Regional peculiarities of specific immunity in inhabitants of different mountain heights of the Kyrgyz Republic

Abstract

Kyrgyzstan’s challenging natural conditions and fragile mountain ecosystems can weaken the immune system of individuals residing permanently in high-altitude areas. Our study aimed to explore specific immune protection indicators in healthy populations from the Chui and Naryn regions at varying mountain altitudes. We assessed percentages of CD3+ (T-lymphocytes), CD20+ (B-lymphocytes), CD4+ (T-helper lymphocytes), CD8+ (cytotoxic T-lymphocytes), IRI (immunoregulatory index), CIC (circulating immune complexes), and quantified immunoglobulins of classes A, M, and G. Using immunofluorescent methods and monoclonal antibodies; we determined the percentages of CD3+, CD20+, CD4+, and CD8+. Radial immunodiffusion was used to quantify immunoglobulins of classes A, M, and G, while Falk’s method helped study CIC levels in blood sera. The participant count was based on statistical expert recommendations and G power analysis. The analysis revealed a decrease in the total number of T-lymphocytes (CD3+), primarily due to reduced T-helper and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte subpopulations. However, a significant increase in cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CD8+) was observed among high-altitude residents. Mountain residents exhibited wide-ranging individual fluctuations for each immunoglobulin class. Our findings suggest varying degrees of immune mechanism disruptions, which maintain natural protection and internal environment constancy at different altitudes, resulting in a mixed type of cellular and humoral immunity suppression. These results emphasize the need for further research in the region and consideration of altitude when implementing disease prevention strategies related to the immune system for the local population.