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Circadian rhythm of serum total immunoglobin E (IgE) in asthmatic children
Insights
Children with allergic asthma exhibit a significant circadian rhythm in total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, unlike healthy children. This finding highlights the need for time-specific reference ranges for interpreting IgE in asthmatic individuals.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Chronobiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels are crucial biomarkers in allergic diseases.
- Circadian rhythms influence various physiological processes, including immune function.
- Previous research has not extensively explored the diurnal variations of IgE in children with allergic asthma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of circadian rhythms in serum total IgE levels in children with and without allergic asthma.
- To compare IgE diurnal patterns between healthy children and children with symptom-free allergic asthma.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 6 healthy children and 3 boys with allergic asthma at fixed time points over 24-48 hours.
- Radioimmunoassay methods were employed for quantifying total IgE.
- Time series data were analyzed using conventional statistical tests and the Cosinor method to assess circadian rhythmicity.
Main Results:
- No significant circadian rhythm of total IgE was detected in healthy children.
- A robust circadian rhythm of total IgE, with approximately 30% amplitude, was identified in children with allergic asthma (P < 0.0023).
- This rhythm in asthmatic children featured two diurnal peaks and a nocturnal trough.
Conclusions:
- Circadian rhythmicity of serum total IgE is a distinct characteristic of children with allergic asthma.
- Time-dependent reference values are necessary for accurate interpretation of total IgE levels in asthmatic children.
- The observed IgE circadian rhythm may be linked to diurnal variations in lymphocyte subpopulations.
Abstract:
Time of day related changes in serum total IgE (and cortisol as marker rhythm) were documented in 6 non-allergic children (2 girls, 4 boys, 6 to 10 years old) and 3 boys (10 to 14 years) with allergic asthma but symptom free at the time of the study. Subjects were synchronized with a diurnal activity from 07.00 to 21.00 and a nocturnal rest. Venous blood was sampled at fixed times (07.30, 11.30, 16.30 and 22.30) during a 24 hours span for the healthy children and during a 48 hours span for the asthmatics. Radioimmunoassay methods were used for the determinations. Time series were analyzed according to conventional (t tested differences, ANOVA) and Cosinor methods. No IgE circadian rhythm was validated in healthy children while a large amplitude (approximately equal to 30% of the 24 hours mean) circadian rhythm with 2 diurnal peaks and a nocturnal trough was demonstrated (P less than 0.0023) in the asthmatics. Therefore, time qualified references are needed for the interpretation of total IgE as they are for many biological variables. Circadian rhythm of IgE is presumably related to those of lymphocyte subpopulations such as B, T and T-suppressor cells.