Atopic Asthma Research Articles

Early-life exposure to residential greenness and risk of asthma in a U.S. bronchiolitis cohort.

Severe bronchiolitis (i.e., bronchiolitis requiring hospitalization) is linked to childhood asthma development. Despite a growing understanding of risk factors for developing post-bronchiolitis asthma, protective factors remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether exposure to residential greenness between birth and bronchiolitis hospitalization is associated with asthma and atopic asthma development by age 6 years. We analyzed a US severe bronchiolitis cohort from hospitalization to age 6 years, investigating how the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and chlorophyll index green (CI green), measured in small (100 m) and large (500 m) radiuses around homes, relate to asthma and atopic asthma by age 6 years. We also explored whether maternal antibiotic use, daycare attendance, and respiratory virus type during hospitalization act as effect modifiers. The study cohort included 861 infants, with 239 (28%) developing asthma by age 6 years-152 atopic, 17 nonatopic, and 70 unclassified. Early life residential exposure to high NDVI and CI green levels was associated with lower odds of asthma (ORAdj for NDVI within a 100 m radius, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.05-0.78; and ORAdj for CI green levels within a 100 m radius, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.31-0.90). Associations also were significant for the development of atopic asthma (ORAdj 0.16; 95% CI, 0.03-0.96; and ORAdj 0.46; 95% CI, 0.25-0.92; respectively). Results were similar for the 500 m radius exposures. No effect modification was noted. In a U.S. bronchiolitis cohort, exposure to residential greenness between birth and bronchiolitis hospitalization is linked to lower asthma and atopic asthma risk by age 6 years.

Comparative study on health behaviors among adolescents with chronic allergic disease before and during COVID-19 using data from the Korean Youth Health Panel Surveys

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the changes in the health behaviors and subjective health perception of adolescents with chronic allergic disease, including atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis, amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in South Korea.MethodsThis study used the 15th (2019) and 17th (2021) raw data obtained from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS), conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of South Korea. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression with complex sampling using weighted values. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for six health behaviors and subjective health perception were used as the major variables.ResultsSix health behaviors (dietary habits, weight gain, smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep time, and physical activity) changed substantially during COVID-19. There was an increase in the duration of sedentary activities, a slight increase in BMI, and improvements in mental health. Concurrently, there was a decrease in alcohol consumption, sleep duration, and the consumption of sweetened beverages. Despite these improvements in big six health behaviors, adolescents with chronic illnesses continue to perceive themselves as unhealthy.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the follow-up and monitoring of health behaviors and subjective health perception in adolescents with chronic allergic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic are necessary. Understanding the mechanisms underlying sustained behavioral change can inform the development of interventions to promote healthy behavior after the pandemic has passed.

Interleukin-17 Genotypes in Egyptian Asthmatic Children at Zagazig University Hospitals.

Bronchial asthma (BA) is increasing among Egyptian children. It is affected by multiple factors including genetic ones. In the current study, we assessedthe relationship between interleukin-17 (IL-17) genotypes and the occurrence of BA among Egyptian children. This case-control study included 100 participants. Group I (the control group) comprised 50 healthy subjects. Group II (the asthmatic group) comprised 50 subjects diagnosed with atopic asthma according tothe Global Initiative for Asthma. Measurement of serum Ig E and eosinophilic count was performed. Detection of single nucleotide polymorphism rs2275913 of IL-17 gene by restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction was conducted. GA and AA genotypes were more frequent in the asthmatic group compared tothe control group (P = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively). Subjects carrying GA and AA genotypes were more susceptibleto have asthma [odds ratio (OR) = 2.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.14-9.94, P = 0.03; OR = 7.78, 95% CI = 1.59-38.3, P = 0.01, respectively]. The A allele was higher in the asthmatic group (33%) compared tothe control group (10%). A allele carriers were more susceptibleto have asthma (OR = 4.43, 95% CI = 2.04-9.82 and P < 0.001). Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and eosinophil percentages were higher among the carriers of GA and AA genotypes when compared with the GG genotype. All pulmonary function tests were significantly lower among carriers of AA genotype compared with GG genotype. An A allele carrier, AA genotype, increased IgE level, and eosinophil level were significant predictors for occurrence of asthma (P = 0.01, 0.02, 0.004, and 0.01). In conclusion, AA genotype carriers and A allele carriers of the IL-17 gene are more likely to have asthma compared with controls.

Transplant-Acquired Food Allergy in Children.

Organ transplantation in children is a vital procedure for those with end-stage organ failure, but it has been linked to the development of post-transplant allergies, especially food allergies. This phenomenon, known as transplant-acquired food allergy (TAFA), is becoming increasingly recognized, though its mechanisms remain under investigation. Pediatric transplant recipients often require lifelong immunosuppressive therapy to prevent graft rejection, which can alter immune function and heighten the risk of allergic reactions. Our review aimed to gather the latest evidence on TAFA. We conducted a PubMed search from 25 June to 5 July 2024, using specific search terms, identifying 143 articles. After screening, 36 studies were included: 24 retrospective studies, 1 prospective study, 2 cross-sectional researches, and 9 case reports/series. Most studies focused on liver transplants in children. The prevalence of food allergies ranged from 3.3% to 54.3%. Tacrolimus, alongside corticosteroids, was the most commonly used immunosuppressive therapy. In addition to food allergies, some patients developed atopic dermatitis, asthma, and rhinitis. Allergic symptoms typically emerged within a year post-transplant, with common allergens including milk, eggs, fish, nuts, soy, wheat, and shellfish. Both IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated reactions were observed, with treatment often involving the removal of offending foods and the use of adrenaline when necessary. Consistent immunological monitoring, such as skin prick tests and IgE level assessments, is essential for early detection and management of allergies in these patients. Understanding the link between transplantation and allergy development is crucial for improving long-term outcomes for pediatric transplant recipients.

Atopy and asthma in children born to mothers at risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a follow-up study

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most prevalent metabolic disturbance during pregnancy and is associated with adverse outcomes in offspring, including an elevated risk for developing atopic diseases in early childhood. Research is limited regarding only women at risk of GDM among whom some develop GDM while others do not. Information about adverse health outcomes in the offspring of these women is also lacking. The main aim was to assess whether maternal GDM increases the offspring’s risk of atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma and allergic rhinitis at 1, 2 and 5 years of age. The second aim was to analyze the association of other maternal health characteristics on the development of these disorders in offspring.MethodsThe follow-up study group of the Gestational Diabetes Study (GDS), conducted at Tartu University Hospital, Estonia, between 2014 and 2020, comprised 223 mother–child dyads. All women had at least one risk factor for GDM, of whom only some developed GDM. Information about the diagnoses of interest was obtained from Electronic Health Records. Allergen-specific IgE from children’s serum was measured using ImmunoCAP™ Phadiatop™ Infant, with results ≥ 0.35 kU/l considered positive. Statistical analysis was performed using the RStudio software (version 4.3.0).ResultsAccording to our results, only the cases of GDM requiring the use of antidiabetic medications were associated with the development of asthma and/or allergic rhinitis at 2 years of age (aOR 4.68, 95%CI 1.08–20.21, p = 0.039). Maternal obesity (BMI > 30) was associated with offspring´s asthma and/or allergic rhinitis diagnosis at 2 years of age (aOR 3.15, 95%CI 1.03–9.63, p = 0.045).Maternal abnormal weight gain during pregnancy was associated with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis at 5 years of age (aOR 2.76, 95%CI 1.04–7.31, p = 0.041).ConclusionAmong pregnant women at risk for GDM, maternal weight-related factors significantly influence the development of atopic diseases in their children between 1 and 5 years of age, regardless of the GDM diagnosis. This suggests that, besides women with GDM greater attention should also be paid to women at risk but who do not develop GDM, as their children seem to be at higher risk of atopic diseases.

Sex-Specific and Long-Term Trends of Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, and Atopic Dermatitis in South Korea, 2007–2022: A Nationwide Representative Study

Introduction: Although sex differences in allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic rhinitis (AR), and asthma are considered important, a limited number of studies during the COVID-19 pandemic investigated this aspect. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze sex-specific and long-term trends and risk factors for allergic diseases before and during the pandemic. Methods: This study utilized data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007–2022, including 92,135 participants aged 19 years and older. This study used weighted multivariate regression analysis to examine the estimates of related factors and assessed weighted odds ratios or β-coefficients for these factors across multiple categories. Results: During the study period (2007–2022), the prevalence of AR was more common in females than in males. Particularly in 2022, the prevalence among females was 19.3% (95% confidence interval, 17.3–21.3), while among males, it was 15.6% (13.8–17.4). The prevalence of AD and asthma showed a slight disparity between males and females. Before and during the pandemic, the prevalence of AD and AR showed a continuous increase (AD: from 2.8% [2.5–3.2] in 2007–2009 to 4.7% [3.9–5.4] in 2022; AR: from 11.7% [11.1–12.4] in 2007–2009 to 17.4% [16.0–18.9] in 2022), while asthma maintained a relatively stable trend. Moreover, this study identified several sex-specific factors that seem to be associated with a higher prevalence of allergic diseases in females, such as high household income, smoking, and being overweight or obese. Conclusions: Throughout all the periods examined, females consistently exhibited a higher prevalence of AR compared to males. Moreover, the risk factors for males and females varied depending on the disease, with females generally facing a greater number of risk factors. Consequently, this study highlights the necessity for sex-specific health interventions and further research to comprehend the complex influence of socioeconomic factors and lifestyle choices on the prevalence and risk of AD, AR, and asthma.

Designing Fuzzy Logic Control for the BLDC Motor Based on Airfoil Bearing

Due to removing the mechanical brushes in BLDC motors, BLDC motors are widely used in many industrial applications. Therefore, they are maintenance-free and their control is easy to design, especially for high-speed applications. For example, eco-friendly vacuum cleaners prevent atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. Other applications are Micro Gas turbines or compressors with small impellers due to miniaturization, BLDC motors must rotate at very high speeds to maintain the compressor's compression ratio. Generally, airfoil bearings should be used instead of ball bearings because of the friction in high-speed motors. Unfortunately, the characteristics of airfoil bearings depend on rotational speed. In this work, a BLDC motor with an airfoil bearing is controlled by a PID controller, this work analyzed the BLDC SYSTEM to determine the PID coefficient using the feedback method. The proposed controller Fuzzy Logic is used for adaptive control. In addition, the controller of BLDC motors combines auto-tuning and self-tuning technology. The results demonstrate that the proposed method gives efficient control by reducing the settling time and maximum peek overshot. The designed controller for the airfoil-bearing BLDC motor has a good performance.

The role of the skin in the atopic march.

Atopic diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD), food allergy (FA), asthma, and allergic rhinitis (AR) are closely related to inflammatory diseases involving different body sites (i.e. the skin, airway, and digestive tract) with characteristic features including specific IgE to allergens (so-called 'atopy') and Th2 cell-mediated inflammation. It has been recognized that AD often precedes the development of other atopic diseases. The progression from AD during infancy to FA or asthma/AR in later childhood is referred as the 'atopic march' (AM). Clinical, genetic and experimental studies have provided evidence that allergen sensitization occurring through AD skin could be the origin of the AM. Here, we provide an updated review focusing on the role of the skin in the AM, from genetic mutations and environmental factors associated with epidermal barrier dysfunction in AD and the AM, to immunological mechanisms for skin sensitization, particularly recent progress on the function of key cytokines produced by epidermal keratinocytes or by immune cells infiltrating the skin during AD. We also highlight the importance of developing strategies that target AD skin to prevent and attenuate the AM.

The SAIL MELD-B e-cohort (SMC) and SAIL MELD-B Young adult e-cohort (SMYC) – a reproducible methodological pipeline for dynamic cohort curation and research

ObjectivesThrough the Multidisciplinary Ecosystem to study Lifecourse Determinants and Prevention of Early-onset Burdensome Multimorbidity (MELD-B) project, we established the SAIL MELD-B e-cohort (SMC) and the SAIL MELD-B Young adults e-cohort (SMYC), with the aim to enhance the understanding of ‘burdensomeness’ in individuals living with multimorbidity, including identifying new clusters of burdensome indicators, exploring early life risk factors and modelling potential preventative scenarios. ApproachWe use routinely-collected anonymised linked demographic, health and administrative data sources available within the SAIL Databank to define SMC and SMYC. These cohorts were developed using a reproducible, maintainable, methodological pipeline that allows for dynamic updates as data coverage expands. The pipeline efficiently processes new burdensomeness concepts, facilitating the extraction of relevant records associated with the concepts identified for use in the SMC and SMYC. ResultsSMC and SMYC comprises of 5,180,602 and 896,155 individuals registered with a Welsh General Practice at any time between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2022 respectively. Analysis of primary and secondary care health data reveals that the most common conditions in SMC were depression (21.6%), anxiety (21.1%), asthma (17.5%), hypertension (16.2%), and atopic eczema (14.1%). In SMYC, the most common conditions were atopic eczema (21.2%), asthma (11.6%), anxiety (6.0%), deafness (4.6%), and depression (4.3%). Conclusions and ImplicationsSMC and SMYC provide two generalisable population samples, which can be used to address various research questions across MELD-B. The adaptability of the methodological pipeline allows cohort curation to be repurposed for other projects accessing population-scale data sources and trusted research environments.

52498 Association between metabolic syndrome and atopic diseases including atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and asthma

52498 Association between metabolic syndrome and atopic diseases including atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and asthma

Effect of probiotic administration in adult atopic dermatitis patients

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin disease characterized by abnormal skin barrier function and heightened immunologic sensitization. Its incidence has surged recently, with approximately 60% of cases diagnosed within the first year of life. AD can persist or recur, significantly deteriorating the quality of life due to persistent itching and sleep disturbances. Individuals with AD are at increased risk of developing other atopic disorders like asthma and allergic rhinitis. Various dietary approaches, including low carbohydrate, calorie, and fat diets, have been associated with enhanced quality of life by regulating immune responses. Probiotics have been used as adjuvant therapy in allergic conditions, though their effectiveness varies due to the complex nature of allergies. Method: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. MeSH terms, advanced search strategies, and predefined eligibility criteria were employed to identify relevant studies. Duplicate studies were excluded, and critical assessment tools and levels of evidence were defined per Oxford Center for Evidence-based Medicine standards. Results: One systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the PICO and eligibility criteria. The meta-analysis demonstrated that probiotics significantly decreased AD severity in adults, enhancing their overall quality of life. Other meta-analyses and systematic reviews supported that probiotics reduce clinical severity and improve life quality in adult AD patients. Conclusion: Probiotic supplementation is a viable option to improve the quality of life for adult AD patients, offering potential therapeutic benefits in managing this condition.

From Pathogenesis to Treatment: Targeting Type-2 Inflammation in Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the esophagus. EoE shares a common pathogenetic mechanism with other chronic disorders pertaining to the type 2 inflammatory spectrum, such as atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic rhinitis (AR), asthma, and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). The recent advancements in EoE pathogenesis understanding have unveiled new molecular targets implied within the "atopic march" picture as well as specific to EoE. These discoveries have led to the clinical evaluation of several novel drugs (monoclonal antibodies and immune modulators), specifically aimed at the modulation of Th2 inflammation. In this comprehensive review, we have focused on the subtle mechanisms of type 2 inflammatory disorders, highlighting the similarities and differences with EoE, taking a deeper look into the evolving field of biologic therapies, already approved or under current investigation.

Study of the role of genes involved in the metabolism of histamine in the development of allergic respiratory diseases

The interaction of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors underlies the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Allergic rhinitis and atopic bronchial asthma are closely related and often concurrent respiratory allergic diseases. The chronic recurrent course of these diseases establishes the importance of further and more profound studies of the mechanisms underlying the development of these pathologies. Histamine is one of the most significant inflammatory mediators secreted during allergic reactions. The aim of the research was to study the role of polymorphic variants of AOC1, HRH2, HRH3, ALDH7A1, ADCYAP1, HNMT, PSAP, SCG3, genes involved in the histamine metabolism in the development of different endophenotypes of the allergic airway diseases in individuals living in the Republic of Bashkortostan. DNA samples of 358 individuals with allergic diseases of the respiratory tract of different ethnicity (Russians – 165, Tatars – 143, Bashkirs – 50) and 200 controls with unweighted heredity in allergic diseases (Russians – 75, Tatars – 83, Bashkirs – 42). Genotyping of polymorphic variants was performed by real-time PCR and PCR-RFLP analysis. It was revealed that the rs104979793*CC genotype and the rs104979793*C allele of the AOC1 gene were associated with allergic diseases of the respiratory tract and asthma with concomitant allergic rhinitis in Russians. A significant increase of total IgE level was revealed in Russian patients with allergic diseases of the respiratory tract with the rs1049793*CC genotype of the AOC1 gene compared to carriers of the rs1049793*CG and rs1049793*GG genotypes. The association of the C allele of the rs17525472 polymorphic variant localized near the SCG3 gene with allergic rhinitis in Russians was established. The results revealed that AOC1 and SCG3 genes involved in the metabolism of histamine are related to the development of different endophenotypes of airway diseases in children.

High-altitude speleotherapy in the treatment of bronchial asthma

The present study concerns clinical effects of speleotherapy in bronchial asthma. The aim of our work was to study the efficiency of speleotherapy in a group of patients with bronchial asthma. We observed a group of 51 patients with bronchial asthma (BA) aged 18 to 50 years, who received a course of treatment at the private center “Solevik” (Yakutsk City), carried out at the Department of Allergology and Immunology. All the examined patients were diagnosed with atopic bronchial asthma, of moderate severity. Basic therapy in all cases included Symbicort and Seretide treatment. The patients were managed and monitored before and after the course of treatment by a therapist, pulmonologist and allergologist-immunologist at the outpatient center. Laboratory parameters included general blood tests and the levels of total serum IgE. Examination of patients after a course of speleotherapy revealed disappearance and reduction of asthma attacks (up to 1 attack per month) in 80% of the examined. General blood testing before and after speleotherapy showed decreased levels of blood eosinophils after the course of treatment. I.e., the average initial level of blood eosinophils before treatment was 12±0.4%, being decreased after the course of speleotherapy to 5.5±0.2%. Measurements of total IgE before and after speleotherapy revealed the following results: in patients before therapy, the average level of this index was 500±0.8 units/mL. After a course of speleotherapy, this parameter decreased to 80±0.3 units/ mL. Speleotherapy shows a positive effect on the clinical course of the patients with bronchial asthma and significantly increases the efficiency of treatment.

Genetically Proxied Interleukin-13 Inhibition Is Associated With Risk of Psoriatic Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

Inhibitors of the interleukin 13 (IL-13) pathway, such as dupilumab, are licensed for atopic dermatitis and asthma. Adverse events resembling psoriatic disease after dupilumab initiation have been reported, but evidence is limited to case reports with uncertain causality. We aimed to investigate whether genetically mimicked IL-13 inhibition (IL-13i) is associated with risk of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and psoriasis. We instrumented IL-13i using a protein-coding variant in the IL13 gene, rs20541, that is associated with circulating eosinophil count (biomarker of IL-13i) at genome-wide significance in a study of 563,946 individuals. Outcome genetic data were taken from studies of PsA, psoriasis, and related spondyloarthritis traits in up to 10,588 cases and 209,287 controls. Colocalization analysis was performed to examine genetic confounding. We additionally used circulating IgE as a biomarker to test whether associations were replicated, both in the test and in an independent genetic dataset. We also replicated analyses using individual-level data from the UK Biobank. Genetically proxied IL-13i was associated with increased risk of PsA (odds ratio [OR] 37.39; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 11.52-121.34; P = 1.64 × 10-9) and psoriasis (OR 20.08; 95% CI 4.38-92.01; P = 1.12 × 10-4). No consistent associations were found for Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, ankylosing spondylitis, or iritis. Colocalization showed no strong evidence of genetic confounding for psoriatic disease. Results were replicated using circulating IgE for the exposure, using independent outcome data and using individual-level data. We provide supportive genetic evidence that IL-13i is linked to increased risk of PsA and psoriasis. Physicians prescribing IL-13 inhibitors should be vigilant for these adverse events.

Sustained clinical and histopathological remission in a patient with eosinophilic esophagitis and type-2 comorbidities at 18 months after discontinuation of dupilumab

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, allergen-mediated, type-2 inflammatory disease with the potential to significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Conventional treatments often result in varied responses, prompting the need for novel therapeutic approaches. We present the case of a 19-year-old male with a medical history marked by eosinophilic esophagitis, severe atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma, and allergic rhinitis. Despite undergoing diverse topical and systemic interventions to address his AD and EoE, the patient’s symptoms persisted. However, following the initiation of dupilumab therapy—a dual IL-4 and IL-13 receptor antagonist—the patient experienced a substantial reduction in his Eczema Area and Severity Index score. Notably, a marked improvement was also seen regarding his symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis. A subsequent esophageal biopsy revealed a significant decrease in eosinophilic inflammation, consistent with established clinical and histologic remission criteria. These findings corroborate the patient’s reported relief from symptoms. This case underscores the potential efficacy of dupilumab as a promising therapeutic agent in managing eosinophilic esophagitis. Dupilumab offers a dual benefit of alleviating symptoms and achieving histologic and clinical remission. This novel approach presents a noteworthy advancement in the treatment of EoE.

Large-scale whole-exome sequencing analyses identified protein-coding variants associated with immune-mediated diseases in 350,770 adults

The genetic contribution of protein-coding variants to immune-mediated diseases (IMDs) remains underexplored. Through whole exome sequencing of 40 IMDs in 350,770 UK Biobank participants, we identified 162 unique genes in 35 IMDs, among which 124 were novel genes. Several genes, including FLG which is associated with atopic dermatitis and asthma, showed converging evidence from both rare and common variants. 91 genes exerted significant effects on longitudinal outcomes (interquartile range of Hazard Ratio: 1.12-5.89). Mendelian randomization identified five causal genes, of which four were approved drug targets (CDSN, DDR1, LTA, and IL18BP). Proteomic analysis indicated that mutations associated with specific IMDs might also affect protein expression in other IMDs. For example, DXO (celiac disease-related gene) and PSMB9 (alopecia areata-related gene) could modulate CDSN (autoimmune hypothyroidism-, psoriasis-, asthma-, and Graves’ disease-related gene) expression. Identified genes predominantly impact immune and biochemical processes, and can be clustered into pathways of immune-related, urate metabolism, and antigen processing. Our findings identified protein-coding variants which are the key to IMDs pathogenesis and provided new insights into tailored innovative therapies.

Evaluation of selected biomarkers in the diagnosis of asthma in children

Introduction and objective: Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the paediatric population. The aim of this study was to evaluate selected biomarkers: fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), eosinophil count, periostin; and potential biomarkers: progranulin, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in the diagnosis of asthma in children. Materials and methods: The study group consisted of 25 children with atopic asthma in a stable period of the disease, aged 6–17 years. The control group consisted of 21 healthy children aged 6–18 years with no history of allergic diseases. Results: Significantly higher serum periostin levels were observed in children with asthma compared to the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in progranulin, periostin and MMP-9 levels between asthmatic children vs. healthy controls, or between patients with controlled vs. uncontrolled asthma. Children with uncontrolled asthma had significantly higher FeNO levels compared to children with controlled asthma. Exhaled FeNO levels were significantly higher in children with eosinophil levels above 0.3 × 103/µL than in those with eosinophil levels below 0.3 × 103/µL. Children with elevated FeNO had higher progranulin levels compared to children with normal FeNO values. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between FeNO and serum progranulin levels. Conclusions: Periostin may be used as a biomarker of atopic asthma in children. The applicability of FeNO and eosinophil count in the diagnosis of asthma in children has been confirmed. The role of progranulin and MMP-9 in the pathogenesis of asthma and their usefulness as a biomarker in children requires further study.

Correlation of Interleukin-33 and Imunoglobulin E with Risk of Asthma in Pregnant Woman

Background: Interleukin-33 (Il-33) is involved in the pathogenesis of atopic asthma by activating Th2 cells. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) attached to mast cells and degranulation which cause bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion and vasodilation in asthma. The pathomechanism of asthma in pregnancy not clearly understood. The main of this study to evaluate the level of IL-33 and IgE in asthma pregnancy. Method: This was a case control study conducted in Makassar Indonesia from November 2020 until June 2021. Interleukin 33 and IgE levels were analyzed from serum samples using the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method and the level of asthma control determined with GINA Criteria Result: Subject were 80 pregnant women: 40 subject with asthma in pregnancy and 40 non asthma. Subject of asthma in pregnancy were 22 uncontrolled, 18 well controlled asthma. The mean age was not significantly different between the subjects of pregnant women with asthma (28.025 + 5.17 years) and subjects of non-asthmatic pregnant women (28.025 + 4.26 years). Mean serum IL-33 levels were not higher in pregnant women with asthma than non-asthmatic pregnant women (1.77 vs 1.60 рg/mL, p=0.43) but mean serum IgE level were higher (529.8 vs 66.77 IU/mL, p=0.001). Mean serum IL-33 levels were not higher in uncontrolled asthma compared to well controlled (1.62 vs 1.98 рg/mL, p=0.44) but mean serum IgE levels were higher in uncontrolled asthma compared to controlled asthma (745.76 vs 264.6 IU/mL, p=0.01). Conclusion: Levels of IL-33 serum were not higher asthma in pregnancy and also not different in level of asthma controlled, but levels IgE serum were higher in subjects with asthma in pregnancy and also uncontrolled asthma.

Mapping the Periostin splice isoforms in atopic dermatitis and an in vitro asthma model – A multi-platform analysis using mass spectrometry and RT-qPCR

Periostin is a matricellular protein known to be alternatively spliced to produce ten isoforms with a molecular weight of 78–91 kDa. Within the extracellular matrix, periostin attaches to cell surfaces to induce signaling via integrin-binding and actively participates in fibrillogenesis, orchestrating the arrangement of collagen in the extracellular environment. In atopic diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma, periostin is known to participate in driving the disease-causing type 2 inflammation. The periostin isoforms expressed in these diseases and the implication of the alternative splicing events are unknown. Here, we present two universal assays to map the expression of periostin isoforms at the mRNA (RT-qPCR) and protein (PRM-based mass spectrometry) levels. We use these assays to study the splicing profile of periostin in AD lesions as well as in in vitro models of AD and asthma. In these conditions, periostin displayed overexpression with isoforms 3 and 5 standing out as highly overexpressed. Notably, isoforms 9 and 10 exhibited a divergent pattern relative to the remaining isoforms. Isoforms 9 and 10 are often overlooked in periostin research and this paper presents the first evidence of their expression at the protein level. This underlines the necessity to include isoforms 9 and 10 in future research addressing periostin splice isoforms. The assays presented in this paper hold the potential to improve our insight into the splicing profile of periostin in tissues and diseases of interest. The application of these assays to AD lesions and in vitro models demonstrated their potential for identifying isoforms of particular significance, warranting a further in-depth investigation.