Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Rosacea, a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the central area of the face, is a complex condition whose mechanisms are still not fully understood. However, research has indicated a positive correlation between two molecules: hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The levels of HIF-1α in rosacea patients have yet to be assessed. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the levels of HIF-1α and IL-6 in patients with rosacea in relation to both the severity of the disease and the primary and secondary clinical manifestations of the condition. METHODS: The study included patients diagnosed with rosacea and sex-and age-matched healthy controls (N=40, N=40). Serum HIF-1α and IL-6 levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the patient group had significantly elevated serum levels of HIF-1α and IL-6. A positive correlation was found between the level of HIF-1α and the severity of the disease (r=0.374, P=0.017); furthermore, a significant association was observed between the presence of telangiectasia, one of the primary manifestations, and HIF-1α (z=2.401, P=0.016). CONCLUSION: The significantly elevated levels of IL-6 and HIF-1α in patients with rosacea compared to the control group support the hypothesis that these molecules play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. The correlation between HIF-1α and the severity of the disease, and its significant elevation in patients with telangiectasia, suggest its potential involvement in the pathogenesis of the disease, particularly in the formation of telangiectasia.