Association between Gm allotypes and asthma severity from childhood to young middle age.
Journal article, 2008
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.
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
analysis
Child
genetics
Skin Tests
Allergens
Male
immunology
genetics
immunology
Adolescent
Forced Expiratory Volume
Genetic
Immunoglobulin Gm Allotypes
Epidemiologic Methods
immunology
Adult
analysis
Immunoglobulin E
Polymorphism
Asthma
Vital Capacity
Female
genetics
Humans
immunology
Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains
methods
genetics
Immunoglobulin G
physiopathology
Author
Per M. Gustafsson
University of Gothenburg
Vivi-Anne Oxelius
Skåne University Hospital
Staffan Nilsson
Chalmers
Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Bengt Kjellman
Skaraborg Hospital
Respiratory Medicine
0954-6111 (ISSN)
Vol. 102 2 266-72Subject Categories
Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified
Microbiology in the medical area
DOI
10.1016/j.rmed.2007.09.003
PubMed
17933503