Abstract
BackgroundIncreased intestinal permeability, either due to the exposure to antigens in asthmatic patients or due to a barrier defect, plays a critical role in susceptibility to environmental allergens. House dust mite allergy occurs more commonly than any other type of allergy among Egyptian asthmatic patients.AimTo assess the relation between serum zonulin level as a marker of increased intestinal permeability and the severity of house dust mite allergic asthma.MethodsA case–control study which included 48 patients with house dust mite allergic asthma and 48 healthy control subjects attending the Allergy and Immunology Unit, Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University.ResultsA statistically significant difference was detected between the two studied groups with respect to serum IgE and serum zonulin levels (p ˂ 0.001 and ˂ 0.001, respectively). The mean serum zonulin was equal to 258.3 ± 153.01 ng/ml in the asthmatic group and 80 ± 13 ng/ml in the control group. Serum zonulin level significantly increased with the increase of asthma severity (p ˂ 0.001). The cut off value of serum zonulin was ≥ 198 ng/ml, and the area under the curve was 0.76. It displayed sensitivity equal to 80% and specificity equal to 71.4%. Its negative predictive value was equal to 83.3%.ConclusionIntestinal barrier dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. Serum zonulin level reflects an increase in intestinal permeability. Zonulin acts as prognostic factor of severity in asthma. Correction of the gut barrier defect may have a potential positive prognostic effect in asthma.
Highlights
Asthma is a common chronic airway disease characterized by airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness and variable airway obstruction, which is often attributed to gene–environment interactions [1].Epidemiologic studies have shown that sensitization to indoor allergens is an important risk factor for the occurrence of acute attacks of asthma [2].The most prevalent indoor allergens include house dust mites (HDMs), animal dander, moulds and cockroaches
Intestinal barrier dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of allergic asthma
Serum zonulin level reflects an increase in intestinal permeability
Summary
Epidemiologic studies have shown that sensitization to indoor allergens is an important risk factor for the occurrence of acute attacks of asthma [2]. The most prevalent indoor allergens include house dust mites (HDMs), animal dander, moulds and cockroaches. HDMs, especially D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae, are considered the major perennial indoor allergen sources inducing allergic sensitization worldwide [3]. Environmental factors, microbiome, epithelial cells and immune cells show a dynamic cross talk at the skin and Baioumy et al Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol (2021) 17:86 mucosal barriers in the development of atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, eosinophilic esophagitis and asthma [4]. House dust mite allergy occurs more commonly than any other type of allergy among Egyptian asthmatic patients
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
