Abstract | BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVE: We tested whether plasma TARC level is a useful marker for asthma and atopy in children. METHODS: Plasma total IgE levels were measured by means of microparticle immunoassay, and specific IgE levels to common aeroallergens were measured by using a fluorescent enzyme immunoassay. We used a sandwich enzyme immunoassay to measure plasma TARC concentrations. RESULTS: Sixty asthmatic children and 28 age- and sex-matched control subjects were recruited, with mean logarithmic plasma total IgE levels of 2.66 +/- 0.60 kIU/L and 1.74 +/- 0.58 kIU/L, respectively (P <.0001). The median plasma TARC concentration was higher in asthmatic patients without inhaled corticosteroid treatment (131.0 pg/mL) compared with those seen in steroid-treated patients (97.5 pg/mL) and control subjects (76.0 pg/mL; P =.01 and P <.0001, respectively). Plasma TARC concentration was found to correlate with total IgE level in plasma (r = 0.219, P =.04). This marker was also increased in subjects who were sensitized to cat allergen (P =.001) but not in subjects sensitized to other aeroallergens. Disease severity score, FEV(1) value, and atopy were not associated with increased plasma TARC levels. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that plasma TARC concentrations are elevated in childhood asthma. This marker is also linked to plasma total IgE levels and cat allergen sensitization.
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Authors | Ting-Fan Leung, Chun-Kwok Wong, Iris H S Chan, Wai-Ki Ip, Christopher W K Lam, Gary W K Wong |
Journal | The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology
(J Allergy Clin Immunol)
Vol. 110
Issue 3
Pg. 404-9
(Sep 2002)
ISSN: 0091-6749 [Print] United States |
PMID | 12209086
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Biomarkers
- CCL17 protein, human
- Chemokine CCL17
- Chemokines, CC
- Immunoglobulin E
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Asthma
(blood, diagnosis, immunology)
- Biomarkers
(blood)
- Case-Control Studies
- Chemokine CCL17
- Chemokines, CC
(blood)
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Demography
- Female
- Humans
- Hypersensitivity, Immediate
(immunology)
- Immunoglobulin E
(blood)
- Male
- Spirometry
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