Cord blood soluble Fas ligand linked to allergic rhinitis and lung
function in seven-year-old children
Abstract
Background: Serum or cord blood soluble Fas ligand (FasL) has
been related to asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis in
cross-sectional and short-term follow-up studies. However, the
association of cord blood soluble FasL with long-term allergic outcomes
has seldom been investigated. Thus, this study investigated the
relationship between cord blood soluble FasL and long-term allergic
outcomes in a follow-up birth cohort. Methods: The Prediction
of Allergies in Taiwanese Children birth cohort study recruited healthy
newborns upon delivery. At birth, blood was collected from the umbilical
cords of these children, and the cord blood soluble Fas ligand levels
were measured. At the age of seven years, the allergic outcome of each
child was diagnosed by pediatric allergists and pulmonologists. Tests
were conducted to measure the specific immunoglobulin E, fractional
exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and pulmonary function levels of each
child. Results:Cord blood soluble FasL levels were higher in
7-year-old children with allergic rhinitis (Odds ratio [OR] = 2.41,
p = .012) and expiratory airway obstruction (the highest forced
expiratory volume in 1 second/ forced vital capacity < 90%,
OR = 2.11, p = .022). The FeNO and Dermatophagoides
pteronyssinus-specific immunoglobulin E levels of 7-year-old children
were positively correlated with cord blood soluble FasL levels (p
= .006 and .02, respectively). Conclusion: In this birth
cohort, the cord blood soluble FasL levels were associated with allergic
rhinitis, obstructive-type lung function, FeNO, and house dust mite
sensitization in 7-year-old children. The cord blood soluble FasL level
might be used as a predictor for allergic diseases in children who are 7
years old.