Association of Serum IL-17A and IL-23 Levels With Alopecia Areata: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study

December 2025 in “ Cureus ”

Md. Shihab Talukder, A.T.M. Asaduzzaman, Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad, Mohammad Jamal Uddin, Pranam Swapan Dash, Wasi Deen Ahmed

alopecia areata IL-17A IL-23 cytokine dysregulation

TLDR Higher IL-17A and IL-23 levels are linked to alopecia areata severity and could help in tracking and treating the disease.

Elevated levels of IL-17A are linked to the severity of alopecia areata (AA) and vary among different clinical subtypes, indicating its involvement in disease progression and phenotype differences. IL-23 is consistently elevated in AA, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for monitoring disease activity. These results enhance the understanding of cytokine dysregulation in AA and could guide the development of future treatments.

View this study on cureus.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research Serum Interleukin 17 as a Marker for Alopecia Areata Severity: A Case-Control Study

April 2023 in “The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine”

Higher Interleukin 17A levels may indicate more severe alopecia areata.

Increased Serum Interleukin-17A Levels Correlate with Disease Severity and Poor Prognostic Factors in Patients with Alopecia Areata

research Increased Serum Interleukin-17A Levels Correlate with Disease Severity and Poor Prognostic Factors in Patients with Alopecia Areata

October 2021 in “Dermatology Reports”

Higher IL-17A levels indicate more severe alopecia areata.

research Alopecia Areata Update

391 citations , January 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Half of people with Alopecia Areata may see hair regrowth within a year without treatment, but recovery is unpredictable.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community HLT Megathread on HMI-115 (key takeaways in comments)

in Research/Science 39 upvotes 3 years ago

HMI-115, a newly discovered hair loss treatment that could potentially be effective for those with diffuse thinning and telogen effluvium. It is based on prolactin receptor antagonist signaling and has already undergone Phase I trials in women, with potential commercialization by 2027.

community Before and After, 5 years apart. Topical minoxidil once daily and dutasteride 0,5 mg per day

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 188 upvotes 3 years ago

This conversation is about a user named Pregal1994 discussing their experience with hair loss and treatments of topical minoxidil once daily and dutasteride 0.5 mg per day over 5 years, leading to good results. Other users gave feedback on the photos, confirming that there was an improvement in the condition of the hair.

community can someone please tell me its going to get better? im bawling my eyes out

in Female 67 upvotes 3 years ago

A 16-year-old girl is experiencing hair loss, which has worsened despite using minoxidil and multivitamins. Suggestions include broader hormone testing and considering other treatments like spironolactone if the hair loss is due to androgenic alopecia.

Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

community Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

MagicBold in Research 865 upvotes 1 year ago

The treatment for androgenetic alopecia involves using finasteride and minoxidil with intense exercise and cold exposure to boost metabolism and reduce androgenic effects, potentially leading to hair regrowth. This approach may activate biological pathways for improved hair and overall health.

community The Real Cause Of Androgenetic Alopecia

in Research/Science 680 upvotes 1 year ago

Androgenetic alopecia is caused by DHT affecting hair growth. Finasteride and minoxidil are used to manage hair loss by blocking DHT and promoting hair growth.

community Well here I am 3-4 years later.

in Update 56 upvotes 2 years ago

The conversation is about someone who has been taking finasteride for hair loss without success, considering switching to dutasteride or giving up treatment. Suggestions include trying dutasteride, microneedling, infrared therapy, multivitamins, and high-concentration topical solutions combining finasteride and dutasteride.

Similar Research

6 / 1000+ results

research The Role of Serum Th1, Th2, and Th17 Cytokines in Patients with Alopecia Areata: Clinical Implications

37 citations , December 2021 in “Cells”

Alopecia areata severity and treatment response are linked to specific cytokine levels.

research Inheritance-Specific Dysregulation of Th1 and Th17-Associated Cytokines in Alopecia Areata

1 citations , August 2023 in “Biomolecules”

Certain immune-related proteins are higher in people with alopecia and their healthy relatives, hinting at a genetic link.

Alopecia Areata Is Characterized by Dysregulation in Systemic Type 17 and Type 2 Cytokines, Which May Contribute to Disease-Associated Psychological Morbidity

research Alopecia Areata Is Characterized by Dysregulation in Systemic Type 17 and Type 2 Cytokines, Which May Contribute to Disease-Associated Psychological Morbidity

57 citations , April 2019 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

Alopecia areata involves immune system imbalances that may lead to depression and anxiety.

Healthy Individuals Genetically At-Risk for the Development of Pemphigus Vulgaris or Alopecia Areata Share Disease-Like Cytokine Dysregulation

research Healthy Individuals Genetically At-Risk for the Development of Pemphigus Vulgaris or Alopecia Areata Share Disease-Like Cytokine Dysregulation

1 citations , January 2025 in “Frontiers in Immunology”

Genetically at-risk healthy people show similar immune issues as those with Pemphigus vulgaris or Alopecia areata.

research Type-2 Immunity Associated With Type-1 Related Skin Inflammatory Diseases: Friend Or Foe?

May 2024 in “Frontiers in Immunology”

Type-2 immunity may influence skin diseases and could be targeted for treatment.

research Differential Impact of Environmental Factors on Systemic and Localized Autoimmunity

5 citations , May 2023 in “Frontiers in immunology”

Environmental factors like diet and vitamin levels, especially Vitamin D, can affect autoimmune diseases differently, with lifestyle changes potentially improving outcomes.