Blood Level of IL-31, Stem Cell Factor, and B Cell-Activating Factor in Persistent Allergic Rhinitis Patients

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Stem cell factor (SCF), B cell-activating factor (BAFF) and Interleukin (IL)-31 are related to allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis or asthma. But they have not been sufficiently investigated in connection with IgEmediated allergic rhinitis. In this study, we evaluated the association between plasma concentrations of these cytokines and allergic rhinitis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A comparative study of the concentrations of plasma SCF, BAFF and IL-31 were conducted between persistent allergic rhinitis patients and a healthy control group using ELISA. RESULTS: Plasma BAFF and IL-31 concentrations were significantly increased in allergic rhinitis group (BAFF, 1,255 pg/mL, Plasma BAFF and IL-31 concentrations were significantly increased in the allergic rhinitis group (BAFF, 1,255 pg/mL, p<0.001;IL-31, 221 pg/mL, p<0.001) than in the control group (BAFF, 1,089 pg/mL;IL-31, 153 pg/mL). But the level of SCF did not exhibit any difference between the allergic rhinitis patients and the control group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that plasma BAFF and IL-31 might be associated with the inflammatory mechanism of persistent allergic rhinitis patients.