Elevated B cell-activating factor (BAFF) in children with allergic rhinitis

ObjectiveTo evaluate the possible role of B cell-activating factor (BAFF) in children with allergic rhinitis (AR).MethodsTwenty-four AR children and 20 normal children were enrolled in this study and nasal lavage and serum were collected. The nasal and serum levels of BAFF were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The relationship between serum BAFF and immunoglobulin A (IgA) was evaluated in AR children.ResultsOur results showed that the nasal and serum levels of BAFF were significantly increased in AR children compared with controls (p < 0.05). The nasal and serum levels of BAFF in AR children were significantly associated with disease severity (p < 0.05). Moreover, the level of serum BAFF was negatively related to serum IgA level (p < 0.05).ConclusionOur findings show BAFF expression was significantly increased and related to disease severity, indicating BAFF may be implicated in new treatment modalities for AR children.