Serum IL-23 strongly and inversely correlates with FEV1 in asthmatic children.

BACKGROUND: Recently, Th17 cells have been found to participate in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. IL-23 is a cytokine that may be implicated in modulating Th17 response. This study aimed at evaluating IL-23 and relating it to lung function in asthmatic children. METHODS: Seventy-eight asthmatic children and 40 healthy children were evaluated. Spirometry and serum IL-23 measurement (ELISA kit) were performed in all asthmatic children. RESULTS: IL-23 levels were higher in asthmatic than in healthy children (p < 0.001). There was a strong inverse relationship between FEV(1) and IL-23 (r = -0.787). CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study suggests that serum IL-23 could be a suitable marker of bronchial function impairment in allergic asthmatic children.