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Are BMI and adipokines associated with asthma, atopy and lung function in young adults previously hospitalized for
Karen Galta Sørensen1, Knut Øymar1, Grete Jonsson2
1Department of Pediatrics, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway; Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
Insights
Childhood bronchiolitis hospitalization increases adult asthma risk, but BMI and adipokines do not explain this link. Specific adipokine associations with lung function and asthma differed between groups.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
- Adult Pulmonary Health
- Metabolic Syndrome and Respiratory Disease
Background:
- Childhood bronchiolitis hospitalization is linked to persistent asthma and reduced lung function in adulthood.
- The underlying mechanisms connecting early respiratory illness to later lung health remain unclear.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) and adipokines (hormones regulating fat metabolism) are implicated in respiratory morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if associations between BMI, adipokines, and respiratory outcomes (asthma, atopy, lung function) differ in young adults with a history of bronchiolitis compared to controls.
- To explore the role of metabolic factors in long-term respiratory health after severe infant respiratory illness.
Main Methods:
- A historical cohort study comparing 185 young adults previously hospitalized for bronchiolitis with 146 matched controls.
- Cross-sectional measurements of BMI, adiponectin, leptin, resistin, and ghrelin at 17-20 years of age.
- Regression models and interaction terms were used to analyze associations and group differences in asthma, atopy, and lung function.
Main Results:
- BMI was associated with asthma and lung function, but these associations did not differ between the post-bronchiolitis and control groups.
- Adiponectin showed differing associations with forced vital capacity (FVC) between groups (positive in post-bronchiolitis, inverse in controls).
- Resistin was associated with current asthma only in the control group, with differing associations observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- The increased prevalence of asthma and impaired lung function in young adults with a history of bronchiolitis do not appear to be explained by growth and fat metabolism.
- While some adipokine associations differ, overall, BMI and adipokines do not seem to be the primary drivers of persistent respiratory issues post-bronchiolitis.
Background:
Children hospitalized for bronchiolitis have increased risk of asthma and low lung function persisting into adulthood, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Body mass index (BMI) and adipokines are associated with respiratory morbidity. We aimed to investigate if associations between BMI and adipokines and the outcomes asthma, atopy, and lung function differed between young adults previously hospitalized for bronchiolitis and control subjects.
Methods:
This sub study of a historical cohort enrolled 185 young adults previously hospitalized for bronchiolitis and 146 matched control subjects. Exposures (BMI and the adipokines: adiponectin, leptin, resistin, and ghrelin) and outcomes (asthma, atopy, and lung function) were measured cross-sectionally at 17-20 years of age. Associations were tested in regression models, and differences between the post-bronchiolitis- and control group were tested by including interaction terms.
Results:
BMI was associated with asthma and lung function, but we did not find that the associations differed between the post-bronchiolitis- and control group. We also found some associations between adipokines and outcomes, but only associations between adiponectin and forced vital capacity (FVC) and between resistin and current asthma differed between the groups (p-value interaction term 0.027 and 0.040 respectively). Adiponectin tended to be positively associated with FVC in the post-bronchiolitis group, with an opposite tendency in the control group. Resistin was positively associated with current asthma only in the control group.
Conclusion:
The increased prevalence of asthma and impaired lung function observed in young adults previously hospitalized for bronchiolitis do not seem to be related to growth and fat metabolism.
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