Allergic sensitization at school age is a systemic low-grade inflammatory disorder

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pediatrics
• Inflammation Research

Background:

• Systemic low-grade inflammation is a common factor in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
• Its role in childhood allergic sensitization remains largely unexplored.
• This study investigates the association between inflammatory biomarkers and allergic sensitization in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the association between specific inflammatory markers and allergic sensitization in childhood.
• To explore systemic low-grade inflammation as a potential characteristic of early-onset NCDs like allergic sensitization.

Main Methods:

• Measured hs-CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and CXCL8 in children at 6 months and 7 years.
• Assessed allergic sensitization longitudinally using IgE and skin prick tests.
• Analyzed associations using logistic regression and principal component analyses.

Main Results:

• Elevated hs-CRP at 7 years correlated with allergic sensitization to various allergens.
• This association persisted for sensitization with and without clinical symptoms.
• Inflammatory markers at 6 months did not predict subsequent sensitization.

Conclusions:

• Elevated hs-CRP is associated with allergic sensitization in school-aged children.
• Suggests systemic low-grade inflammation is a phenotypic trait of early-onset NCDs.
• Highlights hs-CRP as a potential indicator in childhood allergic diseases.