Association of anti-inflammatory microglia interleukins with clinical and radiological parameters in patients with multiple sclerosis - a single-centre study in a Polish population

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system characterized by immune-mediated demyelination and neurodegeneration. Currently, the prevailing concept emphasizes autoimmune mechanisms, with recent studies highlighting a critical role of microglial cytokines.

To determine the association between the anti-inflammatory microglial cytokines (IL-10, IL-4, IL-13) and selected clinical and radiological parameters of MS patients.

The study included 96 MS patients undergoing immunomodulatory therapy and 73 healthy controls. Venous blood samples (10 ml) were obtained from all participants.

Serum IL-10 levels were significantly lower in the MS group compared to the controls. IL-10 levels differed across Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, with the highest median concentration observed in patients with an EDSS score ≥ 4.0. A moderate negative correlation was identified between IL-13 and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. No significant associations were observed between cytokine concentrations and recent clinical relapses.

Higher IL-10 concentrations were associated with greater disability, suggesting its potential utility as a biomarker of MS progression, particularly in non-RRMS phenotypes. The negative correlation between IL-13 and CRP suggests the systemic anti-inflammatory effects of IL-13.