Constitutive and 3-methylcholanthrene-induced rat ALDH3A1 expression is mediated by multiple xenobiotic response elements.

The rat class 3 aldehyde dehydrogenase gene (ALDH3A1) is expressed constitutively or by xenobiotic induction depending on the tissue in which it occurs. Although the mechanism that mediates inducible expression has been well characterized, relatively little is known about constitutive regulatory mechanisms. Previous ALDH3A1 promoter analyses have indicated that primary regulatory regions within the ALDH3A1 5' flanking region exert similar effects on both constitutive and inducible ALDH3A1 expression.

Identifying the child in need of asthma therapy.

Based on the results of the long-term CAMP clinical trial in childhood asthma, the benefits of continuous long-term use of inhaled glucocorticoid on asthma control are clear. Studies are in progress to evaluate whether early intervention with inhaled glucocorticoids can alter the natural history of asthma. Indicators are now being defined to identify the patient at risk for persistent asthma and thus to identify candidates for early intervention.