ABSTRACT
Bronchial asthma [BA] is a chronic inflammatory disease and it is a major health problem. Trace elements such as copper and zinc are essential components of anti-oxidant enzymes and optimal function of the immune response. Changes in the levels of these elements may lead to increase the risk of asthma. The study group consisted of 175 asthmatic children and 165 control group of healthy general population who attend the outpatient allergic clinic [Bou Ali Hospital] in Sari, Mazandaran, Iran between August 2010 and March 2011. Complete blood count, eosinophil count and serum total IgE level and Serum trace element levels [Zinc, lead and copper] were measured in both groups. There was a significant difference in serum levels of copper, lead, IgE [increased], and decreased IgA, between two groups [p=0.001]. There was no significant difference in blood zinc levels and eosinophilia between two groups [p=0.732 and 0.068, respectively] Increased serum levels of copper and lead may be associated with asthma
ABSTRACT
Asthma, allergic rhinitis and urticaria are common diseases in the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the aeroallergen by skin prick test in patients, in Mazandaran province, Sari [Iran]. This was a prospective study of skin prick test of aeroallergens in patients with asthma, allergic rhinitis or both and urticaria based on clinical and Para clinical criteria. Eight hundred and nine cases were referred to Tooba and Boo-Ali allergic centers in Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences between December 2006 and July 2010. The aeroallergens were included; House dust mites [DF, DP], Coach Roach, Feather, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Pigweed, Nettle, Oak, Maple and others. Negative [normal saline] and positive controls [histamine] were applied for all patients. A total of three hundred and fifty out of 809 cases were males [43%] and 459 cases were Females [57%]. The age range was between 5 and 50 years old, 42.5 percent [n=340] of patients had ages between 10 and 20 years old. In asthma, allergic rhinitis or both and urticaria, the prick test DF 32%, DP 33%, Cockroach 22% and feather 9 were positive. Other allergens were positive between 0 and 10 percent, except candida which was 28% positive. Total IgE levels and Eosinophil count was increased in 54 and 35 percent of cases, respectively. Due to warm and humid weather in north of Iran [Sari], house dust mites are more common