Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 6, 2025
Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Potential role of folate status on pulmonary function in pediatric asthma
Maria Michelle Papamichael1, Charis Katsardis2, Dimitris Tsoukalas3
1La Trobe University, School of Allied Health, Department of Dietetics, Nutrition & Sport, Melbourne, Australia; European Institute of Nutritional Medicine, Rome, Italy.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between plasma folate status and measures of airway disease (as reflected by spirometry) in children with asthma on a traditional Mediterranean diet. We hypothesized that folate deficiency is associated with lung function impairment in this group of children.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 64 children with mild asthma (52% boys, mean age 8 ± 2 y) residing in Athens, Greece. Clinical assessments included spirometry and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Plasma 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) was analyzed using high performance-liquid chromatography assay and examined in participants using quartiles (Q1-Q4).
Results:
Of the 64 children, 45.3% were folate deficient (5-MTHF <10 nmol/L). A positive relationship was observed between 5-MTHF and forced vital capacity (FVC; β = 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.14-1.44; adjusted P = 0.019), forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) (β = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.01-1.55; adjusted P = 0.046), and peak expiratory flow (PEF; β = 1.64; 95% CI, 0.14-3.15; adjusted P = 0.033) in girls only, adjusting for body mass index and regular exercise. Girls with low plasma folate concentrations (Q1), compared with girls with high concentrations (Q4) had 8.64% lower FVC (β = -8.64; 95% CI, -16.18 to -1.09; adjusted P = 0.027), 10.35% FEV1 (β = -10.35; 95% CI, -18.82 to -1.89; adjusted P = 0.019), and 18.72% PEF (β = -18.72; 95% CI, -36.30 to -1.14; adjusted P = 0.038).
Conclusion:
The findings of this study highlighted the potential negative effects of folate deficiency on pulmonary function in girls with asthma, the importance of monitoring folate status in children with asthma, and early prevention strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
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.
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
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:
01:23Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by...
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:25Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
01:24Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...