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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
09:58
A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
Published on: April 13, 2010
C-reactive protein levels are elevated in asthma and asthma-like conditions
Ann M Pellizzaro1, Rita M Heuertz
1Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
Summary
Asthma and shortness of breath are linked to chronic systemic inflammation, even without active symptoms. This finding may help develop new asthma treatments.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness.
- A hypothesis suggests that asthma and chronic shortness of breath can cause persistent systemic inflammation, independent of acute exacerbations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of chronic systemic inflammation in individuals with asthma or asthma-like symptoms.
- To compare C-reactive protein (CRP) levels between individuals with and without asthma/dyspnea.
Main Methods:
- Volunteers completed asthma and dyspnea questionnaires.
- Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were quantified in control subjects (n=27) and subjects with asthma/dyspnea (n=22).
- Participants were healthy adults aged 18-57, without anti-inflammatory medication use.
Main Results:
- Serum CRP levels varied significantly, ranging from undetectable to 22,013 ng/mL.
- The mean CRP level in the asthma/dyspnea group was 4,203 +/- 1,323 ng/mL, compared to 1,741 +/- 467 ng/mL in the control group (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Individuals experiencing asthma or asthma-like symptoms exhibit chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation.
- Further understanding of this inflammation could facilitate the development of targeted therapies for asthma and related conditions.
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