Study on cytokines IL-2, IL-6, IL-10 in patients of chronic allergic rhinitis treated with acupuncture

Petti, F. B.

Liguori, A.

Ippoliti, F.

Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan / sponsored by All-China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine

2002

22(2)

104-111

RCT

Acu Versus > 1 Control

Acupuncture

Allergies

Electroacupuncture

Fixed Acupuncture Protocol

Penetrating Sham

Near Verum Acupoint Control

No Treatment Control

RCT

Respiratory Tract Diseases

Restricted Modalities, Acupuncture Only

Sham Control

Standard Needling Depth

TCM Acupuncture Style

Rhinitis, Allergic

OBJECTIVES: To observe the plasmatic concentration of IL-6, IL-10 and IL-2 in the patient of chronic allergic rhinitis before and after acupuncture therapy. METHODS: Cytokine levels were determined before and after treatment in 30 healthy volunteers (Group A) and 90 patients of chronic allergic rhinitis (Group B) with an increased plasma IL-10 level. Group B was then divided into 3 subgroups: 30 patients treated with real acupuncture (Group B1); 30 patients treated with sham acupuncture (Group B2); 30 non-treated patients (Group B3). RESULTS: The allergic subjects of group B1, compared with controls, showed a significant reduction of IL-10 after a specific treatment with acupuncture (P < 0.05). On the other hand, in those patients treated with sham acupuncture (B2) as well as in non-treated patients (B3), the IL-10 values remained high and unchanged. There was a statistically significant change in IL-2 values at 24 hours (P < 0.05) after real acupuncture (Groups A, B1), however the values remained within normal ranges. The IL-6 do not change after therapy. CONCLUSION: The acupuncture treatment can reduce plasmatic level of IL-10 in chronic allergic rhinitis

Respiratory Tract Diseases

120

1 Day