| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2794614 | Cytokine | 2011 | 4 Pages |
Background and purposeImmune and inflammatory responses, mediated by cytokines, play important roles in the pathophysiology of asthma. These responses are associated with over expression of T helper (Th)-2 cytokine, particularly interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5, and decreased expression of Th-1 cytokine, IL-2 and IFN-γ. We hypothesized that there would be an imbalance in the levels of circulating IL-4 and IFN-γ in the asthmatic subjects.MethodWe investigated serum levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ among eighty children (18 steroid-naïve, 30 steroid-treated children with asthma and 32 healthy controls) using commercially available ELISA kits.ResultsSerum level of IL-4 was significantly higher in steroid-naïve group of asthmatic children compared to the healthy control subjects and was lower in steroid-treated group though the level was statistically not significant. In contrast, serum levels of IFN-γ were significantly lower in both steroid-naïve and steroid-treated groups of asthmatic children compared to healthy control subjects.ConclusionThe results of our study suggest that serum level of IL-4 may be elevated in concert with decreased level of IFN-γ in asthma. Determination of serum levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ may be a useful tool for understanding the disease processes in asthma.
► We studied serum levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-γ in children with asthma. ► The results showed significantly higher level of IL-4 in serum of steroid-naive asthmatic children compared to control subjects. ► The level of IL-4 was lower in steroid-treated asthmatic children compared to steroid-naïve asthmatic children. ► The levels of IFN-γ were significantly lower in both steroid-naïve and steroid-treated asthmatic children.
