[Correlation of plasma glutathione and total IgE level: evidence for a regulatory role of antipxodants in vivo].
BACKGROUND
Atopy is characterized by increased levels of circulating immunoglobulin E (IgE). Moreover, elevated IgE levels are frequently observed in HIV-infected individuals and are of prognostic significance in these patients. Several In vitro studies have established an association of intracellular antioxidants like glutathione with IgE production by B-lymphocytes, suggesting a regulatory role of these substances in IgE synthesis. However, in vivo data consistent with these findings have not been reported.


METHODS
Total IgE levels, CD4(+)-lymphocyte count and plasma glutathione were determined in non-atopic, HIV-positive individuals.


RESULTS
27 HIV-positive subjects (mean age Alter +/- SD: 43 +/- 11 years, 85% males) were studied. Mean CD4(+)-lymphocyte count was 250 +/- 136/microliter. The median serum IgE level was 85.3 U/ml (Range: 3-1298 U/ml), and the mean plasma glutathione concentration was 2.08 +/- 0.7 muMol. Plasma glutathione was significantly correlated with CD4(+)-lymphocyte count (r = 0.37; p = 0.05), and was inversely related to total IgE (r = -0.46; p = 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Plasma glutathione and total IgE levels are negatively correlated in HIV-positive individuals. This observation supports the concept of a regulatory role of antioxidants and IgE synthesis in vivo. Further studies aiming at the possible significance of these mechanisms in atopic patients are clearly warranted.
Beeh
K M
KM
Schwerpunkt Pneumologie, III. Medizinische Klinik, Universitätsklinik Mainz. k.beeh@3-med.klinik.uni-mainz.de
Micke
P
P
Kornmann
O
O
Buhl
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005978:Glutathione / Q000097:blood*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology
D000975:Antioxidants; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D005978:Glutathione
Korrelation von Plasma-Glutathion und Gesamt-IgE-Spiegeln: Hinweise für eine regulatorische Rolle von Antioxidantien In vivo.