A Neutral Peek At Oxygenase

To the authors�� knowledge, this is the first report comprehensively comparing the association of sputum neutrophil levels in both asthmatics and non-asthmatics in a large population, ranging from childhood to old age. Our findings are consistent with those previously described separately for asthmatics and non-asthmatic adults. For example, Thomas et?al. reported a significant correlation (r?=?0.58; P?Oxygenase older (50�C70 years; n?=?6) and younger (20�C40 years; n?=?12) asthmatics,[16] a trend was shown for an increased percentage of sputum neutrophils in the older group, and a corresponding increase in interleukin-8, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and neutrophil elastase.[9] The correlation observed for adults in our study (r?=?0.35; P?��?0.0001) was not as strong as that reported by Thomas et?al., but was learn more similar to those observed previously in asthmatics (r?=?0.27 to r?=?0.38).[8, 27, 28] No studies reporting on age and neutrophil levels in children are available. Gender and ICS use had a significant effect on sputum neutrophil differential independent of age in asthmatics, while atopy had a significant effect on neutrophil percentage in non-asthmatics. In a recent longitudinal study, ICS use was shown to increase sputum BKM120 cell line neutrophils in asthmatics,[27] possibly through mechanisms leading to impairment of apoptosis.[29] Woodruff et?al.[8] and Shaw et?al.[15] have previously established that decreased lung function was independently associated with sputum neutrophil percentage, alongside age, male gender, ethnicity and use of ICS, although to our knowledge, a direct relationship between male gender and sputum neutrophils has not previously been described. A similar gender effect was observed with serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels (produced by neutrophils), which were significantly increased in elderly men (not women) with decreased forced expiratory volume in 1?s.[30] However, the aforementioned study did not specifically assess this in asthma, or determine if it was associated with neutrophilic airway inflammation. The association between atopy and airway neutrophilia in non-asthmatic adults was unexpected. However, one cross-sectional study comparing food allergy patients (without respiratory symptoms), asthmatics and controls found a significantly increased proportion of airway neutrophils in the food allergy patients,[31] suggesting that allergic/atopic mechanisms may be associated with subclinical neutrophilic airway inflammation. It is unclear if this is related to food allergy specifically, or atopy in general.