Emina Kasumagić-Halilovic1, Semra Cavaljuga2, Nermina Ovcina-Kurtovic1, Lamija Zecevic3. 1. Department of Dermatovenereology, Clinical Centre of Sarajevo University, Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. 2. Institute of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. 3. Institute of Clinical Immunology, Clinical Centre Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) is a disease characterized by focally, nonscarring hair loss on the scalp or any hair-bearing surface. The etiology is unknown, although the evidence suggests that AA is an immunologically mediated disease. In the pathogenesis of AA, Th1 immune response is predominant. A special cytokine profile is created by Th1 cells, which disturbs the natural balance of the cytokine networks and leads to inflammatory reaction and follicle damage. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate serum concentrations of IL-2 in patients with AA and healthy subjects. We also examined a possible association between serum levels of IL-2, disease severity, and duration of AA. METHODS: Sixty patients with AA and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Serum concentrations of IL-2 were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassay techniques. RESULTS: Comparison of mean values of IL-2 has showed that serum concentrations of this cytokine are significantly higher in serum samples of AA patients in relation to the control group (22.2 ± 1.19 vs. 21.1 ± 2.68 pg/mL, respectively; p = 0.0142). No correlations were found between clinical type, duration of the disease, and serum levels of IL-2. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the evidence that elevation of serum IL-2 is associated with AA. The exact role of serum IL-2 in AA should be additionally investigated in future studies.
BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) is a disease characterized by focally, nonscarring hair loss on the scalp or any hair-bearing surface. The etiology is unknown, although the evidence suggests that AA is an immunologically mediated disease. In the pathogenesis of AA, Th1 immune response is predominant. A special cytokine profile is created by Th1 cells, which disturbs the natural balance of the cytokine networks and leads to inflammatory reaction and follicle damage. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate serum concentrations of IL-2 in patients with AA and healthy subjects. We also examined a possible association between serum levels of IL-2, disease severity, and duration of AA. METHODS: Sixty patients with AA and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Serum concentrations of IL-2 were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassay techniques. RESULTS: Comparison of mean values of IL-2 has showed that serum concentrations of this cytokine are significantly higher in serum samples of AA patients in relation to the control group (22.2 ± 1.19 vs. 21.1 ± 2.68 pg/mL, respectively; p = 0.0142). No correlations were found between clinical type, duration of the disease, and serum levels of IL-2. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the evidence that elevation of serum IL-2 is associated with AA. The exact role of serum IL-2 in AA should be additionally investigated in future studies.
Authors: Y Kuwano; M Fujimoto; R Watanabe; N Ishiura; H Nakashima; Y Ohno; S Yano; N Yazawa; H Okochi; K Tamaki Journal: Br J Dermatol Date: 2007-05-08 Impact factor: 9.302
Authors: R Hoffmann; E Wenzel; A Huth; P van der Steen; M Schäufele; H P Henninger; R Happle Journal: J Invest Dermatol Date: 1994-10 Impact factor: 8.551