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Published on: June 29, 2021
Inflammatory response and IgE sensitization at early age
Kirsi Mustonen1, Laura Orivuori, Leea Keski-Nisula
1Department of Environmental Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland. kirsi.mustonen@thl.fi
Summary
Early childhood inflammation, indicated by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), is linked to a lower risk of developing allergic sensitization later in life. This suggests a protective role of inflammation against allergies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric immunology
- Environmental health
- Allergy research
Background:
- The hygiene hypothesis suggests microbial exposure in early life may reduce allergy risk by inducing low-grade inflammation.
- Associations between early-life inflammation and later allergic disease development require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between early-life low-grade inflammation and the development of allergic sensitization, atopic dermatitis (AD), and asthma at 4.5 years of age.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 636 children from the PASTURE study across five European countries was analyzed.
- Data on environmental factors, AD, and asthma were collected via questionnaires.
- Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) at age 1 year and serum-specific IgE (sIgE) at ages 1 and 4.5 years were measured. Logistic regression was used for analysis.
Main Results:
- Elevated CRP levels at age 1 year were associated with a significantly decreased risk of allergic sensitization by age 4.5 years (aOR 0.48, p=0.014).
- No significant association was found between CRP levels and the risk of developing atopic dermatitis or asthma.
Conclusions:
- Increased early-life CRP levels are associated with reduced allergic sensitization later in life.
- These findings suggest that an impaired inflammatory response may predispose individuals to IgE sensitization, challenging aspects of the hygiene hypothesis.
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