Evaluation of the level of serum Interleukins (IL-2, IL-4, IL-15 andIL-17) and its relationship with disease severity in patients with alopecia areata

• Published in: Anais brasileiros de dermatología 2021-09, Vol.96 (5), p.551-557
• Main Authors: Aşkın, Özge, Yücesoy, Sera Nur, Coşkun, Erkam, Engin, Burhan, Serdaroğlu, Server
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alopecia; Alopecia areata; DERMATOLOGY; Interleukins; Original
• ISSN: 0365-0596; 1806-4841; 1806-4841
• DOI: 10.1016/j.abd.2021.03.006

Alopecia areata (AA) is a hair disease that causes hair loss without scarring. The etiopathogenesis of AA has not been fully understood yet. To determine serum interleukin levels (IL-2, IL-4, IL-15, and IL-17) in patients diagnosed with alopecia areata and to investigate the relationship of IL levels with the duration and severity of alopecia areata and the response to tofacitinib therapy. Patients (≥16 years old) diagnosed with alopecia areata and healthy individuals as a control group was enrolled. Baseline serum interleukin levels of the patients and controls were measured. In the patient group receiving tofacitinib therapy, serum interleukin levels were measured again after 6 months. Disease severity for alopecia areata was assessed using the Severity of Alopecia Tool. Sixty-one AA patients and 30 healthy individuals were included; they were comparable regarding age and sex. The mean disease duration for AA was 7 ± 6 years and the baseline mean Severity of Alopecia Tool score was 71 ± 30 (range, 20–100). Baseline IL-2, IL-4 and IL-15 levels were significantly higher in the patient group than those in the control group (p