prior to involvement in the study or history of immunomodulatory treatment and conditions known to be associated with changed cytokine level as post-traumatic head injury, post-stroke epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, impaired cognition, malignant brain tumors, hypothyroidism, liver or renal disease, immune-mediated diseases, or inflammatory diseases and patients on histamine receptor H2 antagonists or anti-inflammatory drugs
Summary
Sexual dimorphism shown in multiple sclerosis suggests an interaction between immune system and sex hormones. The objective of this study is to determine the hormonal profile and serum cytokine levels in Egyptian female patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) compared with healthy controls and their associations with disease disability. The female predominance especially during reproductive ages in multiple sclerosis disease suggests that sex hormones interact with the immune system [2]. Alonso and colleagues reported that subjects receiving contraceptive therapy might be associated with a short-term reduction in the risk of developing MS. These changes are said to be due to immunological and hormonal changes [6].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
