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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
08:02
Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
Published on: April 25, 2016
Body mass and glucocorticoid response in asthma
E Rand Sutherland1, Elena Goleva, Matthew Strand
1Department of Medicine, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, 1400 Jackson Street, J-220 Denver, CO 80206, USA. sutherlande@njc.org
Summary
Obesity in asthma patients is linked to a reduced response to dexamethasone, a key steroid treatment. Higher body mass index correlates with decreased effectiveness of this crucial asthma medication.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Obesity is a growing concern in asthma management.
- Glucocorticoids are a cornerstone therapy for asthma.
- The impact of obesity on glucocorticoid efficacy in asthma requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the response to glucocorticoids.
- To assess how BMI influences dexamethasone-induced effects in patients with and without asthma.
Main Methods:
- Adult subjects with and without asthma were assessed for lung function and BMI.
- Spirometric response to prednisone was measured.
- Dexamethasone-induced MKP-1 and TNF-alpha expression were analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and bronchoalveolar lavage cells using PCR.
Main Results:
- Overweight/obese asthma patients showed reduced dexamethasone-induced MKP-1 expression in PBMCs and bronchoalveolar lavage cells compared to lean patients.
- Increased BMI correlated with decreased dexamethasone-induced MKP-1 and increased TNF-alpha expression in PBMCs of asthma patients.
- The ratio of TNF-alpha to MKP-1 increased with BMI in asthma patients, indicating a pro-inflammatory shift.
Conclusions:
- Elevated BMI is associated with a blunted in vitro response to dexamethasone in asthma patients.
- These findings suggest that obesity may impair glucocorticoid effectiveness in asthma.
- Further research is needed to explore therapeutic strategies for obese asthma patients.
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