Serum lipocalin-2 levels are decreased in patients with leprosy

Abstract

Background: Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae affecting the skin, peripheral nerves and mucosae. Lipocalin-2 is a key component of the immune system’s antimicrobial defence - it prevents iron uptake by binding and sequestering iron-scavenging siderophores and thus inhibits bacterial growth. Aim: We evaluated serum lipocalin-2 levels in leprosy patients and its relationship to the pathogenesis and prognosis of the disease. Materials and methods: In this case-control study, serum lipocalin-2 levels were measured by ELISA in 20 patients with leprosy and 20 healthy controls. Results: Serum levels of lipocalin-2 were significantly reduced (P < 0.001) in leprosy patients as compared to controls. The levels were significantly higher (P < 0.014) in patients with multibacillary leprosy than in those with paucibacillary leprosy. Although the levels of lipocalin-2 were higher in patients with multiple nerve involvement as compared to those with involvement of 1 or 2 nerves, the results were not statistically significant. Limitation of the study: The small sample size and the lack of different ethnic groups in the study were the major limitations of this study. Conclusion: The lower lipocalin-2 concentrations in leprosy patients point to the importance of the protective functions of lipocalin-2. The elevated levels of lipocalin-2 observed in leprosy patients with neural involvement may be related to the reported neurodegenerative role of lipocalin-2.