Serum Adiponectin and Resistin Levels in Association with Bronchial Asthma in Adults

Abstract

Abstract Background The association between obesity and bronchial asthma has been demonstrated by many studies, either observational or interventional studies in both children and adults. However, the mechanism behind this association is still unknown. Many studies proposed that adipokines provide a mechanistic link between asthma and obesity. Adipokines may be proinflammatory (e.g. resistin) or anti-inflammatory (e.g. adiponectin). The Effects of these adipokines on the lungs have been proposed to have the potential to cause or exacerbate existing asthma. Objective To determine serum levels of adiponectin and resistin in adult asthmatics in comparison to non-asthmatics. Methods 96 subjects were included in this study; 64 with bronchial asthma and 32 healthy individuals as control group. All the patients were subjected to the following: Full history, clinical examination, calculation of body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio, body fat percentage, asthma control test (ACT), Skin prick test (SPT) for common allergens, CBC, Total IgE, Pulmonary functions and measurement of serum adiponectin and resistin after overnight fasting by ELISA. Results The present study proved that patients with bronchial asthma had higher levels of serum Adiponectin and serum Resistin in comparison to control subjects. Conclusion Serum Resistin is increased in bronchial asthma and act as proinflammatory marker while serum Adiponectin might not act as anti-inflammatory in asthma in fact, it may exacerbate inflammation. Interaction between different adipokines need to be further studied.