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Published on: August 7, 2017
[Interleukin 13 and 18 serum concentration in children with cow milk hypersensitivity]
Grazyna Bała1, Grazyna Swincow, Grazyna Odrowaz-Sypniewska
1Katedra i Klinika Pediatrii, Alergologii i Gastroenterologii, Akademia Medyczna im. L. Rydygiera, Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland. klped@amb.bydgoszcz.pl
Insights
Interleukin-13 (IL-13) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) serum levels in children with cow milk hypersensitivity were assessed. IL-18 showed a strong correlation with clinical improvement after dietary changes, suggesting its role in managing allergic reactions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatric Allergy
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- Cow milk hypersensitivity is a common concern in infants and young children.
- Interleukins, such as IL-13 and IL-18, play roles in immune responses and inflammation.
- Understanding cytokine profiles may aid in diagnosing and managing pediatric allergies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate serum concentrations of IL-13 and IL-18 in children diagnosed with cow milk hypersensitivity.
- To evaluate the clinical utility of IL-13 and IL-18 measurements in managing this condition.
- To explore the correlation between these cytokines and clinical outcomes following dietary intervention.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 30 children (6-24 months) with suspected cow milk hypersensitivity.
- Children were grouped based on total IgE levels (elevated vs. normal).
- IL-13 and IL-18 levels were measured before and at 3 and 6 months after initiating a specialized diet; total and specific IgE were also assessed.
Main Results:
- Children with elevated IgE showed significantly higher IL-13 levels and lower IL-18 levels pre-diet.
- A positive correlation was observed between IgE and IL-13, and a negative correlation between IgE and IL-18.
- Post-diet, IL-18 levels correlated positively with clinical improvement, while IL-13 levels correlated negatively with improvement at 6 months.
Conclusions:
- IL-13 is associated with atopy, while IL-18 may play a role in inhibiting IgE synthesis.
- Serum IL-18 levels after 3 months of an elimination diet show promise as a biomarker for clinical improvement.
- Persistent high IL-13 and low IL-18 levels may indicate a prolonged allergic process in non-improving cases.
Unlabelled:
The aim of the study was the estimation of IL-13 and IL-18 concentration in serum of children with cow milk hypersensitivity and estimation of its usefulness in clinical practice.
Material And Methods:
30 children (14 boys, 16 girls) at the age 6-24 months, average 10.5 months. The children were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 18 children with elevated total IgE, group II, 12 children with normal IgE. In all children with suspected cow milk hypersensitivity, a diet based on strong milk hydrolysates or soy-milk formulas was advised. In 10 children IL-13 and IL-18 were examined three times: at the moment of diagnosis and after 3 and 6 months of dietary treatment. In 20 children IL-13 and IL-18 were estimated twice. Total IgE and specific IgE were performed by HYTER 288; IL-13 and IL-18 were measured by Bender Med System. The results were analysed statistically.
Results:
in children with elevated IgE statistically significant higher IL-13 concentration was found and the mean IL-18 concentration in this group was lower but the difference was not statistically significant. We confirmed a positive correlation between elevated IgE and IL-13 concentration and a negative correlation between IgE and IL-18 before introducing the diet. In children with clinical improvement there was a nonsignificant decrease of IL-13 and increase of IL-18 concentration after diet introduction. In the group without clinical improvement, high IL-13 and low IL-18 concentration during diet were observed (p < 0,01). Highly positive correlation between serum IL-18 after 3 months of elimination diet and clinical improvement was observed. Highly negative correlation between mean IL-13 concentration after 6 months of diet and the clinical condition were observed.
Conclusions:
The correlation between IL-13 concentration and elevated IgE, indicates a connection of this cytokine with atopy. Negative correlation between IL-18 concentration and elevated IgE suggests a possibility of inhibiting IgE synthesis by this cytokine. A strong correlation between IL-18 concentration and clinical improvement after 3 months of elimination diet may imply a reduction of the allergic process. High negative correlation between IL-13 concentration and clinical improvement after 6 months of elimination diet may indicate a prolongation of the allergic process.
