TLDR IL-4 gene variation may increase the risk of alopecia areata in Turkish people.
The study investigated the association between Interleukin (IL)-4 gene intron 3 VNTR polymorphism and alopecia areata (AA) in a Turkish population, involving 116 AA patients and 125 healthy controls. Results indicated a significant difference in allele distribution between patients and controls, with the P1 allele being more frequent in AA patients. The P2P2 genotype appeared protective against AA. The findings suggested that IL-4 VNTR polymorphism in the intron 3 region might be a risk factor for AA development in the Turkish population, marking the first report of such an association. Further studies with larger populations were recommended to better understand the immunopathogenesis of AA.
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