Comparison of serum interleukin-33 levels in children with allergic respiratory diseases

Abstract

Introduction. Recent studies point to the importance of interleukin-33 in the pathogenesis of allergic respiratory diseases. The relationship of interleukin-33 and certain allergic respiratory diseases as well as their characteristics is not fully elucidated. The basic aim of this research was to determine interleukin-33 serum levels in children with allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis, as well as to examine the relationship between obtained interleukin-33 levels and individual clinical characteristics of these patients. Material and Methods. Serum interleukin- 33 levels were measured in a total of 91 children. The study group included 39 children with both allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis, and also 22 children with allergic asthma without allergic rhinitis. The control group included 30 healthy children. Results. Serum levels of interleukin-33 in children with both allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis were significantly higher compared to those in children with allergic asthma only (?2 = 7.01; p = 0.008; p < 0.01). Both groups of patients had significantly higher interleukin-33 serum levels compared to healthy children (?2 = 7.01; p = 0.008; p < 0.01). The correlation between serum interleukin-33 levels and allergic asthma severity was statistically significant (rs = 0.289; p = 0.024; p < 0.05). Conclusion. Serum levels of interleukin-33 were significantly higher in children with allergic respiratory diseases compared to healthy examinees. Significantly higher levels of serum interleukin-33 levels were found in children with both allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis, compared to children with allergic asthma only. Patients with higher interleukin- 33 serum levels also had a more severe type of allergic asthma.