Comparison of serum concentrations of interleukins 10, 12, 17 and 35 between patients with alopecia areata and controls

Introduction
Alopecia areata (AA) is one of the most common causes of non-scarring hair loss in adults and children with unknown etiopathogenesis, however immunological factors play an important role.

Aim
To evaluate the concentration of interleukin (IL) 10 (IL-10), IL-12, IL-17 and IL-35 in the blood serum of patients with AA.

Material and methods
AA study group consisted of 118 patients. The control group consisted of 54 healthy individuals. The severity of the disease was assessed by SALT score. In the study group, the percentage of hair loss averaged 49.6% ±36.3%. The concentration of IL-10, IL-12, IL-17 and IL-35 in the serum was assessed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).

Results
In patients with AA, the level of IL-12 and IL-17 was significantly higher than in the control group (p > 0.05). The level of IL-10 in patients was slightly higher, whereas the level of IL-35 was slightly lower, compared to the control group, but those differences were not statistically significant. Furthermore, in patients with more severe disease the IL-12 level was significantly higher as compared to patients with the less severe AA (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
The etiopathogenesis of AA is complex, however Th1 and Th17 lymphocytes and their increased activity are undoubtedly significant contributors in this process. Disorders of immunological processes in AA require further research in order to understand the underlying pathomechanisms of the disease and to provide potential therapeutic strategies.