Plasma level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in children with atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases in children. It is characterized by exacerbated Th2 response. However recent research shows that other pathways may be involved. In our study we aimed to assess whether plasma level of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-17A, IL-19) involved in different pathways (Th1, Th2, Th17) may reflect on disease severity. Children with atopic dermatitis according to Hanifin and Rajka criteria were enrolled in the study. Control group was marched according to sex and age. Disease severity was measured using SCORAD. IL-17A, IL-4 and IL-1β plasma levels were measured with flow cytometry (CBA Human Enhanced Sensitivity Mater Buffer Kit) and IL-19 plasma levels were measured with human IL-19 ELISA kit according to manufacturers’ instructions. In the study 23 children with atopic dermatitis and 12 healthy children were involved. Median IL-1β, IL-4, IL-17A plasma levels in AD children were 41.88 fg/mL, 14.01 fg/mL, 119.36 fg/mL, respectively. Median IL-1β, IL-4, IL-17A in healthy children were 41.88 fg/mL, 14.01 fg/mL, 119.36 fg/mL. Mean IL-19 plasma level was 61.1 pg/mL ± 105.7 in AD patients whereas in control group 2.1 ± 5.9 pg/mL. IL-1 β and IL-17A plasma levels differed significantly between AD and control group (p<0.05, p<0.001) whereas IL-4 did not differ between AD and healthy control. IL-19 level was correlated with SCORAD index whereas IL-1 β, IL-4 and IL-17A was not. Our research confirm that different in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis may be involved not only Th2 pathway but also Th1 and Th17.