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Published on: August 7, 2017
Serum interleukin-18 expression in children with bronchial asthma
Elham M Hossny1, Shereen S El-Sayed, Eman S El-Hadidi
1From the Departments of 1Pediatrics and 2Clinical Pathology, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
Serum Interleukin 18 (IL-18) levels are lower in children with asthma, particularly during exacerbations. These findings suggest IL-18 may play a role in childhood asthma pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Interleukin 18 (IL-18) influences Th1/Th2 cytokine balance and inflammation.
- IL-18 promotes memory Th1 cell recruitment to inflammatory sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum IL-18 expression in childhood bronchial asthma.
- To correlate IL-18 levels with asthma activity and severity.
Main Methods:
- Enzymatic immunoassay used to measure serum IL-18.
- Study included 25 asthmatic children (exacerbation and quiescent phases) and 35 controls.
Main Results:
- Serum IL-18 was significantly lower in asthmatic children during exacerbation compared to stable phases.
- IL-18 levels in asthmatic children were lower than in controls.
- No significant correlation found with asthma severity, atopy, passive smoking, or eosinophil count.
Conclusions:
- Serum IL-18 is underexpressed in childhood asthma, especially during exacerbations.
- Further research is required to elucidate the precise role of IL-18 in asthma pathogenesis.
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