title: Effect of sublingual immunotherapy on platelet activity in children with allergic rhinitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The role of platelet activation in allergic inflammation is receiving increasing attention. Sublingual immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis can modify the immunological process to an allergen, rather than simply treating symptoms.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to explore the role of platelet activation during sublingual immunotherapy in children with allergic rhinitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-two House Dust Mite - sensitized children with allergic rhinitis were enrolled and received House Dust Mite allergen extract for sublingual immunotherapy or placebo. Serum of different time points during treatment was collected and used for detection of Platelet Factor-4 and Beta-Thromboglobulin concentration by Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our data showed decreased expression of Platelet Factor-4 and Beta-Thromboglobulin protein after one year's sublingual immunotherapy. In addition, the decrease of symptom scores and serum Platelet Factor-4 and Beta-Thromboglobulin protein concentrations was positively related.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  During sublingual immunotherapy, platelet activation was inhibited significantly. Our results might indicate that inhibition of platelet activation within the systemic circulation is an important mechanism during sublingual immunotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Guangzhou Medical College, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Yanqiu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Guangzhou Medical College, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Guangzhou, China. Electronic address: Lifengzhou@163.com.
authors.forename: Lifeng
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.affiliation: Sun Yat-sen University (Northern Campus), School of Public Health, Department of Nutrition, Guangzhou, China. Electronic address: yangyan3@163.com.
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yang
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010978:Platelet Factor 4 / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D065631:Rhinitis, Allergic / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D063729:Sublingual Immunotherapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D001620:beta-Thromboglobulin / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D001620:beta-Thromboglobulin; D010978:Platelet Factor 4
keywords: Allergic rhinitis; Ativação plaquetária; Beta-Thromboglobulin; Beta-tromboglobulina; Fator 4 plaquetário; Imunoterapia sublingual; Platelet Factor-4; Platelet activation; Rinite alérgica; Sublingual immunotherapy