Serum interleukin-17 levels are related to clinical severity in allergic rhinitis

Authors: Ciprandi, G.¹; De Amici, M.²; Murdaca, G.¹; Fenoglio, D.¹; Ricciardolo, F.³; Marseglia, G.²; Tosca, M.⁴

Source: Allergy, Volume 64, Number 9, September 2009 , pp. 1375-1378(4)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $48.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Background:

T helper (Th)-17 cells are a subset of T helper lymphocytes that exert regulatory activities. Recently, it has been reported that serum interleukin (IL)-17 levels are high in the most severe cases of birch allergy studied outside the pollen season. Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate a possible relationship between serum IL-17 levels and clinical parameters in patients with allergic rhinitis studied during the pollen season. Methods:

In all, 56 patients with persistent pollen-induced allergic rhinitis were evaluated during the pollen season. Serum IL-17 levels were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Symptoms were assessed by visual analogue scale, drug use was monitored and peripheral eosinophils were counted. Results:

Serum IL-17 levels were significantly related to clinical symptoms, drug use and peripheral eosinophil counts (P = 0.0001 for all). Conclusion:

This study provides evidence that serum IL-17 level assessment might be considered to classify allergy severity.

Keywords: allergen exposure; allergic rhinitis; allergy severity; interleukin-17; pollen season

Document Type: Short communication

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02010.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino, University of Genoa, Genoa 2: Department of Pediatric Science, Pediatric Clinic, University of Pavia, Foundation IRCCS San Matteo, Pavia 3: Department of Respiratory Diseases, University of Turin, Turin, Italy 4: Allergy Center, Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy

Publication date: 2009-09-01