Circulating Levels of IFN-gamma, IL-10 and IL-16 in Patients with Alopecia Areata / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune condition of the hair follicle, resulting in bald patches. The details of the pathogenesis of AA still remain unclear. However, several recent studies have indicated that AA is an organ-specific autoimmune disease in which T cells (especially CD8+T cells), as well as certain cytokines (especially Th1 cytokines, IL-1, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha) may play an important role in its development. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to characterize the cytokine response in the peripheral blood of patients with AA, before and after treatment. METHODS: Twenty one active AA patients and 10 healthy people were evaluated in this study. The levels of 3 cytokines, including IFN-gamma, IL-10, and IL-16, in all subjects were measured at the first visit and 3 months after treatment. RESULTS: The levels of IFN-gamma, IL-10, and IL-16 in the AA group were significantly elevated (p75%), and was decreased in comparision to the level before treatment (p=0.003). There was no difference in the cytokine levels after PUVA, DPCP, or a combination therapy of PUVA and DPCP (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest the involvement of IFN-gamma in the AA process. Also, IFN-gamma could be a potential marker for treatment. Even though different treatments have different mechanisms, IFN-gamma is considered to be a common pathway for alopecia areata treatment.