Serum levels of interleukin-33, soluble ST2 and IgE in patients with asthma: a case-control study

Interleukins play a very important role in the pathophysiology of asthma. Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a partially explored cytokine in asthma. It binds with a specific receptor called suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2). The study aims to evaluate the serum levels of IL-33, sST2 and IgE in asthmatic patients and healthy controls and its further association with the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1%) and absolute eosinophil count.

We enrolled 100 asthmatic patients and 57 healthy subjects for the study. We measured serum levels of IgE, IL-33, and sST2. Based on serum IgE levels, patients were divided into allergic and non-allergic groups. Statistical analysis was done by using Graph pad prism software 8.

We found significantly elevated levels of IL-33 and IgE in asthmatic patients as compared to healthy subjects. However, sST2 levels were significantly lower in asthmatic patients than in healthy subjects. FEV1% values were decreased in uncontrolled asthmatic patients. In addition, serum levels of IL-33 were significantly correlated with the IgE. Furthermore, we found a significant correlation between IL-33 and AEC in allergic asthmatic patients.

In this study, we reported elevated IL-33 and IgE levels and decreased sST2 levels in asthmatic patients compared to healthy controls. IL-33 and sST2 may act as inflammatory biomarkers for allergic diseases such as asthma.