Association of rs7216389 Polymorphism in Gasdermin B (GSDMB) With Childhood Asthma: A Case-Control Study

Objective This study examines the association between the gasdermin B (GSDMB) gene variant rs7216389 and childhood asthma, with a focus on gender-based differences, environmental factors, and lung function measurements in affected children. It highlights the growing prevalence of childhood asthma, its unique features compared to adult-onset asthma, and the substantial healthcare burden it imposes, especially during exacerbations. Methods A case-control study was conducted over 18 months at CMH Lahore, UHS, and Children's Hospital, including 200 participants (100 asthmatics, 100 controls) aged three to 18. Blood samples were analyzed for genetic factors. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0 (Released 2017; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used for statistical analysis, with significance at p < 0.05. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Results The study identifies the GSDMB variant rs7216389 as a potential genetic marker for asthma, underscoring its association with the severity of the condition in children. It highlights the challenges of translating genetic findings into clinical practice while emphasizing the therapeutic potential of targeting these genetic markers. The study also sheds light on healthcare costs and the distinctive clinical features of pediatric asthma, further contextualizing its impact. Conclusions This article provides a comprehensive overview of asthma pathogenesis, emphasizing the significance of genetic markers like rs7216389 in the GSDMB gene. It advocates for further research to unravel the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and immune factors in childhood asthma, intending to develop targeted therapeutic interventions.