[Interferon-gamma and neopterin in alopecia areata]

Alopecia areata (AA) is a disorder primarily affecting the hair in which associated autoimmune or atopic disease is common. The aim of the study was to compare the serum levels of interferon-gamma (INF-gamma) and neopterin (NPT) in 30 patients with AA and the control group (10 blood donors). We also investigated the difference between localized form of AA (I group), extensive form of AA (II group) and patients with family history of AA (III group). Each group consisted of 10 patients. The serum levels of INF-gamma and NPT were measured using enzyme immunoassay techniques. The mean serum INF-gamma level in control was 9,7+/-3,18 pg/mL. The mean serum INF-gamma level in AA patients (n = 30) was 14,6+/-4,81 pg/mL, whereas I group (n = 10) calculates 12,37+/-4,42 pg/mL; II group (n = 10) - 17,1+/-4,87 pg/mL and III group (n = 10) - 13,57+/-4,02 pg/mL. Serum levels of INF-gamma in patients with AA were significantly higher than those in controls (p=0,0017). Significant difference was observed in serum levels of INF-gamma between patients with extensive form and control group (p=0,0008). There was no significant difference in serum levels of INF-gamma between patients with localized form and control group (p=0,17); also between III group (with family history) and control group (p=0,057). Significant difference was observed in serum levels of INF-gamma between patients with extensive and localized forms of AA (p=0,047). There was no significant difference between patients with I and III (p=0,6); also II and III groups (p=0,1). The mean serum level NPT in control was 5,3+/-2,39 nmol/L. The mean serum NPT level in AA patients was 14,06+/-11,4 nmol/L, in I group it was equal to 10,16+/-10,06 nmol/L; II group - 21,78+/-10,8 nmol/L and III group - 10,24+/-10,12 nmol/L. Serum levels of NTP in patients with AA were significantly higher than those in controls (p=0,0003). Significant difference was observed in serum levels of NPT between patients with extensive form and control group (p=0,0001). There was no significant difference in serum levels of NPT between patients with localized form and control group (p=0,15): also between III group (with family history) and control group (p=0,15). Significant difference was observed in serum levels of INF-gamma between patients with extensive and localized form AA (p=0,02) and extensive and with family history (p=0,02) There was no significant difference between patients of I and III groups (p=0,98). Authors thank the company IBL-Hamburg and its representative in Georgia IRISE Ltd. for their support in this study.