The effect and mechanism on treating atopic dermatitis with Itraconazole

Objective To study the effect and mechanism of using Iraconazole for treating atopic dermatitis. Methods Twenty three patients were enrolled and divided into two groups, the treated group and control group. Fifteen patients in the treated group took Itraconazole 200 mg per day, whereas eight patients in the control group took Loratadine 10 mg once a day; both were individually. Two weeks afterward, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 IL-2, IL-12 and IFN-γwere tested by FACS analysis. While, the serum cytokines and IgE were checked with ELISA, including the check of peripheral eosinophil cells (EOS). Results In the treated group, IL-5, IL-4 and IL-13 decreased with increase of IL-12 and IFN-γ; whereas the serum IgE, EOS count and the clinical score were lower than those before treatment. In control group, there were no statisticed differences in the serum cytokines and EOS counts after Loratadine, but serum IgE and the clinical score decreased. Conclusion Itraconazole is effective in atopic dermatitis. Its mechanism may due to decrease of type Th2 cytokines, and increase of type 1 cytokines.