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Published on: April 13, 2010
Airway function, inflammation and regulatory T cell function in subjects in asthma remission
Louis-Philippe Boulet1, Hélène Turcott, Sophie Plante
1Centre de recherche, Institut universitarie de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Québec. lpboulet@med.ulaval.ca
Canadian Respiratory Journal
|February 15, 2012
Summary
Adult asthma remission exists on a continuum, with complete remission resembling healthy controls. Symptomatic remission shows intermediate airway responsiveness, and reduced regulatory T cell function may predict recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Understanding adult asthma remission is crucial.
- Factors influencing asthma remission require determination.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare airway responsiveness and inflammation in adult asthma remission versus mild, persistent asthma.
- Investigate differences between complete and symptomatic asthma remission.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated adenosine monophosphate and methacholine responsiveness in 26 complete remission, 16 symptomatic remission, 29 mild asthma, and 15 control patients.
- Assessed blood and induced sputum for inflammatory markers.
- Measured regulatory T cell function.
Main Results:
- Complete asthma remission showed airway responsiveness similar to controls.
- Symptomatic remission displayed intermediate responsiveness.
- Elevated blood eosinophils and decreased regulatory T cell suppressor function were observed in remission and asthma groups compared to controls.
- Shorter disease duration correlated with asthma remission.
Conclusions:
- A spectrum of asthma remission exists, from complete remission (similar to controls) to symptomatic remission (intermediate).
- Reduced regulatory T cell suppressor function in remission may increase recurrence risk.
- Asthma remission is associated with shorter disease duration.
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