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

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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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy

    Mario Vaccaro, Francesca Cicero, Olga Barbuzza, Serafinella P. Cannavò & Sebastiano Gangemi

  2. Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences, and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy

    Carmen Mannucci, Gioacchino Calapai & Giovanna Spatari

Authors
  1. Mario Vaccaro
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  2. Francesca Cicero
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  3. Carmen Mannucci
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  4. Gioacchino Calapai
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  5. Giovanna Spatari
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  6. Olga Barbuzza
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  7. Serafinella P. Cannavò
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  8. Sebastiano Gangemi
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Correspondence to Mario Vaccaro.

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Vaccaro, M., Cicero, F., Mannucci, C. et al. IL-33 circulating serum levels are increased in patients with non-segmental generalized vitiligo. Arch Dermatol Res 308, 527–530 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-016-1675-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-016-1675-2

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