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Eosinophil and mast cell parameters in children with stable moderate asthma
M O Hoekstra1, M H Grol, H Hovenga
1Dept of Pediatric Pulmonology, University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Summary
Inhaled corticosteroids did not significantly alter inflammatory markers in children with stable asthma. However, urinary eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) showed a near-significant decrease, suggesting potential for further research in monitoring pediatric asthma.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Mast cells and eosinophils are key inflammatory cells in asthma, contributing to airway damage.
- Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are known to reduce the influx and activity of these cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of fluticasone propionate (FP), an ICS, on inflammatory markers in children with stable moderate asthma.
- To assess if specific inflammatory markers reflect asthma disease activity in this population.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 34 children with stable moderate asthma.
- Treatment involved fluticasone propionate (FP) 100 microg twice daily or placebo.
- Measured parameters included eosinophil counts, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) in serum and urine, and N-methyl-histamine (NT-methyl-histamine).
Main Results:
- Lung function improved and bronchial hyperresponsiveness decreased with FP treatment.
- No significant changes were observed in most laboratory inflammatory parameters (eosinophils, serum ECP/EDN, urinary NT-methyl-histamine) with FP or placebo.
- A decrease in urinary EDN approached statistical significance (P = 0.07).
Conclusions:
- Current inflammatory markers like eosinophil counts, ECP, EDN, and NT-methyl-histamine may not accurately reflect asthma activity in stable pediatric patients.
- Urinary EDN warrants further investigation as a potential biomarker for monitoring childhood asthma.