Evaluation of interleukin 33 (IL-33) levels in the course of bronchial asthma (preliminary studies)

Introduction
Research in the field of immunology has shown a significant role of cytokines in the development of asthma, applying in particular to pro-inflammatory cytokines from Th2 lymphocytes. Interleukin 33 (IL-33) belongs to the interleukin 1 family (IL-1). It intensifies the production of cytokines by these cells. Its action induces the production of very large amounts of such cytokines as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, which are important in the development of allergic diseases.

Aim of the research
An assessment of whether IL-33 levels depend on the severity of bronchial asthma in the course of the disease

Material and methods
The study involved 80 people: 20 volunteers and 60 patients with asthma – 20 participants with mild chronic asthma, 20 with moderate, and 20 with severe asthma. All patients were subject to maintained asthma control. From each patient, blood was collected for the evaluation of IL-33 with the ELISA test; all patients had additional spirometry performed (as part of their visits to the clinic).

Results
Elevated levels of IL-33 were found in 17 patients from the examined group of 60 people. Some volunteers, i.e. 10 out of 20, also demonstrated increased concentration of this interleukin.

Conclusions
n our study, no specific answers have been obtained yet. The reason for the increased concentration of this cytokine in the group of volunteers is unclear. According to the medical history, these participants did not suffer from any diseases, including allergy-based. However, taking into account the prevalence of atopy in the general population (45%), it may have been people with this feature.