Clinical significance of the dynamic changes in serum eotaxin, interleukin 13 and total IgE in children with bronchial asthma

ABSTRACT

To determine the serum levels of eotaxin, IL-13 and total IgE [TIgE] in asthmatic children during the acute and clinical remission periods, as well as the changes in pulmonary function to determine their roles, relationships and clinical significance during asthma exacerbation. A total of 30 asthmatic children and 22 healthy children were enrolled in the study. The serum eotaxin and IL-13 levels were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the TIgE level was detected using a fluorescent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The asthmatic children were subjected to pulmonary function tests. The serum eotaxin, IL-13 and TIgE levels of the asthmatic children during the acute period significantly differed from those during clinical remission. The serum eotaxin, IL-13 and TIgE levels of the asthmatic children during both periods significantly differed from those of healthy children [P<0.001]. The serum eotaxin levels during the acute and clinical remission periods were positively correlated with serum IL-13 and with TIgE, and serum IL-13 was correlated with serum TIgE. The pulmonary function indices of asthmatic children during the acute period significantly differed from those during clinical remission [P<0.001]. The serum eotaxin and IL-13 levels in the asthmatic children were positively correlated with the forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] and the peak expiratory flow [PEF] during the acute and clinical remission periods [P<0.05]. However, the serum TIgE levels in asthmatic children were not significantly correlated with the FEV1 and PEF during both periods [P>0.05]. Serum TIgE, IL-13 and eotaxin influence each other during exacerbation of bronchial asthma and influence the corresponding pathophysiologic changes. Serum IL-13 and eotaxin could be used as markers for evaluating the severity of bronchial asthma