GP8 Assessment of new potential biomarkers of inflammation in children with cow’s milk allergy

Abstract

Introduction Cow`s milk allergy (CMA) is a frequent food allergy in young children. In some children allergy symptoms persist for many years, that is why searching for markers allowing to follow the dynamics of the inflammatory process is still underway. Currently, routinely determined parameters have a limited value in this disease and do not fully reflect all the mechanisms of the inflammatory process. The measurement of proinflammatory factors of various origins may be helpful in both diagnosis and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment in the children with CMA. The aim of the study was to assess serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukins (IL-6, IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the patients with cow`s milk allergy and in the healthy children. Patients and methods The study included 20 children (aged 3–6 years) with diagnosed cow`s milk allergy, who were under systematic medical and dietary control at the Institute of Mother and Child (Warsaw, Poland). Patients had been treated with elimination diet, providing a milk substitute: extensively hydrolyzed formulas (54%) and soy-based formulas (46%). Children with cow`s milk allergy had different initial symptoms: atopic dermatitis, gastrointestinal symptoms, and recurrent respiratory tract infections. The control group consisted of 15 healthy children matched for age and sex. Anthropometric measurement and dietary constituents were assessed in all studied children. Concentrations of serum CRP, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α were determined in serum samples by immunoenzymatic assays. Statistical analyses were done using Statistica software. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee at the Institute of Mother and Child. Results There were no significant differences in the anthropometric parameters: weight, height and body mass index in both studied groups. Average daily dietary energy and macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates) intake was similar in the children with cow`s milk allergy and the controls. No significant difference in serum CRP and IL-6 concentrations between the two groups of children was found. Median value of serum IL-10 and TNF- α were significantly higher (p Conclusion Our data allow us to suggest that IL-10 and TNF-α may be a promising biomarkers in the assessment of inflammation in the patients with cow`s milk allergy.