IL-22, TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-8 in Allergic Rhinitis and Correlation with Disease Severity

Abstract

Background: The inflammatory role of some cytokines in allergic rhinitis (AR) is not yet well illustrated. Understanding its role may form a target for novel therapeutics. Objectives: To assess the levels of IL-17, TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-22 in sera of AR patients and to correlate their levels with disease severity. Methodology: This case-control study included 26 AR patients and 26 healthy controls. Blood samples of all participants were tested for levels of total IgE, IL-17, TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-22 serum using ELISA method. Skin prick test (SPT) and Specific IgE (sIgE) for aeroallergens were done by immunoblot assay for all AR patients. Results: AR patients possessed higher serum levels of IL-17, IL22, TNF-α and IL-8 (P= 0.006, <0.00, 0.013 and<0.001 respectively) compared to the control group. There was a statistically significant relation between disease severity (evaluated through visual analogue score (VAS)) and TNF-α& IL-22 serum levels (P= 0.031& <0.001 respectively). Conclusion: IL-17, IL-22, TNF-α and IL-8 promote the inflammatory response in AR patients. TNF-α and IL-22 were directly correlated with AR severity.