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Increased production of interleukin 4 in children with simple idiopathic nephrotic syndrome
Insights
Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) in children is linked to atopy, with elevated IgE and IL-4 levels observed during nephrotic states. Increased IL-4 may contribute to higher IgE and play a role in INS pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Immunology
- Allergy
Background:
- Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is a significant kidney disorder in children.
- Atopy, characterized by allergic diseases, frequently co-occurs in INS patients and their families.
- The immunological underpinnings of INS, particularly the role of atopy, require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between atopy and idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in children.
- To evaluate the levels of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in children with INS.
- To explore the potential pathogenetic role of IL-4 in INS.
Main Methods:
- Sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected from 42 children with INS and 28 healthy controls.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum IgE and IL-4 levels in PHA-activated PBMC supernatants.
- Statistical analysis was performed to assess correlations and differences between groups.
Main Results:
- A high incidence of allergic diseases was observed in INS children and their first-degree relatives, indicating a strong link between atopy and INS.
- Serum IgE and IL-4 levels were significantly elevated in the nephrotic state compared to remission and healthy controls.
- Positive correlations were found between IL-4 and IgE, and between IL-4 and 24-hour proteinuria.
Conclusions:
- Atopy is closely associated with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in children.
- Elevated IL-4 production by T cells may contribute to increased serum IgE levels in INS patients.
- Interleukin-4 might play a pathogenetic role in INS, though further research is needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Abstract:
Sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected from 42 children with simple idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) aged from 1.5 to 14 years and 28 age and sex-matched healthy children. The levels of IgE in serum and interleukin 4 (IL-4) in supernatant of PHA-activated PBMC were tested by ELISA. A significantly high incidence of allergic diseases was noted in INS children and their first-degree relatives, and there was a close association between atopy and INS. Besides, the levels of IgE and IL-4 were increased in nephrotic state (P < 0.001 both). IgE normal and IL-4 slightly lower in remission state (P < 0.2, P < 0.01 respectively). A positive correlation was noticed between IL-4 and IgE, and between IL-4 and 24-hour proteinuria (r = 0.472, r = 0.562; P < 005, P < 0.01 respectively). These showed a close association between atopy and INS. Both IL-4 and IgE, the important mediators in atopy, showed abnormal change in patients. The increased IL-4 production of T cells might account for the elevated serum IgE level. IL-4 may have a pathogenetic role in INS, but it still remains speculative.