Assessment of Interleukin-17A and Interleukin-2 Serum Levels in Patients with Alopecia Areata

Abstract

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a condition that leads to the loss of hair in the part of the body due to the destruction of hair follicles, and causing patchy, non-scarring hair loss. The source of AA is unclear; however, there is much evidence assuming that alopecia areata is a disease mediated by the immune system. Aim: To measure the levels of serum interleukin (IL-17A and IL-2) in alopecia areata patients and their associations with the severity and period of illness, along with other prognostic disease variables. Materials and Methods: To perform the study, 40 patients with alopecia areata and 40 healthy controls were registered.  The serum levels of IL-2 and IL-17A in alopecia areata patients and healthy controls were evaluated by applying ELISA techniques (Sandwich ELISA). Results: Compared to the healthy group, patients with alopecia areata revealed much higher levels of IL-17A and IL-2 (p > 0.05). Baseline interleukin levels did not associate statistically significantly with the severity or period of the disease. Conclusions: The current study suggests that IL-17A and IL-2 were strongly linked with alopecia areata and may have a crucial role in the condition's progress.