In vitro cytokine profile in childhood alopecia areata and the immunomodulatory effects of AS-101

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of AS-101, a known immunomodulator, on the pattern of cytokine production in children with patchy alopecia areata (PAA). Ten previously untreated children with PAA were compared to 10 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from all participants. Unstimulated and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated PBMC were tested with and without the addition of AS-101. The production of interferon gamma (IFNgamma), soluble interleukin (IL)-2 receptor (IL-2R), IL-10, IL-5 and IL-6 was determined. The levels of soluble IL-2R, IL-5 and IL-6 were significantly higher in the PAA patients than the controls. AS-101 inhibited the production of IL-10, IFNgamma, IL-2R and IL-5 in both PAA patients and controls, but there was a greater inhibitory effect in children with PAA.

Alopecia areata: pathogenesis and potential for therapy

“…A preliminary investigation suggested it might have a beneficial effect on the activated cells from patients with AA (Ref. 139). Glatiramer acetate is a drug that is growing in popularity for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.…”

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia

“…55 Understanding the immunomodulatory role of AS101 has led to a shift in research interest toward using the agent for alopecia areata, an autoimmune hair loss disease. 59 The third potential agent, calcitriol, is a vitamin D3 analog that inhibits keratinocyte proliferation via inhibition of DNA synthesis, cell cycle arrest, and induction of differentiation. 60 Calcitriol has been shown to protect against Cytoxan-induced alopecia in rats and improve hair regrowth after cyclophosphamide treatment in mice.…”

Alopecia Areata Universalis After Phenobarbital-Induced Anti-Convulsant Hypersensitivity Syndrome

“…Along with genetic factors of HLA subtyping (Gilhar et al, 2007;Kavak et al, 2000;McDonagh et al, 1996;Paus et al, 1993Paus et al, , 2005Sundberg et al, 2003Sundberg et al, , 2004Welsh et al, 1994;Xiao et al, 2006), the cytokines of Th1 cytokines or others including IFN-g, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-16 have also contributed to the pathogenesis of alopecia (Lortkipanidze et al, 2005;Shohat et al, 2005;Tanyasiri et al, 2005). Thus, steroids remain the most rationale treatment modality to inhibit progression and cytokine secretions (Wasserman et al, 2007).…”