Paraoxonase 1: Could it be important for asthma in children?

Abstract

Objective: The paraoxonase 1 (PON-1) enzyme is an important antioxidant. The balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanisms is disturbed during asthma attacks. The activity of the PON-1 enzyme is related to PON-1 gene polymorphism. This study aimed to evaluate the activity of PON-1 enzyme and Q192R polymorphism in asthmatic children. Material and methods: During the 2013-2014 period, we performed a prospective study with 34 asthmatic (study group) and 34 healthy (control group) children. Serum PON-1 activity was evaluated in the study group at the onset of an asthma attack and at the end, and also in the control group. Q192R gene polymorphism of asthmatic children, which is known to affect the PON-1 enzyme activity was also investigated. Results: There was no significant difference in terms of serum PON-1 enzyme activity and PON-1 gene polymorphism between the asthmatic children and healthy controls. However, a significant increase was observed at the PON-1 enzyme activity of asthmatic children at the end of the asthma attack compared to its onset. Conclusion: The PON-1 enzyme activity and Q192R genetic polymorphism in asthmatic children are not different from those of healthy children, but PON-1 enzyme activity is higher at the end of an asthma attack compared to the onset. PON-1 enzyme, as a member of the antioxidant mechanism, may be important both in understanding the pathophysiology of asthma and in the development of new medications for asthma.