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BackgroundThere is no data available to adequately explain the alterations in total antioxidant capacity, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde and total nitric oxide concentrations in severe persistent asthma and newly diagnosed allergic asthma patients. In the study below we have examined changes in total antioxidant capacity, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde and total nitric oxide levels in severe persistent asthma and newly diagnosed allergic asthma patients and the association(s) between these variables.MethodsThe first group of patients included 6 male and 8 female subjects with severe persistent asthma, having a mean age of 42.4 years. A second group of subjects consisted of 14 newly diagnosed allergic asthma patients with a mean age of 43.8 years. All patients were followed in our clinic, and were evaluated by clinical status. A third group of 14 age-sex matched healthy controls were also included. Serum samples were collected and stored at –70 until use for the determination of total antioxidant capacity, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde and total nitric oxide concentrations. Serum IgE levels, ANA, RF, hepatitis markers, C3, C4 and eosinophil levels were evaluated in all patients. All assays were carried out in duplicate.ResultsTotal antioxidant capacity levels of Group IB, group II and group III were lower than the IA group. Total antioxidant capacity levels of groups II and III were higher than in group IB. Hydrogen peroxide concentrations in group IB were lower than in group IA, while concentrations in group II were higher than in group IB. The malondialdehyde concentration of group IB was lower than in all other groups. The malondialdehyde concentration of group III was higher than all other groups. The malondialdehyde concentration of group II was lower than in group III. The total nitric oxide level of group IB was lower than all other groups. The total nitric oxide level of group III was higher than all other groups, while that of group II was higher than for both groups IA/IB.ConclusionsTo monitor the omalizumab treatment efficacy in the severe allergic asthma patients; total antioxidant capacity, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde and total nitric oxide concentrations might be new markers.

SummaryBackgroundAllergic rhinitis is a common health problem affecting the immune system. The homeostasis of the immune system is regulated by apoptosis. In this study, serum circulating soluble TRAIL levels of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis patients before and after allergen-specific immunotherapy were evaluated.Material/MethodsThe sTRAIL levels of pre- and post-treated allergic rhinoconjunctivitis patients (n=25) were compared to age- and sex-matched healthy individuals (n=25). sTRAIL levels were measured by ELISA. The skin prick test (SPT) results were recorded before and after treatment.ResultsThe sTRAIL levels between the pre-treated and control groups were significantly different (p<0.0001). However, there was no significant difference between the post-treated group and healthy individuals (p=0,801). SPT was a statistically significant difference between the values of the research group before and after immunotherapy (grasses mixture, barley mixture, Oleaauropeae, D. Pteronyssinus, D. farinae).ConclusionsThe sTRAIL levels were decreased after allergen-specific immunotherapy to healthy levels and may be of use as a marker of efficacy of immunotherapy in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis patients.