Important Roles of Interleukin-36, Interleukin-37, and Interleukin-38 Cytokines in the Pathogenesis of Rosacea

Background: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Previous studies have determined that IL-36, IL-37, and IL-38 may play a role in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases.

Aims and objectives: The present study aims to evaluate the relationship of these cytokines with rosacea.

Materials and methods: A total of 100 individuals, including 50 patients with rosacea and 50 healthy controls, were included in the study. IL-36, IL-37, and IL-38 levels were measured using the ELISA method by taking serum samples from all participants.

Results: The mean serum levels of IL-36, IL-37, and IL-38 in the patient group were 52.17 ± 24.07 pg/ml, 18.46 ± 8.18 pg/ml, and 25.74 ± 8.36 ng/l, respectively. The mean serum levels of IL-36, IL-37, and IL-38 in the control group were 32.99 ± 19.90 pg/ml, 44.61 ± 22.27 pg/ml, and 45.61 ± 17.32 ng/l, respectively. The difference between the serum levels of IL-36, IL-37, and IL-38 in the patient and control groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Based on these findings, an increase in IL-36 and a decrease in IL-37 and IL-38 may contribute to the pathogenesis of rosacea. Future rosacea treatments could target and/or interact with these possible steps in the pathogenesis of rosacea.