Impairment of lung function might be related to IL-10 and IFN-γ defective production in allergic children

Abstract

A functional defect of T regulatory cells (Tregs) has been proposed as pathogenic mechanism of allergic reaction. Impairment of lung function frequently occurs in children with respiratory allergy. This study aimed at investigating the possible role of IL-10 and IFN-γ on lung function deterioration in allergic children. Forty children with mild asthma, monosensitized to house dust mites, were evaluated and followed-up for 2 years. Spirometry was performed in all children. IL-10 and IFN-γ were evaluated in in vitro experiments. FEV(1), FVC, and FEF(25-75), evaluated as percent of predicted, significantly diminished over time (p<0.0001, p=0.03, and p<0.0001 respectively). There was a strong relationship between changes in spirometric parameters and IL-10 production and between changes in FEV(1) values and IFN-γ production over time. This preliminary study provided evidence that IL-10 and IFN-γ production could be defective in allergic children prone to develop functional impairment.