Study of IFN-γ and IL-10 Levels in Serum of Patients with Alopecia Areata

Objective:To investigate Th1 and Th2 immune function in patients with alopecia areata and to explore the role of immunity in pathogenesis of alopecia areata.Methods:Sixty one patients with alopecia areata were divided into two groups: alopecia areata(AA,n=51) and alopecia totalis/alopecia universalis(AT/AU,n=10) according to the severity of disease. An age and sex matched health control group (n=18) was enrolled. The levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 in serum of the above were determined by enzyme-linked immunoadsordent assay(ELISA). Results:(1)The IFN-γ level in serum of AT/AU was significantly higher than that of the control. There were no significant differences of serum IFN-γ level either between AT/AU and AA or between AA and controls. (2)No significant differences were found among the three groups in serum IL-10 levels. Conclusion:IFN-γ may be play an important role in alopicia totalis/alopicia universalis, IL-10 may not be a major factor in alopecia areata.