Claudin‐3 is a novel intestinal integrity marker in patients with alopecia areata: Correlation with the disease severity

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe development of alopecia areata is suggested to be influenced by intestinal permeability and gut dysbiosis. Claudin‐3, an essential component of tight junctions which may act as an indicator of intestinal barrier integrity.AimsThe study's objective was to evaluate the plasma concentration level of Claudin‐3 in alopecia areata patients and its relationship to the severity of the condition.Patients and MethodsIn this case–control study, 50 alopecia areata patients and 30 healthy age and sex controls were involved. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the concentration of claudin‐3 in the blood.ResultsPatients with alopecia areata had significantly higher plasma claudin‐3 concentrations than healthy controls [median (interquartile range), 7.73 ng/ml (4.49–33.7) vs. 6.14 ng/ml (4.45–15.6), p < 0.005]. Positive relations were found between claudin‐3 and SALT score (r = 0.675 & p‐value < 0.001).ConclusionsClaudin‐3, a gut permeability biomarker, is elevated in alopecia areata and correlates with disease severity.