A genome-wide linkage scan for 25-OH-D(3) and 1,25-(OH)2-D3 serum levels in asthma families.

To identify genome regions linked to serum vitamin D metabolites we analyzed 25-OH-D(3) and 1,25-(OH)(2)-D(3) levels from 947 participants of a family study recruited for asthma. From these individuals data were available from a previous genome scan that included 364 autosomal microsatellite marker. 25-OH-D(3) levels showed a heritability of 80% in these families while 1,25-(OH)(2)-D(3) reached only 30%.

Inhalation of ultrafine carbon particles triggers biphasic pro-inflammatory response in the mouse lung.

High levels of particulate matter in ambient air are associated with increased respiratory and cardiovascular health problems. It has been hypothesised that it is the ultrafine particle fraction (diameter <100 nm) that is largely responsible for these effects. To evaluate the associated mechanisms on a molecular level, the current authors applied an expression profiling approach.

Asthma families show transmission disequilibrium of gene variants in the vitamin D metabolism and signalling pathway.

The vitamin D prophylaxis of rickets in pregnant women and newborns may play a role in early allergic sensitization. We now asked if an already diseased population may have inherited genetic variants in the vitamin D turnover or signalling pathway. Serum levels of calcidiol (25-OH-D3) and calcitriol (1,25-(OH)2-D3) were retrospectively assessed in 872 participants of the German Asthma Family Study.

Association of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene with asthma.

The interleukin-1 cluster on human chromosome 2q12-2q14 harbors various promising candidate genes for asthma and other inflammatory diseases. We conducted a systematic association study with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in candidate genes situated in this cluster. Single-marker, two-locus and three-locus haplotype analysis of SNPs yielded several significant results (p < 0.