A Polymorphism in the Catalase Gene Promoter Confers Protection Against Severe RSV Bronchiolitis

Abstract

RATIONALE: There is strong epidemiological evidence that the prevalence of atopy and asthma changes with puberty, but the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. We have previously discovered that multiple hormonal systems are dysregulated in allergic disease. Since sex steroids are known to interact with other hormonal systems, we sought to determine the effects of puberty on non-sex hormones in allergic patients. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from pediatric patients (36 allergic cases and 18 healthy controls) and adult patients (39 asthmatics and 35 healthy controls). A comprehensive profiling of the endocrine system was performed using magnetic bead multiplex assays. RESULTS: Several key non-sex hormones are dysregulated in allergic patients: growth hormone (GH), C-peptide, insulin, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4). Pre-puberty male allergic subjects had higher levels of GH, T3, and T4 compared to healthy controls, while female allergic children had lower levels of C-peptide and insulin. Strikingly, the opposite pattern emerged after puberty. Male and female asthmatic adults had lower levels of GH compared to controls, and female asthma patients had lower levels of T3 and T4. Post-puberty, C-peptide and insulin levels in females reached levels observed in males. CONCLUSIONS: The onset of puberty profoundly affects not only sex hormones, but also other components of the endocrine system. As these hormones play important roles in homeostasis and immunity, future gender studies should focus not only on the direct effects of estrogen, but also on gender-influenced changes in central metabolism and other hormonal systems.

Nutrigenetics of antioxidant enzymes and micronutrient needs in the context of viral infections

“…Chambliss et al (122) have shown that respiratory syncytial virus infection is associated with oxidative lung injury, decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes and degradation of the transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2, a master regulator of antioxidant enzyme expression. Additionally, Chambliss et al (122) demonstrated that the CAT rs1001179 (-262C/T) polymorphism in the lung may play an important and protective role in respiratory syncytial virus-associated lower respiratory tract infections in children heterozygous or homozygous for the variant allele. Similarly, the presence of the CAT rs1001179 (-262C/T) T allele has been previously associated with a decreased risk of asthma in nonsmokers in the Hong Kong Chinese population (123) , yet with an increased risk of new-onset of asthma among Hispanic and Caucasian children (124) .…”

“…SNP have been associated with airway diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (121) ; however, little is known in this context regarding virus-induced lung disorders. Chambliss et al (122) have shown that respiratory syncytial virus infection is associated with oxidative lung injury, decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes and degradation of the transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2, a master regulator of antioxidant enzyme expression. Additionally, Chambliss et al (122) demonstrated that the CAT rs1001179 (-262C/T) polymorphism in the lung may play an important and protective role in respiratory syncytial virus-associated lower respiratory tract infections in children heterozygous or homozygous for the variant allele.…”

A Polymorphism in the Catalase Gene Promoter Confers Protection against Severe RSV Bronchiolitis

“…Of the evaluated SNPs that is found in the promoter region of catalase gene, thus resulting in higher enzyme expression, was found to be remarkably underrepresented among patients with moderate to severe RSV bronchiolitis compared to patients with milder forms of the disease. Some of the results of this study have previously been presented as an abstract [17].…”

Plasma interleukin-22 level, variants in interleukin-22 gene polymorphism, and the severity of systemic lupus erythematosus among Egyptian pediatric and adolescents

“…15 Because autoimmune diseases share some comparable immune imbalance and genetic background, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is predominantly linked with multiple autoimmune diseases. 16 Several SNPs were recognized earlier in the IL-22 gene and were linked to a number of different diseases’ risk. 17,18…”