RESUMEN
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is associated with activation of acute phase response. Questions arise regarding its association with other inflammatory mediators. To determine plasma IL-8 concentration in CSU patients and its association with C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, a nonspecific inflammatory marker of the disease activity, concentrations of plasma IL-8 and serum CRP were measured in CSU patients and compared with healthy controls. IL-8 and CRP concentrations were significantly higher in CSU patients as compared with the healthy subjects. In addition, there were significant differences in IL-8 and CRP concentrations between CSU patients with moderate-severe symptoms and the healthy subjects. Plasma IL-8 and serum CRP concentrations showed a significant correlation with urticaria activity score (UAS). Additionally, a significant positive correlation was observed between IL-8 and CRP concentrations. Up-regulations of IL-8 and its association with the marker of clinical and inflammatory activity suggest a role of this cytokine in the pathogenesis of CSU.