Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

A Traditional Chinese Medicine Characteristic Therapy for Bronchial Asthma: Moxibustion
Published on: May 12, 2023
Nitric oxide synthase polymorphisms and asthma phenotypes in Chinese children
T F Leung1, E K H Liu, N L S Tang
1Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China. tfleung@cuhk.edu.hk
Genetic variations in nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1) influence plasma IgE levels in Chinese children, impacting atopy risk. However, these NOS1 and NOS3 gene polymorphisms do not correlate with asthma or exhaled nitric oxide levels.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Respiratory Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) plays a crucial role in regulating T-helper immune responses.
- Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in nitric oxide synthase (NOS) genes are linked to atopy and exhaled NO in Caucasians.
- Investigating the genetic basis of asthma in diverse populations is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between asthma traits and genetic polymorphisms in neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) in Chinese children.
- To determine if specific NOS gene variations influence IgE levels, allergen sensitization, or exhaled NO.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 295 asthmatic children and 174 non-allergic controls aged 5-18 years.
- Genotyped NOS1 C5266T and NOS3 G894T using restriction fragment length polymorphism.
- Analyzed (AAT)n polymorphism in NOS1 intron 20 and measured plasma IgE and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO).
Main Results:
- NOS1 C5266T polymorphism was significantly associated with increased total IgE levels and sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.
- The (AAT)n polymorphism in NOS1 was also linked to elevated plasma total IgE levels.
- Neither NOS1 nor NOS3 gene polymorphisms showed association with asthma diagnosis or FeNO levels.
Conclusions:
- Specific polymorphisms in NOS1 (C5266T and AAT repeats) influence plasma IgE concentrations in Chinese children, suggesting a role in atopy.
- No significant association was found between the studied NOS1 and NOS3 gene polymorphisms and asthma risk or FeNO levels in this cohort.
Related Concept Videos
Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
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: Pathogenesis and Management
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.
Asthma-I: Introduction
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway