Serum concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and testosterone in patients with allergic rhinitis and mild asthma

Background. An immuno-modulating effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on IgE-mediated allergic processes has been reported. Objectives. To assess the serum concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and testosterone in female patients suffering from persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR) caused by allergy to house dust mites (HDMs) and seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) due to pollen allergy with or without asthma symptoms. Material and Methods. Serum concentrations of DHEA-S and total testosterone were measured in 23 hitherto untreated female patients sensitized to HDM (Dermayophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae) with PAR without (13 patients) and with (10 patients) concomitant symptoms of mild asthma, 22 untreated female patients sensitized to grass and rye pollens with SAR without (12 patients) and with (10 patients) concomitant mild asthma, and 20 healthy subjects. Results. No significant differences in serum concentrations of DHEA-S and total testosterone were found among the five groups. Conclusions. It seems that circulating concentrations of DHEA-S and total testosterone are not altered in patients suffering from seasonal or persistent allergic rhinitis with or without concomitant symptoms of mild asthma (Adv Clin Exp Med 2008,17,1, 41-44).