The Relationship between Th1/Th2 Balance and 1α, 25-Dihydroxyvitamin D₃ in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis

With regard to the correlation between T helper1/T helper2 (Th1/Th2) cell balance and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, active metabolite of vitamin D, we studied Th1/Th2 cell balance by measuring levels of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), which are important for immune response of patients with allergic rhinitis.

Thirty adult patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis (study group) and 40 healthy volunteers (control group) are examined in the research. IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels from serum samples and vitamin D₃ levels from plasma were determined in all patients.

In IgE, IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ, and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ levels (p<0.05), a statistically noticeable difference was observed between the study and control group. The 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ levels in both groups were compared and a statistically significant difference between the 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ levels in the study group and that in the control group (p<0.05) was observed. There was a positive correlation between IFN-γ and vitamin D levels (p<0.05) in the study group, whereas IgE, IL-4, and IL-10 levels showed a negative correlation with vitamin D₃ levels (p<0.05).

In our study, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ levels were associated with Th1/Th2 balance in allergic rhinitis, and a remarkable correlation was observed among vitamin D deficiency and allergy. These findings show that 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ may have a remarkable role in the severity and control of allergic disorders. In addition, further investigations are required to confirm how vitamin D should be used in allergic diseases. Furthermore, to reveal the exact mechanism of vitamin D on allergic diseases, further studies are required.