Association of Mediterranean Diet and serum I-FABP levels in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria

Urticaria is characterized by itchy and edematous papules and plaques. Clinically, it is defined as chronic urticaria if it lasts six weeks or longer. Mediators such as histamine, PAF and cytokines released from activated mast cells cause sensory nerve activation, plasma extravasation and urticarial lesions. The Mediterranean diet includes high consumption of vegetables, fruits, nuts, cereals, olive oil, moderate consumption of fish and poultry, and low consumption of sugar, red meat and dairy products. I-FABP produced in the small intestinal epithelium is also known as FABP2. They are thought to play a role in the intracellular transport of fatty acids. There are studies examining the relationship between serum I-FABP level and intestinal permeability. In our study, we aimed to compare serum I-FABP levels in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and healthy participants and to evaluate the relationship between these levels and disease severity, Mediterranean diet compliance and metabolic, biochemical and inflammatory parameters. Fifty-four patients with CSU and 54 healthy volunteers were included in our study. Fasting glucose, creatinine, ALT, lipid parameters, complete blood count, ESR and hs-CRP parameters were measured. Serum I-FABP levels were determined by ELISA method. Physical characteristics, blood pressure, pulse rate, habits and sociodemographic data of the participants were recorded. The data of the study were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 29 software. In our study, the mean serum I-FABP level of the control group (1.27±1.02 ng/mL) was significantly higher than that of the patient group (0.80±0.71 ng/mL). Serum I-FABP level was correlated with age, body mass index, waist circumference and ESR level in patients with CSU. In the control group, serum glucose levels were significantly lower in participants who strictly adhered to the Mediterranean diet. In both groups, no significant correlation could be established between Mediterranean diet adherence and any parameter. No correlation was observed between serum I FABP levels, Mediterranean diet adherence scale score and UAS7 score. We think that our study may contribute to the literature on the treatment of CSU and may lead to other studies on the relationship between I-FABP and CSU. Further studies on the benefit of Mediterranean diet and changes in serum I-FABP levels in patients with CSU are needed.