1. Preliminary reports INTRODUCTION AIM OF THE STUDY MATERIAL AND METHODS
The influence of vitamin D and cotinine on selected immune parameters in children with atopic dermatitis
Preliminary reports
Agnieszka Lipińska- Opałka1, Agata Wawrzyniak1, Bolesław Kalicki1, Robert Zdanowski2,
Sławomir Lewicki2, Piotr Murawski3
1 1 Department of Pediatrics, Nephrology and Allergology, Military Institute of Medicine
2 Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Warsaw
3 ICT Department, Military Institute of Medicine
INTRODUCTION
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, commonly associated with immune system disorders. A low level of regulatory T cells (Foxp3) seems to be the major abnormality. Numerous reports pointed to the role of vitamin D in modulation of immune system function. However there is little data regarding the effects of cotinine on the immune system.
AIM OF THE STUDY
The aim of the study was to analyze the percentage of lymphocytes (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4/CD8 ratio, CD19+, CD16+/56+, CD3 +anti HLA –DR+) and natural regulatory T lymphocytes in patients with atopic dermatitis. Additionally the correlation between immune parameters and vitamin D levels and cotinine was performed.
Inclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria
Diagnosed atopic dermatitis
Other skin diseases
Age >6 months and <15 yeras old
Lack of consent
Cooperation
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Study group: 28 children with atopic dermatitis (median age 5 years old)
Control group: 15 healthy children (median age 3 years old)
Material: Samples of venous blood collected in EDTA and samples of urine
Methods:
The phenotype of lymphocytes was evaluated by flow cytometry.
Analyzer Dia-Sorin LIAISON® was used to determine the concentration of total 25-hydroxyvitamin D.
Levels of cotinine was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Index SCORAD (scoring atopic dermatitis) was used to determine the severity of atopic dermatitis. This scale takes into consideration the extent of lesions, severity of lesions and the intensity of subjective symptoms such as itching and insomnia.

2. Preliminary reports RESULTS CONCLUSION
The influence of vitamin D and cotinine on selected immune parameters in children with atopic dermatitis
Preliminary reports
Agnieszka Lipińska- Opałka1, Agata Wawrzyniak1, Bolesław Kalicki1, Robert Zdanowski2,
Sławomir Lewicki2, Piotr Murawski3
1 1 Department of Pediatrics, Nephrology and Allergology, Military Institute of Medicine
2 Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Warsaw
3 ICT Department, Military Institute of Medicine
RESULTS
In children with atopic dermatitis significantly lower number of regulatory T cells in serum compared with the control group (p<0.002) has been found.
There were no differences in the other studied parameters (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4/CD8 ratio, CD19+, CD16+/56+, CD3 +anti HLA –DR+) between examined groups.
The study revealed a negative correlation between serum vitamin D levels and the percentage of NKT cells (p<0.04).
There was no significant correlation between vitamin D, cotinine levels and the severity of the disease.
Variable
Correlation
CD3
CD19
CD4
CD8
CD4/CD8
CD16/56
NKT
CD3anty-HLADR3
Treg
Vit.D
-0.01
0.19
-0.05
-0.20
0.05
-0.15
-0.37
0.166
-0.09
P>0.05
p=0.04
Cotinine
-0.16
0.12
-0.36
0.36
-0.46
0.56
0.42
0.48
CONCLUSION
The results confirmed the role of regulatory T cells in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis.
Effects of vitamin D and cotinine on the severity of the disease has not been proven.
Acknowledgements
Samochocki Z et al. T-regulatory cells in severe atopic dermatitis: alterations related to cytokines and other
lymphocyte subpopulations. Arch Dermatol Res 2012.
2. Baeke F et al. Vitamin D: modulator of the immune system. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2010.
Funding :This research was supported by Military Institut of Medicine grant 1/8865 (323)