Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Generation of Lymphocytic Microparticles and Detection of their Proapoptotic Effect on Airway Epithelial Cells
09:26

Generation of Lymphocytic Microparticles and Detection of their Proapoptotic Effect on Airway Epithelial Cells

Published on: February 20, 2015

[Airway neutrophils apoptosis in children with severe asthma]

Jing Liao1, Guang-min Nong, Min Jiang

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China.

Zhonghua Er Ke Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Pediatrics
|December 3, 2009
PubMed

Insights

In severe asthma, higher sputum neutrophil counts and elevated IL-8 levels were observed. Suppression of neutrophil apoptosis may contribute to airway inflammation in these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Context:

  • Severe asthma is characterized by persistent airway inflammation.
  • Neutrophils are key inflammatory cells implicated in asthma pathogenesis.
  • Understanding neutrophil behavior in severe asthma is crucial for developing targeted therapies.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the role of neutrophils and Interleukin-8 (IL-8) in airway inflammation in children with severe asthma.
  • To examine the effect of severe asthmatic sputum supernatant on neutrophil apoptosis in vitro.
  • To explore potential therapeutic targets by assessing the impact of mifepristone on neutrophil survival.

Summary:

  • Children with severe asthma exhibited significantly higher percentages of sputum neutrophils and elevated IL-8 levels in sputum compared to those with mild-moderate asthma and healthy controls.
  • In vitro studies demonstrated that sputum supernatant from severe asthmatics, IL-8, and mifepristone suppressed neutrophil apoptosis.
  • These findings suggest that impaired neutrophil apoptosis, potentially mediated by IL-8, contributes to neutrophilic airway inflammation in severe asthma.

Impact:

  • Provides insights into the mechanisms underlying neutrophilic airway inflammation in severe asthma.
  • Highlights IL-8 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target.
  • Suggests that targeting neutrophil apoptosis could be a novel strategy for managing severe asthma.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Development and Identification of a Novel Subpopulation of Human Neutrophil-derived Giant Phagocytes In Vitro10:05

Development and Identification of a Novel Subpopulation of Human Neutrophil-derived Giant Phagocytes In Vitro

Published on: January 25, 2017

Neutrophil Lifespan Extension with CLON-G and an In Vitro Spontaneous Death Assay05:52

Neutrophil Lifespan Extension with CLON-G and an In Vitro Spontaneous Death Assay

Published on: May 12, 2023

Related Concept Videos

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: Introduction01:28

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...
Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers01:19

Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers

Leukotriene modifiers, or cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, are medications used to manage chronic asthma. These agents target specific inflammatory mediators produced during arachidonic acid metabolism, an essential process in generating inflammation in the body.
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
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.
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.