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Updated: Feb 3, 2026
08:44
Identification and Characterization of Immunogenic RNA Species in HDM Allergens that Modulate Eosinophilic Lung Inflammation
Published on: May 30, 2020
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Fixed airflow obstruction relates to eosinophil activation in asthmatics
Ida Mogensen1,2, Kjell Alving3, Sven-Erik Dahlen4
1Department of Medical Sciences, Lung Allergy and Sleep research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
Summary
Type 2 inflammation, particularly eosinophil inflammation, is linked to fixed airflow obstruction in asthma. Urinary eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (U-EDN) and serum eosinophil cationic protein (S-ECP) are key biomarkers for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Immunology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Asthma can lead to irreversible fixed airflow obstruction (fixed-AO), likely due to airway remodeling.
- The relationship between inflammation and fixed-AO, and useful clinical biomarkers, remain unclear.
- Type 2 inflammation is hypothesized to be associated with fixed-AO.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of four type 2 inflammation markers in asthmatics with fixed-AO.
- To determine the clinical utility of these biomarkers in identifying fixed-AO.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 403 asthma patients across three Swedish centers.
- Fixed-AO defined by FEV1/FVC below the lower limit of normal (LLN).
- Assessed type 2 inflammation markers: FeNO, serum periostin, S-ECP, and U-EDN.
Main Results:
- Elevated U-EDN was significantly more common in patients with fixed-AO (55% vs. 29%, P < 0.001).
- Elevated U-EDN increased the likelihood of fixed-AO (aOR 2.38).
- Combined elevated S-ECP and U-EDN showed the highest association with fixed-AO (aOR 6.06).
Conclusions:
- Type 2 inflammation, specifically eosinophilic inflammation, is present in asthma with fixed-AO.
- Biomarkers like U-EDN and S-ECP may help identify patients with fixed-AO.
- Findings suggest potential benefit from eosinophil-directed therapies in fixed-AO asthma.
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