Tailored second-line therapy in asthmatic children with the Arg(16) genotype.

The Arg(16) β(2) receptor genotype confers increased susceptibility to exacerbations in asthmatic children taking regular LABA (long-acting β(2) agonists). We therefore evaluated using montelukast as an alternative to salmeterol as tailored second-line asthma controller therapy in children expressing this susceptible genotype. A total of 62 persistent asthmatic children with the homozygous Arg16 genotype were randomized to receive salmeterol (50 μg, b.

Matrix metalloproteinase-12 is a therapeutic target for asthma in children and young adults.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-12-mediated pathologic degradation of the extracellular matrix and the subsequent repair cycles influence the airway changes in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The common serine variant at codon 357 of the MMP12 gene (rs652438) is associated with clinical manifestations consistent with more aggressive matrix degradation in other tissues.

Objective: We sought to explore the hypothesis that MMP12 represents a novel therapeutic target in asthma.

A polymorphism controlling ORMDL3 expression is associated with asthma that is poorly controlled by current medications.

Background: The specific genetic contributions to childhood asthma have been difficult to elucidate. A recent whole-genome association study suggested that single nucleotide polymorphisms at loci controlling the expression of the ORMDL3 gene and others in the neighborhood of the NRG1 and ERO1LB genes might be important.

Objective: We sought to replicate the associations of these genetic markers with asthma in a large population of asthmatic patients from Scotland and to assess the effect of these variants on asthma outcomes.

Glutathione S-transferase M1 and P1 genotype, passive smoking, and peak expiratory flow in asthma.

Objectives: Our purpose with this work was to assess the contribution of glutathione S-transferase gene variants to asthma susceptibility and pulmonary function in relation to tobacco smoke exposure in the home.

Methods: Young individuals with asthma (age: 3-21 years; n = 504) were recruited through primary and secondary care throughout Tayside, Scotland (BREATHE Study). Spirometry was obtained on 407 individuals.