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08:54
In Vivo Assessment of Alveolar Macrophage Efferocytosis Following Ozone Exposure
Published on: October 22, 2019
Obesity impairs apoptotic cell clearance in asthma
Ruby Fernandez-Boyanapalli1, Elena Goleva, Christena Kolakowski
1Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO 80206, USA.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|November 17, 2012
Summary
Obese adults with asthma have impaired efferocytosis, a key anti-inflammatory process. This reduction in clearing inflammatory cells is linked to poorer glucocorticoid response and increased oxidative stress.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Obesity exacerbates asthma severity and reduces glucocorticoid effectiveness.
- Investigating cellular mechanisms underlying asthma in obese populations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if impaired efferocytosis by airway macrophages in obese asthmatics contributes to inflammation and reduced glucocorticoid sensitivity.
- To explore the relationship between efferocytosis, monocyte programming, glucocorticoid response, and oxidative stress.
Main Methods:
- Assessed efferocytosis in airway macrophages and blood monocytes from obese and nonobese adult asthmatics.
- Measured markers of alternative (M2) monocyte programming, in vitro glucocorticoid response, and plasma oxidative stress markers.
- Correlated efferocytic function with gene expression and clinical parameters.
Main Results:
- Efferocytosis was significantly reduced (40%) in macrophages and monocytes of obese asthmatics compared to nonobese counterparts.
- Obese asthmatics showed decreased expression of M2 programming markers and impaired glucocorticoid receptor signaling.
- Elevated plasma 4-hydroxynonenal (oxidative stress marker) was observed in obese asthmatics and inversely correlated with efferocytosis.
Conclusions:
- Obesity impairs macrophage and monocyte efferocytosis in adult asthma patients.
- Reduced efferocytosis is associated with altered immune cell programming, diminished glucocorticoid responsiveness, and increased systemic oxidative stress.
- These findings highlight efferocytosis as a potential therapeutic target for severe asthma in obese individuals.
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