Cut-off values for IL-21 and IL-23 as biochemical markers for pemphigus vulgaris

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a potentially fatal mucocutaneous autoimmune disease characterized by severe skin lesions. Interleukin-21 (IL-21) and IL-23 have been linked to several autoimmune inflammatory diseases that may have a critical role in PV immunopathogenesis, including T-helper 17 (Th17) development. This study aimed to compare the serum levels of IL-21 and IL-23 in patients with PV and healthy controls. This case-control study included 90 participants (45 patients and 45 controls). Serum IL-21 and IL-23 were measured using the Sandwich-ELISA method provided by Sunlong Biotech, China. The findings revealed statistically significant results for IL-21 O.D. and Conc. (p=0.012*) and highly significant results for IL-23 O.D. and Conc. (p=0.000**). Furthermore, cut-off values were established for IL-21 (O.D.=0.071 pg/mL, Conc.=6.468 pg/mL) and IL-23 (O.D.=0.141 pg/mL, Conc.=6.745 pg/mL). These results indicate a potential association between PV and IL-21, IL-23, and the identified cut-off values. The particular roles of cytokines and how they can be utilized to treat PV require more investigation. To our knowledge, this was the first study to detect a cut-off point for IL-21 and IL-23 that may be used as novel and cost-effective biochemical markers for disease diagnosis.