Dependence of thymic stromal lymphopoietin serum concentration from bronchial asthma control level and lung function results in patients of different age groups

Abstract

Introduction. Bronchial asthma (BA) pathogenesis is settled by bronchial wall inflammation, which is the main treatment target.Aim. To study the dependence of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) concentration in serum and nasal brush-biopsies from age, spirometry data deterioration and blood eosinophils in patients with uncontrolled BA.Materials and methods. Patients with uncontrolled BA of three age groups: children (6–11 y.o., n = 38), adolescents (14–17 y.o., n = 35) and adults (25–50 y.o., n = 31) were included in 1-year long open prospective study. Clinical history, АСТ/сАСТ questionnaires, lung function test (LFT), common blood count, serum and nasal material to evaluate TSLP were obtained during first visit, if there were no any signs of acute respiratory infection for not less than 14 days. Maintenance therapy was revised based on firstvisit findings. Patient were consequently examined twice with 6 months intervals, examination data, LFT readings, ACT results and eosinophil counts were collected. Statistical analyses included ANOVA (Kruskal-Wallis test) and Pearson’s correlation (r). Differences accepted significant with р < 0,05.Results. Serum TSLP levels did not differ between age groups. TSLP concentration correlate directly and significantly with duration of uncontrolled BA in previous 12 months (r = 0.74). In patients with atopic BA, maximum TSLP level was in dust mites sensitized group (792.6 ± 114.1 pg/ml). We have found greater serum TSLP concentration in patients who demonstrated FEV1 below normal even on optimal controller therapy at Visit 3. Eosinophil count randomly changed inside normal values and did not correlate with asthma control or TSLP level.Conclusion. Prognosis of future asthma exacerbations and LFT decrease is less favourable in patients with high serum TSLP level.