Detection of IL-13, IL-10, and IL-6 in the leprosy skin lesions of patients during prednisolone treatment for type 1 (T1R) reactions

This study demonstrates the presence of IL-10 and IL-6, by immunohistochemistry, in the skin lesions of patients with Type 1 reactions. Fifteen patients with Type 1 reaction from Hyderabad, India were included in this study. They were all receiving standardized treatment for Type 1 reactions: a reducing course of daily oral prednisolone for 6 months. Biopsies were taken before treatment and during treatment at weeks 1, 4, and 6 months. IL-13 was observed in the lesions of most patients. By week 4 of treatment, the presence of IL-13, IL-10, and IL-6 in the lesions had decreased significantly. Although some patients showed significant clinical skin sign improvement within one week of therapy, no concomitant decrease or increase in any of the cytokines was observed at this time point. Interestingly, some cytokine activity within the lesions was observed after 6 months of treatment.