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Circulating adhesion molecules in allergic and non-allergic asthma
Christer Janson1, Dora Ludviksdottir, María Gunnbjörnsdottir
1Department of Medical Sciences, Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Akademiska sjukhuset, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE 75185, Sweden. christer.janson@medsci.uu.se
Respiratory Medicine
|January 28, 2005
Summary
In allergic asthma, elevated soluble E-selectin indicates endothelial cell activation. This activation correlates with airway variability and responsiveness in non-allergic asthma patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Circulating adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin) reflect cell surface turnover.
- Soluble E-selectin levels may specifically indicate endothelial cell activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare circulating adhesion molecule levels in allergic asthma (AA), non-allergic asthma (NA), and healthy subjects.
- Correlate soluble adhesion molecule levels with methacholine responsiveness and lung function.
Main Methods:
- Measured soluble adhesion molecules, spirometry, methacholine responsiveness, and peak flow variability.
- Included 19 AA patients, 15 NA patients, and 17 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Patients with AA showed higher sE-selectin than controls.
- In NA, sE-selectin correlated with bronchial responsiveness and peak flow variability.
- Adhesion molecules correlated with airway conductance in AA; sE-selectin in NA.
- Inhaled steroids reduced sVCAM-1 levels.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial cell activation is present in asthma.
- This activation impacts airflow variability and bronchial responsiveness, particularly in non-allergic asthma.