Elevated B cell-activating factor (BAFF) in children with allergic rhinitis

Objective: To evaluate the possible role of B cell-activating factor (BAFF) in children with allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods: Twenty-four AR children and 20 normal children were enrolled in this study and nasal lavage and serum were collected. The nasal and serum levels of BAFF were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The relationship between serum BAFF and immunoglobulin A (IgA) was evaluated in AR children. Results: Our results showed that the nasal and serum levels of BAFF were significantly increased in AR children compared with controls (p < 0.05). The nasal and serum levels of BAFF in AR children were significantly associated with disease severity (p < 0.05). Moreover, the level of serum BAFF was negatively related to serum IgA level (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings show BAFF expression was significantly increased and related to disease severity, indicating BAFF may be implicated in new treatment modalities for AR children. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.