The characteristic serum cytokine profiles in asthma exacerbation

Abstract

Studies on the pathogenesis of asthma attacks are limited, and the mechanism underlying asthma attacks remains obscure. This study aimed to clarify the characteristic cytokine profiles in asthma exacerbation. [Materials and Methods] Serum cytokine levels were measured in patients who visited the hospital for asthma attacks and compared with cytokine lev- els in patients with stable asthma and in normal par- ticipants. Serum interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17, IL-33, periostin, and thymic stromal lymph- opoietin (TSLP) concentrations were measured in 16 patients with asthma attacks, 49 patients with stable asthma, and 26 normal participants. [Results] IL-10, IL-13, and TSLP levels were signifi- cantly higher in patients with asthma attacks than in patients with stable asthma, whereas IL-5 and IL-17 levels were significantly lower. [Discussion] Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, and the pathology of an asthma attack will also vary from person to person. In some asthma endtypes, IL-13 production, which induces mucus secre- tion and bronchoconstriction, would contribute to develop asthma attacks. This IL-13 production is not prevented by the enhanced IL-10 production or step-up treatment (i.e., increased steroid inhalation etc.), although IL-10 can suppress IL-5 and IL-17 production.