Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate salivary and serum levels of IL-33 in oral pemphigus vulgaris patients, before and after corticosteroid therapy, in a trial to elucidate its possible role in the disease pathogenesis.
Subjects and Methods: This study included 30 individuals; 15 patients with oral pemphigus vulgaris and 15 healthy controls. Salivary and serum samples were collected from all patients, before and after corticosteroid therapy, and form healthy controls. IL-33 was quantified in all salivary and serum samples utilizing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results: Compared to healthy controls, IL-33 levels were statistically significantly higher in saliva and serum of patients with oral pemphigus vulgaris. Salivary and serum Levels of IL-33 decreased significantly in all patients after corticosteroid therapy.
Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that IL-33 may have a key role in oral pemphigus vulgaris pathogenesis. IL-33 may become a new therapeutic target for oral pemphigus vulgaris.