Prevalence of autoantibodies in sera from atopic and non-atopic asthmatics

Abstract

Background and objectives：There have been several reports showing increased prevalences of various autoantibodies in non-atopic asthma compared to atopic asthma. And the possible involvement of autoimmune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of non-atopic asthma has been suggested. To evaluate this hypothesis, we compared the prevalence of circulating autoantibodies in sera from patients with non-atopic and atopic asthma. Subjects and methods：Serum samples from 23 patients with non-atopic asthma showing no visible skin reaction to 50 common inhalant allergens and serum total IgE levels below 200 IU/ml, 23 patients with atopic asthma who showing positive skin prick tests and positive allergen bronchoprovocation tests, 34 age-matched healthy volunteers, and 20 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were enrolled. We screened IgG antinuclear antibody by indirect immunofluorescence test using HEp-2 cell, and IgG autoantibodies to thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase by radioimmunoassay. Results：IgG antinuclear antibodies were found in 1 (3%) of 34 healthy volunteers, 3 (13%) of 23 patients with non-atopic asthma, none of 23 patients with atopic asthma, 19 (95%) of 20 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. IgG autoantibodies to thyroglobulin or thyroid peroxidase were found in 2 (6%) of 34 healthy volunteers, 2 (9%) of 23 patients with non-atopic asthma, 1 (4%) of 23 patients with atopic asthma, and 4 (25%) of 20 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Conclusion：There was no evidence for increased prevalence of autoantibodies to nuclear and thyroid antigen in sera from atopic and non-atopic asthmatics compared to healthy controls.