Overweight Proxies Are Associated with Atopic Asthma: A Matched Case-Control Study

Effect of stearoyl-coenzyme a desaturase 1 (SCD1) on the function of mast cells

Background: The prevalence of childhood asthma and obesity is increasing, while obesity increases the risk and severity of asthma. Lipid metabolism has been considered as an important factor in the pathogenesis of obesity-associated asthma. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) is a rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the production of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA).Methods: In the present study, the microarray data retrieved from the Gene Expression Comprehensive Database (GEO) was analyzed to further clarify the impact of SCD1 on Mast cell activation related lipid mediators and the correlation between SCD1 and obesity asthma in the population.Results: SCD1 was highly expressed in IgE-activated bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). Meanwhile, SCD1 was also verified expressed highly in dinitrophenyl human serum albumin (DNP-HAS) stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. The expression of SCD1 was up-regulated in peripheral blood leukocytes of asthmatic children, and was positively correlated with skinfold thickness of upper arm, abdominal skinfold and body mass index (BMI). Inhibition of SCD1 expression significantly suppressed the degranulation, lipid mediator production, as well as the migration ability in DNP-HAS-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells.Conclusion: SCD1 is involved in obese-related asthma through regulating mast cells.

Is overweight/obesity a risk factor for atopic allergic disease in prepubertal children? A case-control study

OBJECTIVES

It is unclear whether body weight status (underweight/normal weight/overweight/obese) is associated with allergic disease. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between body weight status (body mass index; BMI) and atopic allergic disease in prepubertal children, and to compare children with atopic allergic diseases with non atopic healthy children.

METHODS

A prospective cross sectional study of 707 prepubertal children aged 3-10 years was performed; the participants were 278 atopic children with physician-diagnosed allergic disease (allergic rhinitis and asthma) (serum total IgE level >100 kU/l and eosinophilia >4%, or positivity to at least one allergen in skin test) and 429 non atopic healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Data were collected between December 2019 and November 2020 at the Pediatric General and Pediatric Allergy Outpatient Clinics of Bezmialem Vakıf University Hospital.

RESULTS

Underweight was observed in 11.6% of all participants (10.8% of atopic children, 12.2% of healthy controls), and obesity in 14.9% of all participants (18.0% of atopic children, 12.8% of controls). Obese (OR 1.71; 95% CI: 1.08-2.71, p=0.021), and overweight status (OR 1.62; 95% CI: 1.06-2.50, p=0.026) were associated with an increased risk of atopic allergic disease compared to normal weight in pre-pubertal children. This association did not differ by gender. There was no relationship between underweight status and atopic allergic disease (OR 1.03; 95% CI: 0.63-1.68, p=0.894).

CONCLUSIONS

Overweight and obesity were associated with an increased risk of atopic allergic disease compared to normal weight among middle-income and high-income pre pubertal children living in Istanbul.

Obesity-associated asthma in childhood

Obesity and bronchial asthma are very common diseases in children and adolescents, associated with a considerable burden of disease, reduced quality of life and comorbidities. Obesity is a significant risk factor for bronchial asthma. On the one hand, obesity leads to changes in the mechanics and function of the lungs and chest. On the other hand, obesity-associated inflammatory processes with increased production of leptin and cytokines may trigger bronchial inflammation with the appearance of asthmatic symptoms. The diseases are also linked by genetic factors. Physical activity and weight reduction have a significant benefit. Pharmacotherapy must be based on the pattern of inflammation. This article summarizes the current state of the literature on the association of asthma and obesity and presents current and possible future treatment options.