Abstract
PurposeYKL-40 is a chitinase-like protein found to correlate with asthma as well as numerous infectious and autoimmune diseases or cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of YKL-40 as a possible marker of asthma and its associations with factors differentiating phenotypes of asthma.MethodsThe study group comprised 167 patients, including 116 women and 51 men aged 18–88 years with chronic asthma. The control group comprised 81 healthy individuals, including 50 women and 31 men aged 19–86 years. In every participant, medical history was taken; spirometry and skin prick tests were performed. YKL-40 was determined in sera by means of ELISA test.ResultsMean serum YKL-40 level was 59.7 ng/ml (53.6–65.7 ng/ml; 95 % CI) with significant difference between asthmatics and healthy controls (mean values: 66.8 ± 53.8 vs. 44.9 ± 29.4 ng/ml; p < 0.001). In asthmatics, the level was significantly higher in subgroup with poor control of symptoms and exacerbations (91.8 ± 57.1 ng/ml) compared to stable asthmatics (59.6 ± 50.8 ng/ml; p < 0.001) as well as in atopic compared to non-atopic asthmatics (77.2 ± 53.9 vs. 61.1 ± 57.8 ng/ml; p < 0.001). Mean YKL-40 level in obese asthmatics was 135.6 ng/ml compared to 50.0 ng/ml in non-obese (p < 0.001). When phenotypes of early-onset atopic, late-onset non-atopic, and obesity-related asthma were compared, YKL-40 levels were 80.62 ± 46.9, 51.5 ± 24.9, and 168.1 ± 71.5 ng/ml, respectively (p < 0.05).ConclusionAlthough YKL-40 is not a specific marker for asthma, it correlates with some clinical features such as exacerbation, level of control, atopy, and obesity.
Highlights
Asthma is defined as a chronic disorder of airways with inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness as major underlying phenomena [1]
YKL-40 is not a specific marker for asthma, it correlates with some clinical features such as exacerbation, level of control, atopy, and obesity
We found that atopic asthma was characterized by the highest serum levels of YKL-40
Summary
Asthma is defined as a chronic disorder of airways with inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness as major underlying phenomena [1]. Asthmatics have been regarded as a heterogeneous population, and as a consequence, asthma has been a vague term describing a group of several clinical symptoms rather than a single pathologic process. Some decades ago, this was reflected in the concept of extrinsic and intrinsic asthma. This was reflected in the concept of extrinsic and intrinsic asthma The former was usually developed in childhood, was atopic with identifiable allergens affecting course of the disease, and was accompanied by other atopic diseases.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
