Serum cytokine profiles distinguish acute food protein-induced
enterocolitis syndrome from mimicking diseases
Abstract
Background: Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a
non-IgE cell-mediated food allergy characterized by repetitive vomiting
and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Although little is known about
FPIES pathophysiology, some cytokines have been reported to be involved.
Since one of the main symptoms is vomiting, which is common to other
diseases, it is difficult to distinguish acute FPIES from other
conditions such as infectious enterocolitis. Thus, specific biomarkers
are required for differential diagnosis. We aimed to identify potential
biomarkers distinguishing acute FPIES from infectious enterocolitis and
IgE-mediated anaphylaxis, which also cause vomiting. Methods: Seven
patients with acute FPIES, nine with IgE-mediated anaphylaxis, and six
with infectious enterocolitis were enrolled. The serum concentrations of
interleukins (IL)-2, -4, -6, -8, -10, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis
factor-α were measured and compared among the three groups of patients.
The serum concentrations of IL-2 and IL-10 were also compared between
the symptomatic and asymptomatic stages. Alterations in serum cytokine
levels were evaluated in acute FPIES during an oral food challenge test.
Results: Serum IL-2 and IL-10 levels were significantly higher in acute
FPIES patients than in patients with infectious enterocolitis and
IgE-mediated anaphylaxis, whereas no significant differences were
detectable in the serum levels of the other cytokines. The IL-2 and
IL-10 elevation was only observed in the symptomatic stage of acute
FPIES. Conclusion: The elevation in serum levels of IL-2 and IL-10 was
specifically observed in symptomatic acute FPIES cases, suggesting that
the measurement of IL-2 and IL-10 could be employed for differential
diagnosis.