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The 1992 Cournand Lecture. Asthma: past, present and future
1University Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, UK.
The European Respiratory Journal
|November 1, 1993
Summary
Asthma is a complex airway inflammation involving immune cells and genetic factors. Future prevention strategies should focus on early environmental and genetic triggers rather than established disease reversal.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Genetics
Background:
- Asthma understanding evolved from airway dysfunction to airway inflammation.
- Inflammation involves mast cells, eosinophils, and Th2-like T-lymphocytes.
- Chronic inflammation involves tissue remodeling and genetic factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the immunological and genetic basis of asthma.
- To highlight the role of environmental factors in asthma development.
- To propose future directions for asthma prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical and recent studies on asthma pathology.
- Analysis of bronchial mucosal biopsy and lavage data.
- Consideration of genetic linkage and environmental exposure evidence.
Main Results:
- Asthma is characterized by specific airway inflammation orchestrated by immune cells.
- Tissue remodeling and cytokine release contribute to chronic inflammation.
- Genetic predisposition and early life environmental exposures are crucial.
Conclusions:
- Asthma is a multifaceted inflammatory condition with genetic and environmental underpinnings.
- Early identification of genetic and environmental risk factors is key for prevention.
- Intervention should target initiating factors rather than established disease.