Cellular immune responses in women living in the Arctic region

BACKGROUND: In the northern regions, exposure to harsh climatic and ecological conditions alters immune status, resulting in decreased resistance to microorganisms, development of various types of hypersensitivity, and auto-sensitization. During formation and maturation of the immune system, these changes contribute to growth retardation in children, while in adults, they accelerate aging.

AIM: To assess the distribution of lymphocyte phenotypes and the phagocytic activity of neutrophils in women residing in the Far North.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study analyzed the immune status of 60 conditionally healthy women living in the Far North of the Russian Federation (Pinega, Arkhangelsk Region). The mean age of the participants was 47.76±0.94 years. Blood concentrations of lymphocyte phenotypes (CD3⁺, CD5⁺, CD8⁺, CD10⁺, CD16⁺, CD71⁺, HLA-DR⁺) were measured using an indirect immunoperoxidase reaction with monoclonal antibodies. Granulocyte phagocytic activity was assessed using latex particles, with phagocytic activity expressed as a percentage and phagocytic intensity determined by the phagocytic index (the number of latex particles engulfed per 100 neutrophils). Descriptive statistics (mean and standard error of the mean) were calculated for each immunological parameter. Correlation analysis was performed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. The percentage of immune parameter imbalances was determined based on the frequency of high and low concentrations relative to physiological reference ranges. Data analysis was conducted using Statistica 10.0 and Microsoft Excel 2010.

RESULTS: Cellular immunity strain was identified, characterized by reduced activity of T-lymphocytes expressing CD3⁺ and CD5⁺ receptors (95.00±1.61% and 96.66±1.63% of women, respectively). This was accompanied by increased cytotoxic CD8⁺ cells and natural killer CD16⁺ cells (53.33±1.20% and 48.33±1.14%, respectively). This pattern suggests a reduced reserve capacity of the immune system. A decrease in phagocytic activity was observed in 20.00±0.73% of participants, while an increase in CD10⁺ cells was noted in 21.66±0.77%.

CONCLUSION: The insufficient activity of T-lymphocytes, coupled with an increase in cytotoxic and natural killer cells, reflects a state of immune system strain. Additionally, reduced phagocytic activity and elevated CD10⁺ lymphoproliferation contributes to a reduced reserve capacity of immune homeostasis.