Urinary leukotriene levels are increased during exacerbation of atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome. Relation to clinical status

Adamek-Guzik, T., Guzik, T.J., Czerniawska-Mysik, G., Korpanty, G., Mastalerz, L., Radwan, J. and Szczeklik, A. (2002) Urinary leukotriene levels are increased during exacerbation of atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome. Relation to clinical status. Allergy, 57(8), pp. 732-736. (doi: 10.1034/j.1398-9995.2002.23688.x) (PMID:12121194)

Abstract

Background:  Leukotrienes are potent mediators of allergic inflammation and their role in the pathogenesis of allergic disorders, particularly asthma, is well established. Their importance in the pathogenesis of atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS) is still unclear. We aimed to compare urinary cysteinyl leukotriene (Cys-LT) levels during exacerbation and remission of AEDS in relation to clinical status, IgE levels, and eosinophil counts. Methods:  Urinary Cys-LTs were measured by direct enzyme immunoassay in 17 adult patients with AEDS and in 17 healthy controls in whom atopy had been excluded. Cys-LTs were compared during exacerbation and remission of AEDS in relation to the clinical status measured by SCORAD. Total IgE levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Results:  Mean clinical score during the exacerbation was 64.3 ± 3.1 and during remission 22.4 ± 4 ( P < 0.01). Cys-LTs levels were significantly higher during the exacerbation of AEDS than in the control group (230.9 ± 20.8 vs 123.2 ± 9.9 pg/mg creatinine; P < 0.005). During the remission, the difference between AEDS patients and the control group was not significant (96.3 ± 8.7 vs 123.2 ± 9.9 pg/mg creatinine; P = 0.8). During AEDS exacerbation Cys-LTs levels were significantly correlated with the clinical status ( rS = 0.73, P < 0.01) and with eosinophil counts ( r = 0.86; P < 0.01) but not with the duration of the disease, age of patients, or IgE levels. Conclusions:  Our results point to enhanced biosynthesis of Cys-LTs during the AEDS exacerbations. Inflammatory cells, e.g. eosinophils are the most probable source of Cys-LTs. A strong correlation between Cys-LT levels and clinical status may in part explain preliminary clinical observations of efficacy of leukotriene antagonists in alleviating symptoms of AEDS.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Guzik, Professor Tomasz
• Authors: Adamek-Guzik, T., Guzik, T.J., Czerniawska-Mysik, G., Korpanty, G., Mastalerz, L., Radwan, J., and Szczeklik, A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Allergy
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0105-4538
• ISSN (Online): 1398-9995
• Published Online: 11 July 2002