Serum IL-10, IL-17 and IL-23 levels as "bioumoral bridges" between dyslipidemia and atopy

Background: Although several studies suggest a possible link between dyslipidemia and atopy, literature findings are still unclear.

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between dyslipidemia and atopy in a pediatric population affected by dyslipidemia or dyslipidemia/atopic predisposition.

Materials and methods: Children with dyslipidemia, dyslipidemia and atopy as well as healthy children were recruited. Serum total IgE, IL-10, IL-17, and IL-23 levels as well as fasting lipid values (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides) were performed on all enrolled children.

Results: The present study evaluated 23 patients affected by dyslipidemia, 26 patients affected by atopy and dyslipidemia and, 22healthy children. Serum total IgE levels significantly related also with serum cholesterol levels: positively with total cholesterol (p<0.05), LDL (p<0.05), and tryglicerides (p<0.001), but negatively with HDL (p<0.05). Serum levels of IL-10 were lower in children with atopy and dyslipidemia than patients with dyslipidemia (p<0.001). Serum IL-10 levels significantly related also with serum cholesterol levels: negatively with total cholesterol (p<0.001), LDL (p<0.05), and triglycerides (p<0.05), but positively with HDL (p<0.05). Serum IL-17 and IL-23 levels showed the same trend. They were significantly higher in children with atopy and dyslipidemia than patients with dyslipidemia (p<0.001). In particular, serum IL-17 and IL-23 values positively correlated with serum total IgE levels (p<0.05); serum total cholesterol levels (p<0.001); serum LDL levels (p<0.001); serum triglycerides levels (p<0.05). Although not statistically significant, an inverse correlation has been noted between serum IL-17, IL-23 and HDL levels.

Conclusions: These findings support the notion that dyslipidemia and atopic predisposition share the same immune pathways as well as they offer new insights in the complex crosstalk between hyperlipidemia and atopy.