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Circulating LL-37 is a biomarker for eczema severity in children.
- Source :
-
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV [J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol] 2012 Apr; Vol. 26 (4), pp. 518-22. Date of Electronic Publication: 2011 Apr 22. - Publication Year :
- 2012
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Abstract
- Background: Eczema lesions are characterized by impaired expression of antimicrobial peptides such as cathelicidin, which play crucial roles in the innate immune defence against cutaneous infections. LL-37 corresponds to amino acids 134-170 of human cathelicidin and is a multifunctional host defence molecule essential for normal immune responses to infection and tissue injury.<br />Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between childhood eczema and circulating LL-37 levels.<br />Methods: One hundred and forty-four eczema children and 36 controls were recruited. Eczema severity was assessed by SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) and serum LL-37 concentration measured using enzyme immunoassay. Patients' skin hydration and transepidermal water loss at forearms were measured using Corneometer and Tewameter.<br />Results: Patients' mean SCORAD was 49.2 and their disease was classified as mild (n=28; 12.8%), moderate (n=95; 43.6%) and severe (n=95; 43.6%). Serum LL-37 concentrations did not differ between eczema patients and controls (mean: 832 pg/mL vs. 952 pg/mL, P=0.471). However, serum LL-37 concentrations increased with increasing eczema severity among the patients (P=0.005 for trend). This biomarker shows weakly positive correlation with patients' objective SCORAD (r=0.207, P=0.013) and age (r=0.170, P=0.041), but not skin hydration or transepidermal water loss (P>0.09). Linear regression confirmed significant association between objective SCORAD and serum LL-37 when adjusted for age and gender as covariates (β=0.171, P=0.038). On the other hand, serum LL-37 did not differ between patients with and without heavy growth of staphylococci (P=0.151).<br />Conclusions: Circulating LL-37 may be a biomarker for severity of childhood eczema, which supports the importance of innate immunity in eczema pathogenesis.<br /> (© 2011 The Authors. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology © 2011 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1468-3083
- Volume :
- 26
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 21518024
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-3083.2011.04083.x