Oxidative stress is associated with atopic indices in relation to childhood rhinitis and asthma.

BACKGROUND

The association between oxidative stress and atopic diseases is uncertain. Several risk factors for atopic diseases have been identified, however, a comprehensive investigation of the relationship between oxidative stress markers and atopic indices related to atopic diseases is currently lacking.

METHODS

We investigated 132 children who completed a 7-years follow-up in a birth cohort. Oxidative stress markers including plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx), myeloperoxidase (MPO), total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC), and urine 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels were measured. Allergen-specific IgE levels, FeNO levels, and pulmonary function tests were also obtained.

RESULTS

The activity of GPx and levels of MPO were inversely correlated to food (shrimp and crab) and house dust mite sensitization respectively. The 8-OHdG levels were strongly negatively correlated with FeNO levels (p < 0.01). A significant positive correlation was found between TAC levels and pre-and post-bronchodilator FVC % and FEV1% predicted (p < 0.05). All oxidative stress markers were not associated with the risk of atopic diseases. However, GPx-related crab sensitization and 8-OHdG related FeNO levels were significantly associated with increased risk of allergic rhinitis, while MPO-related mite sensitization and TAC-related pulmonary function parameters were strongly associated with risk of asthma (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Oxidative stress is strongly correlated with allergic indices, potentially playing a role in the modulation of allergic responses contributing to atopic diseases.