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Asthma I: Introduction

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...

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

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-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

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: Introduction

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...

Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs

Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...

Gene-Environment Interactions

Gene-Environment Interactions

Gene expression is a dynamic process that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. This interaction underlies the complex nature of biological development and the phenotypic differences observed among individuals, even among those with identical genetic makeups. Factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress play pivotal roles in determining how genes are expressed. The concept of the reaction range is central to understanding this interaction. It posits...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Cultivate Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells from Children and Reprogram into Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Cultivate Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells from Children and Reprogram into Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Published on: March 10, 2016

Epigenetics of asthma.

Andrew L Durham¹, Coen Wiegman, Ian M Adcock

¹National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK. a.durham@imperial.ac.uk

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta

|March 15, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Epigenetics, heritable DNA changes influenced by environmental factors like pollution, may explain asthma's genetic component. Understanding these epigenetic modifications offers new insights into asthma development and treatment.

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Advanced Imaging of Lung Homing Human Lymphocytes in an Experimental In Vivo Model of Allergic Inflammation Based on Light-sheet Microscopy

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Published on: April 16, 2019

Area of Science:

Immunology
Genetics
Environmental Health

Background:

Asthma has both genetic and environmental causes, but genetics alone don't fully explain its heritability.
Epigenetics, or heritable changes in DNA expression, offers a potential explanation for the genetic component of asthma.
Environmental factors like pollution and smoking are known asthma risks and can influence epigenetic modifications.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the role of epigenetics in asthma development and susceptibility.
To investigate how environmental factors induce epigenetic changes relevant to asthma.
To assess the potential of epigenetic studies in understanding and treating asthma and allergic diseases.

Main Methods:

Review of current genetic and epigenetic research in asthma.
Analysis of environmental influences on epigenetic modifications.
Exploration of epigenetic mechanisms in immune system development and inflammation.

Main Results:

Epigenetic modifications may account for the heritable component of asthma not explained by genetics alone.
Environmental exposures can trigger epigenetic changes, potentially leading to a Th2 immune response and increased asthma risk.
Epigenetic factors may influence immune and inflammatory processes in asthma, affecting treatment responsiveness.

Conclusions:

Epigenetics is crucial for understanding asthma's complex etiology.
Environmental factors interacting with epigenetic mechanisms play a significant role in asthma pathogenesis.
Targeting epigenetic pathways may offer novel therapeutic strategies for asthma and allergic diseases.