Association of serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein level with sensitization to food allergens in children

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein (LBP) is an acute-phase reactant that mediates innate immune responses triggered by LPS. Recent studies indicated a positive correlation of circulating LBP level with chronic low-grade inflammation, a condition present in many non-communicable diseases. We determined the association of serum LBP concentration with allergic sensitization in a general pediatric population. Serum LBP was measured in a sample of children (n = 356; mean age = 9.6 ± 0.2 years) in this population-based cross-sectional study. Skin prick tests (SPTs) were performed to assess allergic sensitization to 22 common inhalant and food allergens. One hundred and seven children (30.1%) were nonsensitized, 160 (44.9%) were monosensitized, and 89 (25.0%) were polysensitized. Children who were mono- or polysensitized had a significantly higher median serum LBP level (25.5 ng/mL, inter-quartile range [IQR] 20.3–30.7) than those who were nonsensitized (20.3 ng/mL, IQR = 14.81–25.8, P