IL‐13: a marker of chromium contact allergy

Abstract

If further studies confirm the data found, IL-13 could be used as an alternative or complementary test to detect chromium contact allergy whereas lymphocyte proliferation test, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-5 and IL-12 detections may serve as additional diagnostic tests.

Cytokine detection for the diagnosis of chromium allergy

“…3,13 Among these differences, there is increased number of these cells (blastic transformation), cytokine proliferation and production; all of these changes can be measured. 3,13,14 No matter what the method is, the cells are cultivated in the presence and in the absence of the antigen, and the results found in the stimulated and unstimulated cultures are compared. 3,13,14 …”

“…3,13,14 No matter what the method is, the cells are cultivated in the presence and in the absence of the antigen, and the results found in the stimulated and unstimulated cultures are compared. 3,13,14 …”

“…The ratio and difference found between stimulated and unstimulated cultures, known as stimulation index (SI) and delta (∅), respectively, are the most commonly used parameters as a stimulus-response criterion. 3,13,14 …”

“…13 Our group has carried out research with lymphocyte cultures, assessing its proliferation in response to nickel and chromium, confirming the appropriate results for nickel and the already described low sensitivity to chromium. 13,14 Recently analyzing cytokine production in cultures from chromium-allergic patients, we have been able to demonstrate that the amount of IL-13 is substantially higher in these cultures, offering great accuracy for this diagnosis. 14 Our group carried out all of these experiments in six-day cultures.…”

“…13,14 Recently analyzing cytokine production in cultures from chromium-allergic patients, we have been able to demonstrate that the amount of IL-13 is substantially higher in these cultures, offering great accuracy for this diagnosis. 14 Our group carried out all of these experiments in six-day cultures. As the production and release of cytokines happen quickly, the duration of the culture can be reduced, accelerating the process.…”