We found that compared with the control group, three serum ILs, i.e. IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10, two adhesion molecules, i.e. sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1, and sE-selectin were significantly higher in the allergic rhinitis group, the asthma group and the allergic rhinitis combined with asthma group (P<0.01), indicating that these indices play an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis and asthma. This evidence concerns the gene IL5 and asthma.