Abstract
BackgroundAlopecia areata (AA) is a non-scarring hair loss condition, the pathogenesis of which is not fully understood. Genetic predisposition, autoimmunity, and stress may each play a role. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a cytokine that plays a role in the regulation of macrophage function. It also initiates inflammation and immune response by regulating a number of proinflammatory cytokines.
ObjectivesThis study was designed to study serum and lesional skin biopsy MIF levels in AA patients and to assess their associations with disease severity.
MethodsThis study included 30 patients with AA and 15 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. Quantitative measurements of MIF concentrations in sera and skin samples were obtained in both patients and control subjects. Associations with disease severity (assessed using the Severity of Alopecia Tool) were evaluated.
ResultsMean standard deviation (SD) MIF levels in serum and skin were significantly higher in AA patients (45.03 +/- 26.98 ng/ml and 73.83 +/- 29.81 ng/ml, respectively) than in controls (7.73 +/- 1.62 ng/ml and 0.40 +/- 1.12 ng/ml, respectively) (P < 0.01). Mean +/- SD serum and skin MIF levels were also found to be higher in severe AA (69.93 +/- 11.51 ng/ml and 100.80 +/- 13.77 ng/ml, respectively) than in mild AA (20.13 +/- 6.84 ng/ml and 46.87 +/- 9.65 ng/ml, respectively) (P < 0.01).
ConclusionsThe finding that MIF is increased in serum and lesional skin of AA patients indicates its possible involvement in the pathogenesis of the disease.