Correlation between serum IL 37 levels with keloid severity

Background Keloids are dermal fibroproliferative disorders that characterized by over deposition of components of the extracellular matrix. Interleukin 37 (IL-37) is known by its ability to inhibit the proliferation of keloid fibroblasts by inhibiting extracellular matrix production induced by transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). Thus, Il-37 is suggested to be used as an early preventive treatment for keloids. Aims This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between serum levels of IL37 level and the keloid severity. Patients/Methods This is a cross-sectional analytic study involving thirty-two patients diagnosed clinically as having Keloid. An assessment of keloid severity was conducted by using Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). Blood samples were collected from every patient to measure and assess the serum levels of IL37. Results A negative correlation was found between IL37 level and the keloid severity (P = .0001;r = -.737). Also, there was a nonsignificant correlation between IL37 levels in patient with keloid and age, gender, duration of lesions, and family history. Conclusion Lower level of plasma IL 37 could be an indicator of the severity of Keloids.