Effects of fluticasone propionate on tryptase serum levels in allergic rhinitis

In allergic rhinitis (AR) such as in other allergic reactions, studies draw attention to the potential of neutral proteases, proteoglycans, eicosanoid s and various cytokines that are released by mast cells. Among these mediat ors, tryptase is known to be a specific marker of mast cell activation. Thi s study was devoted to evaluate the serum tryptase in AR and the effect of fluticasone propionate (Ftp) on serum levels of this mediator. The basal va lues of tryptase (M+/-SD: 6.1+/-2.4 mu g/L) resulted to be significantly (p < 0.02) higher in 13 AR subjects than in the controls (3.0+/-1.2 mu g/L). Tryptase values decreased significantly (p < 0.04) after 15 days of 100 mu g of Ftp treatment (M+/-SD: 4.5+/-3.1 mu g/L) which was administered twice a day. After two weeks of wash-out, tryptase values (M+/-SD: 5.5+/-2.6 mu g /L) increased again significantly (p < 0.05). The intranasal corticosteroid s are effective in modulating the mucosal inflammation of AR, leading also to a decrease of mast cell activation.