The role of cytokines and soluble-intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata

Abstract EN

Factors that influence the growth of the antigen hair follicle or initiate the switch to a catagen growth pattern hove not been definitely determined, but then-is increasing evidence that cytokines, growth factors as well as adhesion molecules may-ploy on important role during these processes.

Therefore, the aim of this study was the measurement of interleukin-1 beta (lL.-lbeta), Interferon-y(IFN-y).

Transforming growth factor-beta l (TGF-beta -1) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (slCAM-l) in the sera of 55 patients with alopecia aerate (AA) and 20 healthy controls.

Serum IL-1beta level was markedly elevated in alopecic patients in comparison to controls, whereas TGF-beta 1 levels were similar to those of controls.

The serum levels of IFN-y and slCAM-1 were significantly higher in AA patients compared to controls.

Significant positive, correlation was found between IL-1 beta and IFN -y (r= 0.40, P < 0.05) and similarly 'between sICAM-l and IFN-y (r= 0.46.

P < 0.001).

No correlation could be detected between these previous parameters to either age of patients or duration 0} hair loss.

Patient with extensive form of AA had only significantly lower level of TGF-beta l compared with those, of localized AA (p<0.05) while no significant differences could be detected in the other parameters.

In patients with extensive form of A A serum SICAM levels were negatively correlated with the duration of hair loss (r =.-0.57,p<0.05) patients in the acive stage of A A showed significantly higher level of IFN-y (P < 0.01)and lower levels of TGF- beta 1(P < 0.05) compare d to those in the stable stag of the disease.

These changes suggested that immunomodulatory cytokines not only act as mediators of immunity mid Inflammation hut also may play an important part in regulating hair growth.

So, elucidation of the role of these cytokines in AA patients may lead to new approaches to therapeutic intervention