Serum IL-23 strongly and inversely correlates with FEV1 in asthmatic children.
BACKGROUND
Recently, Th17 cells have been found to participate in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. IL-23 is a cytokine that may be implicated in modulating Th17 response. This study aimed at evaluating IL-23 and relating it to lung function in asthmatic children.


METHODS
Seventy-eight asthmatic children and 40 healthy children were evaluated. Spirometry and serum IL-23 measurement (ELISA kit) were performed in all asthmatic children.


RESULTS
IL-23 levels were higher in asthmatic than in healthy children (p < 0.001). There was a strong inverse relationship between FEV(1) and IL-23 (r = -0.787).


CONCLUSIONS
This preliminary study suggests that serum IL-23 could be a suitable marker of bronchial function impairment in allergic asthmatic children.
Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino, IRCCS, Genoa, Italy. gio.cip@libero.it
Giorgio
G
Ciprandi
Caterina
C
Cuppari
Anna Maria
AM
Salpietro
Maria Angela
MA
Tosca
Luciana
L
Rigoli
Luisa
L
Grasso
Mario
M
La Rosa
Gian Luigi
GL
Marseglia
Michele Miraglia
MM
Del Giudice
Carmelo
C
Salpietro
D000293:Adolescent; D001249:Asthma / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D053759:Interleukin-23 / Q000097:blood*; D008168:Lung / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D058504:Th17 Cells / Q000276:immunology
D015415:Biomarkers; D053759:Interleukin-23