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RFP Journal of Dermatology

Volume  2, Issue 1, January - June 2017, Pages 5-9
 

Original Article

Mast Cell Profile and IL-4 Levels in Borderline Spectrum of Leprosy

Singh Jasmeet*, Gautam R.K.**, Khurana Ananta***, Bhardwaj Minakshi****, Meena Neha*****, Bajaj Sonali*****

*Resident **Professor ***Assistant Professor *****Senior Resident, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, ****Professor, Department of Pathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research and Dr. Ram Lohia Hospital, New Delhi 110001, India

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Abstract

Introduction: Mast cells are responsible for secreting cytokines and other chemical mediators, involved in immuno-inflammatory responses. However, their role has not been clearly defined in the immunopathogenesis of leprosy. Aims and Objectives: To count the number of mast cells in leprosy granulomas and to correlate their numbers with the serum levels of IL-4 in borderline spectrum of leprosy. Materials and Methods: Thirty cases of newly diagnosed, untreated patients of borderline tuberculoid (BT), borderline borderline (BB) and borderline lepromatous (BL) leprosy were included in the study. Skin biopsies were taken from the margins of the skin lesion of leprosy and stained with toluidine blue for quantification of mast cells. An average number of mast cells per granuloma was calculated after examining the granulomas in each skin biopsy. Concentration of serum IL-4 was measured quantitatively in the collected venous blood samples by ELISA method. Results: The mean of average number of mast cells increased from BT towards BL leprosy. Statistically significant difference was seen between BL and BT/BB leprosy. However, no significant difference was found between BB and BT Hansen’s. A positive correlation was found between mast cell numbers and serum levels of IL-4 since both showed an increasing trend from BT through BL leprosy. Conclusion: We found a progressive rise in mast cell count and serum levels of IL-4 across the borderline spectrum of leprosy. This indicates that mast cells play a role in progression and dissemination of leprosy by proliferating at the site of inflammation and secreting an array of chemical mediators especially IL-4.

Keywords: Borderline Leprosy; Mast Cells; Granuloma; Interleukin 4; Tuberculoid; Lepromatous.


Corresponding Author : Ananta Khurana, 256, Nimri Colony, Phase 4, Ashok Vihar, Delhi 110052.