Elevated Nitrosative Stress in Children with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Dermatology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) significantly impacts patients' quality of life.
• Oxidative and nitrosative stress (NS) are implicated in chronic inflammatory diseases.
• The role of NS in CSU pathogenesis requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential role of nitrosative stress (NS) in the development of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).
• To assess plasma levels of nitrosative stress markers in pediatric CSU patients.
• To determine the correlation between NS levels and disease activity in CSU.

Main Methods:

• Study included 32 children with CSU and 22 healthy controls.
• Disease activity was measured using the urticaria activity score (UAS).
• Plasma levels of nitric oxide (NOx) metabolites, nitrite, and nitrate were quantified using a commercial kit.

Main Results:

• CSU patients exhibited significantly higher plasma NOx levels (82.5 ± 11.3 µmol/L) compared to controls (50.9 ± 9.4 µmol/L).
• Elevated plasma nitrite (53.3 ± 13.8 µmol/L vs. 30.2 ± 10.1 µmol/L) and nitrate (27.5 µmol/L vs. 20.9 µmol/L) were observed in CSU patients.
• Plasma NOx and nitrite levels positively correlated with the urticaria activity score (UAS).

Conclusions:

• Elevated plasma nitrosative stress is evident in children with CSU.
• Nitrosative stress levels are positively associated with the severity of chronic spontaneous urticaria.
• These findings suggest a role for NS in the pathogenesis of pediatric CSU.