Serum Eosinophil Cationic Protein Research Articles

Role of serum eosinophil cationic protein in distinct endotypes of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels affect the surgical outcome of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps. Primary CRS can be classified into type 2 (T2) and non-T2. We aimed to differentiate the role of serum ECP levels in surgical outcomes between the distinct endotypes of primary CRS. We prospectively enrolled patients with bilateral primary CRS who underwent surgical treatment with postoperative follow-up for at least 12 months. Endotyping and serum parameter measurements were completed within 1 week before surgery. In total, 113 patients were enrolled, including 65 with T2 CRS and 48 with non-T2 CRS. Patients in the T2 CRS group with uncontrolled CRS had significantly higher serum ECP levels than those in patients in the non-T2 CRS group. An optimal cut-off value was obtained at 17.0 μg/L using the receiver operating characteristic curve, attaining a sensitivity of 91.7% and specificity of 56.6%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a higher serum ECP level was an independent factor for postoperative uncontrolled disease. The hazard ratio was 11.3 for the T2 group, with serum ECP levels over 17.0 μg/L. In the non-T2 group, no parameters were significantly correlated with postoperative uncontrolled CRS. Serum ECP levels appear to be a feasible predictor of postoperative uncontrolled disease in patients with T2 CRS as preoperative serum ECP levels >17.0 μg/L in these patients have an approximately 16.7-fold increased risk of postoperative uncontrolled disease and should be closely monitored.

Serum Eosinophilic Cationic Protein as a Useful Noninvasive Marker of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease in Children.

Recently, the prevalence of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (EGID) has shown an increasing trend worldwide. As the diagnosis of EGID requires invasive endoscopy with biopsy, noninvasive markers for detecting EGID in suspected patients, particularly children, are urgently needed. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) beyond peripheral eosinophil counts in pediatric patients with EGID. Overall, 156 children diagnosed with EGID were enrolled and 150 children with functional abdominal pain disorder (FAPD) were recruited as controls. All participants underwent endoscopic biopsy in each segment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and serum ECP measurement, as well as peripheral eosinophil percent and absolute eosinophil count. Comparing EGID (n=156) with FAPD (n=150) patients, serum ECP levels were significantly higher in pediatric patients with EGID than in those with FAPD (25.8±28.6 µg/L vs. 19.5±21.0 µg/L, p=0.007), while there was no significant difference in peripheral eosinophil percent and absolute eosinophil counts between the two groups. Serum ECP levels were correlated with peripheral eosinophil percent (r=0.593, p<0.001) and the absolute eosinophil count (r=0.660, p<0.001). The optimal cutoff value of serum ECP for pediatric EGID was 10.5 µg/mL, with a sensitivity of 69.9% and a specificity of 43.4% with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.562. The combination of serum ECP levels and peripheral eosinophil counts, when employed with appropriated thresholds, could serve as a valuable noninvasive biomarker to distinguish between EGID and FAPD in pediatric patients manifesting GI symptoms.

Role of peripheral and tissue eosinophils and eosinophil cationic protein in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (EGID), and functional abdominal pain disorder (FAPD) present with nonspecific gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms clinically and also have some similarities in pathogeneses associated with eosinophils. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the role of eosinophils in IBD compared to EGID and FAPD by investigating eosinophils in peripheral blood and GI tissue and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP). Pediatric patients with chronic GI symptoms who underwent endoscopic biopsies were enrolled. Complete blood cell counts, inflammatory markers, immunoglobulin E (IgE), serum ECP levels, and endoscopic and histopathologic findings were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 387 patients were included: 179 with EGID, 107 with IBDs, and 82 with FAPD. Peripheral absolute eosinophil count (AEC), total IgE, and serum ECP were significantly higher in both IBD and EGID than in FAPD (all p < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were noted among the three groups in tissue eosinophil counts in each segment of GI tract except for the esophagus (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed in tissue eosinophil counts in the ascending, sigmoid colon, and rectum between EGID and IBD (p < 0.05). Peripheral and tissue eosinophils in the stomach and duodenum revealed positive correlation in both EGID and IBD (both p < 0.001). Elevated eosinophil-related markers, as well as increased tissue eosinophilic infiltration in the affected areas of the GI tract in both IBD and EGID compared to FAPD, suggest that eosinophils might play a common important role in the pathogeneses of both diseases.

Increased serum eosinophilic cationic protein in children with nonspecific chronic cough.

Increased serum eosinophilic cationic protein in children with nonspecific chronic cough.

Eosinophilic myocarditis: comprehensive update on pathophysiology, diagnosis, prognosis and management.

Hypereosinophilic syndromes are a group of disorders secondary to the accumulation of eosinophils leading to the injury of one or more organs. Among them, eosinophilic myocarditis (EM) is a rare form of inflammatory cardiomyopathy characterized by eosinophilic infiltration into myocardial tissue and subsequent release of substances with cell membrane damage and cell destruction. The degree of infiltration is thought to depend on the underlying condition, as well as the degree and duration of eosinophil exposure and ranges from mild localized disease to diffuse multifocal infiltrates associated with myocardial necrosis, thrombotic complications and endomyocardial fibrosis. The main causes of EM are hypersensitivity reactions, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, hypereosinophilic syndrome variants, infections and cancer. Clinical presentation can be variable, ranging from asymptomatic forms to life-threatening conditions, to chronic heart failure due to progression to chronic restrictive cardiomyopathy. Marked eosinophilia in peripheral blood, elevated serum eosinophilic cationic protein concentration and multimodality imaging may suggest the etiology of EM, but in most cases an endomyocardial biopsy must be performed to establish a definitive diagnosis. Systemic treatment varies greatly depending on the underlying cause, however the evidence of an eosinophilic infiltrate allows initiation of immunosuppressive therapy, which is the mainstay of treatment in idiopathic and in most forms of EM. Patients with helminthic infection benefit from anti-parasitic therapy, those with myeloid clone often need a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, while anticoagulant therapy should be undertaken in case of possible thrombotic complications.

Dupilumab for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: real-life retrospective 12-month effectiveness data.

Dupilumab, an IL-4/13 receptor inhibitor, is approved for the treatment of uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of dupilumab for CRSwNP based on retrospective 12-month follow-up data of 41 patients. We analysed nasal endoscopy scores, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), 12-item SniffinSticks odor identification test (SSIT-12), total serum IgE, serum Eosinophilic Cationic Protein (ECP), and total blood eosinophil count (BEC). We performed statistical analysis using non-parametric ANOVA-type models and Spearman's correlation. At month 1, endoscopy scores, PROMs and SSIT-12 showed meaningful improvements that were maintained until month 12. Initial elevations in both median ECP and BECs returned to near baseline levels by month 12. The percentage of patients withBEC ≤ 0.6 remained increased at month 12 (42.1%) compared to baseline (19.5%). Total serum IgE levels decreased progressively and correlated with nasal polyp scores at month 12. "Adequate response" was reached in 86.8% of our cohort. Our data suggest that dupilumab is effective for the treatment of CRSwNP. The potential for short- and long-term BEC elevations in some CRSwNP patients should be carefully monitored.

Activated Eosinophils Predict Longer Progression-Free Survival under Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Melanoma.

Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) has yielded remarkable results in prolonging survival of metastatic melanoma patients but only a subset of individuals treated respond to therapy. Success of ICI treatment appears to depend on the number of tumor-infiltrating effector T-cells, which are known to be influenced by activated eosinophils. To verify the co-occurrence of activated eosinophils and T-cells in melanoma, immunofluorescence was performed in 285 primary or metastatic tumor tissue specimens from 118 patients. Moreover, eosinophil counts and activity markers such as eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil peroxidase (EPX) were measured in the serum before therapy start and before the 4th infusion of ICI in 45 metastatic unresected melanoma patients. We observed a positive correlation between increased tumor-infiltrating eosinophils and T-cells associated with delayed melanoma progression. High baseline levels of eosinophil count, serum ECP and EPX were linked to prolonged progression-free survival in metastatic melanoma. Our data provide first indications that activated eosinophils are related to the T-cell-inflamed tumor microenvironment and could be considered as potential future prognostic biomarkers in melanoma.

Baseline Eosinophil Count as a Potential Clinical Biomarker for Clinical Complexity in EGPA: A Real-Life Experience.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a small-vessel necrotizing vasculitis with multiple organ involvement. Despite improvements in clinical management, biomarkers for organ involvement and disease prognosis are still an unmet need. EGPA patients referred to our immunology clinic were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic/clinical features, eosinophils, ANCA status, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and total serum IgE were evaluated at the baseline. Eosinophils, total serum IgE, ECP and ANCA were studied as possible biomarkers for lung and extrapulmonary disease. In total, 167 EGPA patients were recruited for our study. A positive association between eosinophils and peripheral nervous system (PNS) involvement was demonstrated (p &lt;0.001; chi-squared test). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves using the eosinophil count or percentage as predictors of PNS involvement yielded AUC values of 0.75 and 0.67, respectively. ANCA positivity was associated with PNS involvement, while no correlations with clinical parameters were found for ECP and total serum IgE. Patients without extrapulmonary involvement had lower eosinophils (eosinophils: 2844.7 ± 1698 vs. 6373 ± 5468, p &lt; 0.001; eosinophil percentage: 24.6 ± 10% vs. 36.2 ± 15.8, p &lt; 0.001) and were less likely to be ANCA+ (p &lt; 0.001, chi-squared test). Eosinophils in EGPA are an important biomarker and are associated with extrapulmonary involvement. These findings could strengthen the role of anti-eosinophilic drugs in improving extrapulmonary disease.

Study the Role of Eosinophilic Cationic Protein, Copper and Iron in Women Infected with Trichomonas vaginalis Parasite

Since Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) only manifests as a trophozoite stage during sex, it is typically transmitted during sex as a trophozoite. The purpose of this study was to determine the concentrations of copper, iron, and Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in vaginitis patients. Between July and November 2021, 355 suspected patients who visited the AL-Zahra maternity and pediatrics laboratory in the AL-Najaf region (Iraq) and 30 healthy respondents of the same age participated in the study. According to the manufacturer's instructions, the ELISA technique was used to measure the levels of three biomarkers in serum (copper, iron, and ECP). On the other hand, the colorimetric approach was used to measure the copper concentration. The investigation showed that in the blood sample of T. vaginalis-infected patients, the amounts of copper and iron considerably decreased (P &gt; 0.05). In contrast, the serum levels of ECP considerably increased (P &gt; 0.05) when compared to the control group. As a result of the T. vaginalis infection, copper levels in the blood are dramatically impacted, according to the current study's findings. The current study results suggested that the T. vaginalis infection alters serum iron and ECP concentrations, significantly affecting copper levels in the blood.

Allergic Sensitization Is Crucial for the Suppressive Role of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the Acute Exacerbation of Asthma

Introduction: Allergic sensitization is an important factor in the development, severity, and exacerbation of asthma, which is attributed to type 2 (T2) inflammation. Evidence suggests that respiratory bacterial pathogens (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae) exert suppressive effects on airway T2 inflammation. To clarify the role of allergic inflammation in bacterial colonization in asthma based on allergic sensitization, we investigated pharyngeal bacterial colonization, biomarkers (e.g., serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and cytokines/chemokines), and symptoms in the acute exacerbation of childhood asthma. Methods: Pharyngeal samples were collected from 53 children (mean/median age 2.7/2.5 years). Serum levels of total and allergen-specific IgE against aeroallergens, ECP, and 17 cytokines/chemokines were measured. Results: Allergic sensitization was recognized in 62.2% patients. S. pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Haemophilus influenzae, and other bacteria were detected in 47.1%, 11.3%, 11.3%, and 30.1% of all patients, respectively. Patients with S. pneumoniae had a significantly shorter duration of wheezing than those without (4.7 ± 3.6 vs. 7.1 ± 3.5 days, p = 0.024). In patients with allergic sensitization, patients with S. pneumoniae had a significantly shorter duration of wheezing than those without (4.0 ± 3.6 vs. 7.7 ± 4.0 days, p = 0.003). Serum total IgE was significantly lower in patients with S. pneumoniae than in those without (81.9 [7.8–894] vs. 287 [4.4–1,840] IU/mL, p = 0.014). Serum ECP was significantly higher (33.1 [2–109] vs. 7.8 [3–35] ng/mL, p = 0.042), and IFN-γ was significantly lower (5.6 [4–10] vs. 16.4 [7–28] pg/mL, p = 0.032) in patients with allergic sensitization than those without. Discussion/Conclusion: Our results suggested that the suppressive effects of S. pneumoniae colonization were observed only in patients with allergic sensitization, wherein serum total IgE, ECP, and IFN-γ may have an important role on acute exacerbation of asthma.

A Retrospective Study of the Efficacy of Albendazole and Diethylcarbamazine for the Treatment of Human Toxocariasis.

In the Department of Parasitology and Mycology of Toulouse University Hospitals, patients presenting with common/covert toxocariasis were treated either with albendazole (39 cases) or with diethylcarbamazine (32 cases). Albendazole (ABZ) was given at 10 mg/kg b/w daily for 14 days, and diethylcarbamazine (DEC) was given at 4 mg/kg b/w daily for 21 days. In both groups, follow-up consultations occurred approximately 48 days after the end of the anthelmintic therapy. ABZ and DEC displayed a similar efficacy on the kinetics of the clinical picture (−64.5% of reduction vs. −72.7%, respectively) and on the levels of blood eosinophilia, serum eosinophil cationic protein and serum total IgE. However, the effect of the medication on the laboratory parameters was moderate. The rate of adverse reactions was similar in both groups (38% for ABZ vs. 31% for DEC), but DEC-treated patients complained of more intense and long-lasting side effects. The DEC group had more major adverse reactions, resulting in the termination of the anthelmintic treatment. The results from this retrospective study bring further arguments for considering ABZ, given at 10 mg/kg daily for 2 weeks, as the drug of choice in the treatment of human toxocariasis.

Evaluation of Eosinophilic Cationic Protein as a Marker of Alveolar and Cystic Echinococcosis.

Echinococcosis is a neglected zoonotic disease and a worldwide public health problem caused by infection with the larval stages of taeniid cestodes of the genus Echinococcus. In vitro studies have demonstrated a protoscolecidal effect of eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), a granule protein of eosinophilic granulocytes, against E. granulosus. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate ECP as a biomarker in the treatment of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) and cystic echinococcosis (CE). Data were collected retrospectively from the Vienna Echinococcosis Cohort over 7 years until December 2020. Altogether, 32 patients (16 AE and 16 CE) were included. In the selected patients, serum ECP values were compared before and after the beginning of an operative and/or benzimidazole (BMZ) therapy. Mean ECP serum levels before intervention were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated at 34.0 ± 22.9 μg/L in AE patients and at 38.6 ± 19.9 μg/L in CE patients compared to the control group. After the intervention, mean ECP levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05) to 20.4 ± 14.6 μg/L in AE patients and to 22.4 ± 8.3 μg/L in CE patients. Furthermore, ECP showed a significant (p < 0.05) correlation of k = 0.56 with PET–CTI. Based on the significant decrease after operative and/or BMZ treatment and the correlation with clinical markers such as PET–CTI, it is recommended to investigate ECP more intensively as a marker of AE and CE in prospective studies with larger cohorts.

Serum Eosinophilic Cationic Protein Is a Reliable Biomarker for Childhood Asthma

Background: Eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) is associated with airway inflammation and asthma. However, the clinical value of measuring ECP in childhood asthma is not fully known. We aimed to study the diagnostic performance of serum ECP and other common asthma biomarkers, individually and in combinations. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 5–16-year-old children with current asthma (CA) (n = 37), transient asthma (TA) (n = 43), (previous history of wheezing/asthma), and healthy children (HC) (n = 86) were investigated for ECP, blood eosinophil count (B-Eos), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and lung function, i.e., spirometry (forced expiratory volume during the first second [FEV1]/forced vital capacity [FVC] ratio). Results: Both ECP and B-Eos were higher in CA compared to TA (p < 0.01) and HC (p < 0.0001). ECP and B-Eos were also higher in TA compared to HC (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). FeNO was higher in CA (p < 0.0001) and TA (p < 0.01) compared to HC but similar between the asthma groups. The FEV1/FVC ratio was lower in CA compared to TA and HC (both p < 0.01) but similar between TA and HC. The best diagnostic performance regarding CA was found for ECP and B-Eos with receiver operating characteristics area under curve (AUC) of 0.801 and 0.810, respectively. The optimal cutoff for ECP (29 μg/L) yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 70.3% and 81.4%. The corresponding AUCs for FeNO and FEV1/FVC were 0.732 and 0.670, respectively. ECP and B-Eos showed the highest AUCs (0.669 and 0.673) for differentiation between CA and TA. Combining ECP with FeNO and FEV1/FVC increased the odds ratio (OR) for having CA from OR 3.97–10.3 for the single biomarkers to OR 20.2 (95% confidence interval: 5.76–68.6). Conclusion: Our results show that serum ECP is a reliable biomarker in the diagnosis of childhood asthma, with additional value in combination with FeNO and FEV1/FVC, and that ECP can be an alternative to B-Eos.

Correlation analysis of laboratory parameters in seasonal allergic rhinitis in the Karaganda Region

&lt;b&gt;Background:&lt;/b&gt; Allergic rhinitis is a recurrent inflammation of the nasal mucosa that is triggered by various allergens and has an extremely negative impact on the quality of a patient's life. With the increasing morbidity of seasonal allergic rhinitis worldwide, the possibility of a deterioration in the course of the disease must be taken into account. Consequently, its prompt diagnosis is essential. High levels of total immunoglobulin E, eosinophil cationic protein and eosinophil count, along with appropriate clinical data, are associated with allergic rhinitis. However, studies regarding the relation of allergic reaction predictors with severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms are currently insufficient and inconsistent. &lt;b&gt;The objective of this study&lt;/b&gt; was to determine the total immunoglobulin E (IgE), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil count in blood serum and to identify the relationship of each parameter with the severity of seasonal allergic rhinitis. &lt;b&gt;Methods:&lt;/b&gt; This cross-sectional study was conducted in the regional allergological center “DiVera” which is located in Karaganda city (central Kazakhstan). In order to perform statistical analysis, we used initial levels of seasonal allergic rhinitis markers and 4-point scale aspects for assessing symptoms (Daily Symptom Score). Allergic rhinitis markers were identified by using automatic modular and immunological analyzers. The study involved 49 patients aged 18-60 years with a diagnosis of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Verification of the diagnosis was carried out on the basis of a positive allergic anamnesis, objective and subjective patients data. Statistical analysis was performed using the “Statistica” software version 13.0 for Windows. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was applied to determine the relations between the studied parameters. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The study revealed a positive direct, strong statistically significant relationship (p&lt;0.05) of all three serological markers - immunoglobulin E (r=0.96), eosinophilic cationic protein (r=0.91), and eosinophil count (r=0.86) with symptom severity of allergic rhinitis. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; This correlation analysis revealed a relation of eosinophil count, total IgE and eosinophil cationic protein levels to symptom severity in seasonal allergic rhinitis. The concentration of serological markers could be an important predictor of allergic sensitization, particularly in adult patients.

Serum dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and eosinophil cationic protein levels in patients of bronchial asthma

Treprostinil, a prostacyclin analogue used in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), is available for administration by parenteral, oral, or inhaled routes. Transitioning between routes may be beneficial for appropriate patients; however, there is little published data on transitions between oral and inhaled treprostinil. We used a modified Delphi process to develop expert consensus recommendations on transitions between these formulations. Three questionnaires were used to develop statements about relevant aspects of transition management, which the panelists rated, using a Likert scale, from −5 (strongly disagree) to +5 (strongly agree). Eleven physicians with expertise in PAH treatment modalities, participated in the panel. Of the 492 statements evaluated, consensus was reached on 215 (43.7%). Key consensus recommendations included (1) accurately defining successful transition, as stable or improved PAH with good tolerability and adherence, and (2) patients with stable, low-risk PAH showing insufficient response or tolerability to their existing treprostinil therapy (and due to restrictions in up titration of dosing), as appropriate candidates for transitions between treprostinil formulations. Panelists did not reach consensus for an overall strategy for performing these transitions, mainly because of variability in their practice parameters. Consensus was also achieved on recommendations for adverse event management, including reassurance, administration of oral treprostinil 3 times daily with food, and dosing inhaled treprostinil at intervals ≥3 hours apart. The Delphi process aided in developing expert consensus recommendations that may provide clinically useful guidance for transitioning between treprostinil formulations. However, additional data from centers with high volumes of PAH patients undergoing treprostinil transitions would be optimal for defining more complete and robust strategies to facilitate successful transition.

The relationship of eosinophil cationic protein / eosinophil count ratio and disease severity in allergic asthma patients

Finding an applicable clinical biomarker in body fluids can be useful in asthma management. This study was conducted to support the investigations of probable immunological changes in asthmatic patients that may be useful therapeutic indicators. 61 matching patients and 23 apparently healthy individuals were included. Significant elevation in the level of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in asthmatics was found as compared with healthy controls, so as among asthma severity categories. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined 29 ng/ml of serum ECP as the typical cut-off value of significant denotation for differentiation between asthmatic patients and healthy individuals, significant positive linear correlation between both ECP level and also ECP/Eosinophil ratio with clinically estimated asthma severity were observed. The median of serum total IgE and rate of 100 IU/ml overlapped serum total IgE individuals were significantly higher in asthmatics than healthy controls and so as among asthma severity categories, whereas no significant correlation between total serum IgE level and asthma severity was found. According to the results, determination of serum ECP can be considered as a diagnostic tool to distinguish asthma cases, besides it reflects the severity of the disease significantly, whereas calculation of ECP/Eo ratio may be an effective marker in reflecting asthma severity and the activity of eosinophils during the inflammation which may be useful in asthma control and in the assessment of the disease severity as well as the response to anti-inflammatory therapy, but it has no benefit for diagnosing asthma as no significant differences were recorded between asthmatics and healthy controls.

Macrolides versus placebo for chronic asthma.

Macrolides versus placebo for chronic asthma.

Personalized approach to diagnostics and therapy of patients with psoriasis

Establishing causal relationship between allergy and psoriasis and determining appropriate sensitization profile may guide clinicians in terms of specific allergological diagnostics and personalized therapy. Our purpose was to study the occurrence of food allergy and certain sensitization profile to food allergens in patients with psoriasis, in order to establish new approaches to specific diagnosis and treatment of the disorder.The study involved patients with psoriasis vulgaris (n = 51) aged 18 to 66 years. The control group included practically healthy people matched by sex and age (n = 19). All the patients underwent allergological examination: collection of allergic history, determination of total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eosinophilic cationic protein concentration in blood serum by means of indirect immunofluorescence analysis using Thermo Scientific Multiskan FC semi-automatic analyzer. The sensitization profiles to food and pollen allergens were also studied. Calculation and analysis of these data was carried out using Statistica 8.0 software package.Concentration of total immunoglobulin E in blood serum in the group of patients with psoriasis was 57.9 IU/ml (31.6-135.1) compared to control group, with 45.1 IU/ml (23.4-144.0). The levels of serum eosinophilic cationic protein was 8.6 ng/ml (4.6-20.3) in the patients with psoriasis, being 7.9 ng/ml (4.6-27.1) in controls. When studying the spectrum of sensitization to food allergens in patients with psoriasis, some specific features were revealed. E.g., sensitization to cow’s milk was detected in 33.3% (n = 17); to beef, in 39.2% of cases (n = 20), to whole chicken egg – 29.4% (n = 15), to chicken, in 39.2% (n = 20); to wheat flour, 37.2% (n = 19); to rye flour, in 31.4% (n = 16); to rice and buckwheat, 21.6% (n = 11), to yeast, in 23.5% of the patients (n = 12). Upon administration of individual elimination diet for 1 month, we observed a decrease or complete regression of itching, decreased severity of infiltration, hyperemia and peeling in the foci of psoriatic skin lesions in 68% of the cases. Normal concentration of total immunoglobulin E and eosinophilic cationic protein in blood serum of patients with psoriasis combined with positive results of skin-prick tests and elimination effect presumes a participation of non-atopic immune pathologies when triggering allergy in psoriatic disease.

Eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) in the clinical work-up of chronic cough.

Chronic cough is a common symptom, addressed in the clinical setting by empirical treatment together with some laboratory investigations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the value of testing eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) serum levels combined with other diagnostic procedures and empirical treatment in the diagnostic workup of chronic cough. In this study, we evaluated 194 patients with chronic cough. No subject had received any anti-inflammatory treatment before clinical evaluation, and none was an active smoker. ECP was measured with a commercially available fluoroenzyme immunoassay and results were expressed as µg/L. The analysis of variance showed that mean ECP level differs among the various diagnosis categories (P<0.001). Mean ECP level was significantly higher in asthmatic patients, particularly in the active disease. Serum ECP concentration could represent a useful biomarker in the clinical work-up of chronic cough, managing to differentiate asthma from other chronic disorders.

Effect of Xinyi Biyan Pill in Adjuvant Treatment of Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Its Influence on Serum Inflammatory Factors and Immune Function.

Objective To explore the effect of Xinyi Biyan Pill in adjuvant treatment of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and its influence on serum inflammatory factors and immune function. Methods From January 2017 to April 2020, 112 CRS patients admitted to this hospital were randomly divided into the control group (n = 52) and the study group (n = 60). The control group was treated with endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), after the operation, levofloxacin capsules were taken orally, budesonide nasal spray was given, and the nasal cavity was flushed with normal saline; on the basis of that mentioned above, the study group was treated with Xinyi Biyan Pill orally after the surgery. The clinical efficacy and the symptom relief time of nasal congestion and runny nose, hyposmia, mucosal edema, and vesicles disappearance of the two groups after treatment were observed; the serum inflammatory factors' (C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8)) and immune function indexes' (total immunoglobulin E (TIgE), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+) expression levels before and after treatment in the two groups were detected; the recurrence of CRS after 1 year of treatment in the two groups was recorded. Result After treatment, the total clinical effective rate of the study group (92.98%) was significantly higher than that of the control group (78.00%) (P < 0.05). After treatment, the symptom relief time of nasal congestion and runny nose, hyposmia, mucosal edema, and vesicle disappearance in the study group was shorter than that in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the expression levels of serum CRP, IL-6, and IL-8 in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment, and the study group was significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the expression levels of serum TIgE and ECP of the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment, the expression levels of serum CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ of the two groups were significantly higher than those before treatment, and the study group had significant changes compared with the control group (P < 0.05). After 1 year of treatment, the recurrence rate of CRS in the study group (1.79%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (12.00%) (P < 0.05). Conclusion Xinyi Biyan Pill has a significant clinical effect in adjuvant treatment of CRS patients. It can effectively reduce the expression level of serum inflammatory factors, improve the body's immune function, and prevent short-term recurrence. It is worthy of clinical promotion.