Plasma Interferon(IFN)-gamma, Interleukin(IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-10 Concentrations in Atopic Dermatitis

Noh, Geun Woong; Lee, Ki Young

Abstract

PURPOSE
There is reduced IFN-gamma production with increased IL-4 production in atopic dermatitis. IgE production is known to increase from an imbalance of IFN-gamma and IL-4 production. IgE overproduction is regarded as a major problem in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. In this study we evaluated the significances of plasma IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 concentrations in atopic dermatitis. Also the correlation between IL-4 and IgE levels as well as IFN-gamma and IgE levels were tested.
METHODS
One hundred and five(105) atopic dermatitis patients who fulfilled the criteria of Hanifin and Rajka were tested as an atopic dermatitis patient group. Forty(40) normal controls who have not had any personal or family history of allergic diseases were tested as a normal control group. Routine hematologic tests, plasma IgE levels and total eosinophil counts were tested in both groups. Also plasma IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 concentrations were measured using high-sensitive IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IFN-gamma ELISA kits in both groups.
RESULTS
There was no noticeable difference in WBC counts between the atopic dermatitis group and the normal control group. In comparison, eosinophil percents in WBC and total eosinophil counts were significantly high in the atopic dermatitis group. Plasma IgE levels were also markedly elevated in the atopic dermatitis group. Plasm IFN-gamma levels were significantly low in the atopic dermatitis group(0.58+/-2.12 pg/ml) as compared with normal control group(5.20+/-2.60pg/ml)(P<0.01). IL-4 and IL-5 were not detected in normal controls. But in the atopic dermatitis group plasma IL-4 concentration was 1.00+/-2.05pg/ml and IL-5 was 2.18+/-1.96pg/ml. Plasma IL-10 concentration was significantly low in the atopic dermatitis group(2.36+/-3.38 pg/ml) as compared with the normal control group(9.78+/-4.52pg/ml)(P<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
Plasma IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 levels were clinically significant in atopic dermatitis. However, plasma IL-10 levels of the atopic dermatitis was lower as compared to that of the normal subject. There was no significant correlation among plasma IFN-gamma, IL-4 levels, and blood IgE levels.