Assessment of selected interleukins (IL-6, IL-17A, IL-18, IL-23) and chemokines (RANTES, IP-10) in children with acute and chronic urticaria

Abstract

Background Urticarial lesions develop as a result of the activation of mast cells which, through the release of mediators, influence the formation of local inflammatory infiltrates. Changes in the expression of many cytokines and chemokines are observed in the course of urticaria.The aim of the study was to evaluate serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17A, IL-18, IL-23, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) and interferon (IFN)-γ-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) in children with acute and chronic urticaria in comparison to healthy volunteers. Moreover, we made an attempt to identify factors predicting the occurrence and course of urticaria among the studied parameters.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 32 children with acute urticaria and 32 children with chronic urticaria. The control group consisted of 40 healthy children. Each patient was clinically evaluated. Serum concentrations of selected cytokines and chemokines were determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsPatients with acute and chronic urticaria had higher concentrations of IL-6 and IL-17A (p<0.001) and lower concentrations of IL-18, IL-23, RANTES and IP-10 (p<0.001) as compared to the control group. IL-6 and IP-10 showed high predictive values for the development of urticaria. There was no correlation of the studied cytokines and chemokines with disease activity.ConclusionsIn children with acute and chronic urticaria, the cytokine profile differs compared to healthy subjects. IL-6 and IP-10 are useful in differentiating children with urticaria and healthy ones. The search for factors predicting the course of the disease requires further studies.