Assessment of Interleukin - 37 Serum Level in Atopic Dermatitis Patients and Its Correlation with Disease Severity

Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease presented by intense pruritus with typical clinical features. Interleukin (IL-37) has been found to play an important regulatory role in the development of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Objectives:to assess the alteration of serum level of IL-37 in AD patients compared to healthy controls (HCs). Methods: This case control study included 40 patients with atopic AD and 40 age and gender matched HCs. Severity of AD was evaluated using severity scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD). Complete blood count with differential and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) were measured in all patients. Serum IL-37 concentrations were measured in both groups via enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Result: Serum level of IL37 was significantly higher in AD patients than in HCs. This level correlated positively with each of SCORAD, IgE level, and correlated negatively with patients’ age and age of disease onset. Conclusion: IL-37 may play a role in the immune dysregulation encountered in AD and may be an important predictor for AD severity.