Immunotherapy

Study findings from K. Grzela et al provide new insights into allergy in children

Immunotherapy Library Library Home This article was published in Immunotherapy Weekly, which you can subscribe to online.

"The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between IL-4R expression and allergy development within the first year of life IL-4R expression on monocytes and Th lymphocytes of 43 newborns was analyzed using flow cytometry. Plasma levels of IL-4, -12 and IFN-gamma were also measured using ELISA. The same parameters were assessed one year later. Furthermore, clinical evaluation was performed every three months for one year Mean IL-4R expression on monocytes and Th lymphocytes did not differ at birth. After one year it increased on Th-lymphocytes and decreased on monocytes. However, among 10 children with severe atopy during the observation period, 8 displayed IL-4R above the mean value for the group on both monocytes and Th cells at birth as well as one year later. No correlation was found between IL-4 or IFN-gamma and IL-4R expression at birth. After one year, significant IL-4 increases and IFN-gamma decreases were observed which correlated with IL-4R expression. IL-4R expression on the newborns' monocytes correlated negatively with IL-12 plasma level; however, it was statistically significant only in the children developing allergy. Moreover, only in these patients was a significant decrease in IL-12 found after one year IL-4R-dependent over-signaling in newborns' monocytes and Th lymphocytes could contribute to Th1/Th2 imbalance," wrote K. Grzela and colleagues, .

The researchers concluded: "IL-4R overexpression on newborns' monocytes and lymphocytes could be an early risk marker of allergy development."

Grzela and colleagues published their study in Medical Science Monitor (Risk of allergy development correlates with IL-4 receptor expression on newborns' monocytes and Th lymphocytes. Medical Science Monitor, 2007;13(10):CR445-8).

For more information, contact K. Grzela, Warsaw Medical University, Dept. of Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonology, Warsaw, Poland.

Publisher contact information for the journal Medical Science Monitor is: International Scientific Literature, Inc., 1125 Willis Avenue, Albertson, NY 11507, USA.

Keywords: Poland, Warsaw, Allergies, Allergy Medicine.

This article was prepared by Immunotherapy Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Immunotherapy Weekly via NewsRx.com.