Atopy, serum IgE, and interleukin-13 in steroid-responsive nephrotic syndrome

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Abstract
Earlier studies have demonstrated a strong association of steroid-responsive nephrotic syndrome (SRNS), atopy, and elevated serum IgE levels. Interleukin (IL-13) gene expression is significantly increased in children with SRNS in relapse. As interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-13, and IL-4 have regulatory effects on IgE synthesis, we examined the relationship between intracellular cytokine production and serum IgE levels in children with SRNS, in order to further define the reported association with atopy. The median serum IgE levels in nephrotic patients in relapse with (492 U/ml) or without atopy (561 U/ml) were significantly higher than those in remission (221 U/ml, P PPr=0.90, P<0.001). These data suggest that the elevated serum IgE levels during relapses of SRNS were the result of upregulation of IL-13. This probably reflects some common immune activation following various stimuli, rather than a direct association with atopy.

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