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[Immunological and trace element study in 50 children with various diseases caused by food allergens and
Insights
This study found that atopic children often have abnormal T-lymphocyte ratios and deficiencies in iron, zinc, and copper. These deficiencies may stem from gut damage caused by food allergens.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Atopic children exhibit diverse pathologies, including eczema and respiratory issues.
- Immune system dysregulation, particularly T-lymphocyte imbalances, is common in atopy.
- Nutrient deficiencies, specifically in trace elements, are frequently observed in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate T-lymphocyte levels and serum concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) in atopic children.
- To explore the relationship between T4/T8 lymphocyte ratios, immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, and the severity of atopic syndrome.
- To identify potential correlations between nutrient deficiencies and the pathogenesis of atopic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of T-lymphocyte subsets (T4/T8 ratio) in 50 atopic children.
- Quantification of serum Fe, Zn, and Cu levels.
- Correlation analysis between immune parameters, IgE levels, and clinical manifestations.
Main Results:
- Abnormal T4/T8 ratios were observed in 65% of atopic children.
- Children with severe atopic syndrome and normal IgE showed a significantly lower T4/T8 ratio compared to those with hyper-IgE.
- High prevalence of deficiencies: iron (72%), zinc (52%), and copper (33%) were noted in the study group.
Conclusions:
- Atopic children frequently present with altered T-lymphocyte profiles and significant deficiencies in essential trace minerals.
- The findings suggest a potential link between gut epithelial damage from food allergens and impaired nutrient absorption.
- These deficiencies may contribute to immune dysregulation and the exacerbation of atopic conditions in children.
Abstract:
The authors executed a study on the levels of T lymphocytes and of serum Fe, Zn and Cu in 50 atopic children. The boys showed a various pathology who included the eczema, the laryngotracheobronchostenosis, the choanal obstruction and/or the adenoid's obstruction, abdominal pains, stomatitis, relapsing herpes, shock, neurosis. The T4/T8 relationship resulted lower in the 34.5% of subjects, higher in the 30.5% normal in the 35.5%. In the patients with hyper-IgE the 28.2% of children showed this relationship in the normality, but in the children with a heavy atopic syndrome and normal IgE only the 7.3% of subjects showed the T4/T8 relationship in the normality. The authors dwell on the heavy iron deficiency (72%) and of the Zn (52%) and of the Cu (33%) in the serum present in these subjects. The authors suppose that these changes come from a short absorption of these ions coming from the epithelial gut's damage caused by the daily ingestion of food allergens.