Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 1, 2026
05:31
Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
11.1K
MicroRNA expression profiling in children with different asthma phenotypes.
Levent Midyat1, Figen Gulen2, Emin Karaca3
1Division of Respiratory Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Pediatric Pulmonology
|October 1, 2015
Summary
This study identified specific microRNAs linked to childhood asthma severity and allergic status. Understanding these microRNAs offers potential for new prevention and treatment strategies for pediatric asthma.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Genetics
- Pediatric respiratory medicine
Background:
- Asthma is a complex pediatric respiratory disease with incompletely understood molecular mechanisms.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as key regulators in various diseases, including asthma.
- Identifying miRNA roles in childhood asthma may reveal novel prevention and therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific microRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of childhood asthma.
- To analyze miRNA expression in relation to asthma phenotype, atopic status, and exacerbation severity.
- To explore the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for childhood asthma.
Main Methods:
- MicroRNA expression profiling was conducted on 100 children with asthma and 100 healthy controls.
- Participants were aged 6–18 years.
- Expression levels were analyzed concerning asthma severity, allergic status, and acute exacerbation symptoms.
Main Results:
- Ten microRNAs showed significantly higher expression in children with more severe asthma and acute exacerbations (P < 0.001).
- Five microRNAs were overexpressed twofold in allergic children compared to non-allergic participants (P < 0.001).
- This is the first study to correlate microRNA expression with childhood asthma severity.
Conclusions:
- Specific microRNAs are associated with childhood asthma severity and allergic status.
- These findings highlight the potential of microRNAs in understanding asthma pathogenesis.
- Further research into miRNA-target gene interactions is crucial for developing targeted therapies for pediatric respiratory diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
4.9K
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:
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:
4.9K
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
1.7K
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.
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.
1.7K
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
3.7K
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...
3.7K
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
3.3K
The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
3.3K
01:19Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
2.3K
Leukotriene modifiers, or cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, are medications used to manage chronic asthma. These agents target specific inflammatory mediators produced during arachidonic acid metabolism, an essential process in generating inflammation in the body.
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
2.3K
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
3.6K
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Classification of Asthma
3.6K