Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common and chronic IgE-mediated respiratory airway disease. AR is characterized by heterogeneous group of symptoms like rhinorrhea, sneezing, itching and obstruction. The prevalence of AR has increased over the years. Several biomarkers have been identified as indicators of the pathogenesis and prognosis of AR. However the correlation between these biomarkers hasn't been yet investigated. Herein, we investigated the correlation between periostin that is considered as a marker for Th2 mediated inflammation and other biomarkers like eosinophils, eotaxin and soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL-2R).
Methods: This cross sectional study included the investigation of 23 AR patients before the beginning of allergen immunotherapy. First, symptom scores were recorded for all patients then; skin prick test was done to verify the diagnosis of allergy. Blood samples were collected for eosinophilic count and their sera were analyzed for periostin, eotaxin, and sIL-2R levels. ELISA was used to quantify all these biomarkers.
Results: This study revealed that periostin is a promising diagnostic biomarker in AR patients and correlated with the severity of AR. Blood eosinophils count is a good biomarker as well, and correlated with the severity of symptoms. There is a negative correlation between periostin and sIL-2R levels whereas no correlation was found between serum periostin level and eotaxin or eosinophils.
Conclusion: Periostin is a novel mediator in AR can be used as a biomarker for AR severity.