Assessment of the Potential Role of Selected Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) of Genes Related to the Functioning of Regulatory T Cells in the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis.

Recent studies have indicated a key role of the impaired suppressive capacity of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in psoriasis (PsO) pathogenesis. However, the genetic background of Treg dysfunctions remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of PsO development with selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes in which protein products play a significant role in the regulation of differentiation and function of Tregs. There were three study groups in our research and each consisted of different unrelated patients and controls: 192 PsO patients and 5605 healthy volunteers in the microarray genotyping group, 150 PsO patients and 173 controls in the ARMS-PCR method group, and 6 PsO patients and 6 healthy volunteers in the expression analysis group. The DNA microarrays analysis (283 SNPs of 57 genes) and ARMS-PCR method (8 SNPs in 7 genes) were used to determine the frequency of occurrence of SNPs in selected genes. The mRNA expression of selected genes was determined in skin samples. There were statistically significant differences in the allele frequencies of four SNPs in three genes (TNF, IL12RB2, and IL12B) between early-onset PsO patients and controls. The lowest p-value was observed for rs3093662 (TNF), and the G allele carriers had a 2.73 times higher risk of developing early-onset PsO. Moreover, the study revealed significant differences in the frequency of SNPs and their influence on PsO development between early- and late-onset PsO. Based on the ARMS-PCR method, the association between some polymorphisms of four genes (IL4, IL10, TGFB1, and STAT3) and the risk of developing PsO was noticed. Psoriatic lesions were characterized with a lower mRNA expression of FOXP3, CTLA4, and IL2, and a higher expression of TNF and IL1A in comparison with unaffected skin. In conclusion, the genetic background associated with properly functioning Tregs seems to play a significant role in PsO pathogenesis and could have diagnostic value.

Current Insight into the Role of IL-35 and Its Potential Involvement in the Pathogenesis and Therapy of Atopic Dermatitis.

Interleukin 35 (IL-35), a new member of the IL-12 family of heterodimeric cytokines, could induce two different types of regulatory cells including regulatory T and B cells such as IL-35-induced regulatory T cells and IL-10-producing regulatory B cells (IL-10+Bregs), and IL-35-producing regulatory B cells (IL-35+Bregs). These cells appear to play an important role in modulating the immune system in numerous diseases. Several findings suggested that the expression of IL-35 is dysregulated in many autoimmune, inflammatory, and allergic diseases. Due to the functions of IL-35, it seems that this cytokine may act as an efficient therapeutic strategy for numerous conditions including atopic dermatitis (AD). We aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of IL-35 in modulating the immune system. Additionally, we highlight IL-35 as a specific immunological target, discuss its possible involvement in the pathogenesis of AD, and hypothesize that IL-35 may become a novel target for the treatment of AD. However, further studies are required to evaluate this hypothesis.

Chemokine Profile in Psoriasis Patients in Correlation with Disease Severity and Pruritus.

Psoriasis (PsO) is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory skin disease associated in most cases with pruritus. Chemokines seem to play a significant role in PsO pathogenesis. The aim of the study was to analyse serum concentrations of CCL2/MCP-1, CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL4/MIP-1ß, CCL5/RANTES, CCL17/TARC, CCL18/PARC, CCL22/MDC and CXCL8/IL-8, and their correlation with PsO severity and pruritus intensity. The study included 60 PsO patients and 40 healthy volunteers. Serum concentrations of six (CCL2/MCP-1, CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL5/RANTES, CCL17/TARC, CCL18/PARC and CCL22/MDC) out of eight analysed chemokines were significantly elevated in PsO patients; however, they did not correlate with disease severity. The serum level of CCL5/RANTES was significantly higher in patients with the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) ≥ 15 (p = 0.01). The serum concentration of CCL17/TARC correlated positively with pruritus assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) (R = 0.47; p = 0.05). The study indicated CCL17/TARC as a potential biomarker of pruritus intensity in PsO patients. Chemokines appear to be involved in the development of PsO systemic inflammation. Further detailed studies on the interactions between chemokines, proinflammatory cytokines and immune system cells in PsO are required to search for new targeted therapies.

Combination of FLG mutations and SNPs of IL-17A and IL-19 influence on atopic dermatitis occurrence.

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a heterogeneous inflammatory skin disease. A fresh look on the AD pathophysiology has focused on the skin barrier defect and immune dysfunctions. IL-17A and IL-19 seem to play role in AD pathogenesis. Aim: The aim was to investigate associations of SNPs of IL-17A (rs2275913) and IL-19 (rs22431188) with AD features, course and occurrence. Searching for prognostic panels composed of FLG (2282del4, R501X) mutations with IL-17A and IL-19 polymorphisms. Material and methods: Blood samples were collected from 239 patients with AD and 170 controls. Two SNPs, IL-17A and IL-19 and FLG null mutations were analyzed. PCR and RFLP restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis were used. SCORAD score to establish AD severity, VAS to estimate pruritus. Results: None polymorphisms of studied cytokines caused more frequent AD occurrence compared to controls. We found no associations between IL-17A and IL-19 gene polymorphisms and AD severity (respectively p = 0.954; p = 0.498), IgE level (p = 0.707; p = 0.584), VAS (p = 0.953; p = 0.478), concomitant asthma (p = 0.488, p = 0.764). The G/G genotype in IL-17A (rs2275913) occurrence with coexisting 2282del4 FLG gene mutation increased the AD frequency 9 times (p = 0.0266). Conclusions: The SNPs of IL-17A rs2275913 and IL-19 rs22431188 SNP seem not to have influence on AD course and occurrence while studied alone. The coexistence of GG genotype of IL-17A and 2282del4 FLG mutation may play a role as prognostic AD factor.

Combination of FLG mutations and SNP of TSLP (rs1898671) influence on atopic dermatitis occurrence.

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic, relapsing and heterogeneous inflammatory skin disease. Its main causes are genetic predispositions, the epidermal barrier defect, and immune system dysfunction. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is highly expressed in the epidermis of AD patients and its production is triggered by exposure to environmental factors, allergens, microorganisms and irritants. Aim: To search for the associations between rs1898671 polymorphism in the promotor region of the TSLP gene (SNP) and AD occurrence and course. Material and methods: The frequency of polymorphism occurrence was examined, connection with IgE level, the severity of AD, itching, and concomitant asthma occurrence and combination with FLG gene mutations (2282del4, R501X) in the population of northern Poland. Blood samples were collected from 239 patients with AD and 170 controls. SNP of TSLP and FLG null mutations were analysed. PCR and RFLP restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was used. Results: No polymorphisms of studied cytokines caused more frequent occurrence of AD compared to controls. We found no associations between TSLP gene polymorphism and AD severity (p = 0.395), IgE level (p = 0.895), VAS (p = 0.918) or concomitant asthma (p = 0.742). Conclusions: The SNP of TSLP rs1898671 does not influence the AD course and occurrence. 2282del4 FLG mutation is a key influencer in AD. However, the coexistence of FLG mutations and SNP of TSLP may play a protective role.

Serum levels and single nucleotide polymorphisms of the interleukin-33 gene in atopic dermatitis.

Introduction: Interleukin 33 (IL-33) is considered significant in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). Aim: To determine the correlation between the serum levels of IL-33 and single nucleotide polymorphisms of its gene in the -9894 T/C (rs1929992) and -11877 C/T (rs10975519) loci and the course of AD. Material and methods: The study group consisted of 191 patients with AD and 168 controls. Results: The TT genotype appeared to be most frequent in patients with severe pruritus (OR = 6.69, 95% CI: 1.24-35.99, p = 0.01). Conclusions: The results of our study are particularly important in the light of personalized medicine and might significantly contribute to further studies in this field.

Interleukin-31 is overexpressed in skin and serum in cutaneous T-cell lymphomas but does not correlate to pruritus.

Introduction: Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are malignant lymphoproliferative disorders accompanied by persistent pruritus. Pruritogenic role of interleukin-31 (IL-31) has been studied extensively and was proven in atopic dermatitis (AD), while its role in CTCL is still rather vague. Aim: To investigate IL-31 serum level along with IL-31, IL-31 receptor α (IL-31RA) and oncostatin M receptor ß (OSMR) skin expression in CTCL and compare it to controls: AD and healthy volunteers. Material and methods: The level of IL-31 in serum was measured using ELISA, while IL-31 and receptors' expression in the skin were measured using immunohistochemistry and correlated with the stage of disease and pruritus severity. Results: Expression of IL-31 and IL-31 receptor in serum and skin were significantly higher in CTCL and AD in comparison to healthy controls. No significant correlation between the IL-31 serum level and pruritus severity in CTCL patients was found. There was also no correlation between IL-31/IL-31RA/OSMR expression in the skin and CTCL pruritus, while IL-31 and IL-31RA in CTCL skin negatively correlated with the stage of disease. Conclusions: Our data indicate that IL-31 does not play a crucial role in pruritus in CTCL but it is rather involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. It seems that IL-31 plays an essential role in the pruritus pathomechanism that is unique to AD.

Significance of interleukin-31 (IL-31) gene polymorphisms and IL-31 serum level in psoriasis in correlation with pruritus.

INTRODUCTION: Interleukin-31 (IL-31) impact on the development and clinical presentation of psoriasis as well as pruritus has not been widely investigated so far. AIM: To analyse IL-31 -1066G/A and -2057G/A promoter gene polymorphisms as well as serum IL-31 level and their correlation with severity of psoriasis and pruritus in the population of northern Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 300 psoriasis patients and 186 healthy volunteers. The polymorphisms were analysed using amplified refractory mutation system - polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) method. Serum levels of IL-31 were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. RESULTS: The -1066 AA genotype of the IL-31 gene was statistically more frequent in patients and it increased the risk of psoriasis (OR = 1.80; p = 0.04). The GG genotype as well as G allele of the IL-31 -2057 gene polymorphism were rarely observed in psoriasis and were associated with a decreased risk of the disease (OR = 0.6, p = 0.007 and OR = 0.7, p = 0.01, respectively). Serum levels of IL-31 were significantly elevated in psoriasis patients (p < 0.000001), however, they did not correlate with the studied polymorphic variants of the IL-31 gene, severity of psoriasis, disease onset, presence of psoriatic arthritis and pruritus intensity. CONCLUSIONS: Distinct IL-31 promoter gene polymorphisms may be involved in psoriasis development. It seems that serum concentration of IL-31 may not be a reliable marker of psoriatic pruritus.

The Possible Role of Gene Variant Coding Nonfunctional Toll-Like Receptor 2 in the Pathogenesis of Mastocytosis.

BACKGROUND: Data on the genetic predisposition to mastocytosis are scarce. The aim of this work was to study the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2, TLR-4, and TLR-9 genes in Polish patients with mastocytosis. OBJECTIVES: The study comprised 137 patients with mastocytosis (102 cutaneous [60 children and 42 adults] and 35 systemic cases); 171 disease-free individuals were used as controls. METHOD: The frequency of polymorphisms R753Q (rs5743708) of TLR-2, 896 A>G (rs496790) of TLR-4, and -1237C>T (rs5743836) of TLR-9 genes were determined with the use of the amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS: It was found that the R753Q TLR-2 gene polymorphism was significantly more frequent in patients with mastocytosis in comparison to healthy controls (p = 0.037) and in the group of SM versus controls (p = 0.0076). The presence in the genotype 753Q variant of TLR-2 gene increased the risk of mastocytosis more than 2-fold (OR 2.51; p = 0.04), and the risk of SM more than 4-fold (OR 4.22; p = 0.01). TLR-4 and TLR-9 polymorphisms were not associated with mastocytosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the R753Q polymorphism of the TLR-2 gene may be involved in the pathogenesis of mastocytosis.

New Cytokines in the Pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis-New Therapeutic Targets.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a recurrent, chronic, and inflammatory skin disease, which processes with severe itchiness. It often coexists with different atopic diseases. The number of people suffering from AD is relatively high. Epidemiological research demonstrates that 15⁻30% of children and 2⁻10% adults suffer from AD. The disease has significant negative social and economic impacts, substantially decreasing the quality of life of the patients and their families. Thanks to enormous progress in science and technology, it becomes possible to recognise complex genetic, immunological, and environmental factors and epidermal barrier defects that play a role in the pathogenesis of AD. We hope that the new insight on cytokines in AD will lead to new, individualised therapy and will open different therapeutic possibilities. In this article, we will focus on the cytokines, interleukin (IL)-17, IL-19, IL-33, and TSLP (thymic stromal lymphopoietin), which play a significant role in AD pathogenesis and may become the targets for future biologic therapies in AD. It is believed that the new era of biological drugs in AD will give a chance for patients to receive more successful treatment.

Presence of Chlamydophila pneumoniae DNA in blood cells is a frequent event in patients with the late stage of primary cutaneous lymphomas and with atopic dermatitis.

INTRODUCTION: Microbial infection and associated super antigens have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), and many patients die from complicating bacterial infections. It has been postulated that Chlamydophila pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) infection may be involved in the pathogenesis of Mycosis fungoides (MF) but published data are limited and controversial. AIM: To analyze the frequency of (C. pneumoniae) DNA presence in blood samples of lymphoma cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using Q-PCR method we analyzed the presence of DNA in the blood samples obtained from 57 patients with CTCL (55 - mycosis fungoides (MF)/Sézary syndrome (SS), one primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (CD30+) and one NKT cell lymphoma) and 3 patients with cutaneous B-cell lymphomas, and 120 individuals from control groups (40 patients with psoriasis, 40 patients with atopic dermatitis and 40 healthy controls). RESULTS: Chlamydophila pneumoniae DNA was identified in 13 of 55 cases in the MF/SS group (23.6%), in 1 patient with CD30+ large cell lymphoma and in 1 of 3 patients with B-cell lymphoma. The presence of C. pneumoniae was confirmed in 1 of 40 psoriatic patients (2.5%), in 5 of 40 patients with atopic dermatitis (12.5%) and in none of 40 healthy individuals. Presence of C. pneumoniae DNA in MF patients was strongly associated with disease progression; rs = 0.756; p = 0.0123 for groups IA → IVB, and was noted more frequently in advanced (III + IV) stages than in early (I-II) stages (p = 0.0139). There are no differences in the mean age of MF/SS patients with and without infection. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of C. pneumoniae DNA in the blood cells is a frequent event in late stages of MF/SS and may be explained by Th2 shift and suppression of the immune system during the course of the disease.

Altered Expression of Genes Encoding Cornulin and Repetin in Atopic Dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: It is assumed that beside alterations in the filaggrin gene (FLG), disturbances within genes encoding other cornified envelope proteins are also involved in atopic dermatitis (AD). To identify new potential markers of AD, we studied the polymorphisms of genes encoding repetin (RPTN), cornulin (CRNN), and their expression in the skin of AD patients. METHODS: Polymorphisms in CRNN (rs941934), RPTN (rs284544, rs28441202, rs3001978, and rs12117644), and FLG mutations (R2447X, S3247X) were analyzed by TaqMan genotyping assay and by PCR-RFLP in the blood samples of 159 AD patients and 108 healthy subjects. The expression levels of CRNN and RPTN were determined by qRT-PCR in 34 AD skin samples (17 lesional and 17 nonlesional) and in 27 skin biopsies from healthy volunteers. The AD patients were recruited from the clinic of the university hospital between 2012 and 2014. RESULTS: CRNN rs941934 (A allele) was associated with AD (OR 2.095, p = 0.008), a severe course of disease (p = 0.041), elevated IgE levels (p = 0.047), eosinophilia (p = 0.018), and concomitant asthma (p = 0.004). The mRNA level of CRNN was decreased in the AD skin (p = 0.041). In the AD patients without FLG mutations, the CC genotype of RPTN rs3001978 was associated with AD (OR 0.39, p = 0.037), early age at onset (p = 0.033), pruritus (p = 0.021), severity of AD (p = 0.045), and concomitant asthma (p = 0.041). The elevated mRNA levels of RPTN in lesional (p < 0.001) and nonlesional (p = 0.017) AD skin were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The single-nucleotide polymorphisms of CRNN (rs941934) and RPTN (rs3001978, rs28441202) may contribute to AD development, but further studies on a larger group of AD patients are needed to verify this assumption.

Expression of Cornified Envelope Proteins in Skin and Its Relationship with Atopic Dermatitis Phenotype.

Changes in the expression of cornified envelope (CE) proteins are thought to affect the development and course of atopic dermatitis (AD). The aim of this study was to examine the expression level of CE proteins in order to identify new molecular markers of the AD phenotype. Expression levels of CE proteins were evaluated in the skin of patients with AD (38 biopsies) and healthy subjects (26 biopsies). Levels of FLG, FLG2 and SPRR3 mRNAs and proteins were reduced in AD skin. Levels of LELP-1 and SPRR1A transcripts and proteins were significantly increased in AD skin. SPRR3v2 mRNA level in non-lesional AD skin correlated with severity of AD, and SPRR3 protein level in non-lesional AD skin correlated inversely with pruritus. FLG protein level in AD skin correlated inversely with severity of AD. These results point to SPRR3 as an important factor in AD and itch.

Interleukin-31 Polymorphisms and Serum IL-31 Level in Patients with Mastocytosis: Correlation with Clinical Presen-tation and Pruritus.

Data on interleukin-31 (IL-31) involvement in the patho-genesis of mastocytosis, and its impact on pruritus development in the disease, are limited. The aim of this study was to analyse distinct IL-31 gene polymorphisms in 127 patients (age 0.5-76 years) with mastocytosis and their correlation with clinical presentation, pruritus and serum IL-31 levels. In patients with mastocytosis, the frequency of IL-31 IVS2+12AA genotype and IVS2+12A allele was higher than in control subjects and they were linked to an increased risk of development of mastocytosis. In adult patients, but not in children, -2057AA genotype was also associated with an increased risk of occurrence of mastocytosis. Pruritus affected 83.3% of 78 adult patients with mastocytosis, and a positive correlation between serum IL-31 levels and pruritus was found in these patients. In conclusion, distinct polymorphic variants of the IL-31 gene may be involved in the patho-genesis of mastocytosis, and IL-31 may be involved in the induction of pruritus in patients with mastocytosis.

Association of a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in a Late Cornified Envelope-like Proline-rich 1 Gene (LELP1) with Atopic Dermatitis.

There is some evidence that genes involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, in addition to the filaggrin (FLG) gene, may be located at chromosome region 1q21. The aim of this study was to examine the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the region of the late cornified envelope-like proline-rich 1 (LELP1), hornerin (HRNR) and FLG genes with the course and risk of atopic dermatitis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms and mutations were genotyped by PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism and real-time PCR in a group of 152 patients with atopic dermatitis and 104 healthy volunteers. CC genotype and C-allele of LELP1 rs7534334 were found in patients with atopic dermatitis and were associated with elevated levels of serum immunoglobulin E, severity of atopic dermatitis and concomitant asthma. LELP1 rs7534334 enhanced the risk of atopic dermatitis nearly 2.5-fold. This pilot study suggests that rs7534334 SNP, located in the LELP1 region, may be a potential genetic marker for the risk and course of atopic dermatitis.

Coexistence of 2282del4 FLG gene mutation and IL-18 -137G/C gene polymorphism enhances the risk of atopic dermatitis.

INTRODUCTION: Atopic dermatitis (AD) pathogenesis appears in the context of the correlation between cornified envelope proteins and immunological factors. AIM: To estimate the association between FLG R501X and 2282del4 gene mutations, -137 G/C IL-18 and -1112 C/T IL-13 gene polymorphisms and their influence on AD course and the risk in the Polish population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty-two AD patients and 123 healthy volunteers were included into the study. Amplification refractory mutation system - polymerase chain reaction method was used. RESULTS: 2282del4 FLG mutation, predominant (p = 0.04) in Polish AD patients, enhanced the risk of AD (OR = 2.35; p = 0.01) and was associated with itch (p = 0.023). GG genotype of IL-18 was prevailing in AD (p < 0.0001), associated with elevated IgE levels (p = 0.00074) and pruritus (p < 0.0001). GG genotype and G-allele in -137 position of IL-18 increased AD risk (OR = 5.4; p = 0.0001, respectively, OR = 5.3; p = 0.000029). -1112 C/T polymorphism of IL-13 was associated with elevated IgE levels (p = 0.00049), pruritus (p = 0.0005), SCORAD score (p = 0.02), concomitant asthma (p = 0.0087) and AD risk (OR = 2.02; p = 0.012). Coexistence of 2282del4 or R501X FLG gene mutation with GG genotype of IL-18 was associated with a 6-fold higher risk of AD (OR = 5.8; p = 0.00013), contrary to combined occurrence of FLG mutations with T-allele in -1112 position of IL-13 gene (OR = 0.12; p = 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: 2282del4 FLG mutation similarly to GG genotype and G-allele in -137 position of IL-18 gene enhance the risk of AD in the Polish population. Coexistence of FLG mutations with GG genotype of IL-18 may be helpful to estimate chances of AD development.

The role of polymorphism of interleukin-2, -10, -13 and TNF-α genes in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma pathogenesis.

INTRODUCTION: As the pathogenesis of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) is not fully understood, inherited gene polymorphisms are considered to play a role in the development of lymphomas. AIM: To investigate whether certain gene polymorphisms might be involved in the development of CTCL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the case-control study we compared the frequency of nine selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of seven genes (rs1800587/-889 C/T of interleukin (IL)-1α, rs2069762/-330G/T) and rs2069763/+166G/T of IL-2, rs1800925/-1112 C/T of IL-13, rs1800896/-1082 A/G of IL-10, rs4073/-251 A/T of IL-8, rs5370/K198N, rs180054/-1370T/G of endothelin-1 and rs1800629/-308 G/A of TNF-α) in 43 CTCL and Polish cases using the amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS: We have found that two genotypes, -330GG of IL-2 and -1112TT of IL-13 both promoter variants associated with "hypertranscription phenotype", were over-represented in CTCL patients compared to healthy controls, and they increase the risk of malignancy development (OR = 5.82, p = 0.001 for IL-2 -330 GG, and OR = 5.67, p = 0.0024 for IL-13 -1112 TT). On the other hand, high transcription -308A allele of the TNF-α gene and -1082GG of IL-10 genotype is less frequent in lymphoma patients and has protective effects on the development of CTCL (OR = 0.45, p = 0.0466 for -308A of TNF-α, and OR = 0.35, p = 0.0329 for -1082GG of IL-10 genes). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that hypertranscription promoter variants of IL-2 and IL-13 genes could be estimated as the risk factor for development of CTCL, while TNF-α and IL-10 variants have a protective effect.

Il-31 does not correlate to pruritus related to early stage cutaneous T-cell lymphomas but is involved in pathogenesis of the disease.

Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) belong to the group of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL). Regardless of the stage of the disease, patients with MF and SS can suffer from chronic pruritus. The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between the interleukin 31 (IL-31) serum level, the degree of pruritus and CTCL severity; and to compare the frequency of IL-31 gene polymorphisms between patients and the control group, and between patients at different stages of the disease. Pruritus affected 67.7% of patients with MF and SS in our study. The IL-31 serum level was significantly higher in CTCL patients than in the control group but there were no positive correlation between IL-31 serum level and pruritus. A statistically significant difference in allele frequencies for IL-31 IVS2+12 gene polymorphisms between early and advanced stages was detected; GAG haplotype was more frequent and AGA was less frequent in stage IA patients compared with patients in the other stages of the disease.

Potential Role of IL-37 in Atopic Dermatitis.

Interleukin 37 (IL-37) is a recently discovered member of the IL-1 cytokine family that appears to have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects in various diseases. IL-37 acts as a dual-function cytokine, exerting its effect extracellularly by forming a complex with the receptors IL-18 α (IL-18Rα) and IL-1R8 and transmitting anti-inflammatory signals, as well as intracellularly by interacting with Smad3, entering the nucleus, and inhibiting the transcription of pro-inflammatory genes. Consequently, IL-37 is linked to IL-18, which plays a role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD), consistent with our studies. Some isoforms of IL-37 are expressed by keratinocytes, monocytes, and other skin immune cells. IL-37 has been found to modulate the skewed T helper 2 (Th2) inflammation that is fundamental to the pathogenesis of AD. This review provides an up-to-date summary of the function of IL-37 in modulating the immune system and analyses its potential role in the pathogenesis of AD. Moreover, it speculates on IL-37's hypothetical value as a therapeutic target in the treatment of AD.

The Associations of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the COL3A1, COL6A5, and COL8A1 Genes with Atopic Dermatitis.

The pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) is complex, multifactorial, and not fully understood. Genes encoding collagens, the most abundant proteins in the extracellular matrix (ECM), may play a potential role in the pathogenesis of AD. Our study aimed to estimate the associations between Col3A1/rs1800255, Col6A5 /29rs12488457, and Col8A1/rs13081855 polymorphisms and the occurrence, course, and features of AD in the Polish population. Blood samples were collected from 157 patients with AD and 111 healthy volunteers. The genotype distribution of the investigated collagens genes did not differ significantly between the AD and control subjects (p > 0.05). The AA genotype of Col3A1/rs1800255 was significantly associated with the occurrence of mild SCORAD (OR = 0.16; 95% Cl: 0.03-0.78; p = 0.02) and mild pruritus (OR = 18.5; 95% Cl: 3.48-98.40; p = 0.0006), while the GG genotype was significantly associated with severe SCORAD (OR = 6.6; 95% Cl: 1.23-32.35; p = 0.03). Regarding Col6A5/29rs12488457 polymorphism, the average SCORAD score was significantly lower in the group of patients with genotype AA than in patients with the AC genotype (39.8 vs. 53.4; p = 0.04). Nevertheless, both average SCORAD scores were high, and represent the moderate and severe grades of the diseases, respectively. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of COL3A1/ rs1800255 and Col6A5/29rs12488457 seem to be associated with AD courses and symptoms, suggesting new disease biomarkers. The modulation of collagens, the major component of the ECM, may serve as a therapeutic target of AD in the future.