The Effect of Steroid Treatment on Serum Oxidant-Antioxidant System and Cytokine Levels in Childhood Asthma

The aim of this study was to investigate the plasma levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosisfactor-α, immunoglobulin E, eosinophil cationic protein, thiobarbituric acid reactivesubstance and total antioxidant status which were suggested to have a significant rolein the pathogenesis of asthma in children and to evaluate the effect of steroid on theseparameters. 27 children, mean aged 8.9 years with mild-moderate persistent asthma forthe study group and 25 healthy children, mean aged 10.3 years for the control groupare included in the study group. The symptom score, respiratory function test, plasmaimmunoglobulin E, eosinophil cationic protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α,thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and total antioxidant status levels were measuredin the study group before and 4 weeks after budenoside treatment and compared withthe control group. The tumor necrosis factor-α, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance,immunoglobulin E and eosinophil cationic protein levels measured before treatmentwere significantly higher than those of the control group. Although a significantdecrease was observed in thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, eosinophil cationicprotein and immunoglobulin E levels after inhaled steroid treatment, the interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor-α and total antioxidant status levels showed no difference. Thetumor necrosis factor-α, immunoglobulin E and eosinophil cationic protein levels aftertreatment were significantly higher than those of the control group. In conclusion, weobserved that budenoside treatment in mild to moderate stable asthmatic children hadno direct effect on oxidant stress, antioxidant defense, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosisfactor-α. These results lead us to the decision that the steroidal treatment may achievea clinical improvement mainly by decreasing the levels of immunoglobulin E andeosinophil cationic protein.