Elevated Selectins in AA: Does this signal an increased risk of Blood Clots?

Study Highlights Elevated Selectin Family Members in Alopecia Areata

Selectins are a family (P‐selectin, E‐selectin, L‐selectin) of glycoproteins that facilitate and augment thrombosis as well as inflammation. Selectins are known to modulate inflammatory cell (neutrophil, monocyte) activity as well as platelet activity. P‐ and E‐selectin have been investigated as potential biomarkers for thrombosis.

A 2015 study sought to evaluate serum concentrations of selectins (E-selectin, L-selectin and P-selectin) in patients with alopecia areata and examine whether they correlate with disease severity and activity.

The study consisted of 64 patients with AA and 40 healthy control subjects. The serum concentrations of soluble E-selectin, L-selectin and P-selectin were detected with ELISA method.

Results of the study showed a statistically significantly higher levels of E, P, L-selectins in AA patients compared with the healthy control group. Serum concentrations of soluble forms of E- and L-selectins correlated with the severity of the disease. E-selectin levels correlated with AA disease activity.

Comment

This is an interesting study which shows that selectins may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AA. Given the role of selectins in thrombosis, the study also raises the possibility that patients with AA could have an increased risk of blood clots.

REFERENCE

Sudnik W et al. The role of selectins in alopecia areata. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2015 Feb;32(1):27-32.