Increased levels of serum IL-31 in chronic spontaneous urticaria

Exp Dermatol. 2010 May;19(5):464-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2010.01067.x. Epub 2010 Feb 16.

Abstract

IL-31 represents a novel cytokine involved in pruritic skin diseases including atopic dermatitis (AD). We, therefore, aimed at investigating IL-31 levels in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CU). We included 46 patients with CU, 26 non-atopic skin healthy subjects as negative and 28 patients with AD as positive controls. IL-31 serum levels were analysed using commercial ELISA kit. IL-31 serum levels were higher in patients with CU compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001), but lower compared to patients with AD (P < 0.001). There was no difference in IL-31 serum levels in autologous serum skin test positive or negative CU patients and patients with infectious trigger factors including helicobacter pylori infection. IL-31 serum levels may play a role in the pathophysiology of CU. This is supported by the finding that not all patients with CU respond to antihistamine treatment but to the treatment with immunosuppressive drugs.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Autoimmune Diseases / complications
  • Autoimmune Diseases / diagnosis
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / blood
  • Helicobacter Infections / complications
  • Helicobacter Infections / diagnosis
  • Helicobacter pylori
  • Humans
  • Interleukins / blood*
  • Middle Aged
  • Serum / immunology
  • Skin Tests
  • Urticaria / blood*
  • Urticaria / etiology

Substances

  • IL31 protein, human
  • Interleukins