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Published on: June 4, 2017
Association between renin-angiotensin system gene polymorphism and recurrent wheezing in Chinese children: a 4-year
1Department of Paediatrics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
Insights
The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) DD genotype is linked to recurrent infant wheezing and asthma. This finding may aid in predicting persistent wheezing in children.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
Background:
- Infant wheezing and childhood asthma are significant health concerns.
- Genetic factors, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphisms, are implicated in respiratory conditions.
- Early identification of children at risk for persistent wheezing and asthma is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphisms and infant wheezing.
- To determine if ACE gene variants can predict persistent wheezing and the development of asthma in early childhood.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 149 asthma patients, 169 wheezing patients, and 165 healthy controls.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the ACE gene.
- Serum total immunoglobulin E levels were measured, and a 4-year follow-up assessed wheezing relapse.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in ACE allele frequency and genotype distribution were observed between patient and control groups.
- The DD genotype of the ACE gene was more prevalent in children with wheezing and asthma compared to controls.
- Individuals with the DD genotype exhibited a higher frequency of wheezing relapse.
Conclusions:
- The DD genotype of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene is a significant risk factor for recurrent wheezing in early childhood.
- ACE gene polymorphism may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting persistent wheezing and asthma development.
- Further research into genetic predispositions can enhance early diagnosis and management strategies for pediatric respiratory illnesses.
Abstract:
This study aimed to clarify the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphisms and infant wheezing, and to determine whether an association may contribute to early prediction of persistent wheezing and asthma. The study cohort comprised 149 patients with asthma, 169 patients with wheezing but no clinical diagnosis of asthma and 165 healthy control subjects. The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the ACE gene was determined by polymerase chain reaction. Total serum immunoglobulin E was determined for the wheezy group and a 4-year follow-up study was carried out to observe wheezing relapse. Significant differences were found between patients and controls in allele frequency and genotype distribution. The DD genotype was more frequent in patients in the wheezing and asthma groups than in the control subjects. Patients with the DD genotype had a higher frequency of relapse than patients expressing the ID or II genotypes. It is concluded that the DD genotype of ACE is a risk factor for recurrent wheezing in early childhood.
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