Serum Biomarkers IL-6 and HIF-1α in Rosacea: Assessing Their Significance in Disease Pathogenesis and Telangiectasia Formation

Abstract

Introduction: Rosacea, a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the central part of the face, is a complex condition whose mechanisms are still not fully understood. However, research has indicated a positive correlation between two molecules: Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6). The levels of HIF-1α in rosacea patients have yet to be assessed. Objectives: In this study, the aim was to assess the levels of HIF-1α and IL-6 in patients with rosacea in relation to both the severity of the disease and the primary and secondary clinical manifestations of the condition. Methods: The study included patients diagnosed with rosacea and sex-and age-matched healthy volunteers (N: 40, N: 40). Serum HIF-1α and IL-6 levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: When compared to the control group, serum levels of HIF-1α and IL-6 were significantly elevated in the patient group. A positive correlation was found between the level of HIF-1α and the severity of the disease (r: 0.374, p: 0.017). Furthermore, a significant association was observed between the presence of telangiectasia, one of the primary symptoms, and HIF-1α (r: 2.401, p: 0.016). Conclusion: The significantly elevated levels of IL-6 and HIF-1α in patients with rosacea compared to the control group support the hypothesis that they play roles in the pathogenesis of the disease. The correlation of HIF-1α with the severity of the disease and its significant elevation in patients with telangiectasia suggest its potential involvement in the pathogenesis of the disease, particularly in the formation of telangiectasia.

Keywords

• rosacea
• severity
• IL-6
• HIF-1α
• Telengiectasia