Publications of Faculty of Medicine:PLASMA THYMUS & ACTIVATION-REGULATED CHEMOKINE (TARC) AND MONOCYTE-DERIVED CHEMOKINE (MDC) LEVELS IN CHRONIC ASTHMATIC PATIENTS DEVELOPED ACUTE EXACERBATION: Abstract

Objectives: The present study was designed to measure the plasma levels of Thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and monocyte-derived chemokine (MDC) in chronic asthmatic patients who required hospitalization for an acute exacerbation. Patients & Methods: The study included 40 patients; 29 males and 11 females with mean age 49.7±7 years. All patients had acute exacerbation of chronic bronchial asthma, and underwent clinical and radiological evaluation. Venous blood samples were obtained at lime of admission (Day-0) and 4-weeks after inclusion in the study (Day-28) for ELISA estimation of plasma levels of TARC and MDC. Results: Mean plasma levels of TARC estimated at time of admission (78.9±30.6; r ange: 43- 175 pglinh were significantly higher (p<0.001 , Z=5.380,) compared to levels estimated at 4-weeks after admission (35±12.8: range: 15-62 pen! ). Similarly, mean plasma levels of MDC estimated at time of admission (759.71227.4; range: 387-1350 penzi) were significantly higher (p<0.001, 2=5.511) compared to levels estimated at 4-weeks after admission (289±117.2: range: 100-650 pg/ml). There was a significant positive correlation (p=0.003 r=0.457) between plasma 7.74RC and MDC levels at admission. Both parameters showed positive correlation with total score of associated conditions. However, the orrelation with TARC was significant (p=0.001, r=0.490). Plasma TARC levels were significantly correlated with the presence of upper respiratory tract injection, (p=0.014 r=0.385) and social status and special habits, (p=0.011 r=0.399). The presence of reflux symptoms associated with chronic asthma was significantly correlated with plasma MDC, (p=0.048 , r=0.314). Conclusion:Elevation of plasma levels of both MDC and TARC reflect their role in pathogenesis of acute exacerbation of chronic asthma and could predict its response to steroid therapy