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Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Mannose-binding lectin gene polymorphisms in infants with bronchiolitis and post-bronchiolitis wheezing
Kirsi Nuolivirta1, Qiushui He, Kirsi Gröndahl-Yli-Hannuksela
1Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Seinäjoki, Finland. kirsi.nuolivirta@fimnet.fi
Summary
Variant MBL2 gene genotypes in infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis may increase susceptibility to multiple viral infections and severe post-bronchiolitis wheezing. This suggests a link between MBL2 gene variations and infant respiratory health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Mannose-binding lectin (MBL), encoded by the MBL2 gene, is crucial for innate immunity.
- MBL levels are associated with respiratory infections, allergy, and asthma.
- MBL2 gene polymorphisms may influence susceptibility to respiratory illnesses in infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between MBL2 gene polymorphisms and viral findings in infants with bronchiolitis.
- To evaluate the relationship between MBL2 gene variants and clinical characteristics of bronchiolitis.
- To determine if MBL2 gene polymorphisms predict subsequent wheezing in infants after bronchiolitis.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 129 infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis before 6 months of age was followed until 1.5 years.
- Genotyping of MBL2 gene mutations, including three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), was performed using pyrosequencing.
- Clinical data, viral findings, and post-bronchiolitis wheezing requiring corticosteroid treatment were recorded.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between MBL2 genotypes/allele frequencies and the clinical characteristics of bronchiolitis.
- Infants with variant MBL2 genotypes were more likely to be infected with multiple viruses compared to those with wild-type A/A genotypes (21.9% vs 9.1%).
- Children with variant MBL2 genotypes showed a higher incidence of post-bronchiolitis wheezing requiring corticosteroid treatment (31.7% vs 13.6%).
Conclusions:
- Preliminary findings suggest that variant non-A/A MBL2 genotypes are associated with increased susceptibility to multiple viral infections in infants.
- Variant MBL2 genotypes may also be linked to more severe post-bronchiolitis wheezing that necessitates corticosteroid therapy.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the role of MBL2 gene polymorphisms in infant respiratory health outcomes.
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