Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 22, 2026
05:31
Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
9.6K
Circulating Piwi-Interacting RNAs Associate With Childhood Asthma ICS Response With Vitamin D Effect Modification
Jiang Li1,2,3, Xiaoning Hong1,2, Mengshi Chi2
1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China.
Summary
Vitamin D influences how well inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) work for children with asthma by affecting Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). Specific piRNAs may predict ICS response, especially in vitamin D-insufficient children.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are implicated in type 2-high asthma.
- The role of vitamin D in modulating piRNA function concerning asthma treatment is unknown.
- Vitamin D is known to influence inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) response through microRNAs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma piRNA expression and ICS response in childhood asthma.
- To determine if vitamin D status modifies the relationship between piRNAs and ICS treatment outcomes.
- To identify potential piRNA biomarkers for ICS responsiveness.
Main Methods:
- Small RNA sequencing was used to profile piRNA expression in 492 children from the Childhood Asthma Management Program (CAMP).
- Linear regression assessed associations between piRNA levels and changes in lung function (FEV1%) over 4 years, including interactions with vitamin D status.
- Replication analyses were conducted in the Genetics of Asthma in Costa Rica Study (GACRS).
Main Results:
- Fourteen piRNAs were significantly associated with lung function changes in vitamin D-insufficient children.
- Six piRNAs showed significant interactions with vitamin D status, indicating a modifying effect.
- piR-36241 demonstrated strong predictive performance for ICS response in vitamin D-insufficient children and was found in relevant lung cells.
Conclusions:
- Circulating piRNAs are linked to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) response in childhood asthma.
- Vitamin D acts as an effect modifier in this relationship.
- Specific piRNAs, particularly piR-36241, could serve as non-invasive biomarkers for predicting ICS responsiveness, especially in vitamin D-deficient individuals.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
26
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
26
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
3.3K
The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
3.3K
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
3.5K
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
3.5K
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
1.5K
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
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.
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.
1.5K
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
4.6K
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
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:
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:
4.6K
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
22
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
22