Mutational analysis of the high affinity immunoglobulin E receptor beta chain gene in Egyptian asthmatic children

Asthma results when genetically predisposed individuals are exposed to certain environmental factors. It has been suggested that particular mutations in the beta chain of the high-affinity IgE receptor [FCepsilonRI-beta] gene may alter the function of the receptor and predisposes to asthma through atopy. This study was undertaken to determine whether the I181L and V183L allels were associated with the prevalence or clinical severity of asthma in Egyptian children. We used amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction [ARMS-PCR] to screen atopy [n=36] and nonatopic [n=29] asthmatics and control group [n=21] for the I181L and V183L alleles. There was a significant difference in the frequency of I181L between atopic asthmatics [26%] and nonatopic asthmatics [7%] [P=0.003], and between the atopic group and control group [5%] [P=0.003]. In the atopic asthmatics, we also found that the prevalence of I181L mutation was significantly increased in children with moderate and severe disease compared to mild asthmatics [P<0.001]. However, in all subjects studied, V183L mutation was not detected. These data suggest that I181L allele acts as an allergic asthma susceptibility and disease modifying gene and may serve as a clinically useful marker of asthma severity

Oxidant/antioxidant status in children with bronchial asthma

Antioxidant-oxidant imbalances are thought to contribute to oxidative stress in bronchial asthma. The aim of this study was to examine serum malondialdehyde as a biomarker of oxidative stress in asthma in relation to dietary and metal scavengers antioxidants. In this study, serum levels of beta-carotene, vitamin A, alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid addition to serum albumin, transferrin, ceruloplasmin and malondialdehyde were investigated in 49 asthmatic children during an acute exacerbation and remission. 24 healthy children served as controls. Malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher at asthma attack compared to remission [P=<0.001]. Ascorbic acid, albumin and transferrin were significantly lower in asthmatics at remission compared to controls [P=<0.001] with no significant differences in their levels during acute exacerbation and remission periods. No differences were observed in the serum levels of beta-carotene, vitamin. A, alpha-tocopherol or ceruloplasmin between the groups. Although the mechanisms underlying the association between asthma and oxidant/antioxidant system are unclear, according to our findings, increased oxidant stress as reflected by malondialdehyde level and decreased ascorbic acid, albumin and transferrin antioxidant protection may contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma