Sublingual immunotherapy induces spirometric improvement associated with IL-10 production: preliminary reports.
BACKGROUND
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has been demonstrated to be able of inducing immunologic changes as evidenced by IL-10 production. Forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of the vital capacity (FEF(25-75)) may be considered a good marker of early bronchial involvement in patients with pure allergic rhinitis.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible association of IL-10 production with FEF(25-75) values in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) successfully treated with SLIT.


METHODS
19 patients with PAR were studied: 9 successfully assumed SLIT for 3 years, 10 were considered as control. In vitro IL-10 production was evaluated after SLIT. Spirometry and bronchodilation test were performed in all subjects at baseline and after 3 years.


RESULTS
After 3 years, FEF(25-75) values significantly (p=0.0131) increased in SLIT group (80.5+/-6.7), whereas they significantly (p=0.0021) decreased in non-treated patients (60.8+/-2.62). In addition, SLIT-induced increase of FEF(25-75) values is significantly associated with IL-10 production (p=0.0025).


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides the first evidence that SLIT is capable of improving early bronchial involvement in patients with pure allergic rhinitis and this functional effect may be associated with immunological changes, such as the induction of IL-10 production.
Ciprandi
Giorgio
G
Azienda Ospedaleria Universitaria San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy. gio.cip@libero.it
Cirillo
Ignazio
I
Fenoglio
Daniela
D
Marseglia
Gianluigi
G
Tosca
Maria Angela
MA
D000286:Administration, Sublingual; D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000276:immunology; D040001:Dermatophagoides farinae / Q000276:immunology; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008297:Male; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D013147:Spirometry / Q000379:methods; D013997:Time Factors; D014797:Vital Capacity / Q000502:physiology*
D000485:Allergens; D016753:Interleukin-10