Association of Apolipoproteins with Symptoms of Asthma and Atopy among Schoolchildren

Abstract

Background: There is evidence for an association between serum cholesterol concentrations and asthma, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. We explored the associations between serum apolipoprotein concentrations and symptoms of asthma and atopy. Methods: In a population-based cross-sectional study among 10-year-old schoolchildren (n = 462), plasma concentrations of apolipoprotein AI (apoAI) and apolipoprotein B (apoB) were measured. Information on disease symptoms and diagnoses was collected by parental questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyse the data. Results: High plasma apoAI concentrations (≥1.74 g/l) were associated with high prevalence of wheeze (OR 3.65; 95% CI 1.43–9.33), and a trend was seen with asthma (OR 3.35; 95% CI 0.94–11.93). In linear analyses, plasma apoAI concentrations were positively related to wheeze (β-coefficient = 3.20; p = 0.045) and non-atopic wheeze (β-coefficient = 4.47; p = 0.036), and a trend was found for asthma (β-coefficient = 3.29; p = 0.099). Overall, plasma apoB concentrations were not associated with either symptoms of asthma or allergy. Conclusion: Our results support the hypothesis that high apoAI is associated with the manifestation of asthma and atopy. The underlying pathomechanism still remains to be fully elucidated, but suggests that immune mechanisms may play a central role. However, our results are based on a small study sample and larger studies are warranted to confirm these observations.

Difference in the Breast Milk Proteome between Allergic and Non-Allergic Mothers

“…For example, apolipoproteins were found to be over-expressed in the milk of allergic mothers. Like protease inhibitors, apolipoproteins have been previously linked to asthma and atopy in children [ 28 ]; and more recently, their mimetic peptides have emerged as a potential new treatment for asthma [ 29 ]. Furthermore, our study provides also novel proteins that are different between allergic and non-allergic mothers, like transthyretin, which is carrier for the thyroid hormone thyroxine, and is also involved in retinol transport.…”

Low serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in childhood is associated with adolescent asthma

“…In vitro and in vivo models have shown major proteins of HDL, apoA‐I and apoA‐II, as well as other proteins such as paraoxonase that co‐transport with HDL to have antioxidant properties and direct anti‐inflammatory roles through inhibition of the expression of adhesion molecules in various tissues including the lung . In contrast, an epidemiological study among schoolchildren has demonstrated a positive association between plasma apolipoprotein A and asthma outcomes . However, more recent reports on experimental animal asthma models have documented that apolipoprotein A‐I mimetic peptides attenuate the induction of asthma and decrease airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation and oxidative stress .…”

Serum 25(OH)D status and lipid profile in children with newly diagnosed asthma

“…A recent study in children with asthma has shown that higher LDL-cholesterol levels were associated with asthma occurrence and this association was amplified by overweight and obesity [6]. This finding is inconsistent with the earlier data indicating no association of apoB concentration with symptoms of asthma or allergy [7]. Having these controversies in mind, we aimed to elucidate whether there was an association between vitamin D status and lipid profile components and apolipoprotein B in a sample of children with newly diagnosed atopic asthma.…”