Granulocyte macrophage - colony stimulating factor [GM- CSF] in bronchial asthma

ABSTRACT

This study included 41 subjects classified into 3 groups. Group 1 Twenty-one asthmatic patients [6 with mild and 15 with moderate asthma]; Group 2 Ten patients with other inflammatory lung diseases [bronchiectasis, COPD, IDF] and Group 3 Ten normal controls. FOB and BAL were done for groups 1 and 2; and blood sample was collected from all groups. GM-CSF levels in serum and BAL were measured. The results showed a significantly higher GM-CSF level in serum and BAL of the asthmatics compared to the other inflammatory diseases. A highly significant level was also found in the serum of asthmatic patients compared to the normal subjects. There was a significant negative correlation between the mean FEV 1% and mean levels of GM-CSF in both serum and BAL of the asthmatic patients. In light of these findings, we would recommend measurement of this important cytokine, GM-CSF in the serum and airways secretions in different asthmatic patients and this should contribute to monitoring the status of asthma and selecting the most appropriate anti-inflammatory therapy