Lung function in adults with stable but severe asthma: air trapping and incomplete reversal of obstruction with bronchodilation.

Five to ten percent of asthma cases are poorly controlled chronically and refractory to treatment, and these severe cases account for disproportionate asthma-associated morbidity, mortality, and health care utilization. While persons with severe asthma tend to have more airway obstruction, it is not known whether they represent the severe tail of a unimodal asthma population, or a severe asthma phenotype. We hypothesized that severe asthma has a characteristic physiology of airway obstruction, and we evaluated spirometry, lung volumes, and reversibility during a stable interval in 287 severe and 382 nonsevere asthma subjects from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Severe Asthma Research Program. We partitioned airway obstruction into components of air trapping [indicated by forced vital capacity (FVC)] and airflow limitation [indicated by forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1))/FVC]. Severe asthma had prominent air trapping, evident as reduced FVC over the entire range of FEV(1)/FVC. This pattern was confirmed with measures of residual lung volume/total lung capacity (TLC) in a subgroup. In contrast, nonsevere asthma did not exhibit prominent air trapping, even at FEV(1)/FVC <75% predicted. Air trapping also was associated with increases in TLC and functional reserve capacity. After maximal bronchodilation, FEV(1) reversed similarly from baseline in severe and nonsevere asthma, but the severe asthma classification was an independent predictor of residual reduction in FEV(1) after maximal bronchodilation. An increase in FVC accounted for most of the reversal of FEV(1) when baseline FEV(1) was <60% predicted. We conclude that air trapping is a characteristic feature of the severe asthma population, suggesting that there is a pathological process associated with severe asthma that makes airways more vulnerable to this component.     

Lung function in Canadian Inuit: a follow-up study.

To assess the impact of acculturation on lung function, the forced vital capacity (FVC) and the 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) of 341 Inuit at Igloolik, NWT were measured. The same observers had used the same equipment to test 196 subjects in 1970-71. Cross-sectional analysis suggested that, relative to the previous decade, younger subjects had larger lung volumes (with gains of about 10% in FVC and 5% in FEV1), while the elderly had smaller volumes (with losses of about 22% in FVC and 25% in FEV1). Longitudinal analysis confirmed an accelerating loss of lung function in the older subjects: from age 25 to 35 years men and women had a loss in FVC of 13 and 11 mL/yr respectively, whereas from age 45 to 55 years the corresponding figures were 70 and 38 mL/yr. Cigarette smoking had increased substantially among the Inuit over the decade: the proportion of males and females smoking rose from 64% to 81% and from 85% to 93% respectively. Daily cigarette consumption per smoker increased from 11.8 to 20.2 and from 7.4 to 12.0 among men and women respectively. Nevertheless, the main explanation for the shape of the ageing curve is the survival of a small cohort of elderly Inuit with advanced tuberculosis. With control of this disease future cohorts of the elderly will have better lung function.     

Leptin is inversely associated with lung function in African Americans, independent of adiposity: the Jackson Heart Study

Leptin, a 16-kDa protein, has proinflammatory properties and has been linked to respiratory physiological responses in majority white populations. Little is known, however, about the relationship of leptin with lung function in nonwhites. Cross-sectional associations of circulating serum leptin concentrations with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)), FEV in 6 s (FEV(6)), and vital capacity (FVC), assessed by spirometry, were examined in 4,679 African-American men and women participants (54.3 ± 12.4 years; 62.7% women) in the Jackson Heart Study (JHS). The independent association of leptin was examined in relation to FEV(1), FEV(6), and FVC% predicted after adjustment for age, education, smoking status, pack-years of cigarette smoking, respiratory medication use, and menopausal status in women; additional adjustment included total body weight, waist circumference, and BMI. Serum leptin was inversely related to FEV(1), FEV(6), and FVC% predicted values in men. A dose-response relationship was observed with men in the highest leptin quartile having a significantly lower lung function compared to men in the lower leptin quartile. BMI significantly modified this relationship in women: leptin was most consistently associated with lung function in obese women, less consistent in overweight women, and absent in normal-weight women. Serum leptin concentration was strongly, inversely, and independently associated with lung function in African Americans, especially African-American men and obese women.     

apelin基因rs2235306位点多态性与哮喘的相关性研究

目的:探讨apelin基因rs2235306位点多态性与哮喘的相关性。方法:以外周血全血DNA为模板,应用四引物扩增受阻突变体系PCR(Tetra-primer ARMS PCR,T-ARMS-PCR)方法对158例哮喘患者(AS)和79例健康个体(NC)apelin基因rs2235306位点基因型进行分析,同时进行肺功能检查(FEV1、FVC、FEV1/FVC)。结果:AS组和NC组apelin基因rs2235306位点等位基因T和C频率分布具有统计学意义(X2=6.906,P=0.009,OR=1.688,95%CI=1.140-2.497),AS组C等位基因频率显著高于健康对照组;AS组和NC组基因型分布具有统计学意义(X2=14.243,P=0.000,OR=3.894,95%CI=1.861-8.149),其中CC基因型患哮喘的风险较高,为TT+TC基因型的3.894倍。AS轻度组和AS中重度组基因型CC和TT+TC频率及等位基因T和C频率比较均无统计学意义。结论:apelin基因rs2235306位点多态性和哮喘的发病具有一定的相关性,C等位基因可能是哮喘的遗传易感基因,CC基因型携带者哮喘的患病风险可能增加,但与哮喘的严重程度无明显相关性。     

信必可对咳嗽变异性哮喘的辅助治疗

目的探讨信必可对咳嗽变异性哮喘患者的辅助治疗。方法选择2016年1月至2017年1月于宁波市第九医院就诊的117例咳嗽变异性哮喘患者,按照随机数字表将患者分为观察组(59例)和对照组(58例)。对照组患者采用常规治疗,观察组在对照组基础上结合信必可治疗。两组患者疗程均为8周。比较两组患者治疗效果,治疗前后患者第1秒用力呼气容积(FEV1)与FEV1/用力肺活量(FVC)变化,白介素-5(IL-5)和白介素-10(IL-10)变化,以及不良反应发生情况。结果观察组患者总有效率(94.92%)高于对照组(75.86%),差异有统计学意义(χ~2=8.550,P0.05)。两组患者治疗后FEV1和FEV1/FVC增加(P0.05),且治疗后观察组患者FEV1和FEV1/FVC高于对照组(P0.05)。两组患者治疗后血清IL-5水平降低而IL-10水平增加(P0.05),且治疗后观察组患者血清IL-5水平低于对照组,血清IL-10水平高于对照组(P0.05)。两组患者用药期间均未出现明显不良反应。结论信必可对咳嗽变异性哮喘患者辅助治疗的临床疗效显著,可改善患者肺功能,降低炎性介质IL-5水平和提高IL-10水平,患者无明显不良反应,安全可靠,值得进一步研究。     

The structural basis of airways hyperresponsiveness in asthma.

We hypothesized that structural airway remodeling contributes to airways hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in asthma. Small, medium, and large airways were analyzed by computed tomography in 21 asthmatic volunteers under baseline conditions (FEV1 = 64% predicted) and after maximum response to albuterol (FEV1 = 76% predicted). The difference in pulmonary function between baseline and albuterol was an estimate of AHR to the baseline smooth muscle tone (BSMT). BSMT caused an increase in residual volume (RV) that was threefold greater than the decrease in forced vital capacity (FVC) because of a simultaneous increase in total lung capacity (TLC). The decrease in FVC with BSMT was the major determinant of the baseline FEV1 (P < 0.0001). The increase in RV correlated inversely with the relaxed luminal diameter of the medium airways (P = 0.009) and directly with the wall thickness of the large airways (P = 0.001). The effect of BSMT on functional residual capacity (FRC) controlled the change in TLC relative to the change in RV. When the FRC increased with RV, TLC increased and FVC was preserved. When the relaxed large airways were critically narrowed, FRC and TLC did not increase and FVC fell. With critical large airways narrowing, the FRC was already elevated from dynamic hyperinflation before BSMT and did not increase further with BSMT. FEV1/FVC in the absence of BSMT correlated directly with large airway luminal diameter and inversely with the fall in FVC with BSMT. These findings suggest that dynamic hyperinflation caused by narrowing of large airways is a major determinant of AHR in asthma.     

Occupation and three-year incidence of respiratory symptoms and lung function decline: the ARIC Study

Background

Specific occupations are associated with adverse respiratory health. Inhalation exposures encountered in these jobs may place workers at risk of new-onset respiratory disease.

Methods

We analyzed data from 8,967 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, a longitudinal cohort study. Participants included in this analysis were free of chronic cough and phlegm, wheezing, asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other chronic lung conditions at the baseline examination, when they were aged 45-64 years. Using data collected in the baseline and first follow-up examination, we evaluated associations between occupation and the three-year incidence of cough, phlegm, wheezing, and airway obstruction and changes in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) and forced vital capacity (FVC) measured by spirometry. All associations were adjusted for age, cigarettes per day, race, smoking status, and study center.

Results

During the approximately three-year follow-up, the percentage of participants developing chronic cough was 3%; chronic phlegm, 3%; wheezing, 3%; and airway obstruction, defined as FEV₁ < lower limit of normal (LLN) and FEV₁/FVC < LLN, 2%. The average annual declines in FEV₁ and FVC were 56 mL and 66 mL, respectively, among men and 40 mL and 52 mL, respectively, among women. Relative to a referent category of managerial and administrative support occupations, elevated risks of new-onset chronic cough and chronic phlegm were observed for mechanics and repairers (chronic cough: RR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.02, 3.21; chronic phlegm: RR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.57) and cleaning and building service workers (chronic cough: RR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.37; chronic phlegm: RR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.27, 4.08). Despite the elevated risk of new-onset symptoms, employment in cleaning and building services was associated with attenuated lung function decline, particularly among men, who averaged annual declines in FEV₁ and FVC of 14 mL and 23 mL, respectively, less than the declines observed in the referent population.

Conclusions

Employment in mechanic and repair jobs and cleaning and building service occupations are associated with increased incidence of respiratory symptoms. Specific occupations affect the respiratory health of adults without pre-existing respiratory health symptoms and conditions, though long-term health consequences of inhalation exposures in these jobs remain largely unexplored.     

乌司他丁联合布地奈德治疗支气管哮喘急性发作期的临床疗效及对患者血清PDCD5、S1P、OPN水平的影响

目的:探讨乌司他丁联合布地奈德治疗支气管哮喘急性发作期的临床疗效及对患者血清程序化细胞死亡因子5(PDCD5)、1-磷酸鞘氨醇(S1P)、骨桥蛋白(OPN)水平的影响。方法:选择2014年3月到2017年3月于我院进行治疗的170例支气管哮喘急性发作期患者作为研究对象,按照随机数表法分为观察组(n=90)和对照组(n=80)。对照组使用布地奈德治疗,观察组在对照组的基础上使用乌司他丁进行治疗。比较两组的临床疗效,治疗前后血清PDCD5、S1P、OPN水平、第1秒用力呼气容积(FEV1)、用力肺活量(FVC)、FEV1/FVC水平的变化、临床症状改善情况及不良反应的发生情况。结果:治疗后,观察组临床疗效总有效率为95.56%,明显高于对照组(71.25%,P0.05);两组血清PDCD5、S1P、OPN水平较治疗前均显著降低(P0.05),且观察组血清以上指标均明显低于对照组(P0.05);两组FEV1、FVC、FEV1/FVC水平较治疗前均显著升高(P0.05),观察组以上指标均明显高于对照组(P0.05);观察组患者咳嗽、哮鸣音及胸闷气短消失时间均明显短于对照组(P0.05);观察组不良反应总发生率为6.67%,显著低于对照组(18.75%,P0.05)。结论:乌司他丁联合布地奈德治疗支气管哮喘急性发作期患者的临床效果显著优于单用布地奈德治疗,可能与其有效改善患者血清PDCD5、S1P、OPN水平有关。     

Usefulness of Anthropometry and DXA in Predicting Intra‐abdominal Fat in Obese Men and Women

Objective: To investigate the usefulness of anthropometry and DXA in predicting intra‐abdominal fat (IAF) in obese men and women. Research Methods and Procedures: Observational, cross sectional study of 22 women and 18 men with a body mass index of 30 or above. IAF from 20 cm above and 10 cm below the L4 to L5 intervertebral disc was measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a reference method. Central abdominal fat was measured from the upper border of L2 to the lower border of L4 by DXA. Waist and hip circumferences were also measured. Results: In obese women DXA, waist circumference and waist‐hip ratio were equally well correlated with IAF (r = 0.74, 0.75, and 0.70, respectively). In obese men DXA was moderately correlated with IAF measured by MRI (r = 0.46), whereas waist circumference and waist‐hip ratio were not significantly correlated with IAF. Discussion: The prediction of IAF in obese subjects was highly dependent on sex more than in non‐obese persons. Anthropometry and DXA were equally useful in obese women, whereas anthropometry had no predictive power and DXA was the only acceptable predictor of IAF in obese men.     

Relationship between respiratory muscle function and age, sex, and other factors

To investigate the effects of gender and age on respiratory muscle function, 160 healthy volunteers (80 males, 80 females) were divided into four age groups. Twenty-eight of the male subjects were smokers. After the subjects were familiarized with the experimental procedure, respiratory muscle strength, inspiratory muscle endurance, and spirometric function, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, tidal volume, breathing rate, and duty cycle, were measured. The respiratory muscle strength was indicated by the maximal static inspiratory and expiratory pressures (PImmax and PEmmax). Inspiratory muscle endurance was determined by the time the subject was able to sustain breathing against an inspiratory pressure load on a modified Nickerson-Keens device. The results showed that 1) except for inspiratory muscle endurance and FEV1/FVC, men had greater respiratory muscle and pulmonary functions than women, 2) respiratory muscle function and pulmonary function decreased with age, 3) smoking tended to lower duty cycle and FEV1/FVC and to enhance PE,mmax, and 4) inspiratory muscle endurance was greater in men who were physically active than in those who were sedentary. Therefore we conclude that there are sexual and age differences in respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function and that smoking or physical activity may affect respiratory muscle function.     

Relationship between Lung Function and Metabolic Syndrome

Although the link between impaired lung function and cardiovascular events and type 2 diabetes mellitus has been recognized, the association between impaired lung function and metabolic syndrome has not been comprehensively assessed in the United States (U.S.) population. The aim of our study was to explore the association between impaired lung function and metabolic syndrome in a nationally representative sample of men and women. This cross-sectional population-based study included 8602 participants aged 20–65 years in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). We examined the relationship between the different features of metabolic syndrome and lung function, including forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). After adjusting for potential confounders such as age, body mass index, inflammatory factors, medical condition, and smoking status, participants with more components of metabolic syndrome had lower predicted values of FVC and FEV1 (p for trend <0.001 for both). Impaired pulmonary function was also associated with individual components of metabolic syndrome, such as abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and low high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p<0.05 for all parameters). These results from a nationally representative sample of US adults suggest that a greater number of features of metabolic syndrome is strongly associated with poorer FVC and FEV1. In clinical practice, more comprehensive management strategies to address subjects with metabolic syndrome and impaired lung function need to be developed and investigated.     

维生素A、D治疗毛细支气管炎和儿童支气管哮喘的临床效果研究

目的:探讨维生素A、D治疗毛细支气管炎和儿童支气管哮喘的临床效果。方法:选取2016年1月-2018年1月本院住院治疗的毛细支气管炎患儿120例、门诊就诊的支气管哮喘患儿120例、儿童保健门诊查体的健康患儿40例(近1年均无服用维生素AD史)作为研究对象。将毛细支气管炎组、哮喘组分别随机分为治疗组40例(常规治疗+口服维生素AD组)和对照组40例(常规治疗组)。治疗组补充口服维生素AD1粒qd,疗程共6个月。分别比较三组血清维生素A、D水平,随访6个月、1年内喘息的控制情况(喘息发作次数、持续时间、咳嗽程度、有无夜间症状或夜间憋醒、有无活动受限)及肺功能(第1秒用力呼气容积(FEV1)、用力肺活量(FVC)、FEV1/FVC),哮喘组≥4岁患儿进行儿童哮喘控制测试(C-ACT)评分评价哮喘的控制情况。结果:观察组与对照组患儿血清维生素A、D水平无显著性差异(P0.05);观察组、对照组患者维生素A、D水平显著低于健康组患儿(P0.05);观察组患儿喘息发作次数、喘息发作时间、夜间症状、夜间憋醒、活动受限发生情况均显著低于对照组(P0.05)。治疗后,两组各肺功能指标较治疗前均显著升高(P0.05),观察组FEV1、FVC、FEV1/FVC水平及C-ACT评分均明显高于对照组(P0.05),观察组进展支气管哮喘的发生率明显低于对照组(P0.05)。结论:维生素A、D治疗毛细支气管炎和儿童支气管哮喘的临床效果显著。     

稳定期慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者营养不良与甲状腺激素、肺功能及血清IL-6、IL-18的关系研究

目的:观察稳定期慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)患者营养不良与甲状腺激素、肺功能及血清白细胞介素(IL)-6、IL-18的关系。方法:选择2019年1月~2020年12月我院收治的稳定期COPD患者76例作为研究对象。根据患者的微型营养评定(MNA)评分将其分为营养不良组(n=31)和非营养不良组(n=45),比较两组患者的人口学资料、疾病相关因素,甲状腺激素[三碘甲状腺原氨酸(T3)、甲状腺激素(T4)、促甲状腺激素(TSH)]水平,肺功能[第1秒用力呼气量占预测值百分比(FEV1%pred)、第1秒用力呼气量与用力肺活量比值(FEV1/FVC)],血清IL-6、IL-18水平。分析MNA评分与甲状腺激素水平、肺功能及血清IL-6、IL-18水平的相关性。分析患者发生营养不良的危险因素。结果:营养不良组年龄高于非营养不良组(P<0.05)。营养不良组T3、T4、TSH、FEV1%pred、FEV1/FVC显著低于非营养不良组,血清IL-6、IL-18水平显著高于非营养不良组(P<0.05)。稳定期COPD患者的MNA评分与T3、T4、TSH、FEV1%pred、FEV1/FVC呈正相关,与IL-6、IL-18呈负相关(P<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,年龄>60岁、T3≤1.60 nmol/L、T4≤73.00 nmol/L、TSH≤1.50 nmol/L、FEV1%pred≤60.00%、FEV1/FVC≤0.54、IL-6≥8.00 pg/mL、IL-18≥47.00 pg/mL是稳定期COPD患者营养不良的危险因素(P<0.05)。结论:稳定期COPD患者营养不良受多种因素影响,临床应针对相关因素给予有效干预,降低此类患者营养不良风险。     

Relationship Between Changes in EMG and Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia in a Study of Relaxation Therapy for Asthma

This paper reports the relationships among changes in cardiovagal activity, surface EMG, and measures of pulmonary function in a study of relaxation therapy for asthma. Changes in FEV ₁ /FVC were negatively correlated with those in cardiac interbeat interval, consistent with the hypothesis that relaxation-induced changes in airway function are mediated autonomically, with increased vagal tone and/or decreased sympathetic arousal producing bronchoconstriction. Contrary to Kotses's theory of a vagal-trigeminal reflex as mediator for relaxation-induced improvement in asthma, decreases in pulmonary function occurred during relaxation sessions, accompanied by increases in cardiovagal activity, and within-session changes in frontal EMG in the first session of training were positively associated with changes in a measure of pulmonary function (FEV1/FVC). However, consistent with this hypothesis, first-session frontalis EMG changes were positively associated with changes in respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and last-session changes in cardiac interbeat interval were positively associated with changes in FEV1/FVC. The results suggest that the immediate effects of generalized relaxation instruction can be associated with a parasympathetic rebound, which, in turn, may induce countertherapeutic changes in asthma. However, the effects of specific facial muscle relaxation remain uncelar.     

A comparative analysis of biomass and clean fuel exposure on pulmonary function during cooking among rural women in Tamilnadu,India

It is of interest to document data on the comparative analysis of biomass and clean fuel exposure on pulmonary function during cooking among rural women. The study consisted of 100 biomass and 100 LPG fuel using women with no smoking habits and other related illness Parameters such as FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, FEF25-75%were obtained using the computerized spirometry to assess the pulmonary function in these subjects. The collected data were analyzed using the Student t-test method and Pearson correlation. The exposure index for biomass fuel users is 69.78±27.25 showing high exposure duration during cooking. The parameters for pulmonary functions significantly declined in FVC (42.34±13.6), FEV1 (45.55±15.98), PEFR (34.11±14.78) and FEF25-75% (45.56±23.00) for biomass fuel user. However, this is not true for FEV1/FVC ratio (107.56±16.9). The increase in PFT suggests the restrictive and obstructive patterns of pulmonary diseases. There was a negative correlation between increased duration of cooking and the value of FEV1/FVC (r = -0.2961), FEF25-75% (r = -0.3519) and PEFR (r = -0.2868). Thus, the deformation of pulmonary function due to extended exposure of biomass fuel for cooking women in rural Tamilnadu is shown using parameter features such as high exposure index, overcrowded area and improper ventilated houses.     

Bronchodilator Responsiveness and Reported Respiratory Symptoms in an Adult Population

Background

The relationship between patient-reported symptoms and objective measures of lung function is poorly understood.

Aim

To determine the association between responsiveness to bronchodilator and respiratory symptoms in random population samples.

Methods

4669 people aged 40 years and older from 8 sites in Canada completed interviewer-administered respiratory questionnaires and performed spirometry before and after administration of 200 ug of inhaled salbutamol. The effect of anthropometric variables, smoking exposure and doctor-diagnosed asthma (DDA) on bronchodilator responsiveness in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) and in forced vital capacity (FVC) were evaluated. Multiple logistic regression was used to test for association between quintiles of increasing changes in FEV₁ and in FVC after bronchodilator and several respiratory symptoms.

Results

Determinants of bronchodilator change in FEV₁ and FVC included age, DDA, smoking, respiratory drug use and female gender [p<0.005 to p<0.0001 ]. In subjects without doctor-diagnosed asthma or COPD, bronchodilator response in FEV₁ was associated with wheezing [p for trend<0.0001], while bronchodilator response for FVC was associated with breathlessness. [p for trend <0.0001].

Conclusions

Bronchodilator responsiveness in FEV₁ or FVC are associated with different respiratory symptoms in the community. Both flow and volume bronchodilator responses are useful parameters which together can be predictive of both wheezing and breathlessness in the general population.     

Glutathione S-transferase genotypes modify lung function decline in the general population: SAPALDIA cohort study

Background

Understanding the environmental and genetic risk factors of accelerated lung function decline in the general population is a first step in a prevention strategy against the worldwide increasing respiratory pathology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Deficiency in antioxidative and detoxifying Glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene has been associated with poorer lung function in children, smokers and patients with respiratory diseases. In the present study, we assessed whether low activity variants in GST genes are also associated with accelerated lung function decline in the general adult population.

Methods

We examined with multiple regression analysis the association of polymorphisms in GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 genes with annual decline in FEV1, FVC, and FEF_25–75 during 11 years of follow-up in 4686 subjects of the prospective SAPALDIA cohort representative of the Swiss general population. Effect modification by smoking, gender, bronchial hyperresponisveness and age was studied.

Results

The associations of GST genotypes with FEV1, FVC, and FEF_25–75 were comparable in direction, but most consistent for FEV1. GSTT1 homozygous gene deletion alone or in combination with GSTM1 homozygous gene deletion was associated with excess decline in FEV1 in men, but not women, irrespective of smoking status. The additional mean annual decline in FEV1 in men with GSTT1 and concurrent GSTM1 gene deletion was -8.3 ml/yr (95% confidence interval: -12.6 to -3.9) relative to men without these gene deletions. The GSTT1 effect on the FEV1 decline comparable to the observed difference in FEV1 decline between never and persistent smoking men. Effect modification by gender was statistically significant.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that genetic GSTT1 deficiency is a prevalent and strong determinant of accelerated lung function decline in the male general population.     

Respiratory and immune response to maximal physical exertion following exposure to secondhand smoke in healthy adults

We assessed the cardiorespiratory and immune response to physical exertion following secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure through a randomized crossover experiment. Data were obtained from 16 (8 women) non-smoking adults during and following a maximal oxygen uptake cycling protocol administered at baseline and at 0-, 1-, and 3- hours following 1-hour of SHS set at bar/restaurant carbon monoxide levels. We found that SHS was associated with a 12% decrease in maximum power output, an 8.2% reduction in maximal oxygen consumption, a 6% increase in perceived exertion, and a 6.7% decrease in time to exhaustion (P<0.05). Moreover, at 0-hours almost all respiratory and immune variables measured were adversely affected (P<0.05). For instance, FEV(1) values at 0-hours dropped by 17.4%, while TNF-α increased by 90.1% (P<0.05). At 3-hours mean values of cotinine, perceived exertion and recovery systolic blood pressure in both sexes, IL4, TNF-α and IFN-γ in men, as well as FEV(1)/FVC, percent predicted FEV(1), respiratory rate, and tidal volume in women remained different compared to baseline (P<0.05). It is concluded that a 1-hour of SHS at bar/restaurant levels adversely affects the cardiorespiratory and immune response to maximal physical exertion in healthy nonsmokers for at least three hours following SHS.     

IL-10基因启动子-627位点多态性与过敏性哮喘

目的:探讨白细胞介素-10(IL-10)启动子-627C/A基因多态性和等位基因频率与过敏性哮喘血清IgE、IL-10浓度以及病情严重程度的相互关系。方法:从哮喘病人DNA文库中选择青岛地区过敏性哮喘病人518例和健康志愿者501例,采用PCR-RFLP方法对IL-10基因启动子-627位点多态性进行观察,比较两组基因型和等位基因的分布频率,同时测定血清中总IgE、IL-10浓度和肺功能检查(FEV1、FVC、FEVl/FVC)。结果:轻度和中-重度哮喘组AA、CA和CC基因型所占比例分别为38.1%、46.0%、15.9%和45.6%、46.2%和8.2%(P=0.0168,X~2=8.232,df=2)A等位基因与哮喘病轻的严重程度有明显相关性(P<0.05)。AA基因型哮喘病人血清的IgE浓度显著升高(P<0.01),但其血清IL-10浓度比CC基因型携带者明显降低(P<0.01)。结论:IL-10基因启动子-627位点多态性与过敏性哮喘的发生有一定的相关性,等位基因A是哮喘患病的风险基因,而等位基因C则是哮喘病的保护基因。     

Sleep-disordered breathing and asthma: evidence from a large multicentric epidemiological study in China

Background

Previous studies have postulated that sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) may be associated with the occurrence and exacerbation of asthma. However, there was limited quantitative evidence on the topic. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence and predisposing factors of asthma, and quantifying the association between SDB and asthma among school-aged children in China. In addition, a comprehensive meta-analysis of the published evidences and our findings were further conducted.

Methods

To test the hypothesis, we conducted a multicentric cross-sectional study involving 22,478 children aged 5–12 years recruited from eight cities in China. Furthermore, a meta-analysis based on both previously published studies and our cross-sectional study was performed.

Results

The prevalence rate of SDB and asthma was 12.0% and 3.5% among our cross-sectional study sample. It was demonstrated that symptoms of SDB, such as habitual snoring (OR = 1.28, 95%CI: 1.01-1.62), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (OR = 1.92, 95%CI: 1.34-2.76), were significantly associated with asthma, after adjusting for potential confounding factors. In the meta-analysis, SDB was correlated with the prevalence of asthma in both children (OR = 1.58, 95%CI: 1.35-1.80) and adults (OR = 1.55, 95%CI: 1.42-1.67).

Conclusions

Our results provide further evidence for the independent association between SDB and asthma. The clinical significance of our findings lies in the emphasis that children undergoing examination or treatment for asthma should be routinely screened for sleep problems. Further systematic study is required to illuminate the underlying mechanism.