Interleukin-35 Level in Acne Vulgaris

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial disease affects the pilosebaceous follicle and results in inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions with certain role of cytokines in its pathogenesis. Interleukin-35 (IL-35) cytokine has been shown to exhibit immunosuppressive activities, which are distinct from other members of IL-12 family. IL-35 is also unique in that it is expressed primarily by regulatory T- cells (Tregs) rather than by antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Objective: To investigate the role of IL-35 in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris by assessing its levels in lesional skin and serum of patients with acne vulgaris compared with normal individuals. Patients and methods: 44 subjects were divided into 2 groups: Group 1: It included measurement of serum and tissue level of interleukin 35 in 22 acne vulgaris patients with age group (15-30). All of them were subjected to detailed history taking, dermatological and general examination. Group 2: It included 22 healthy, age, and gender matched individuals as a control group. Result:Our results show a highly statistically significant difference between acne patient and control regarding IL-35 level in serum and tissue. Conclusion: Our study may provide evidence that serum and tissue IL-35 are important anti-inflammatory cytokines. They are actively expressed by the sebaceous glands. They have significant higher expression in acne patients. They are hypothesized to play a key role in acne cure at multiple points, through their anti-inflammatory action. This effect may be hindered in acne vulgaris by undiscovered obstacles.