Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Single nucleotide gene polymorphism and Nerve growth factor are risk factors that increase the severity of Allergic Rhinitis

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis is a health issue that affects nasal membranes, causing congestion and sneezing. It is caused by type 2 helper cells that produce IgE that reacts to allergens. BDNF and NGF are useful biomarkers for allergic phenotypes, and NGF plays a role in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. Our goal is to improve the diagnosis and treatment of this condition by studying if NGF levels differ between people with allergic rhinitis and healthy people, as well as the novel link between BDNF rs6265 polymorphisms and their severity. To achieve this, we conducted a case-control study among 120 subjects with rhinitis of both sexes. Three groups of individuals were created: those with mild allergic rhinitis, those with moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis, and a control group diagnosed according to clinical examination and skin prick tests for allergen sensitivity. We conducted complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Nerve growth factor (NGF), and genotyping for BDNF rs6265 polymorphism. This study explored the link between NGF, BDNF gene variations, and allergic rhinitis severity in adults from Upper Egypt. The results showed that higher NGF levels were associated with more severe allergic rhinitis, but skin prick tests were more closely associated with the condition's severity. Inflammatory markers IL-6 and IL-1β levels increased with severity, confirming their established roles in allergic rhinitis. Contrary to existing research, the most common genotype for BDNF rs6265 in this population was GG. The research found that BDNF rs6265 gene polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of moderate-to-severe AR. The most prevalent genotype in our research was GG. NGF levels were higher in AR cases than in controls and can act as a potential biomarker in the diagnosis of AR. IL-1β and IL-6 may also be biomarkers in the diagnosis of AR.