Role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon gamma, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1and soluble , Vascular cell, adhesion molecule-1 in bronchia asthma and allergic rhinitis: relationship with disease severity

ABSTRACT

It was suggested that some cytokines and cell adhesion molecules play important roles in dysfunction of the upper and lower airways. Moreover, allergic rhinitis is thought to be a risk factor for asthma. In the present study, the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-a], interferon gamma [IFN-y], soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [slCAM-1], soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 [sVCAM-1], and immunoglobulin E [IgE] were determined [using ELISA technique] in 25 asthmatic patients, 24 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis, and, 14 patients with both asthma and allergic rhinitis [combined diseases]. Seventeen non allergic healthy persons were selected as controls. In comparison with controls, the serum levels of TNF-a, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and IgE were significantly higher in asthma, rhinitis and combined disease patients. Conversely, the serum levels of lFN y - were significantly decreased in combined disease patients. The serum levels of TNF-a, slCAM-1, sVCAM-1 and IgE were significantly higher while the IFN-y levels were significantly lower in acute asthma and severe rhinitis than stable asthma and mild rhinitis respectively. In comparison between asthma and allergic rhinitis patients, no significant differences in cytokines. IgE, and cell adhesion molecules was found. TNF-a was positively correlated with sICAM-1 in asthma and rhinitis groups. In the combined group, TNF-a was positively correlated with sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and IgE. The highest serum levels of TNF-a, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and IgE were associated with the severe forms of either bronchial asthma or rhinitis, so they may be useful indices for clinical follow up in severe cases