Numerous cytokines are involved in acne vulgaris pathogenesis, though few studies correlate interleukin IL-19 to acne vulgaris. So this study aimed to assess the IL-19 (rs 2243191) gene polymorphism and its serum level in acne vulgaris. This case-control study involved 90 acne vulgaris cases and 90 age- and sex-matched controls. Acne severity was assessed according to Global Acne Grading System (GAGS), and serum IL-19 was assessed by ELISA and IL-19 (rs 2243191) gene polymorphism was assessed by real time PCR. This study showed that acne cases had significantly higher IL-19 levels than controls. Also, its level was significantly higher in severe cases than moderate and mild cases. Regarding IL-19 gene polymorphism (rs 2243191), TT and CT genotypes were significantly higher in patients than in controls. The incidence of minor allele T was greater in patients than in controls. There were significant differences between IL-19 genotypes and disease severity. Serum IL-19 was significantly higher in genotypes TT and CT acne cases than in those with genotype CC. We concluded that TT genotype of IL-19 might be a hereditary risk factor for acne vulgaris development. It is associated with a high IL-19 serum level, which could be a marker of acne severity.
Keywords: Interleukin19; acne vulgaris; gene polymorphism.