Associations of blood group-related antigens to FEV1, wheezing, and asthma.

Abstract

Discordant results have been observed regarding the associations of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases with secretor, Lewis, and ABO histo-blood groups, which are defined by glycosyltransferases. These enzymes build up oligosaccharide structures that play a role in the adhesion of environmental factors to epithelial cells. The objectives of the present study were to assess the role of all three systems, Lewis (Le), salivary ABH secretor (Se), and red cell blood group ABO, on lung function, wheezing, and asthma in a cohort of 228 coal miners studied cross-sectionally, considering the potential modifying effect of environmental factors on these associations. Asthma was significantly related to nonsecretor phenotype. Significantly lower lung function and higher prevalences of wheezing and asthma were observed in Lewis-negative or nonsecretor subjects of blood group O. Very low lung function values were observed in the small group of Lewis-negative nonsecretors who lack both Le and Se controlled fucoses (1% of Caucasians). Lewis-positive, salivary ABH secretors who have these two fucoses represent 70% of Caucasians. Among these subjects, lower lung function was observed in blood group A, and in a lesser extent in blood group B, i.e., with terminal alpha GaINAc or alpha Gal respectively, than in blood group O subjects. ABO, Lewis, and secretor phenotypes did not account for the potential genetic heterogeneity of subjects toward smoking, but alcohol consumption appeared to exert a protective effect on lung function in Lewis-negative subjects (10% of Caucasians). If confirmed in other populations, the magnitude of the effects observed regarding low lung function in Lewis-negative ABH nonsecretors, and the protective effect of Lewis negative on the deleterious effect of alcohol, may be of clinical importance. Further studies of the combined effects of various histo-blood group genetic systems seem worthwhile, particularly for airflow limitation, wheezing, and asthma, possibly with reference to susceptibility to infectious agents.

Genomic Approaches to Understanding Asthma

“…Other candidate genes investigated include, but are not limited to, the ␣ region of the T-Cell Receptor (TCR) ␣/␦ locus (Moffatt et al 1994); the ␣ 1 -Antitrypsin gene (␣ 1 -AT; Katz et al 1976;Hyde et al 1979; Liebermann and Colp 1990); histo-blood-group genetic systems (Kauffmann et al 1996); the cystic fibrosis gene (⌬F508; Mennie et al 1995;Schroeder et al 1995); Gm allotypes of IgG genes (Oxelius 1990); the Ig heavychain ␥ 4 locus (IGHG4; Amoroso et al 1996); the Clara cell-secretory-protein (CC16) locus (Laing et al 1998;Mao et al 1998); the chemokine receptor loci on chromosome 3 (Hall et al 1999;Syed et al 1999); and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene (Benessiano et al 1997). A number of these studies have not yet been replicated in independent populations.…”

ABO and RhD Blood Groups in Nasal Polyposis

“…There are studies that claim that there is a significant relationship between a specific blood group and susceptibility to asthma or allergic rhinitis (4-6). Studies on adults and children with bronchial asthma have shown that asthma is significantly related to the O/non-secretor phenotype (4,5). Compared with controls, a significantly higher incidence of the O phenotype in male patients with allergic rhinitis was reported (6).…”

ABO blood groups, Rhesus factor, and anaphylactic reactions due to Hymenoptera stings

“…The results observed in asthma were discordant. Kauffmann [14] suggested that Lewis-negative or non-secretor with group O predispose to lower lung function and higher prevalence of The result is not significant at p < 0.05 The result is not significant at p < 0.05 The result is not significant at p < 0.05 wheezing and asthma. On the contrary, other publications reported no significant differences between asthma and any blood group in ABO [15,16].…”