Association of LL-37 and IL-31 serum levels with SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) score in atopic dermatitis patients

Background: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, recurrent inflammation of the skin, accompanied by severe pruritus. Immune system dysregulation and skin barrier defects are associated with the abnormalities in atopic dermatitis. Myriad pieces of evidence have pointed to the major roles of LL-37 and interleukin-31 (IL- 31) in atopic dermatitis. The studies on atopic dermatitis are still limited in Indonesia, particularly in Malang city. The objective of the present study was to understand the association of LL-37 and IL-31 serum levels with SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) in atopic dermatitis patients. Methods: The present research is an analytical observational cross-sectional study with 30 atopic dermatitis patients as subjects. Through a consecutive sampling method, samples were collected from the outpatient clinics of dermatovenereology and pediatric department, Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital (RSSA), Malang, Indonesia. LL-37 and IL-31 serum levels were examined via Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Subjects were allocated into two groups of atopic dermatitis severity, mild and moderate-severe, based on the SCORAD index. Results: Based on the Pearson correlation test, there was no correlation between LL-37 serum level, IL-31 serum level and the SCORAD score (r=-0.238 with P=0.205, and r=0.15 with P=0.939). Conclusion: LL-37 and IL-31 serum levels are not associated with atopic dermatitis severity.