Exploring the Association Between Vitamin D and IL-10 in Allergic Parthenium Contact Dermatitis Patients

Xavier A, Selvarajan S, Das S, et al. (June 07, 2025) Cureus 17(6): e85515. doi:10.7759/cureus.85515

Abstract

Introduction

The imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators was suggested to be a contributory factor to the manifestations of allergic parthenium dermatitis. Inadequate circulating vitamin D and IL-10 levels can significantly influence the course of this allergic dermatitis.

Objective

The objective was to study the association between circulating IL-10 levels and vitamin D status in patients with parthenium dermatitis.

Materials and methods

Patients attending the dermatitis clinic were screened for eligibility, and 88 individuals were recruited.

A total of 101 unrelated healthy volunteers were included as controls. Circulating IL-10 cytokine and vitamin D levels were determined in both groups and compared.

Results

Vitamin D status and IL-10 level in patients with
parthenium dermatitis (N = 88)

A higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (79.5% vs. 59.4%, P = 0.000315) and lower IL-10 levels (6.84 vs. 9.04 pg/ml, P < 0.0001) were observed in the patient group compared to healthy controls. The vitamin D-deficient patients were also found to have significantly lower IL-10 levels. A significant positive correlation between vitamin D and IL-10 levels was observed among individuals with allergic dermatitis. Lower vitamin D and IL-10 levels were associated with higher Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores.

Conclusion

Lower circulating vitamin D and IL-10 levels, observed in patients with parthenium dermatitis, significantly impacted their quality of life. Assessing plasma IL-10 levels could be a potential biomarker for evaluating disease severity and treatment efficacy. Correcting vitamin D deficiency may improve IL-10 levels and enhance treatment outcomes.

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