Cytokines in allergic rhinitis

Epidemiological studies have suggested a role for chronic inflammation in allergic rhinitis. To examine the links between allergic rhinitis and 26 circulating inflammatory cytokines, researchers here used two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses. Higher levels of circulating IL-18 and MIP-1-alpha were associated with an increased risk of allergic rhinitis. Conversely, higher levels of the cytokine TRAIL were associated with a reduced risk of allergic rhinitis. No significant associations were observed between the other inflammatory cytokines studied and the risk of allergic rhinitis. The most robust association appeared to involve the TRAIL cytokine.