Up-regulation of serum periostin and squamous cell carcinoma antigen levels in respiratory syncytial virus bronchitis of infants

Abstract

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-induced bronchiolitis in infancy is a major risk factor for asthma. Recently, periostin and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) have been suggested as non-invasive biomarkers of asthma which can be easily assessed for clinical use. Objective: To clarify the relationship between RSV airway infections with or without an increased risk of asthma and serum periostin/SCCA levels. Method: We measured the serum levels of periostin, SCCA-1 and -2 in 14 cases of RSV-bronchitis with positive modified asthma predictive index (mAPI (+)), 22 cases of RSV-bronchitis with negative mAPI, 18 cases with food allergy with no respiratory symptoms (positive control) and 18 controls. We also compared the data of RSV-bronchitis between acute and recovery phases. Results: The levels of periostin, SCCA in acute phases were significantly elevated than in recovery phases. Especially SCCA1 levels were significantly higher than in other groups. However there were no significant differences of biomarkers between the groups with or without mAPI. Conclusions: Both periostin and SCCA may play some role in the pathogenesis of RSV-induced acute bronchitis. Further research is required to clarify the role of these molecules in the airway with RSV infection, and usefulness as the biomarker in young children with recurrent wheezing or asthma.