Level of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in childhood asthma

Background: The role of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in childhood asthma remains unknown. This study aimed to measure the serum levels of NGAL in children with asthma and to investigate the correlation between NGAL and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), a good indicator of airway remodeling in children with asthma. Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on 75 children. Serum NGAL and TGF-beta 1 concentrations were measured by the ELISA method. Complete blood count, high sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and total serum IgE were investigated in the study population. Atopy in the asthma group was investigated using a skin prick test and specific IgE measurements. Results: Forty-three asthmatic children and 32 healthy children were enrolled in the study. Total eosinophil numbers, white blood cell count, total serum IgE levels and ECP levels were significantly higher in the asthma group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Similarly, serum TGF-beta 1 levels were significantly higher in children with asthma (p = 0.012). The difference in NGAL levels between the groups was insignificant (p = 0.268). NGAL levels did not show a significant correlation with total IgE, ECP, eosinophil numbers and TGF-beta 1 levels (p > 0.05). Conclusion: As a conclusion, while elevated TGF-beta 1 levels in children with asthma might be regarded as an indicator of airway remodeling, we did not find a similar prediction strength for NGAL. Further studies are required to better identify the role of NGAL in childhood asthma and to determine its potential use as a clinical marker. (C) 2013 SEICAR Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.