The role of interleukin-22 in pityriasis rosea

Summary

Background

Pityriasis rosea (PR) is an exanthematous disease related to reactivation of human herpes virus (HHV) types 6 and 7. The pathogenesis and cytokine profile of PR are still poorly understood.There is a large amount of evidence indicating a viral aetiology for PR.

Aim

To measure the serum level of interleukin (IL)-22, a cytokine expressed by T helper (Th)17 cells in patients with PR to explore the possible association of IL-22 with the pathogenesis of the disease.

Methods

This case–control study enrolled 25 patients with PR (mean ± SD age 20 ± 12 years) and a control group of 25 apparently healthy individuals (mean age 18 ± 12.1 years). Blood samples were collected from both patients and controls to measure serum IL-22. Scoring of PR was performed using the Pityriasis Rosea Severity Score (PRSS).

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in IL-22 serum level between the patient and control groups. The IL-22 serum level increased with increase in disease severity (PRSS), extent and duration.

Conclusion

Through its proinflammatory cytokines, IL-22 plays a role in the inflammatory process of PR.

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