Measurement of Tryptase and CC16/Albumin in Nasal Lavage Fluid as a Screening Tool of Allergic Rhinitis

Abstract

Background There is no trial to make a diagnostic tool of allergic rhinitis (AR) utilizing biomarkers from nasal fluid. Base on previous studies, we selected following five biomarkers in nasal fluids that represent the characteristics of allergic reactions: tryptase, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), interleukin 5 (IL-5), Clara cell protein 16 (CC16) and CC16-to-albumin ratio. Objective This study aimed to identify biomarkers in nasal discharge that may be used in biosensors to diagnose AR as an additional diagnostic tool. Methods Patients showed rhinorrhea and tested positive on allergic skin and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) tests were included in the AR group. The non-AR group included individuals no dominant nasal symptoms and tested negative on allergy tests. Nasal lavage fluid samples were collected from all participants. Biomarkers in the samples were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Forty-five patients with AR and 28 non-AR subjects were enrolled in this study. Comparing the concentrations of biomarkers, the concentrations of tryptase and IL-5 were significantly higher in the AR group than in the NAR group. And CC16 level and CC16-to-albumin ratio were significantly lower in the AR group. In the combination of tryptase or CC16-to-albumin ratio, the sensitivity was 90.7% and the specificity was 64.3% ( p = 0.013). Conclusion The combination of “tryptase or CC16-to-albumin” could be used as a screening tool for AR. Although this diagnostic method could not replace conventional diagnostic tools, we could consider the method we proposed as an additional screening tool for patients who could not undergo allergy tests.