Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein in atopic dermatitis: a clinical and biochemical study

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent inflammatory disorder characterized by intense pruritus and eczematous skin lesions. Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRBP) functions as a proinflammatory mediator, with elevated levels associated with increased cytokine production and intensification of the inflammatory cascade. Objective To assess the potential involvement of CIRBP in AD by measuring its serum level in AD cases compared with healthy controls. Patients and methods A total of 45 AD cases, along with 45 healthy participants matched for age and sex, were recruited into this case–control study. Disease severity was assessed using the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis index. Serum CIRBP concentrations were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Cases had significantly elevated serum CIRBP levels in relation to controls ( P <0.001). A significant association was demonstrated between serum CIRBP level and the severity of AD, being higher in severe cases ( P <0.001). Moreover, serum CIRBP level showed a positive correlation with SCORing Atopic Dermatitis score ( r s =0.987, P <0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that CIRBP level could significantly predict AD cases ( P <0.001) at a cut-off value of more than 26.34 with sensitivity and specificity of 95.56 and 97.78%, respectively, and also could discriminate varying degrees of disease severity: mild, moderate, and severe cases. Conclusion Serum CIRBP appeared to be a potential biomarker involved in the pathogenesis of AD and may help diagnose and evaluate AD severity.