Interleukin 38 serum level is increased in patients with vitiligo, correlated with disease severity, and associated with signs of disease activity

Background Vitiligo is an acquired cutaneous depigmenting disease caused by a T helper (Th) 1-cytotoxic T cells driven autoimmune attack against melanocytes, in which Th17 is also involved. Interleukin (IL)-38 belongs to the IL-1 family of cytokines and suppresses Th1 and Th17 activation. IL-38 protein and mRNA levels have been found to be elevated in various autoimmune disorders and correlated with disease severity and activity, including psoriasis, systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and atopic dermatitis. No previous studies have been performed to investigate the expression of IL-38 in patients with vitiligo. Aim To evaluate IL-38 serum level in patients with vitiligo compared to healthy controls (Hcs) and examine the association between IL-38 level and severity and activity of vitiligo. Patients and Methods The study comprised 21 patients with vitiligo and 21 Hcs. Vitiligo severity and activity were evaluated via Vitiligo Extent Score (VES) and Vitiligo Disease Activity (VIDA) Score, respectively. IL-38 serum level was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Vitiligo patients had significantly higher serum level of IL-38 than Hcs (p < 0.001). This level was significantly higher among patients with signs of vitiligo activity (p = 0.048), correlated positively with VES (p < 0.001), and correlated negatively with the age of patients (p = 0.001) and the age of disease onset (p = 0.022). Conclusion IL-38 serum level was higher in patients with vitiligo than in Hcs and was related to vitiligo severity and signs of activity.

Automated summary

The study revealed that serum IL-38 levels were significantly higher in patients with vitiligo compared to healthy controls, and were associated with disease severity and activity.