Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
A Component-resolved Diagnostic Approach for a Study on Grass Pollen Allergens in Chinese Southerners with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma
Published on: June 4, 2017
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 plasma concentration in allergic asthma patients during allergen challenge
Krzysztof Kowal1, Anna Bodzenta-Lukaszyk, Agnieszka Pampuch
1Department of Allergology and Internal Medicines, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland. kowalkmd@yahoo.pl
Background:
The -675 4G/5G plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) polymorphism is linked with asthma and bronchial hyperreactivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of allergen challenge on plasma PAI-1 concentration in relation to the -675 4G/5G PAI-1 gene polymorphism in house dust mite-allergic asthma patients (HDM-AAs).
Materials And Methods:
The study was performed in 54 HDM-AAs and 54 healthy nonatopic controls (HCs). Plasma samples were collected in HDM-AAs before, as well as 30 min, 6 h and 24 h after allergen challenge and at corresponding time points in sham-challenged HCs.
Results:
In subjects carrying the individual PAI-1 genotype, the mean baseline plasma PAI-1 concentration was greater in HDM-AAs than in HCs. At 30 min the mean increase in plasma PAI-1 concentration was significantly greater in HDM-AAs (14.4 +/- 12.9 ng/ml) than in HCs (3.4 +/- 3.2 ng/ml; p < 0.001). At 6 h, plasma PAI-1 concentration greater than before challenge was found in only 4 HCs (7.4%) but in 48 HDM-AAs (88.9%; p < 0.0001). An increase in plasma PAI-1 concentration at 6 h was found in all HDM-AAs carrying the 4G allele but only in 33.3% of the 5G homozygotes (p < 0.0001). The strongest correlation was found between log PC20 and PAI-1 plasma concentration over the period of 24 h (r = -0.507; p = 0.0001).
Conclusion:
Changes in plasma PAI-1 concentration associated with allergen-induced bronchoconstriction are modulated by the -675 4G/5G polymorphism of the PAI-1 gene. Allergen-induced upregulation of PAI-1 synthesis may participate in the development of bronchial hyperreactivity in HDM-AAs.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
01:30Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
02:06Allergic Reactions
01:26Asthma-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:
01:20Asthma: 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.
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...