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

INTRODUCTION: 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. STUDY OBJECTIVE: 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. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 96 MS patients undergoing immunomodulatory therapy and 73 healthy controls. Venous blood samples (10 ml) were obtained from all participants. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.