Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 21, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
14:39

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma

Published on: November 4, 2010

Alpha1 antitrypsin and the prevalence and severity of asthma

O S von Ehrenstein1, E M Maier, S K Weiland

  • 1University Children's Hospital, Munich, Germany.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|February 24, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Low alpha1-antitrypsin (alpha1-AT) levels or specific genotypes do not increase asthma risk in children. However, asthmatic children with low alpha1-AT experienced worse lung function and airway hyperresponsiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Alpha1-antitrypsin (alpha1-AT) deficiency is a genetic condition that can affect the lungs.
  • The role of alpha1-AT Pi genotypes (MS, MZ) and plasma levels in childhood asthma development requires further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between alpha1-AT Pi genotypes (MS, MZ) and low alpha1-AT plasma levels with the risk of developing asthma in children.
  • To examine the impact of low alpha1-AT levels on lung function and airway hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic children.

Main Methods:

  • A random sample of 5629 children aged 9-11 years was studied using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) phase II protocol.
  • Alpha1-AT Pi genotypes and plasma levels were assessed.
  • Asthma status, lung function, and airway hyperresponsiveness were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Heterozygosity for alpha1-AT Pi genotypes (MS or MZ) was not associated with an increased risk of asthma development.
  • Low alpha1-AT plasma levels were not linked to a higher risk of developing asthma.
  • Asthmatic children with low alpha1-AT levels exhibited a higher propensity for airway hyperresponsiveness and reduced lung function.

Conclusions:

  • Alpha1-antitrypsin Pi genotypes MS/MZ and low plasma levels do not appear to be risk factors for asthma development in children.
  • Low alpha1-AT levels in asthmatic children are associated with poorer respiratory outcomes, including airway hyperresponsiveness and reduced lung function.

More Related Videos

Evaluation of Respiratory System Mechanics in Mice using the Forced Oscillation Technique13:10

Evaluation of Respiratory System Mechanics in Mice using the Forced Oscillation Technique

Published on: May 15, 2013

Assessment of Respiratory Function in Conscious Mice by Double-chamber Plethysmography08:58

Assessment of Respiratory Function in Conscious Mice by Double-chamber Plethysmography

Published on: July 10, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers01:19

Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers

Leukotriene modifiers, or cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, are medications used to manage chronic asthma. These agents target specific inflammatory mediators produced during arachidonic acid metabolism, an essential process in generating inflammation in the body.
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...