Association of lower eosinophil-related T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines with coronary artery lesions in Kawasaki disease

Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2009 May;20(3):266-72. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2008.00779.x.

Abstract

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic febrile vasculitis particular coronary artery involvement. Eosinophilia has been found in our and other studies in KD. This study further investigates whether eosinophil-related T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines or the activation marker (eosinophil cationic protein - ECP) is involved in KD with coronary artery lesions (CAL). A total of 95 KD patients were enrolled for this study. Plasma samples were subjected to the measurement of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and eotaxin by Luminex-Bedalyte multiplex beadmates system and to the measurement of ECP by fluoroimmunoassay. Patients with KD had higher eosinophils than controls. Eosinophil-related mediators: IL-4, IL-5, eotaxin, and ECP levels were also higher in KD patients than controls before intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment. After IVIG treatment, ECP decreased but IL-4, IL-5, and eotaxin increased significantly. The higher the IL-5 and eosinophil levels after IVIG treatment, the lower rate of CAL was found. Changes of eosinophils after IVIG treatment were positively correlated to changes of IL-5 levels but not ECP levels. An increase of eosinophils and IL-5, but not ECP levels after IVIG treatment, was inversely correlated with CAL formation in KD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Blood Cell Count
  • Coronary Artery Disease / blood
  • Coronary Artery Disease / complications
  • Coronary Artery Disease / immunology*
  • Eosinophil Cationic Protein / blood
  • Eosinophils / immunology*
  • Eosinophils / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / immunology
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Interleukin-4 / blood
  • Interleukin-5 / blood
  • Male
  • Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome / blood
  • Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome / complications
  • Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome / immunology*
  • Th2 Cells / immunology*
  • Th2 Cells / metabolism
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Interleukin-5
  • Interleukin-4
  • Eosinophil Cationic Protein