A meta-analysis of the association between CTLA-4 genetic polymorphism and susceptibility of asthma

Genetic Variants Associated with Bronchial Asthma Specific to the Population of the Russian Federation

Bronchial asthma (BA) is a disease that still lacks an exhaustive treatment protocol. In this regard, the global medical community pays special attention to the genetic prerequisites for the occurrence of this disease. Therefore, the search for the genetic polymorphisms underlying bronchial asthma has expanded considerably. As the present study progressed, a significant amount of scientific medical literature was analyzed and 167 genes reported to be associated with the development of bronchial asthma were identified. A group of participants (n = 7,303) who had voluntarily provided their biomaterial (venous blood) to be used in the research conducted by the Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia was formed to subsequently perform a bioinformatic verification of known associations and search for new ones. This group of participants was divided into four cohorts, including two sex-distinct cohorts of individuals with a history of asthma and two sex-distinct cohorts of apparently healthy individuals. A search for polymorphisms was made in each cohort among the selected genes, and genetic variants were identified whose difference in occurrence in the different cohorts was statistically significant (significance level less than 0.0001). The study revealed 11 polymorphisms that affect the development of asthma: four genetic variants (rs869106717, rs1461555098, rs189649077, and rs1199362453), which are more common in men with bronchial asthma compared to apparently healthy men; five genetic variants (rs1923038536, rs181066119, rs143247175, rs140597386, and rs762042586), which are more common in women with bronchial asthma compared to apparently healthy women; and two genetic variants (rs1219244986 and rs2291651) that are rare in women with a history of asthma.

Immune checkpoint molecules in prevention and development of asthma

Allergic asthma is a respiratory disease initiated by type-2 immune responses characterized by secretion of alarmins, interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, and IL-13, eosinophilic inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Immune checkpoints (ICPs) are inhibitory or stimulatory molecules expressed on different immune cells, tumor cells, or other cell types that regulate immune system activation and maintain immune homeostasis. Compelling evidence indicates a key role for ICPs in both the progression and prevention of asthma. There is also evidence of asthma development or exacerbation in some cancer patients receiving ICP therapy. The aim of this review is to provide an updated overview of ICPs and their roles in asthma pathogenesis, and to assess their implications as therapeutic targets in asthma.

Airway disorders associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: Two case reports and a systematic review

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are widely used for the treatment of various malignant neoplasms. Interstitial lung disease is a well-known immune-related adverse event, however, ICI-induced airway disease remains under-recognized. Herein, we report two similar cases of pembrolizumab-induced tracheobronchitis presenting as persistent chronic cough and dyspnea. Blood tests revealed elevated C-reactive protein levels without eosinophilia. Spirometry demonstrated mild airflow obstruction. Computed tomography revealed diffuse thickening of the tracheobronchial walls and bronchiectasis predominantly in the lower lobes. Bronchoscopy revealed edematous and erythematous tracheobronchial mucosa, and bronchial biopsy tissue exhibited marked inflammation with predominant infiltration of CD8+ lymphocytes. Subsequently, pembrolizumab-induced tracheobronchitis was diagnosed in both cases. Cessation of pembrolizumab and initiation of erythromycin, inhaled corticosteroids, and long-acting beta-agonists gradually improved the symptoms, airflow obstruction, and radiographic findings. These were completely resolved in one case. The other case initially showed a poor response to systemic corticosteroids combined with the aforementioned drugs, but improved gradually and almost completely. These cases exemplify ICI-induced airway disease that is, an under-recognized manifestation of immune-related adverse events. In addition, we have systematically searched the PubMed database for articles on ICI-induced airway disease, categorized the retrieved articles as eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic airway diseases, and reviewed the differences in treatment and prognoses between these two categories.

Association of CTLA-4 Gene Polymorphisms and Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objective: To provide evidence of the association between CLTA-4 gene polymorphisms and Alopecia Areata (AA). Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane, Wanfang and CNKI databases were searched until April 30, 2021.The selection was completed according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study quality assessment was based on Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The assessment of the association was measured by ORs and 95%CIs. Results: Nine studies, containing 2858 AA cases and 5444 disease-free control subjects were included. For rs231775 polymorphism, no significant association with AA was found, which was A vs a, OR =1.02[0.81,1.30], P = 0.85; AA vs aa, OR =1.26[0.81,1.97], P = 0.31; Aa vs aa, OR =1.04[0.54,2.01], P = 0.91; AA + Aa vs aa, OR =1.04[0.71,1.53], P = 0.82; AA vs Aa + aa, OR =1.31[0.97,1.78], P = 0.08. For rs3087243 polymorphism, also no significant association was found, which was A vs a, OR =0.93[0.78,1.11]; P = 0.40, AA vs aa, OR =0.68[0.44,1.06]; P = 0.09; Aa vs aa, OR =0.87[0.45,1.68], P = 0.68; AA + Aa vs aa, OR =0.93[0.68,1.28], P = 0.66; AA vs Aa + aa, OR =0.78[0.34,1.81], P = 0.57. For rs231726 polymorphism, a significant correlation was found, which was A vs a, OR =0.76[0.70,0.82], P < 0.05. Conclusions: A significant correlation between CTLA-4 rs231726 polymorphism and AA susceptibility was found, but no significant association of CTLA-4 gene rs231775 and rs3087243 polymorphisms and AA susceptibility was found.

A novel prognosis prediction model, including cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4, ischemia-modified albumin, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and homocysteine, for ischemic stroke in the Chinese hypertensive population

Background

There is still a lack of tools to assess the prognosis of ischemic stroke patients induced by hypertension. In this study, we built a novel prognostic assessment model for ischemic stroke in the Chinese hypertensive population.

Methods

Mass spectrometry technique was used to analyze the changes in serum protein profiles of hypertensive patients with ischemic stroke. A total of 314 hypertensive patients were divided into the testing group (206 patients) and the validation group (108 patients).

Results

Compared with hypertensive patients without ischemic stroke, serum cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4), ischemia‐modified albumin (IMA), lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and homocysteine (HCY) levels were significantly increased among hypertensive patients with ischemic stroke (p < 0.05). Then, we built a novel prognostic assessment model for hypertensive patients with ischemic stroke [Logit(P) = 29.172–1.088*CTLA‐4–0.952*IMA‐0.537*Lp‐PLA2 −0.066*GFAP −0.149*HCY]. It showed higher efficiency (AUC = 0.981, sensitivity = 95.5%, specificity = 93.8%) than any single marker. The estimated probability was 0.739, which means if higher than 0.739, it was classified into poor prognosis. Compared with the estimated probability ≤0.739 group, the survival rate of hypertensive patients with ischemic stroke in the estimated probability >0.739 group was significantly decreased (χ² = 40.001, p < 0.001). In the validation group, our novel prognostic assessment model still showed good efficiency (AUC = 0.969, sensitivity = 89.4%, specificity = 92.5%; χ² = 47.551, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Current novel prognostic assessment model we have built is of great value in the prognostic evaluation for ischemic stroke in the Chinese hypertensive population.

Next Generation Exome Sequencing of Pediatric Asthma Identifies Rare and Novel Variants in Candidate Genes

Multiple genes have been implicated to have a role in asthma predisposition by association studies. Pediatric patients often manifest a more extensive form of this disease and a particularly severe disease course. It is likely that genetic predisposition could play a more substantial role in this group. This study is aimed at identifying the spectrum of rare and novel variation in known pediatric asthma susceptibility genes using whole exome sequencing analysis in nine individual cases of childhood onset allergic asthma. DNA samples from the nine children with a history of bronchial asthma diagnosis underwent whole exome sequencing on Ion Proton. For each patient, the entire complement of rare variation within strongly associated candidate genes was catalogued. The analysis showed 21 variants in the subjects, 13 had been previously identified, and 8 were novel. Also, among of which, nineteen were nonsynonymous and 2 were nonsense. With regard to the novel variants, the 2 nonsynonymous variants in the PRKG1 gene (PRKG1: p.C519W and PRKG1: p.G520W) were presented in 4 cases, and a nonsynonymous variant in the MAVS gene (MAVS: p.A45V) was identified in 3 cases. The variants we found in this study will enrich the variant spectrum and build up the database in the Saudi population. Novel eight variants were identified in the study which provides more evidence in the genetic susceptibility in asthma among Saudi children, providing a genetic screening map for the molecular genetic determinants of allergic disease in Saudi children, with the goal of reducing the impact of chronic diseases on the health and the economy. We believe that the advanced specified statistical filtration/annotation programs used in this study succeeded to release such results in a preliminary study, exploring the genetic map of that disease in Saudi children.

Addressing the impact of ethnicity on asthma care

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In asthma, there is an increasing focus on personalizing treatment by targeting treatable traits. Ethnicity has effects on many biological and behavioural traits, and so is an important consideration when personalizing asthma care. This review has particular relevance in light of current patterns of international migration, which are leading to unprecedented levels of ethnic heterogeneity in many geographic regions.

RECENT FINDINGS

This review examines the effect of ethnicity on three key domains - biological traits, behavioural traits and health system behaviour. Ethnicity influences asthma biology by affecting biomarker reference ranges, response to drug therapy and asthma phenotypes. Ethnicity impacts behavioural traits through its effects on psychosocial well being, adherence and asthma self-management. Ethnic minorities are often disadvantaged with regards to healthcare access and healthcare interactions.

SUMMARY

Concerted action is needed to address current issues around behavioural traits and healthcare behaviour, which are influenced by ethnicity. More research is required to understand the impact of ethnicity on asthma biology, especially the interplay between genetic and environmental influences on asthma, and the differential response to asthma therapies.

Bidirectional association between asthma and migraines in adults: Two longitudinal follow-up studies

The objective of this study was to evaluate the bidirectional association between asthma and migraines using control subjects matched by demographic factors. The Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service - National Sample Cohort from 2002 to 2013 was used. In study I, 113,059 asthma participants were matched with 113,059 control I participants. In study II, 36,044 migraine participants were matched with 114,176 control II participants. The hazard ratios (HRs) of migraines in the asthma patients (study I) and asthma in the migraine patients (study II) were analyzed using stratified Cox proportional hazard models after adjusting for depression and the Charlson comorbidity index. In study I, 5.3% (6,017/ 113,059) of the asthma group and 3.4% (3,806/ 113,059) of the control I group had migraines (P < 0.001). The asthma group demonstrated an adjusted HR of 1.47 for migraine (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.41–1.53, P < 0.001). In study II, 15.4% (5,548/36,044) of the migraine group and 10.6% (15,271/144,176) of the control group had asthma (P < 0.001). The migraine group showed an adjusted HR of 1.37 for asthma (95% CI = 1.33–1.41, P value < 0.001). Asthma and migraines are reciprocally associated.