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Interleukin 31 in vitiligo patients with and without pruritus
Shaimaa E Lashin1, Olfat G Shaker2, Samar M El-Tahlawi3
1Department of Dermatology, STDs, and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt.
Introduction:
Vitiligo is a prevalent skin disorder characterized by the destruction of melanocytes, leading to depigmented patches across various areas of the body. Interleukin (IL)-31 has been implicated in the development of pruritus and skin inflammation, potentially contributing to cutaneous symptoms. This study measures IL-31 levels in vitiligo patients with and without pruritus, comparing them to healthy controls, and explores the relationship between IL-31 levels, disease activity, and other clinical factors to assess its potential role in the early diagnosis of vitiligo.
Methods:
Ninety individuals were enrolled in the study and equally divided into three groups: vitiligo, vitiligo with pruritus, and healthy controls. The serum level of IL-31 was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results:
Significant differences in IL-31 levels were observed across all groups. IL-31 levels were highest in vitiligo patients with pruritus, followed by those without pruritus, and lowest in healthy controls, with mean values and standard deviations of 196 ± 67.28, 152.10 ± 74.39, and 80.03 ± 32.30 pg/ml, respectively. In addition, IL-31 levels in serum showed significant differences in relation to disease activity in both vitiligo groups. Positive correlations were found between IL-31 levels and the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) and Vitiligo Disease Activity (VIDA) in both patient groups, as well as between IL-31 levels and lesion extent in vitiligo patients without pruritus. In patients with pruritus, IL-31 levels also positively correlated with age and the 5-dimension itch scale score.
Conclusion:
IL-31 may serve as a crucial marker and play a significant role in the early diagnosis of vitiligo in patients both with and without pruritus.
Insights
Interleukin (IL)-31 levels are elevated in vitiligo patients, correlating with disease severity and itch. This suggests IL-31 may aid in early vitiligo diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Vitiligo is a skin disorder causing melanocyte destruction and depigmentation.
- Interleukin (IL)-31 is linked to pruritus and skin inflammation, potentially impacting vitiligo symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure IL-31 levels in vitiligo patients with and without pruritus compared to healthy controls.
- To explore the relationship between IL-31 levels, disease activity, and clinical factors in vitiligo.
- To assess IL-31's potential role in early vitiligo diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Serum IL-31 levels were measured using ELISA in 90 participants across three groups: vitiligo, vitiligo with pruritus, and healthy controls.
- Participants were equally divided into these three study groups.
Main Results:
- IL-31 levels were significantly higher in vitiligo patients (152.10 ± 74.39 pg/ml) and vitiligo with pruritus patients (196 ± 67.28 pg/ml) compared to healthy controls (80.03 ± 32.30 pg/ml).
- IL-31 levels positively correlated with disease activity indices (VASI, VIDA) and lesion extent in vitiligo patients.
- In patients with pruritus, IL-31 levels also correlated with age and itch severity (5-D Itch Scale).
Conclusions:
- Elevated IL-31 levels are associated with vitiligo, particularly in patients experiencing pruritus.
- IL-31 may serve as a valuable biomarker for the early diagnosis of vitiligo, irrespective of pruritus.
- Further research can explore IL-31's therapeutic implications in vitiligo management.
