title: Low DEFB4 copy number and high systemic hBD-2 and IL-22 levels are associated with dermatophytosis.
abstract: Dermatophytes initiate dermatophytosis, but susceptibility to infection is dictated by host genetic factors, although the role of some of these-such as human beta-defensin 2 (hBD-2) genomic (DEFB4) copy number (CN) variation and its induction by IL-22-remains unclear. This was investigated in this cross-sectional study in 442 unrelated Caucasian subjects, including 195 healthy controls and 247 dermatophytosis patients who were divided into five subgroups according to clinical presentation. DNA samples were evaluated for DEFB4 CN variation by relative quantification using the comparative CT method, and serum hBD-2 and IL-22 levels were determined by ELISA. DEFB4 CN in patients was significantly lower and, except in the tinea cruris subgroup, serum hBD-2 levels were higher than in controls. The positive correlation between hBD-2 levels and DEFB4 CN observed in controls was not detected in patients, who also had higher serum IL-22 levels that were positively correlated with hBD-2 levels. Moreover, unlike in control subjects, the serum IL-22 level was negatively correlated with DEFB4 CN in patients. Taken together, these findings suggest an association between decreased DEFB4 CN, elevated serum hBD-2 and IL-22 levels, and dermatophytosis, underscoring a gene/cytokine interaction in the occurrence of this infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; Department of Conservative Dentistry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; Jena School for Microbial Communication, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Jena, Germany. Electronic address: samehjaradat@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Sameh W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Jaradat
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Susana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cubillos
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Nadine
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Krieg
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Katja
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lehmann
authors.affiliation: Private Dental Practices, Orland Park, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: Bassam
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Issa
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Susann
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Piehler
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Sylvi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wehner-Diab
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Uta-Christina
authors.initials: UC
authors.lastname: Hipler
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Johannes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Norgauer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D018628:Gene Dosage / Q000235:genetics*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007378:Interleukins / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D014005:Tinea / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000382:microbiology; D014249:Trichophyton; D055815:Young Adult; D023083:beta-Defensins / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics*; D000097043:Interleukin-22
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D007378:Interleukins; D023083:beta-Defensins; D000097043:Interleukin-22; C106641:DEFB4A protein, human