IL-36 in hidradenitis suppurativa: Evidence for a distinctive pro-inflammatory role and a key factor in the development of an inflammatory loop

Abstract

Background

A possible regulatory involvement of the interleukin (IL)-36 family in inflammatory diseases has been suggested.

Objectives

To analyze the expression of IL-36α, β, γ, and the antagonistic cytokines IL-36Ra, IL-37, and IL38 in the skin of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) patients.

Methods

Skin samples from lesional and corresponding perilesional HS skin, and from healthy controls were included in this study and analyzed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. To evaluate the PCR results of IL-36α, β, and γ, a subset of skin samples was studied by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Expression levels of IL-36α, β, γ, and IL-36Ra were all significantly higher in lesional HS skin compared to healthy controls. IL-37 and IL-38 were significantly higher in perilesional HS skin compared to healthy controls and decreased in lesional HS skin.

Limitations

Descriptive study and small sample size.

Conclusions

Our results showed a possible involvement of IL-36 cytokines in the inflammatory network of HS and a dysbalance between the agonistic and antagonistic cytokines in HS skin.

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