Serum cytokine and chemokine profiles in patients with alopecia areata

Background: Most evidence supports the role of altered T cell-mediated immunity in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA). Tough cytokines and chemokines play an important role in the immune process of AA, their expressions have been examined in limited studies. Objective: To determine serum cytokine levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-23, and some of the Th1-(CXCL9), Th2-(CCL17), and Th17-associated (CCL20 and CCL27) chemokines in patients with AA. Methods: Forty patients with AA and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Serum concentrations of cytokines and chemokines were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassay techniques. Results: The mean serum levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-23, CXCL9, CCL17, CCL20, and CCL27 in AA patients were significantly higher than in the controls. However, with logistic regression analyses, only CCL17 and CCL27 levels showed a positive relationship, and IL-23 levels showed a negative relationship, with the presence of AA. Furthermore, serum CCL27 levels were positively correlated with AA severity. Conclusion: This study suggests that CCL17 and CCL27 may have an aggravating effect, whereas IL-23 may have a protective effect for the development of AA. Additionally, serum CCL27 levels may be useful as marker of disease severity.