Serum levels of IL-31, IL-33 and ST2 in allergic rhinitis of children in China

This study aimed to compare the serum levels of IL-31, IL-33 and ST2 in children patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and allergic asthma and tried to reveal more insights in development of AR. Thirty-six children patients with intermittent AR were selected in the present study during January 2013 to December 2016. Two control groups were set, the allergic asthma group and the healthy individuals. Atopic status of all participants in this study was tested and confirmed by skin prick testing (SPT). Levels of IL-31, IL-33 and ST2 were determined using ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 18.0. There is no significant difference in age, gender ratio and BMI for all patients. However, positive ratio of SPT and total IgE in patients' groups were significantly higher than the control group. Levels of IL-33 and IL-31 in both AR and allergic asthma group were significantly higher than those of the control group, P<0.05. However, level of ST2 in the three groups didn't show significant difference. Correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between levels of IL-33 and IL-31, P<0.05. However, levels of ST2 and IL-33, ST2 and IL-31 were not significantly correlated. The serum levels of IL-33 and IL-31 were significantly up-regulated in both AR and allergic asthma patients compared with normal individuals. These results could provide more clinical evidences for understanding roles of IL-33, IL-31 and ST2 in children patients with allergic rhinitis.