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Influence of total IgE and seasonal increase of eosinophil cationic protein on bronchial hyperreactivity in asthmatic grass‐sensitized farmers

Background: This study correlates biomarkers of atopy (serum total and specific IgE) and inflammation (serum eosinophil cationic protein) with bronchial hyperreactivity assessed after the complete end of pollination, in a group of farmers suffering from grass‐allergic asthma. Methods: A total of 28...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Allergy (Copenhagen) 2000-11, Vol.55 (11), p.1030-1034
Main Authors: Di Gioacchino, M., Cavallucci, E., Di Stefano, F., Verna, N., Ramondo, S., Ciuffreda, S., Riccioni, G., Boscolo, P.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Background: This study correlates biomarkers of atopy (serum total and specific IgE) and inflammation (serum eosinophil cationic protein) with bronchial hyperreactivity assessed after the complete end of pollination, in a group of farmers suffering from grass‐allergic asthma. Methods: A total of 28 asthmatic farmers, with allergy to grass pollen, reporting persistent asthma symptoms after grass pollination, were enrolled. An accurate allergologic screening excluded other sensitizations. Analysis of total and grass‐specific IgE and eosinophil cationic protein was carried out before (March) and during (May) the following spring. After the complete end of pollination, bronchial hyperreactivity was assessed. Results: Symptoms (cough, wheezing) persisted during the autumn for a mean period of 41 days (range 13–69). Total IgE was moderately high and grass‐specific IgE ranged from 9.25 to 41.12 kU/l without significant differences before and during spring. On the contrary, serum ECP levels significantly increased during the pollination period. PD20 methacholine evaluated after the end of grass pollination was negatively significantly correlated with levels of total IgE (r=−0.73; P
ISSN:0105-4538
1398-9995
DOI:10.1034/j.1398-9995.2000.00676.x