Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 19, 2025
Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing
Published on: December 17, 2017
Distinct Airway Microbiome and Metabolite Profiles in Eosinophilic and Neutrophilic Asthma
Shuang Liu1, Zhiwei Lin1,2, Jiayong Zhou3
1Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Asthma is a chronic, heterogeneous disease driven by inflammatory phenotypes, primarily eosinophilic asthma (EA) and neutrophilic asthma (NEA). While allergen triggers are well-known, the role of the airway microbiome and metabolites in asthma exacerbations remains poorly understood.
Methods:
We recruited 64 participants (24 EA, 20 NEA, 20 healthy controls [HC]) for the discovery cohort, with validation in an external cohort (10 EA, 8 NEA, 8 HC). Induced sputum samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing to profile bacterial composition and non-targeted metabolomics to assess airway metabolites. Random forest models identified diagnostic markers, validated in the external cohort.
Results:
Significant shifts in airway microbiota were observed, particularly between NEA and HC, and between EA and NEA. Four bacterial general-Stenotrophomonas, Streptococcus, Achromobacter, and Neisseria-were consistently identified across groups. Veillonella was more abundant in NEA vs HC, while Achromobacter was enriched in NEA vs EA, indicating distinct microbial signatures. Metabolomic profiling revealed distinct pathways: pyrimidine metabolism (EA vs HC), tryptophan metabolism (NEA vs HC), and arachidonic acid metabolism (EA vs NEA). Microbial-metabolite correlations indicated microbiota-driven metabolic activity. Biomarker candidates were validated in the external cohort.
Conclusion:
The airway microbiota and metabolites are intricately linked to asthma exacerbations, with distinct patterns between EA and NEA. These findings highlight their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for personalized asthma management.
More Related Videos
05:31Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
09:58A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
Published on: April 13, 2010
Related Concept Videos
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:
01:20Asthma: 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.
01:19Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes: