Correlations of severity of asthma in children with body mass index, adiponectin and leptin

Chromium and formoterol therapy for obesity-induced asthma in rats

The development of asthma is impacted by fat. Asthma is more common in obese persons. The purpose of the experimental study is to determine how chromium, formoterol, and their combination can improve the quality of life for obese people with lung anomalies. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control (C), obesity (CO), obese-asthma (COA), and obese-asthma groups treated with formoterol (OAF), chromium (OACR), or both (OACRF). Except for group C, all groups received a high-fat diet for 4 weeks. Subsequently, ovalbumin (OVA) was administered subcutaneously (s.c.) to all groups except C and CO to induce sensitization. Asthma was triggered via 1% OVA aerosol challenges on days 26-28. Over 5 days, OAF and OACRF received daily formoterol inhalations (50 μg/kg), while OACR and OACRF were given chromium (400 μg/kg). Treatments were timed to align with asthma induction protocols. Lipid profile and inflammatory indicators were examined at the end of the trial-Immunohistochemical analysis of lung tissue, Histopathological and lung tissue stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. The combination therapy (OACRF) significantly reduced body weight (p < 0.05), lowered LDL and triglycerides, increased HDL, and normalized lung tissue architecture compared to controls. Immunohistochemistry revealed reduced IL-1β and IL-17α expression. The (OACRF) group demonstrated superior asthma control by reducing body weight, improving inflammatory indicators, and restoring lung tissue to its normal state by administering chromium and formoterol therapy. The most effective strategy for treating both obesity and asthma is to address their two connected conditions. These findings demonstrate that combined chromium and formoterol therapy effectively addresses metabolic and inflammatory components of obesity-induced asthma, offering a promising dual-target therapeutic strategy.

Genetic polymorphisms (FTO rs9939609 and TMEM18 rs6548238), adipokines (leptin and adiponectin) and adiposity in children and adolescents with asthma

OBJECTIVE

To describe independent factors related to the interaction of FTO rs9939609, TMEM18 rs6548238, leptin, and adiponectin in children/adolescents with asthma, under the influence of obesity.

METHODS

The authors performed a cross-sectional study with 57 children/adolescents, ages 8-19 years, at a tertiary hospital, from 2017 to 2018. Participants were classified by nutritional status, performed spirometry with a bronchodilator test and completed an asthma questionnaire, higher scores indicated more asthma symptoms. Two asthma groups were formed: Group 1(G1)-normal-weight; Group 2(G2)-overweight/obese. Serum was collected for adipokines (n = 32) and genetic polymorphisms (n = 53) dosages.

RESULTS

Age and body mass index (BMI) correlated directly in normal-weight (p = 0.009) and obese participants (p = 0.004). Girls reported more asthma complaints (p = 0.044). Participants with negative bronchodilator responses presented lower BMI (14.55-17.16) than responders (19.4-26.84) (p = 0.049). Leptin dosages are related directly to BMI (5,34-40 ng/ml in obese × 0,54-42 ng/ml in nonobese) (p = 0.003). Levels were high in girls (4.78-17.55 µg/ml) (p = 0.029) and low in nonobese boys (0.54-6.92 µg/ml) (p = 0.006). In obese, low leptin levels (< 10 ng/ml) were found in small airway dysfunction carriers (p = 0.025); elevated adiponectin (> 5 µg/ml) correlated with FEV1/FVC > 80 % (p = 0.035) and positive bronchodilator tests (8.84-13 µg/ml) (p = 0.039); and FTO A allele correlated with low adiponectin 0-8.84 µg/ml (p = 0.021) and low FEV1/FVC (46 %-88 %) (p = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

BMI correlated directly with age and leptin levels. Obese participants presented high serum levels of leptin and FTO A allele correlated with low FEV1/FVC. Larger cohorts are necessary for better elucidation of the role of adipokines and polymorphisms in the pathophysiology of asthma and obesity.

Body Mass Index is Associated with blood pressure and vital capacity in medical students

BACKGROUND

The widely reported associations between body mass index (BMI) and various chronic diseases, such as hypertension and asthma, have garnered significant attention. Nonetheless, there remains a dearth of research dedicated to understanding the health impacts of medical school on the students, who experience considerable academic pressure. In that context, this study was driven by the goal of investigating the intricate interplay between BMI, blood pressure (BP), and vital capacity among medical students.

METHODS

This study included a cohort of 843 medical students enrolled at Southern Medical University who were selected through random cluster sampling. Within this cohort, measurements of height, weight, BP, and vital capacity were taken. Subsequently, both BMI and vital capacity index (VCI) were calculated for each participant. By categorizing the subjects into four groups according to BMI classifications, a comprehensive analysis that included correlation assessments and binomial logistic regression was conducted.

RESULTS

Within the participant pool, 9.4% and 3.8% of participants were classified as overweight and obese, respectively. Additionally, the prevalence of prehypertension, hypertension, and poor VCI was 18.1%, 2.7%, and 13.5%, respectively. Notably, male students exhibited a higher prevalence of the aforementioned health issues than their female counterparts. Correlation analysis revealed that BMI displayed positive associations with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and vital capacity (r = 0.372, 0.257, 0.428; P < 0.001). However, an inverse correlation emerged between BMI and VCI (r = -0.284, P < 0.001). Further analysis revealed that overweight and obese individuals faced an elevated risk of high blood pressure ([OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.15-3.67] and [OR 5.44, 95% CI 2.28-13.02], respectively) compared to their normal-weight counterparts. Moreover, these groups also exhibited a higher risk of poor VCI ([OR 5.25, 95% CI 3.04-9.06] and [OR 15.61, 95% CI 6.81-35.81], respectively), while underweight subjects experienced a reduced risk ([OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.07-0.52]).

CONCLUSIONS

BMI demonstrated a notably strong positive correlation with both BP and vital capacity and a negative correlation with VCI. Therefore, for medical students as well as the daily health care of patients, weight control is recommended to better combat obesity-related diseases, for example, cardiopulmonary diseases, gout and diabetes.

SNPs, adipokynes and adiposity in children with asthma

OBJECTIVES

Asthma and obesity are complex disorders influenced by environmental and genetic factors. We performed an integrative review of genetic polymorphisms and adipokines effects in children and adolescents with asthma and obesity.

DATA SOURCES

Articles focused on these issues were collected from SciELO, PubMed, LILACS, Embase and ScienceDirect electronic databases, in 2009-2020 period.

STUDY SELECTIONS

22 articles were selected, including clinical trials, analyses approaches, case-control studies, meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization studies.

RESULTS

Leptin concentrations were higher in obesity and asthma. The high value of BMI and Leptin indicated severe asthma. Adiponectin may be reduced in obese children. The high value of BMI and low level of Adiponectin may indicate severe asthma. Some linkage of PRKCA gene, asthma and BMI was observed. FTO T allele rs62048379 was positively associated with overweight/obesity, related to protein and PUFA:SFA ratio intake and influences the choice of more energy-dense foods. FTO rs9939609 effects are more pronounced among children with insufficient vitamin D levels.

CONCLUSION

Leptin may be a potential predictor for asthma control in children. BMI and Adiponectin could have certain predictive value for asthma. FTO gene was related to a higher mean BMI Z-score and accelerated developmental age per allele. Strong genetic heterogeneity influencing on asthma and obesity susceptibilities is evident and related to distinct genetic features. GWAS with childhood obesity in asthma contributed to greater insights, mainly on later childhood. Standardized definitions for asthma and overweight/obesity in studies approaching adipokines and SNPs would provide stronger evidence in deciding the best management.

Leptin and Asthma: What Are the Interactive Correlations?

Leptin is an adipokine directly correlated with the proinflammatory obese-associated phenotype. Leptin has been demonstrated to inhibit adipogenesis, promote fat demarcation, promote a chronic inflammatory state, increase insulin sensitivity, and promote angiogenesis. Leptin, a regulator of the immune response, is implicated in the pathology of asthma. Studies involved in the key cell reaction and animal models of asthma have provided vital insights into the proinflammatory role of leptin in asthma. Many studies described the immune cell and related cellular pathways activated by leptin, which are beneficial in asthma development and increasing exacerbations. Subsequent studies relating to animal models support the role of leptin in increasing inflammatory cell infiltration, airway hyperresponsiveness, and inflammatory responses. However, the conclusive effects of leptin in asthma are not well elaborated. In the present study, we explored the general functions and the clinical cohort study supporting the association between leptin and asthma. The main objective of our review is to address the knowns and unknowns of leptin on asthma. In this perspective, the arguments about the different faces of leptin in asthma are provided to picture the potential directions, thus yielding a better understanding of asthma development.

The associations between body composition and vital capacity index of medical students in Shenyang of China: a cross-sectional survey

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the associations between body composition and vital capacity index (VCI) among medical students of Shenyang, China.

Study design

The design of this study is a cross-sectional study.

Methods

Participants were 2063 individuals (17–25 years) from a medical college in Shenyang, who participated in this survey from April to May 2017. Height, weight, fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM), protein mass (PM), total body water (TBW), mineral mass (MM), vital capacity were measured, then BMI and VCI were calculated. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of body composition on VCI of participants in different genders. In addition, subgroup analysis was carried out according to BMI levels.

Results

Male students showed significantly higher height, weight, BMI, FFM, PM, TBW, MM, VC, and VCI, but lower FM in comparison with female students. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that in both sexes FM was negatively correlated with VCI which represents pulmonary function (r < 0; P < 0.001). After dividing the whole participants by BMI, further correlation analysis showed FM was positively correlated with VCI only for male subgroups with BMI < 18.5 (r > 0; P = 0.050).

Conclusion

Overall, FM is highly negatively correlated with the VCI of Chinese medical students of both genders. However, there was a positive correlation between FM and VCI among low-weight male students.

Differences in Inflammatory Cytokine Profile in Obesity-Associated Asthma: Effects of Weight Loss

Obesity and asthma are associated with systemic inflammation maintained by mediators released by adipose tissue and lung. This study investigated the inflammatory serum mediator profile in obese subjects (O) (n = 35), non-obese asthma (NOA) patients (n = 14), obese asthmatics (OA) (n = 21) and healthy controls (HC) (n = 33). The effect of weight loss after bariatric surgery (BS) was examined in 10 OA and 31 O subjects. We analyzed serum markers including leptin, adiponectin, TGF-β1, TNFR2, MCP-1, ezrin, YKL-40, ST2, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-18. Compared with HC subjects, the O group showed increased levels of leptin, TGF-β1, TNFR2, MCP-1, ezrin, YKL-40, and ST2; the OA group presented increased levels of MCP-1, ezrin, YKL-40, and IL-18, and the NOA group had increased levels of ezrin, YKL-40, IL-5, and IL-18. The higher adiponectin/leptin ratio in NOA with respect to OA subjects was the only significant difference between the two groups. IL-9 was the only cytokine with significantly higher levels in OA with respect to O subjects. TNFR2, ezrin, MCP-1, and IL-18 concentrations significantly decreased in O subjects after BS. O, OA, and NOA showed distinct patterns of systemic inflammation. Leptin and adiponectin are regulated in asthma by obesity-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Combination of asthma and obesity does not result in significant additive effects on circulating cytokine levels.

Role of leptin/ILC2 axis in allergic rhinitis in obese children

OBJECTIVES

Since the leptin participates in the upregulation of type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s). We investigated the role of the leptin/ILC2 axis in AR pathogenesis in Chinese paediatric patients with obesity.

METHODS

Seventy AR paediatric patients with or without obesity and 30 healthy obese subjects were enrolled. The levels of leptin, its receptor and ILC2 milieu were measured, and correlations between them and clinical symptom severity and between ILC2 milieu and leptin levels were assessed. Changes of ILC2 milieu in AR patients after leptin stimulation were also detected.

RESULTS

Levels of leptin, its receptor and ILC2 milieu levels were significantly higher in the disease than in the controls, and highest in the obese-AR group. The leptin/ILC2 axis and severity of clinical symptoms in obese patients with AR were significantly correlated, similarly to what was observed between leptin/leptin receptors and ILC2 milieu. Recombinant leptin could significantly increased the levels of ILC2 milieu in the obese-AR group.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest the unique function ofthe leptin/ILC2 axis in obese paediatric AR patients. The mechanism by which obesity promotes AR in paediatric patients may be related to the leptin/ILC2 axis.

Regulatory Peptides in Asthma

Numerous regulatory peptides play a critical role in the pathogenesis of airway inflammation, airflow obstruction and hyperresponsiveness, which are hallmarks of asthma. Some of them exacerbate asthma symptoms, such as neuropeptide Y and tachykinins, while others have ameliorating properties, such as nociception, neurotensin or β-defensin 2. Interacting with peptide receptors located in the lungs or on immune cells opens up new therapeutic possibilities for the treatment of asthma, especially when it is resistant to available therapies. This article provides a concise review of the most important and current findings regarding the involvement of regulatory peptides in asthma pathology.

Nutrition, Obesity and Asthma Inception in Children. The Role of Lung Function

Obesity is an important public health problem. WHO estimates that about 39 million children younger than 5 years of age are overweighted or obese. On the other hand, asthma is the most prevalent chronic disease in childhood, and thus, many children share those two conditions. In the present paper we review the epidemiology of children with asthma and obesity, as well as the consequences of being obese on the respiratory system. On the one hand obesity produces an underlying T-helper 2 (TH2) low inflammation state in which numerous cytokines, which could have an impact in the respiratory system play, a role. On the other hand, some respiratory changes have been described in obese children and, specially, the development of the so called “dysanapsis” (the disproportionate scaling of airway dimensions to lung volume) which seems to be common during the first stages of life, probably related to the early development of this condition. Finally, this review deals with the role of adipokines and insulin resistance in the inception and worsening of asthma in the obese child.

Adiponectin and Asthma: Knowns, Unknowns and Controversies

Adiponectin is an adipokine associated with the healthy obese phenotype. Adiponectin increases insulin sensitivity and has cardio and vascular protection actions. Studies related to adiponectin, a modulator of the innate and acquired immunity response, have suggested a role of this molecule in asthma. Studies based on various asthma animal models and on the key cells involved in the allergic response have provided important insights about this relation. Some of them indicated protection and others reversed the balance towards negative effects. Many of them described the cellular pathways activated by adiponectin, which are potentially beneficial for asthma prevention or for reduction in the risk of exacerbations. However, conclusive proofs about their efficiency still need to be provided. In this article, we will, briefly, present the general actions of adiponectin and the epidemiological studies supporting the relation with asthma. The main focus of the current review is on the mechanisms of adiponectin and the impact on the pathobiology of asthma. From this perspective, we will provide arguments for and against the positive influence of this molecule in asthma, also indicating the controversies and sketching out the potential directions of research to complete the picture.

The pathophysiological role of adipokines in the development of bronchial asthma combined with obesity

The combined course of bronchial asthma (BA) and obesity is one of the urgent medical and social problems that requires a comprehensive and careful study in connection with a decrease in the quality of life of such patients, an increase in the frequency, duration of hospitalization and a high economic burden for the state as a whole. The relationship between BA and obesity is now confirmed by numerous studies, at the same time, despite the variability of the proposed mechanisms of pathogenetic effects of obesity on asthma, metabolic aspects of the relationship of these diseases need further study. Adipose tissue hormones are responsible for the energy homeostasis of the body therefore, excessive accumulation of adipose tissue is accompanied by the development of an imbalance in metabolic processes in various organs and tissues. Due to the emergence of new scientific data on the role and function of adipokines in the body, metabolic effects of adipokines are considered in the focus of their pathophysiological association with obesity and asthma. This literary review highlights the current understanding of the role of metabolic effects of the most studied adipokines (resistin, retinol-binding protein, leptin and adiponectin) in the development of obesity and BA. Gender and age-dependent features of adipokine levels in BA and obesity are described. Data on the confirmed role of adiponectin and leptin in the progression of BA combined with obesity are presented. It has been shown that the role of resistin and retinol-binding protein in the development of BA combined with obesity has not been studied. It is demonstrated that further study of metabolic activity of adipokines in BA is an actual and perspective direction of researches which will allow to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in patients with BA with obesity.

Diet: A Specific Part of the Western Lifestyle Pack in the Asthma Epidemic

The Western lifestyle is a complex concept that includes the diet as the main axis of different factors which contribute to a detrimental effect on health, lower life expectancy and low quality-of-life. This type of diet is characterized by being high in calories, mainly provided by saturated fats, and rich in sugars that can lead to changes in immune cells and their responsiveness, by different mechanisms that have yet to be totally clarified. Inflammatory processes are perpetuated through different pathways, in which adipose tissue is a major factor. High fat stores in overweight and obesity accumulate energy but the endocrine function is also producing and releasing different bioactive compounds, adipokines, known to be pro-inflammatory and which play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma. This review therefore explores the latest evidence regarding the adverse effect of the Western diet on adipose tissue inflammation and its causative effect on the asthma epidemic.

Adiponectin and Cardiovascular Risk. From Pathophysiology to Clinic: Focus on Children and Adolescents

Adiponectin (Ad) is a cytokine produced by adipocytes that acts on specific receptors of several tissues through autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine signaling mechanisms. Ad is involved in the regulation of cell survival, cell growth, and apoptosis. Furthermore, Ad plays an important pathophysiological role in metabolic activities by acting on peripheral tissues involved in glucose and lipid metabolism such as skeletal muscle, and the liver. Adiponectin has anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, and insulin-sensitizing effects. For this reason, low levels of Ad are associated with the development of cardiovascular complications of obesity in adulthood. Numerous studies have shown that, even in children and adolescents, Ad is associated with risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. In obese children, reduced levels of Ad have been reported and Ad plasma levels are inversely related with abdominal obesity. Moreover, lower Ad concentrations are associated with the development of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and hypertension in pediatric subjects. In addition to a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, plasma values of Ad are also inversely associated with early organ damage, such as an increase in carotid intima-media thickness. It has been suggested that low Ad levels in childhood might predict the development of atherosclerosis in adulthood, suggesting the possibility of using Ad to stratify cardiovascular risk in obese children. Some evidence suggests that lifestyle modification may increase Ad plasma levels. The aim of this review is to summarize the evidence on the relationship between Ad, obesity, metabolic alterations and hypertension in children and adolescents, and to address the possibility that Ad represents an early marker of cardiovascular risk in pediatric subjects. Furthermore, the effects of non-pharmacological treatment (weight loss and physical activity) on Ad levels are considered.

Correlations of severity of asthma in children with body mass index, adiponectin and leptin

Background

This study aims to investigate the correlations of asthma in children with body mass index (BMI), adiponectin, and leptin.

Methods

A total of 122 children with asthma in our hospital from January 2017 to February 2018 were randomly selected and divided into control group (normal) and observation group (BMI > 28 kg/m²) according to BMI. BMI, adiponectin, and leptin levels between the two groups were measured and compared, and correlations of disease grade with BMI, adiponectin, or leptin were analyzed. Moreover, risk factors for asthma in children were also identified.

Results

Body mass index, leptin level, forced vital capacity (FVC), FVC%, and forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1)/FVC in observation group were significantly higher than those in control group (P < 0.05), while the adiponectin level, forced expiratory capacity in 1s (FEC1), and FEV1% in observation group were significantly lower than those in control group (P < 0.05). The amount of severe patients in observation group was much larger than that in control group. The severity of disease was positively correlated with BMI and leptin and negatively correlated with adiponectin. BMI, adiponectin, and leptin were identified as risk factors for asthma in children.

Conclusion

Adiponectin, leptin, and BMI are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma in children, suggesting they might be therapeutic targets for clinical treatment.