Abstract
OBJECTIVE: With regard to the correlation between T helper1/T helper2 (Th1/Th2) cell balance and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3), active metabolite of vitamin D, we studied Th1/Th2 cell balance by measuring levels of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), which are important for immune response of patients with allergic rhinitis. METHODS: Thirty adult patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis (study group) and 40 healthy volunteers (control group) are examined in the research. IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels from serum samples and vitamin D(3) levels from plasma were determined in all patients. RESULTS: In IgE, IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ, and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) levels (p<0.05), a statistically noticeable difference was observed between the study and control group. The 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) levels in both groups were compared and a statistically significant difference between the 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) levels in the study group and that in the control group (p<0.05) was observed. There was a positive correlation between IFN-γ and vitamin D levels (p<0.05) in the study group, whereas IgE, IL-4, and IL-10 levels showed a negative correlation with vitamin D(3) levels (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In our study, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) levels were associated with Th1/Th2 balance in allergic rhinitis, and a remarkable correlation was observed among vitamin D deficiency and allergy. These findings show that 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) may have a remarkable role in the severity and control of allergic disorders. In addition, further investigations are required to confirm how vitamin D should be used in allergic diseases. Furthermore, to reveal the exact mechanism of vitamin D on allergic diseases, further studies are required.