Correlation between forkhead box P3 (rs3761548) gene polymorphism and serum interleukin13 as biomarkers of severity in Egyptian allergic conjunctivitis: a retrospective study.

Introduction: The genetic variants that alter human Forkhead Box P3 (FOXP3) function may have a part in the establishment of allergic conjunctivitis. Our study aimed to evaluate the FOXP3 polymorphism, serum interleukin13 (IL13) and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in allergic conjunctivitis and assess their role as biomarkers for allergic conjunctivitis risk and severity. Methods: This study included 52 cases and 52 controls. Blood samples were taken from allergic conjunctivitis patients and controls for total IgE, IL13 measurement and detection of FOXP3 (rs3761548) gene polymorphism. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the allergic conjunctivitis group and healthy control group regarding FOXP3 (rs3761548) polymorphism with those have AA genotype are 12 times at risk for allergic conjunctivitis and A allele increases the risk of allergic conjunctivitis by about 4 times. There was statistically significant difference between mild/moderate and severe allergic conjunctivitis regarding FOXP3 (rs3761548) polymorphism with those have AA genotype are 53 times at risk for severe allergic conjunctivitis and A allele increases the risk of severe allergic conjunctivitis by about 6 times. Also, there was a significantly higher value of total IgE IU/ml, IL13 Pg/ml value in severe allergic conjunctivitis compared to moderate/mild allergic conjunctivitis. The best cutoff values of total IgE and serum IL13 for detecting the severity of allergic conjunctivitis were ≥320 IU/ml and ≥40 Pg/ml and the area under the curve were 0.89 and 0.95 respectively. Conclusion: The research significantly contributes to find correlation of FOXP3 polymorphism, total IgE and IL13 with risk and severity of allergic conjunctivitis which are limited in the literature on the perceived value relevance of FOXP3 polymorphism in allergic conjunctivitis risk and severity.

NLRP3 (rs10754558) gene polymorphism and tumor necrosis factor alpha as predictors for disease activity and response to methotrexate and adalimumab in psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis has a global prevalence of 1-3%, with variations observed across different ethnic groups and geographical areas. Disease susceptibility and response to anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) drugs suggest different genetic regulatory mechanisms which may include NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) polymorphism. Evaluation of the NLRP3 gene polymorphism, the serum level of CRP and TNFα in psoriasis patients and assessment of the NLRP3 (rs10754558) gene polymorphism, CRP and TNFα with disease severity and their role as biomarkers for response to Methotrexate and Adalimumab in psoriasis. The study had a total of 75 patients diagnosed with psoriasis vulgaris, who were compared to a control group of 75 healthy individuals. RESULTS: There was a highly significant difference in NLRP3 genotypes and alleles distribution between psoriasis patients and controls (P = 0.002,0.004). The heterozygote genotype GC (OR = 3.67,95%CI:1.75-7.68, P = 0.0006), was linked with increased risk of psoriasis. Additionally, The GC genotype was significantly associated with nonresponse to psoriasis therapy (OR = 11.7,95%CI:3.24-42.28, P = 0.0002). Regarding serum CRP and TNFα levels, there was a highly statistically significant difference between psoriasis patients and controls (P < 0.0001), and there was also a highly statistically significant difference between responders and non-responders in psoriasis patients regarding PASI 50 (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The NLRP3 (rs10754558) genotypes GC was associated with the severe form of psoriasis and with nonresponse to psoriasis medication. Therefore, NLRP3 (rs10754558) gene polymorphism is an important prognostic biomarker in psoriasis patients. The serum TNFα can be used as a predictor for response to therapy in psoriasis patients. More research for evaluation of role of the NLRP3 gene polymorphism in the genetic risks and treatment outcomes associated with psoriasis is still required.

Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation versus Sublingual Immunotherapy in Patients with Bronchial Asthma.

Omega-3 fatty acids and sublingual immunotherapy have a considerable interest in the potential therapeutic value in asthmatic patients. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids and sublingual immunotherapy in treating patients with bronchial asthma and evaluate the value of IL17A as a marker for effective treatment. The effect on asthma control test (ACT), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and serum interleukin 17A (IL17A) in patients with mild to moderate persistent asthma were measured. A total of 48 patients were enrolled and divided into two groups. Group A included 24 patients treated with sublingual immunotherapy for 6 months and group B, 24 patients given omega-3 fatty acids for 3 months. Serum level of IL17A was measured by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A statistically significant difference was demonstrated in each parameter between before and after treatment (p < 001, for each). Comparison between omega-3 fatty acids and sublingual immunotherapy as regards ACT, PEFR, and FEV1and IL17A showed that omega-3 fatty acids treatment was better than sublingual immunotherapy in decreasing IL17A, but both were effective in decreasing PEFR, FEV1 and ACT. In conclusion, administration of omega-3 fatty acids and sublingual immunotherapy are promising in management of asthma.