IL-33 circulating serum levels are increased in patients with non-segmental generalized vitiligo

Abstract

IL-33 is a recently identified cytokine, encoded by the IL-33 gene, which is a member of the IL-1 family that drives the production of T-helper-2 (Th-2)-associated cytokines. Serum levels of IL-33 have been reported to be up-regulated in various T-helper (Th)-1/Th-17-mediated diseases, such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel. To investigate whether cytokine imbalance plays a role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo, we performed a case-control association study by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of IL-33 in our patients. IL-33 serum levels were measured by a quantitative enzyme immunoassay technique in patients with non-segmental generalized vitiligo and compared with those of healthy controls. IL-33 serum levels in patients with vitiligo were significantly increased than those in healthy controls. There was a positive correlation of IL-33 serum levels with extension of vitiligo and disease activity. This study suggests a possible systemic role of IL-33 in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Inhibiting IL-33 activity might be a novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory disease, like vitiligo.

Alarmins HMGB1, IL-33, S100A7, and S100A12 in Psoriasis Vulgaris

“…These contradictory findings suggest that more research deeply focused on the immunopathology of IL-33 in psoriasis is needed. Higher serum levels of IL-33 were also found in atopic dermatitis, generalized vitiligo, or Still's disease [20,34,35]. Mediators of Inflammation In our study, we have found higher levels of S100A7 (psoriasin) in the patients than in healthy controls which is in concordance with the results of study of Gambichler et al Nevertheless, we have not found any significant relationship of S100A7 with PASI or did Gambichler et al [36].…”

“…It is also released after cellular damage through the activation of various immune cells (with ST2 receptor), which leads to the production of various molecules, including IL-33. The IL-33-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines plays an important role as a bridge between innate and adaptive immune responses in allergic diseases [19,20]. Its higher serum levels were found in various immunopathological conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or atopic dermatitis [20].…”

“…The IL-33-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines plays an important role as a bridge between innate and adaptive immune responses in allergic diseases [19,20]. Its higher serum levels were found in various immunopathological conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or atopic dermatitis [20]. S100A7, a small calcium-binding protein from the S100 group of alarmins, is an antimicrobial peptide and signaling molecule which regulates cellular functions [21].…”

The role of interleukins in vitiligo: a systematic review

“…In fact, IL-33, similar to other cytokines in the IL-1 family, is a nuclear cytokine released by the epithelial cells in various tissues and organs, including keratinocytes, endothelial cells and immune cells, and by necrotic structural cells, such as fibroblast or keratinocytes. 44 43 The role of IL-33 in vitiligo is based on its secretion from apoptotic keratinocytes and further inhibition of SCF and bFGF expression in keratinocytes.…”

“…It has therefore been suggested that IL-33 could be a possible novel and promising therapeutic target in vitiligo and other autoimmune diseases; moreover, the development of IL-33 inhibitors may be a promising line of research studies. 44…”