Determination of immunological stress and oxygen free radical formation in white blood cells during allergen immunotherapy

BACKGROUND: Airway inflammation represents the basis of respiratory allergic disease and is generally associated with increased oxidative stress. As a consequence of successful treatment leading to hyposenzibilization and remission of symptoms, decrease of reactive oxygen formation is expected. MATERIAL/METHODS: This preliminary study evaluates the production of oxygen free radicals in white blood cells and changes in basic immunological parameters in a cohort of 50 patients (27 females and 23 males, age 14–48 years) with upper airway allergic inflammation caused by pollens, before and during specific immunotherapy. RESULTS: We found an unexpected significant increase in the free radical concentration during and after treatment in comparison to values before the treatment and to the control group. Statistical analysis also found significant increase of IgG3 after initial treatment and also 1 year after allergen immunotherapy. Although there were similar trends in the elevated ROS and elevated IgG3, these were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: We observed changes in oxidative mechanisms in white blood cells of patients treated with AIT. Allergen immunotherapy works at a multilayer level and influences airway inflammation as well as the protective antimicrobial defense in treated patients. Further studies for understanding the mechanisms involved in oxidative stress as well as for laboratory monitoring of therapeutic approaches in allergic diseases are needed.