Low salivary secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor levels in patients with dust mites allergy

HERRERO, T; TATEOSIAN, NANCY; ALIJA, A; CHULUYAN, E

Congreso; 30th Congress of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology; 2011

European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

House dust mites (DM) produce serine and cysteine proteases, which have biological activities including reduction of tissue barriers and stimulate epithelial cells to release proinflammatory cytokines. Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), a serine proteinase inhibitor present in the mucosal fluids, provides a local protection against allergic stimuli through an inducible antiprotease and anti-inflammatory defense. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the SLPI salivary levels in patients with DM allergy. Material and methods: 85 patients (ages of 12-75 years), were recruited in autumn. The two groups evaluated were: a) 50 patients with active allergy and b) 35 negative controls (without allergy to mites). Group a) patients had allergic rhinitis with or without asthma (ARIA/ GINA 2) and were monosensitized to house dust mites. To be eligible for inclusion, patients had to have symtoms and positive clinical history for DM allergy. Skin prick tests (SPT) to standardized Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Blomia Tropicalis extracts were performed on inclusion. Saliva collection were done with the cotton swab Salivette® SARSTEDT. SLPI salivary concentration was determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Total serum IgE was determined. Results: We found an inverse correlation between salivary SLPI and age of patients (95%CI p=0.0042). Therefore, the analysis of the results was done by grouping the allergic patients in three age groups: <32, 32-50, >50 years old. We found lower levels of salivary SLPI in the allergic vs. control patients for the group <32 (p=0.0214) and 32-50 (p=0.0423). However, there was not difference in group of > 50 years of age. Remarkably, based on positive prick-test area (cross-diameter in mm: 4/8/12/16/20mm) it was found that a higher degree of positivity in SPT was in correlation to lower levels of SLPI (Spearman r = -0.052 p< 0.001). There was no significant correlation between total IgE and SLPI. Conclusion: we find low levels of salivary SLPI in young patients allergic to mites. Moreover, a correlation is observed between salivary SLPI levels and the intensity of skin tests and associated clinical symptoms. A possible deficiency in SLPI could represent a greater possibility of reactivity and allergic sensitization to mites in predisposed persons.