Role of Interleukin-13 Pathways on Pain and Itch Sensitivity ( IL-13 )

The Role of the Interleukin-13 Pathways on Pain and Itch Sensitivity in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis and Healthy Volunteers

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is as chronic, inflammatory skin disorder affecting 20% of the world's population. Intense itch and skin pain are the main symptoms. Research has shown that the proteins interleukins are involved in inflammation and itch in atopic dermatitis. The medicinal product called Lebrikizumab, used for treatment of AD, has shown to block the interleukin called IL-13. The purpose of this experiment is to evaluate the role of IL-13 in itch in people with atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is as chronic, inflammatory skin disorder affecting 20% of the world's population. Intense itch and skin pain are the main symptoms. Research has shown that the interleukin-13 is involved in inflammation and itch in atopic dermatitis by increasing the neuronal sensitivity to pruritogens.

However, the physiological mechanisms by which IL-13 increases the itch sensitivity are unclear. The aim of this project is to use, for the first time in humans, the monoclonal antibody Lebrikizumab that inhibits IL-13 with high affinity as a novel experimental tool to modulate the IL-13 pathway and evaluate its role in the transmission and processing of itch and pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-60 years • The patients should have an AD according to diagnosis by a board-certified dermatologist, with an Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), a validated scoring tool that grades the physical signs of AD of at least 7. The project team will be specifically trained and evaluated in the EASI assessment to ensure interindividual consistency.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy or lactation

  • Drug addiction defined as any use of cannabis, opioids, or other drugs Moles, wounds, scars, or tattoos in the area to be treated or tested
  • Treatment within two weeks before start of the experiment with topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors.
  • Treatment within two weeks before start of the experiment with topical treatments (excluding emollients) on the skin areas selected for testing (eight weeks if treated with systemic treatments for AD such as methotrexate or azathioprine)
  • Treatment with antihistamines 72 hours before start of the experiment
  • Previous or current history of neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiac disorder, or psychiatric diagnoses that may affect the results (e.g., neuropathy, muscular pain in the upper extremities, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, etc.)
  • Current use of medications that may affect the trial such as antihistamines and painkillers (use of antihistamines must be discontinued 72 hours before the experiment and all topical agents and emollients must be discontinued 24 hours before the experiment).
  • Use of systemic corticosteroids
  • Consumption of alcohol or painkillers 24 hours before the study days and between these
  • Participation in other trials within one week of study entry (four weeks in the case of pharmaceutical trials)
  • Lack of ability to cooperate