Exploration of the Serum Interleukin-17 and Interleukin-27 Expression Levels in Children with Bronchial Asthma and Their Correlation with Indicators of Lung Function.

Aims: To investigate the expression levels of serum interleukin-17 (IL-17) and interleukin-27 (IL-27) in children with bronchial asthma and to correlate these expression levels with lung function indicators.

Methods

A total of 106 children with bronchial asthma (observation group: 76 in the acute attack phase, 30 in remission) and 60 healthy children (control group) aged 1-10 years were enrolled.

Results

Levels of IL-17, IL-27, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in the peripheral blood of children with bronchial asthma were higher compared to the control group. In addition, blood IL-17, IL-27, and FeNO levels in the children in the acute stage of bronchial asthma were higher compared with those in remission. The respiratory rate of children in the remission stage was lower compared with those in the acute stage, however, the other indicators were higher. IL-17, IL-27, and FeNO levels positively correlated with the respiratory rate and were negatively correlated with inspiratory time, expiratory time, peak time, and time to reach peak tidal expiratory flow/total expiratory time (TPTEF/TE; all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

IL-17 and IL-27 levels are associated with the incidence and the development of bronchial asthma in children, and could be useful diagnostic markers. They may also effectively improve the specificity of FeNO for diagnosing the extent of lung injury in children.