Investigation of Multiple Sclerosis in Iraqi Patients: Evaluation of Circulating IL 17α

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory disorder of the CNS, characterized by demyelination and neurodegeneration of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve. It frequently results in cognitive and physical disability. Whereas the precise etiology of multiple sclerosis remains uncertain, it is believed to be an immune-mediated reaction to several environmental stimuli in a genetically vulnerable person.The current study aimed to detect the prevalence of MS in Wasit Governorate, as well as evaluate IL17α levels. A total of 137 cases of patients of both sexes were involved in this study, while only 50 participants subjected to assessment of the proinflammatory cytokine 17a that is expected to be linked to this disease.The results of this study revealed that the percentage of infected females exceeds the percentage of males, 72% versus to 27.7%, and that most of the patients were within the age group (25-34) as 62%, in addition to that sensory and motor symptoms were the most frequent signs. Furthermore IL-17α levels in patients were statistically significantly higher than in controls (P ≤0.0003). It can be concluded that the female more affected with MS and exhibited various complications over time due to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneraion of nerve cells.