Sex-specific associations between systemic autoantibodies and allergic sensitization or allergic disease – results from a population-based study

TL;DR

This study finds that allergic sensitization is linked to certain autoantibodies, mainly in women, suggesting a sex-specific connection between allergies and autoimmunity.

Contribution

The study identifies sex-specific associations between allergic sensitization and systemic autoantibodies in a population-based sample.

Findings

Positive associations between allergic sensitization and autoantibodies like RF and ANA were found in women.

Men showed some indication of association with ANCA positivity, but not allergic disease diagnoses.

Allergic sensitization was more common in men, while autoantibody positivity was higher in women.

Abstract

So far, knowledge of determinants of the presence of systemic autoantibodies (AABs) in the population is limited. Here, we investigated possible associations between serum AABs and allergies, using data on allergic sensitization and diagnoses of allergic diseases.

In 331 participants of a population-based study, 5 humoral systemic AABs and 7 AAB screening tests were analyzed. Allergic sensitization was characterized by specific IgE concentrations in serum samples (CAP class ≥ 2); additionally, self-reported diagnoses of allergic diseases were used as exposure variables. Multivariable adjusted logistic regression models were applied to explore the association with AAB test positivity; all analyses were stratified by sex. In a sensitivity analysis, AAB test results were defined as non-normal and normal.

In 46.2% and 37.1% of female and male study participants, respectively, at least one positive AAB test was identified. Allergic sensitization was observed in 23.8% and 29.7% of female and male participants, while 26.2% and 9.3% reported at least one diagnosis of allergic disease, respectively. Positive associations between allergic sensitization and serum AABs were identified in women for rheumatoid factor (RF), antinuclear antibodies (ANA), and at least one positive AAB test; in men, there was some indication for an association with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positivity. Self-reported diagnosis of allergic diseases was not significantly associated with the AAB positivity.

In this population-based group of adults, there is evidence for an association between allergic sensitization and systemic AABs, almost exclusively in women. Large prospective studies are needed for confirmation and further investigation of individual AABs.