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Association between recent acetaminophen use and asthma: modification by polymorphism at TLR4.
Seung-Hwa Lee1, Mi-Jin Kang1, Ho-Sung Yu1
1Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Journal of Korean Medical Science
|May 23, 2014
Summary
Acetaminophen use may increase asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) risk, especially in children with a family history of asthma or specific Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene variations. Genetic susceptibility and acetaminophen exposure appear linked to these respiratory conditions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Asthma prevalence is rising alongside acetaminophen use, a substance linked to oxidative stress.
- Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is crucial in innate immunity and inflammation mediated by reactive oxygen species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between acetaminophen usage and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) polymorphism in relation to asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR).
Main Methods:
- A study involving 2,428 elementary school children in Seoul and Jeongeup.
- Analysis of asthma diagnosis, current asthma, and BHR in relation to acetaminophen use, family history of asthma, and TLR4 genotypes (CT+TT).
Main Results:
- Acetaminophen use combined with a family history of asthma increased the risk of asthma diagnosis and current asthma.
- Individuals with CT+TT genotypes at TLR4 polymorphism and acetaminophen usage showed a higher risk of ever being diagnosed with asthma (aOR, 2.08).
- Acetaminophen use and family history of asthma were risk factors for BHR. TLR4 polymorphism (CT+TT genotypes) combined with acetaminophen use increased BHR risk (aOR, 1.74).
Conclusions:
- Acetaminophen usage may be associated with increased asthma and BHR risk in genetically susceptible children.
- Polymorphisms in the TLR4 gene may modify the effects of acetaminophen on asthma and BHR.
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