Abstract
Background
Recent data display the possible role of cytokines such as interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-17 and IL-23 as a link between dyslipidemia and atopy; however, the relationship between dyslipidemia, allergic rhinitis (AR), and the underlying mechanisms involved is unclear.
Purpose
To measure the lipid profile and IL-17A level in AR patients in comparison to healthy controls, and correlate serum lipid level with the severity of symptoms and quality of life (QoL) of AR patients.
Patients and Methods
Peripheral blood samples were collected from AR patients (n=70) and a control group (n=80). Samples were analyzed for serum total IgE by ELISA, serum lipid profile, and IL-17A level by ELISA. Severity of AR symptoms was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) score and the rhinoconjunctivitis QoL questionnaire.
Results
Serum lipid profile and level of IL-17A in AR patients were significantly higher in comparison to controls (P < 0.001). Positive correlations were found between total cholesterol (TC) and the severity of AR and QoL. IL-17A was positively correlated with triglyceride (TG) level and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P=0.011, r=0.303; P=0.043, r=0.242, respectively). Additionally, IL-17A was negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level (P=0.036, r=−0.251). IL-17A was positively correlated with both age and VAS score with statistical significance (P=0.033, r=0.225; P=0.011, r=0.302, respectively).
Conclusion
Dyslipidemia might play a potential role in the severity of AR symptoms and impairment of patients’ QoL. Highlighting this association might alert physicians to evaluate the lipid profile in AR patients for timely diagnosis and treatment of dyslipidemia in an attempt to improve disease control and improve QoL.
Ethics Approval and Informed Consent
The research ethics committee of Zagazig University approved the study (IRB number 6222-25-6-2020), and an informed verbal consent was obtained from all participants.
Acknowledgment
We thank all patients who participated in the study.
Author Contributions
All authors made substantial contributions to conception and design, acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data; took part in drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content; agreed to submit to the current journal; gave final approval of the version to be published; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Disclosure
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.