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IL13

A Genetic Link Between Allergies and Alopecia Areata (IL13)

Written by Shany Lahan, MS (Neuroscience) on December 30th, 2020

The IL13 gene codes for an immune system protein. How might variants of IL13 increase your risk of alopecia areata? Read more to find out.

Summary

IL-13 is an immune system protein that can stimulate the release of antibodies and compromise the skin barrier. Variants of IL13 may play a role in alopecia areata by increasing the production of IL-13. Lifestyle and supplement modifications may counteract the effects of these variants by decreasing IL-13 production.

IL13 and Alopecia Areata

The IL13 gene codes for interleukin 13 (IL-13), a protein released by type 2 immune response (Th2) cells. While many scientists consider elevated Th2 activity to underlie a number of allergic diseases, its role in autoimmune diseases such as alopecia areata (spot baldness) is not well understood [R, R, R].

More recently, scientists have suggested that patients with allergies may be more predisposed to developing certain autoimmune disorders, including alopecia areata [R].

Indeed, IL-13 is able to stimulate the release of a type of antibody called IgE from immune system cells. The release of IgE antibodies is an early step in the progression of allergic reactions, and elevated IgE levels have been reported in individuals with alopecia areata [R, R].

IL-13 might also inhibit the production of a protein called filament aggregating protein (filaggrin). Filaggrin helps provide structure to the outermost layer of the skin by binding together a type of fibrous protein called keratin. In this manner, filaggrin is able to maintain a skin barrier that can protect against allergens (allergy-causing substances), bacteria, and viruses [R, R, R].

Skin barrier integrity may be similarly essential for the prevention of alopecia areata, as dysfunctional filaggrin has been linked to more severe cases of this disorder [R].

Variants of IL13 have been associated with alopecia areata. These variants may increase the production of IL-13, resulting in increased IgE antibody release and decreased production of filaggrin. This may, in turn, promote allergic reactions that have the potential to lead to autoimmunity [R, R, R, R, R].

Your IL13 Results for Alopecia Areata

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs848
rs20541

Primary SNP:

IL13 rs848 [R]

‘A’ = Higher odds of alopecia areata, relative to ‘C’
‘C’ = Lower odds of alopecia areata, relative to ‘A’

Other Important SNP:

IL13 rs20541 [R]

‘A’ = Higher odds of alopecia areata, relative to ‘G’
‘G’ = Lower odds of alopecia areata, relative to ‘A’

Recommendations

Lifestyle

Light Therapy

One small study found UVA light therapy to lower levels of IL-13 in patients with eczema [R].

UVA light therapy combined with drugs that increase the sensitivity of the skin to this radiation (methoxsalen and psoralen) promoted hair regrowth, without causing major adverse effects, in 5 trials of alopecia areata patients [R, R, R, R, R].

UV-B radiation was also effective when applied via a targeted excimer laser, in 3 trials of people with alopecia areata [R, R, R].

In 2 small trials of people with alopecia areata, LLLT and infrared radiation applied for 3 minutes every week or every 2 weeks sped up hair regrowth in most patients [R, R].

Light therapy may help manage alopecia areata by lowering levels of IL-13.

Supplements

Topical Garlic

Multiple studies have reported that garlic may alleviate allergies and related inflammation, partly by lowering the production of IL-13 [R, R, R].

In a randomized controlled trial of people with alopecia areata, a topical garlic gel applied twice daily for 3 months as an add-on to corticosteroids significantly improved hair regrowth [R].

Topical garlic may help manage alopecia areata by lowering levels of IL-13.

Topical Onion

In a study of mice with hay fever, onion extract lowered inflammation and symptoms, in part by decreasing production of IL-13 [R].

In a clinical trial of people with alopecia areata, applying onion juice twice daily for 2 months caused hair regrowth in 87% of the patients (as opposed to only 13% of those who used tap water) [R].

Topical onion may help manage alopecia areata by lowering levels of IL-13.

Shany Lahan

MS (Neuroscience)

Shany received her MSc in Neuroscience from Western University.

Prior to joining SelfDecode, Shany conducted research related to Alzheimer’s disease, and taught science to undergraduate students. She believes that research should be accessible to everyone, regardless of scientific background. Shany joined SelfDecode with a mission to help others optimize their health and wellbeing – as well as help them understand the science behind it all.

Disclaimer

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other official medical body. This information is presented for educational purposes only, and may not be used to diagnose or treat any illness or disease.

Also keep in mind that the “Risk Score” presented in this post is based only on a select number of SNPs, and therefore only represents a small portion of your total risk as an individual. Furthermore, these analyses are based primarily on associational studies, which do not necessarily imply causation. Finally, many other (non-genetic) factors can also play a significant role in the development of a disease or health condition — therefore, carrying any of the risk-associated genotypes discussed in this post does not necessarily mean you are at increased risk of developing a major health condition.

Always consult your doctor before acting on any information or recommendations discussed in this post — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have been officially diagnosed with a medical condition.

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A Genetic Link Between Allergies and Alopecia Areata (IL13)

Summary

IL13 and Alopecia Areata

Your IL13 Results for Alopecia Areata

SNP Table

Recommendations

Lifestyle

Light Therapy

Supplements

Topical Garlic

Topical Onion

Disclaimer

More skin & beauty blogs

Content

Unlock Personalized Results And So Much More!

Essential Bundle

Essential

Bundle

Limited time offer 25% off

Ultimate Bundle

Policies

About

Navigation

Health reports