Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
03:23

Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Published on: May 10, 2024

Urinary eosinophil protein X in childhood asthma: relation with changes in disease control and eosinophilic airway

Marianne Nuijsink1, Wim C J Hop, Peter J Sterk

  • 1Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Juliana Children's Hospital, HAGA Teaching Hospital, P.O. Box 60605, 2506 LP, The Hague, The Netherlands.

Mediators of Inflammation
|February 13, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Urothelial epithelial cells in urine (uEPX) showed weak correlations with lung function (FEV(1)) and eosinophil levels (% eos) in children with atopic asthma. These findings suggest uEPX is unlikely to be a reliable biomarker for monitoring individual asthma control.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background:

  • Asthma control and airway inflammation are critical in managing pediatric atopic asthma.
  • Identifying reliable biomarkers for monitoring asthma is essential for personalized treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between urinary epithelial cells (uEPX) and established asthma control markers.
  • To determine if uEPX can serve as a biomarker for eosinophilic airway inflammation and lung function in children.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of 205 atopic asthmatic children treated with inhaled fluticasone over 2 years.
  • Measurements included uEPX, symptom scores, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)), and sputum eosinophils (% eos) at baseline and yearly intervals.

Main Results:

  • Negative correlations were observed between uEPX and FEV(1) at all time points.
  • Within-patient changes in uEPX correlated negatively with changes in FEV(1) and % eos.
  • No significant associations were found between uEPX and asthma symptom scores.

Conclusions:

  • While uEPX showed correlations with FEV(1) and % eos in children with atopic asthma, the weak associations and wide scatter suggest limited utility.
  • uEPX is unlikely to be a practical biomarker for monitoring asthma control in individual children.

More Related Videos

Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing13:28

Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing

Published on: December 17, 2017

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Asthma I: Introduction01:28

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-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

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: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

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.
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs01:25

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...
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

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...
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...