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Abstract
Thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) is a key chemokine for attracting Th2 lymphocytes into sites of allergic inflammation.
The aim of this case-controlled observational study is to determine the plasma TARC level in asthmatic children and its relation to asthma severity and atopic markers.
Forty four asthmatic children aged 6 months to 5 years (30.6 ± 15.9 month) and a control group of 21 matched healthy children were recruited for the present study.
Plasma TARC levels were significantly higher in asthmatic children (956.2 ± 330.7 pg/ml) than controls (212.1 ± 90.9 pg/ml) p < 0.0001. Levels were also significantly higher among patients with moderate persistent asthma (1240.9 ± 299 pg/ml) as compared to those with mild persistent (902 ± 193 pg/ml) and intermittent asthma (690.5 ± 155.2 pg/ml) p < 0.0001.
A significant positive correlation was also demonstrated between TARC level and markers of atopy such as total serum IgE level.
Our results support the notion that TARC is mechanistically involved in asthma pathophysiology and its plasma level can be used as a biomarker to identify and monitor asthma severity.