Tumor Suppressors—HTRA Proteases and Interleukin-12—in Pediatric Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis Patients

Abstract

Background and objective: Allergy belongs to a group of mast cell-related disorders and is one of the most common diseases of childhood. It was shown that asthma and allergic rhinitis diminish the risk of various cancers, including colon cancer and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. On the other hand, asthma augments the risk of lung cancer and an increased risk of breast cancer in patients with allergy has been observed. Thus, the relation between allergy and cancer is not straightforward and furthermore, its biological mechanism is unknown. The HTRA (high temperature requirement A) proteases promote apoptosis, may function as tumor suppressors and HTRA1 is known to be released by mast cells. Interleukin-12 (Il-12) is an important cytokine that induces antitumor immune responses and is produced mainly by dendritic cells that co-localize with mast cells in superficial organs. Material and methods: In the present study we have assessed with ELISA plasma levels of the HTRA proteins, Il-12, and of the anti-HTRA autoantibodies in children with allergy (40) and in age matched controls (39). Children are a special population, since they usually do not have comorbidities and take not many drugs the processes we want to observe are not influenced by many other factors. Results: We have found a significant increase of HTRA1, 2 and 3, and of the Il-12 levels in the children with atopy (asthma and allergic rhinitis) compared to controls. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the HTRA1–3 and Il-12 levels might be useful in analyzing the pro- and antioncogenic potential in young atopic patients.

Exploring the Role of HtrA Family Genes in Cancer: A Systematic Review

“…Renke et al in their work highlighted the unclear relationship between allergy and the presence of cancers, including colorectal cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, lung cancer and breast cancer [ 81 ]. In their study, they demonstrated that HtrA family protein synthesis was increased in patients with IgE-dependent allergy, but not mastocytosis [ 81 ]. Furthermore, the levels of HtrA1, HtrA2 and HtrA3 proteins did not depend on the number of mast cells but on their activity [ 81 ].…”

“…In their study, they demonstrated that HtrA family protein synthesis was increased in patients with IgE-dependent allergy, but not mastocytosis [ 81 ]. Furthermore, the levels of HtrA1, HtrA2 and HtrA3 proteins did not depend on the number of mast cells but on their activity [ 81 ]. Considering the functions that HtrA proteins play in tumours, the results obtained by the research group demonstrate the need for further studies to determine the link between HtrA expression and the occurrence of cancer in patients diagnosed with allergy (Table 4 ) [ 81 ].…”

Air pollution exposure is associated with rhinitis in older US adults via specific immune mechanisms

“…To this end, increased levels of IL-12 have been already associated with allergic rhinitis in children. 31 Segboear et al have also pointed out that IL-12 could also be associated with nonallergic rhinitis to a lesser degree. 32 We also need to highlight that our rhinitis immune mechanisms' outcomes were dissimilar to previous studies on air pollution-induced CRS, showing the complexity of nasal diseases.…”

“…Interestingly, IL‐12 is produced by dendritic cells localized close to mast cells at the mucosal interface, showing a potential role of IL‐12 in atopic airway processes. To this end, increased levels of IL‐12 have been already associated with allergic rhinitis in children 31 . Segboear et al.…”