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In vitro cytokine profile in childhood alopecia areata and the immunomodulatory effects of AS-101.

Shohat M, Mimouni D, Ben-Amitai D, Sredni B, Sredni D, Shohat B, David M

Department of Dermatology and Cellular Immunology Unit, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tiqva, Israel.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of AS-101, a known immunomodulator, on the pattern of cytokine production in children with patchy alopecia areata (PAA). Ten previously untreated children with PAA were compared to 10 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from all participants. Unstimulated and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated PBMC were tested with and without the addition of AS-101. The production of interferon gamma (IFNgamma), soluble interleukin (IL)-2 receptor (IL-2R), IL-10, IL-5 and IL-6 was determined. The levels of soluble IL-2R, IL-5 and IL-6 were significantly higher in the PAA patients than the controls. AS-101 inhibited the production of IL-10, IFNgamma, IL-2R and IL-5 in both PAA patients and controls, but there was a greater inhibitory effect in children with PAA.

Published 14 June 2005 in Clin Exp Dermatol, 30(4): 432-4.
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