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Abstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease with inflammatory, demyelinating and degenerative components. It shows sexual dimorphism supported by higher prevalence among females together with the effects of pregnancy and postpartum period on course of disease and this may be due to gender differences in immune systems, environmental factors, genetic factors and sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, androgen and prolactin). Sex hormones have immunomodulatory effects, through influencing the cytokine milieu, in addition to their neuroprotective effects. Objectives: To study sex hormones, cytokine profile, magnetic resonance imaging and disease disability in egyptian female patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted on 40 female patients with RRMS and 20 age matched controls subjected to measurements of cytokine levels (interleukin 10, 4 and tumor necrosis factor alpha), hormonal levels (estrogen, prolactin and testosterone) and magnetic resonance imaging for assessment of brain atrophy. Results: Estogen levels were positively correlated with interleukin 10, 4 levels, prolactin levels were positively correlated with interleuin 10 levels and intercaudate ratio was increased in patients than controls and was positively correlated with expanded disability stastus scale (EDSS), finally estrogen and prolactin were negatevily correlated with intercaudate ratio though not reaching statistical significance