Inflammatory markers in exhaled breath condensate in nonasthmatic children with food allergy.

Allergy is a systemic inflammation; therefore, although the allergic symptom may be seen in a specific organ system, the effects of this inflammation may be seen in other organs. interleukin (IL) IL4, IL5 and IL13 are the major Th2 cytokines and e-cadherin is an epithelial barrier protein. The objective of this research was to assess indicators of inflammation specific to Th2 responses and proteins related to the protective barrier of the airway's inner lining. These assessments were conducted using exhaled breath condensate (EBC), which provides insights into peripheral airway conditions of children suffering from food allergies. The study had 24 patients with food allergy and 24 control individuals younger than three years of age with no history of food reaction. The diagnosis of food allergy was based on food allergen-specific IgE and skin prick test positivity in our clinic and oral food testing in selected cases. EBC samples were obtained by Ecoscreen (Jaegar, Hoechberg, Germany). IL4, IL5, IL13 and E-cadherin levels were measured in these samples by enzyme linked immunoassay. The group of children with food allergies, consisting mainly of 14 girls, had a median age of 16 months, whereas the control group, which included 11 girls, had a median age of 15 months (p= 0.89). Comparing the two groups, children with food allergies exhibited notably lower levels of IL-13 in the EBC compared to the control group (median values of 59.14 and 76.36, respectively,p= 0.02). Conversely, the concentration of IL-4 in the EBC was significantly higher in children with food allergies (median values of 1.94 and 1.29, respectively,p= 0.003). However, the levels of IL-5 and e-cadherin showed no significant differences between the two groups (withp-values of 0.74 and 0.09, respectively) as shown in table1. High level of IL-4 despite the low level of IL-13 in the EBC of children having food allergy may be indicative of an early inflammatory phase that is not yet in the effector phase. Studies about the evolution of this process later in life are needed to assess the role of airway inflammation in children with food allergy who develop asthma.

E-Cadherin: An Important Functional Molecule at Respiratory Barrier Between Defence and Dysfunction.

While breathing, many microorganisms, harmful environmental particles, allergens, and environmental pollutants enter the human airways. The human respiratory tract is lined with epithelial cells that act as a functional barrier to these harmful factors and provide homeostasis between external and internal environment. Intercellular epithelial junctional proteins play a role in the formation of the barrier. E-cadherin is a calcium-dependent adhesion molecule and one of the most important molecules involved in intercellular epithelial barier formation. E-cadherin is not only physical barrier element but also regulates cell proliferation, differentiation and the immune response to environmental noxious agents through various transcription factors. In this study, we aimed to review the role of E-cadherin in the formation of airway epithelial barier, its status as a result of exposure to various environmental triggers, and respiratory diseases associated with its dysfunction. Moreover, the situations in which its abnormal activation can be noxious would be discussed.

Measurement of Airway Epithelial Permeability: Methods and Protocols.

The epithelial barrier is the basic unit that ensures the continuation of life for all living things. It provides separation of living cells or organelles from nature and microenvironment. Thus, life and functions continue. It is the same for the human organism. However, the normal properties of this epithelial barrier may differ in each organ and tissue. The two most important barriers that separate humans from nature and their microenvironment are the respiratory tract and the gastrointestinal system. The respiratory tract continues from the tip of the nose to the alveola. The epithelial barrier in the respiratory tract has to be semipermeable in places. However, the increase in permeability exceeding the limit is the cause of the diseases and the increase in clinical weight. Therefore, measuring the level of epithelial permeability in these units is important for understanding experimental models, disease cause, clinical severity, and prognosis. In this article, the measurement of epithelial permeability in the respiratory tract will be discussed with in vitro, in vivo aspects and methods.