BACKGROUND: Lung function impairment among asthmatic children begins in early life, and biomarkers for identifying this impairment are needed. The chitinase-like protein YKL-40 has been associated with asthma and lung function in adults, but studies in children have yielded conflicting results. We evaluated the potential of YKL-40 and other systemic biomarkers for identifying lung function deficits in children with asthmatic symptoms. METHODS: We determined the levels of serum YKL-40, periostin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) from the blood samples of 49 children with asthmatic symptoms. Lung function was assessed with impulse oscillometry (IOS) and spirometry, combined with an exercise challenge and a bronchodilator test. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide was measured at multiple flow rates. RESULTS: Serum levels of YKL-40 showed significant correlations with most IOS indices at baseline (P = .008-.039), but there was no association between YKL-40 and spirometry parameters. Neither periostin nor hs-CRP were associated with baseline lung function. Children with a significant response in either the exercise challenge or the bronchodilator test had increased serum levels of YKL-40 (P = .003) and periostin (P = .035). YKL-40 correlated significantly with the blood neutrophil count (rs = .397, P = .005) but was not associated with biomarkers of eosinophilic inflammation. CONCLUSION: Serum YKL-40 is a potential biomarker for lung function deficits in children with asthmatic symptoms. These deficits appear to be focused on small airways and may remain undetected with spirometry.
BACKGROUND: Lung function impairment among asthmatic children begins in early life, and biomarkers for identifying this impairment are needed. The chitinase-like protein YKL-40 has been associated with asthma and lung function in adults, but studies in children have yielded conflicting results. We evaluated the potential of YKL-40 and other systemic biomarkers for identifying lung function deficits in children with asthmatic symptoms. METHODS: We determined the levels of serum YKL-40, periostin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) from the blood samples of 49 children with asthmatic symptoms. Lung function was assessed with impulse oscillometry (IOS) and spirometry, combined with an exercise challenge and a bronchodilator test. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide was measured at multiple flow rates. RESULTS: Serum levels of YKL-40 showed significant correlations with most IOS indices at baseline (P = .008-.039), but there was no association between YKL-40 and spirometry parameters. Neither periostin nor hs-CRP were associated with baseline lung function. Children with a significant response in either the exercise challenge or the bronchodilator test had increased serum levels of YKL-40 (P = .003) and periostin (P = .035). YKL-40 correlated significantly with the blood neutrophil count (rs = .397, P = .005) but was not associated with biomarkers of eosinophilic inflammation. CONCLUSION: Serum YKL-40 is a potential biomarker for lung function deficits in children with asthmatic symptoms. These deficits appear to be focused on small airways and may remain undetected with spirometry.
Authors: Christina Weber-Chrysochoou; Yasemin Darcan-Nicolaisen; Johanna Wohlgensinger; Eva Maria Tinner; Remo Frei; Susanne Loeliger; Roger P Lauener; Eckard Hamelmann Journal: Int Arch Allergy Immunol Date: 2021-03-17 Impact factor: 2.749
Authors: Joseph J Mackel; Jaleesa M Garth; MaryJane Jones; Diandra A Ellis; Jonathan P Blackburn; Zhihong Yu; Sadis Matalon; Miranda Curtiss; Frances E Lund; Annette T Hastie; Deborah A Meyers; Chad Steele Journal: Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol Date: 2021-02-03 Impact factor: 6.011