Oxidative stress is associated with atopic indices in relation to childhood rhinitis and asthma

Background: The association between oxidative stress and atopic diseases is uncertain. Several risk factors for atopic diseases have been identified, however, a comprehensive investigation of the relationship between oxidative stress markers and atopic indices related to atopic diseases is currently lacking. Methods: We investigated 132 children who completed a 7-years follow-up in a birth cohort. Oxidative stress markers including plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx), myeloperoxidase (MPO), total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC), and urine 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels were measured. Allergen-specific IgE levels, FeNO levels, and pulmonary function tests were also obtained. Results: The activity of GPx and levels of MPO were inversely correlated to food (shrimp and crab) and house dust mite sensitization respectively. The 8-OHdG levels were strongly negatively correlated with FeNO levels (p < 0.01). A significant positive correlation was found between TAC levels and pre-and post-bronchodilator FVC % and FEV1% predicted (p < 0.05). All oxidative stress markers were not associated with the risk of atopic diseases. However, GPx-related crab sensitization and 8-OHdG related FeNO levels were significantly associated with increased risk of allergic rhinitis, while MPO-related mite sensitization and TAC-related pulmonary function parameters were strongly associated with risk of asthma (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Oxidative stress is strongly correlated with allergic indices, potentially playing a role in the modulation of allergic responses contributing to atopic diseases.