Relationship between asthma and IL-17 gene polymorphism in a Turkish population.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a prevalent chronic obstructive disease of the airways. AIMS: The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between asthma and IL-17F gene 74488 T > C, IL-17A gene -197G > A, and IL17A gene -737C > T polymorphisms in Turkish population. METHODS: In our study, peripheral blood samples collected from a total of 127 subjects, with 65 in the patient group and 62 in the control group, were analyzed for IL-17F gene 74488 T > C, IL-17A gene -197G > A, and IL17A gene -737C > T polymorphisms using next-generation sequencing. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant relationship between IL-17A gene -197G > A and IL-17A gene -737C > T polymorphisms and the risk of developing asthma. It was found that the risk of developing asthma was 2.9-fold higher in individuals with a C allele in the IL-17F gene 7488 T > C polymorphic site than the individuals with a T allele. It was shown that ATT and GCT haplotype carriers had a greater disease risk compared with the GTT haplotype carriers. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, IL-17F gene 7488 T > C polymorphism was found to be associated with asthma in the Turkish population. The IL-17 gene should be further investigated as a potential candidate gene in predicting asthma susceptibility and in the treatment of asthma.

Improvement of Pulmonary Functions Following Septoplasty: How Are Lower Airways Affected?

OBJECTIVES: Nasal septal deviation is a frequent cause of increased nasal airway resistance. A narrow nasal airway would result in a decreased airflow into the lungs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the alterations of the pulmonary functions following septoplasty using spirometry and 6 minutes walking test (6mWT). And reveal the correlation of symptom score improvement with nasal obstruction symptom score (NOSE) and sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT22) questionnaires following surgery. METHODS: Thirty patients with obvious nasal septal deviations were enrolled in the study. All patients had a detailed otorhinolaryngologic examination, filled NOSE/SNOT22 questionnaires, performed spirometry and 6mWT preoperatively. One month after surgery, NOSE/SNOT22 questionnaires filled by subjects and spirometry with 6mWT were performed again, and the results were compared. RESULTS: The mean total walking distance was 702.3±68.2 m preoperatively, and it improved to 753.2±72.6 m postoperatively (P<0.001). Total tour count increased from 11 (range, 10.8 to 12.0) to 12 (range, 11 to 13.3), and the difference was found statistically significant (P<0.001). When the preoperative and postoperative mean 6mWT results were compared, diastolic blood pressure increased from 70 to 80 mmHg (P=0.031), heart rate increased from 83.5±13.2 to 90.1±12.5 bpm (P=0.017), dyspnea rate decreased from 1 to 0 (P=0.002), and fatigue scores reduced from 2 to 1 (P=0.003). Evaluation on spirometry findings revealed that FIF50% (maximum inspiratory flow at 50% of forced vital capacity [FVC]) scores and peak expiratory flow (PEF) values improved significantly after surgery. Septoplasty improves the nasal breathing pattern. While reducing FEF50% (maximum expiratory flow at 50% of FVC)/FIF50%, it increases PEF and FIF50% values. In addition, as shown by 6mWT, exercise capacity improves following surgery. Postoperative NOSE and SNOT22 scores reduced markedly compared to preoperative values (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that nasal septal surgery has a positive effect on pulmonary functions, and this can be an important clue for the relationship of lung disorders and nasal obstruction.