Association between renin-angiotensin system gene polymorphism and recurrent wheezing in Chinese children: a 4-year

S Guo1, J H Zhang, Y D Yan

  • 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.

Related Concept Videos

Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase01:11

Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase

Genetic polymorphisms in drug targets have emerged as critical determinants of interindividual variability in drug response and toxicity. Pharmacogenomic investigations increasingly focus on identifying these variations to personalize and optimize therapeutic interventions. A drug target may be a receptor, enzyme, or signaling protein involved in pharmacologic responses or disease-related pathways. While early pharmacogenetic studies focused primarily on drug metabolism, current research...
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs01:05

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs

A single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP is a single nucleotide variation at a specific genomic position in a large population. It is the most prevalent type of sequence variation found in the human genome. Point mutations that occur in more than 1% of the population qualify as SNPs. These are present once every 1000 nucleotides on an average in the human genome. Replacement of a purine with another purine (A/G) or a pyrimidine with another pyrimidine (C/T) is known as a transition. In contrast,...
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
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-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
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.