The Impact of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin, and Interleukin-38 Food and Air Allergy Patients Following the Pandemic of COVID-19 in Iraq

Allergies are a common health issue where the immune system reacts to substances in the environment that are normally harmless. This study further investigates the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), interleukin-38 (IL-38), immunoglobulin E (IgE), and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in these individuals, offering insight into the probable processes behind allergic responses following the pandemic. The study comprised 120 non-vaccinated females with previous COVID-19 infection. Groups included controls and food and air (F&A) allergic patients, with 60 individuals matched for age and gender. Serum levels of IL-38, VEGF, IgE, and NGLA were assessed using ELISA kits, while complete blood count (CBC) parameters were analyzed using Coulter LH 750 Hematology Analyzer. Significant differences in biomarkers were found in individuals with F&A compared to controls. F&A patients had decreased white blood cell (WBC) counts but no significant differences in red blood cell count (RBC) or hemoglobin (Hb) count. VEGF and NLR were significantly increased in F&A patients (p<0.05). NGAL levels increased (p<0.05), whereas IL-38 levels decreased in F&A patients (p<0.05). Elevated IgE levels were consistent with the allergic state. We can conclude that inflammatory events can be easily triggered in patients with food and airway allergies after the COVID-19 pandemic. Inhibition of IL-38 and upregulation of VEGF and NGAL expression are key features of inflammation-related esophageal and respiratory allergies, where they can be used as a prognostic tool for patients.