Characteristics of epidemiological and molecular relationships between allergic diseases and helminth disorders in Opisthorchis endemic region

Abstract

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of O. felineus impact into phenotypic variability of allergic diseases in the opisthorchis endemic region, we studied 104 patients with opisthorchosis, 92 patients with atopic bronchial asthma, 52 patients with a combination of both diseases, and 120 healthy persons. Standard clinical, immunological, and genetic methods were used. An association of opisthorchis invasion with the improvement of lung function signs and bronchial hyperreactivity was found. It was established, that IL-4-dependent mechanisms of atopy were suppressed by O. felineus antigens, in particular due to hyperproduction of IL-10 and transforming growth factor-beta. However, IL-5-dependant mechanisms were supported. A phenomenology of the cytokine gene differential expression was established, disclosing the molecular basis of the immune system function in diseases with polar immune response in the helminth endemic region.

Keywords

• атопические болезни
• астма
• описторхоз
• эпидемиология
• регуляция иммунного ответа