Association between Gm allotypes and asthma severity from childhood to young middle age.

• Immunoglobulin constant heavy G chain (IGHG) gene polymorphisms are associated with atopy and can be determined by the serum Gm allotypes. We studied whether certain polymorphisms are related to asthma severity and to the extent or intensity of allergic sensitization in asthmatic subjects followed from childhood to young middle age. Fifty-five subjects (28 males) with childhood asthma were all followed-up prospectively on six occasions from a mean age of 9 to 35 years in a study including asthma severity scoring, spirometry, skin prick, and specific serum IgE antibody testing. At the last visit, extended lung function tests and a cold air challenge were performed, and IGHG gene polymorphisms were identified by the alternative serum IgG subclass allotypes, employing ELISA and double immunodiffusion. The 19 subjects with the homozygous IGHG*bf/*bf genotype (originating from the IGHG3*b and the IGHG1*f alleles, which are in strong linkage disequilibrium), showed significantly higher asthma scores, lower airway function, and greater bronchodilator responses from childhood to adulthood, and in middle age greater airway hyperresponsiveness, compared to the subjects with the IGHG*bf/*ga or IGHG*ga/*ga genotypes. Among the subjects sensitized to animal danders, those with the IGHG*bf/*bf genotype showed the highest specific IgE levels. In conclusion, IGHG gene polymorphisms were associated with the severity and outcome of childhood asthma, and with the intensity of allergic sensitization.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Annan samhällsvetenskap -- Övrig annan samhällsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Other Social Sciences -- Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Mikrobiologi inom det medicinska området (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Microbiology in the medical area (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Lungmedicin och allergi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Respiratory Medicine and Allergy (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Adolescent

Adult

Allergens

immunology

Asthma

genetics

immunology

physiopathology

Child

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Epidemiologic Methods

Female

Forced Expiratory Volume

Humans

Immunoglobulin E

analysis

Immunoglobulin G

analysis

genetics

Immunoglobulin Gm Allotypes

genetics

immunology

Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains

genetics

immunology

Male

Polymorphism

Genetic

Skin Tests

methods

Vital Capacity

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)