Elevated B cell-activating factor (BAFF) in children with allergic rhinitis

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2014 Dec;78(12):2156-60. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2014.09.031. Epub 2014 Oct 5.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the possible role of B cell-activating factor (BAFF) in children with allergic rhinitis (AR).

Methods: Twenty-four AR children and 20 normal children were enrolled in this study and nasal lavage and serum were collected. The nasal and serum levels of BAFF were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The relationship between serum BAFF and immunoglobulin A (IgA) was evaluated in AR children.

Results: Our results showed that the nasal and serum levels of BAFF were significantly increased in AR children compared with controls (p<0.05). The nasal and serum levels of BAFF in AR children were significantly associated with disease severity (p<0.05). Moreover, the level of serum BAFF was negatively related to serum IgA level (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Our findings show BAFF expression was significantly increased and related to disease severity, indicating BAFF may be implicated in new treatment modalities for AR children.

Keywords: Allergic rhinitis; B cell-activating factor; Children; Disease severity; Immunoglobulin A.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • B-Cell Activating Factor / analysis
  • B-Cell Activating Factor / blood*
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin A / blood*
  • Male
  • Nasal Lavage Fluid / chemistry*
  • Rhinitis, Allergic / blood*
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • B-Cell Activating Factor
  • Biomarkers
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • TNFSF13B protein, human