Changes in some indicators of humoral immunity in combatants after exposure to combat stress: comparative study

OBJECTIVE. To study the influence of stress received in military conditions on some indicators of humoral immunity in military personnel depending on the time elapsed since its receipt.

MATWRIALS AND METHODS. The study included 100 military personnel, divided into two groups: the comparison group (n = 20), in which the subjects did not participate in combat operations, and the main group (n = 80), in which the subjects participated in combat operations. All subjects in the main group were divided into four subgroups depending on the time elapsed since the end of combat operations. Blood immunoglobulins, complement components, cytokines, and phagocytosis were tested in both the main and comparison groups.

RESULTS. It has been shown that military personnel who took part in combat operations have a statistically significant decrease in the number of immunoglobulins (Ig) M and IgG. When studying the C3 and C4 components of the complement system, the following results were obtained: in the 1st subgroup, a decrease in this indicator was recorded compared to the comparison group; in the 2nd subgroup, no significant changes in this indicator were noted; in the 3rd subgroup, an increase in the C3 and C4 components of the complement system was recorded, however, it was statistically significantly reduced compared to the comparison group; in the 4th subgroup, a further increase in this indicator occurred. A statistically significant increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines was noted compared to the comparison group. The maximum numbers were recorded in the 1st subgroup, then they gradually decreased and reached minimum values in the 4th subgroup. However, in this group they did not reach normal levels and remained elevated.

DISCUSSION. The stress response caused by combat has a negative impact on humoral immunity parameters. The severity of changes depends on the time elapsed since the stressful event. The most pronounced changes were observed in service members who were within six months of combat participation, after which the parameters gradually recovered. The smallest changes were observed in service members 21–27 months after combat participation. However, no full recovery of the parameters was observed in the subgroup.

CONCLUSION. Stress experienced in combat situations negatively impacts immune status indicators. The severity of these changes depends on the time elapsed since combat.

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