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Background: Bronchial asthma is a chronic disorder of the airways. Bronchial asthma can be broadly categorized into atopic and nonatopic based on the immunological status, which may be helpful to plan appropriate treatment. In this study, the cytokine profile of the blood was estimated to evaluate the difference between the atopic and the nonatopic asthmatics. Aim: The aim was to document the differences in cytokine (IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-?) imbalance in asthmatics with high serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels compared to those with normal serum IgE. Materials and Methods: Thirty confirmed bronchial asthmatics (17 men, 13 women) were included in this study. The serum levels of IgE, IFN-α TNF-α, and IL-6 were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. They were divided into two groups based on serum IgE: asthmatics with normal serum IgE levels as group A (n = 7) and high IgE levels as group B (n = 23). Results: The differences in the mean values of IgE, TNF-α, and IFN-α were statistically significant between the groups. These values were significantly higher in group B compared to group A. IL-6 was not significantly different between the groups. In group A, IL-6 was negatively correlated with IgE and IFN-α. IgE and IFN-α were positively correlated. In group B, IFN-α and TNF-α showed a high correlation of +0.93. Conclusion: Two groups of asthmatics stratified according to their serum IgE levels were immunologically different showing different profiles of serum cytokine levels and the relationship between the cytokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immunoglobulin E and associated cellular responses are responsible for allergic airway diseases. A hypersensitivity reaction initiated by immunologic mechanisms, mediated by IgE antibodies occurs in allergic asthma Aim: To estimate and compare serum IgE levels in mild, moderate, and severe asthmatics and in normal subjects and to obtain a mathematical model describing the relationship between serum IgE levels and severity of asthma. Materials and Methods: A stratified sample of 60 patients within age group of 18-60 years and 31 male and 29 female asthmatic patients and 13 healthy controls within 18-60 years were included in this study and classified according to GINA classification. Serum IgE levels were estimated by using ELISA kit. Results: Mean IgE levels ranged from 151.95 IU/ml in normal subjects to 1045.32 IU/ml in severe asthmatics. The model developed was 27% efficient. Conclusion: Serum Immunoglobulin E levels were high in asthmatics as compared to normal subjects. On an average, the levels increased as the severity of asthma increased. However, there was no statistically significant correlation since the variability in each level of asthma was very large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]