Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate whether serum Interleukin 36 gamma (IL-36γ) levels in pediatric allergic rhinitis patients correlate with disease severity (mild, moderate, severe) and duration (intermittent, persistent). Additionally, we assessed the potential of IL-36γ as a biomarker and its role in disease pathogenesis to inform future treatment strategies. METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, pediatric allergic rhinitis patients from outpatient clinics were compared with healthy controls. Serum IL-36γ levels were measured from blood samples and analyzed across subgroups based on disease severity and duration. RESULTS: Fifty patients with allergic rhinitis and forty controls were included. IL-36γ levels were higher in the patient group with borderline significance (p= 0.050). Female patients had significantly higher IL-36γ levels than male controls (p= 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to evaluate IL-36γ levels in pediatric allergic rhinitis. Although the difference between groups showed borderline significance, larger studies may confirm these findings. The observed gender-related difference suggests IL-36γ could be a potential biomarker. Additionally, a significant negative correlation with total IgE and a nonsignificant negative correlation with eosinophil counts were noted.