Immunologic parameters and lung functions in asthmatic children after antioxidants supplementation

ABSTRACT

There is ample evidence that allergic disorders such as bronchial asthma are mediated by oxidative stress. Antioxidants were established to have beneficial effects on immunity in generalized basis, but its role in decreasing severity of asthma and increasing immunity in atopic persons is of great debate. Compared to adults, infants and young children demonstrate differences in their immune response indicating that there is maturation process or change overtime that may be reflected in cytokine production which is due to T helper [Th] 1 and 2 like immunity based on mitogen stimulation, T cell clones or both. In this study, 15 asthmatic children aged 2-10 years were given daily supplementation of vitamin E and vitamin C in double blind manner. They were investigated for pulmonary function tests, determination of total IgE serum level and interleukins 2 and 4 in addition to interferon-y plasma level. All parameters were reevaluated 12 weeks later. Results of the study revealed positive correlation between lL-4 and total IgE levels and positive correlation between IL-2 and IFN-y because both were secreted by the same cell type [Th-1]. Also, results of the study found a highly significant increase of total IgE level in patients group as compared to controls. Also the results proved improved both pulmonary functions and immunologic parameters as compared to before treatment and as compared to placebo group. On the basis of cytokine profile in asthmatic children, cytokines can be used as a guide of therapy by reducing Ag-specific IL-y synthesis and enhancing Ag-specific IFN-y synthesis in targeted T cell, an effect which could be enhanced by antioxidants. lgE level estimation must be routine in asthmatic children evaluation