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Experimental Approach to Examine Leptin Signaling in the Carotid Bodies and its Effects on Control of Breathing
Published on: October 25, 2019
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Leptin gene polymorphism affects leptin level in childhood asthma.
Dawid Szczepankiewicz1, Paulina Sobkowiak2, Beata Narożna3
1Department of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
World Journal of Pediatrics : WJP
|September 12, 2018
Summary
Leptin gene (LEP) polymorphism is linked to higher leptin levels and increased childhood asthma risk. Leptin receptor (LEPR) gene variations showed no such association in this study.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Leptin may promote asthma inflammation via Th2 cell activation.
- Increased leptin expression and serum levels are observed in asthmatic patients.
- The association between leptin/leptin receptor gene polymorphisms and serum levels in childhood asthma remains unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor (LEPR) gene polymorphisms and childhood asthma.
- To determine if these polymorphisms affect serum leptin and leptin receptor levels in pediatric asthma patients.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of LEP and LEPR polymorphisms using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.
- Quantification of serum leptin and leptin receptor levels via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
- Analysis of 35 subjects (25 asthmatic children, 10 healthy controls) aged 6-18.
Main Results:
- Leptin levels were significantly higher in asthmatic subjects compared to controls, and elevated during exacerbations.
- A specific LEP polymorphism (rs13228377) correlated with increased serum leptin levels in asthma.
- This LEP polymorphism demonstrated a high predictive value for asthma risk (OR 17.5, 83.9% accuracy).
- No significant association was found between LEPR polymorphisms, serum levels, and asthma risk.
Conclusions:
- Leptin gene polymorphism may contribute to childhood asthma risk by elevating serum leptin levels.
- LEPR gene polymorphisms were not associated with asthma risk or serum leptin receptor levels in this cohort.
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