Association between Ca/Mg/P status and suppurative tonsillitis in children.

Suppurative tonsillitis (ST) is a common respiratory disease in children. This study aims to investigate the association between calcium (Ca)/magnesium (Mg)/phosphorus (P) and the risk of onset of suppuration in tonsillitis in children. Seventy children with ST and 61 age- and sex-matched children with non-ST were enrolled in this study. The association between Ca/Mg/P and suppuration risk in tonsillitis was investigated. The relationship between Ca/Mg/P and the potential risk factors for ST were also studied. White blood cell (WBC), platelet (PLT), c-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels were significantly higher in the ST group than those in the non-ST group (p less than 0.05). Mg and P levels were significantly lower in the ST group than those in the non-ST group (p less than 0.05). There was no obvious difference in Ca level between the ST group and the non-ST group (p=0.762). A significantly negative association between P and PCT was noted (r=-0.236, p=0.035). The results indicated that Mg/P disorder may be associated with the susceptibility to suppuration in children with tonsillitis, inflammatory indexes may reflect this risk.

Selenium, Zinc, Copper, and Total Antioxidant Status in the Serum of Patients with Chronic Tonsillitis.

Antioxidants can play a significant role in chronic inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the content of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and total antioxidant status (TAS) of patients with chronic tonsillitis (CT). The study group consisted of 84 patients with CT from 18 to 62 years old and the control group of 67 healthy people aged 19-65 years. Se, Zn, and Cu concentration in serum samples were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Serum TAS was measured spectrophotometrically, using the test by Randox Laboratories-Us Ltd. The mean content of Se and Zn in the serum of patients with CT (61.122 ± 12.73 µg/L, 0.887 ± 0.26 mg/L, respectively) was lower compared to the control group (77.969 ± 12.73 µg/L, 0.993 ± 0.32 mg/L, respectively). The mean serum concentration of Cu in patients with CT (1.219 ± 0.35 mg/L) was higher compared to its serum concentration in healthy people (1.033 ± 0.37 mg/L). Serum TAS of patients with CT (1.171 ± 0.33 mmol/L) was lower in comparison with healthy volunteers (1.333 ± 0.42 mmol/L). The serum concentration of Se, Zn, and TAS in patients with CT was lower, whereas the concentration of Cu was higher compared to healthy volunteers. Smoking has an influence on reducing the concentration of Se and TAS of patients with CT.

1,25(OH)2D3 and specific IgE levels in children with recurrent tonsillitis, and allergic rhinitis.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in children with recurrent tonsillitis (RT) plus allergic rhinitis (AR). METHODS: Thirty children with RT+AR were included in the study group, and 30 healthy children comprised the control group. AR-related symptoms were determined using a symptom scale. 1,25(OH)2D3 and specific IgE measurements were made in both groups. RESULTS: The 1,25(OH)2D3 value was significantly lower in the RT+AR group than in the control group. Specific IgE (mixed) panels were in normal limits in both groups; whereas specific IgE (mixed) grass pollen panel value of RT+AT group was significantly higher than that of the control group. Higher nasal itching, nasal obstruction, and concha edema scores were related to significantly higher specific IgE values for the (mixed) grass pollen panel, whereas higher sneeze scores were related to higher specific IgE values for the (mixed) pediatric panel. CONCLUSIONS: Children with grass pollen allergy may not be exposed to sufficient sunlight. With reduced 1,25(OH)2D3, T helper cells may increase, and allergic response also increases. As allergic events increased, these children did not go outside and thus lacked sun exposure. This vicious cycle must be broken, and children with RT+AR should have sunlight exposure to increase 1,25(OH)2D3 levels.

[Glycosylation profile of selected acute phase proteins in children with chronic tonsillitis and allergic symptoms]. / Glikozylacja bialek ostrej fazy u dzieci z zapaleniem migdalków podniebiennych i objawami alergii.

INTRODUCTION: Acute phase proteins may be regarded as laboratory markers of inflammatory processes of various origin, but they also play several important biological roles. As majority of them are glycoproteins alterations in glycosylations profiles form additional sign of disturbances in the cytokines network during inflammation and allow to distinguish between acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 25 children, aged from 6 to 13 years, admitted due to tonsillectomy was examined using skin tests towards specific allergens. Fifteen children out of the whole group showed reaction to pollens, whereas in ten children no allergen was detected despite clear allergic symptoms. In sera samples from every child concentrations of C-reactive protein, alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and alpha1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) were measured using rocket immunoelectrophoresis acc. to Laurell, and glycosylations profiles of AGP and ACT were determined, using crossed affino-immunoelectrophoresis acc. to Bøg-Hansen. RESULTS: Lower concentration of AGP and higher of ACT was shown for children allergic to pollens. Glycosylation profile of both proteins was altered towards higher reactivity with ConA for children allergic to pollens, whereas rather chronic image was observed in children allergic to unknown allergen. The latter image was similar to previously described in children with food allergies. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of allergic reaction may alter the cytokine network activity in children, thus affecting also the immune status, independently from chronic inflammatory process in tonsillitis.