Salivary Eosinophil Cationic Protein in Allergic Rhinitis

Objective: Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of atopic diseases such as allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma. Using saliva as a diagnostic material is a non-invasive, simple method. Analysis of ECP in saliva was shown as an alternative diagnostic contribution in patients with asthma. In this study we aimed to assess a possible association between the levels of salivary ECP and the diagnosis of AR by comparing serum ECP and salivary ECP levels.Methods: Thirty-five allergic rhinitis patients (study group) sensitive to Dermatophagoides farinae (D2) in skin prick test (SPT) and 35 nonallergic, SPT negative, healthy volunteers (control group) were included in the study. Salivary ECP, serum ECP and specific IgE D2 levels were measured.Results: Distribution of age and gender were similar in the study and the control groups (p>0.05). Serum specific IgE D2 levels were significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (p