Acne vulgaris (AV) is a typical inflammation-related condition of the pilosebaceous apparatus that has extremely detrimental impact on one's quality of life & mental health. Interleukin (IL)-36 cytokines (α, β, γ) promote the activation of T-helper 1 and T-helper-17 cells, which then secrete tumor necrosis factor-, interferon-γ, IL-17, IL-22 in addition to other inflammatory mediators. These cytokines stimulate epithelial cells for producing numerous growth factors and inflammatory mediators, thereby exacerbating the inflammation. IL-36 cytokines have been associated with various conditions that are inflammation-related. Aim: Its objective was to evaluate IL-36γ serum levels among AV participants and healthy controls, and to look into any possible connection among IL-36 & the severity of AV.
Patients and methods: 45 participants were enrolled in this study after they presented with AV, along with 45 controls who did not have AV. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was utilized to evaluate serum levels of IL-36γ in AV patients and controls. Results: The study revealed that cases with AV had significantly higher IL-36γ serum levels than controls (p < 0.001). IL-36γ serum levels correlated positively with AV severity (P=0.002). Cases with severe acne had higher levels than those with mild & moderate acne (p=0.005). Moreover, IL-36γ serum levels were significantly higher among cases with positive family history of AV (p=0.019).
Conclusion: Individuals with AV had significantly greater serum IL-36γ levels in contrast to controls and they were related to AV severity and post acne scarring. IL-36γ may therefore show a significant function in AV inflammatory reactions and the induction of post acne scarring.