Elevated Circulating Th2 Cells in Women With Asthma and Psychological Morbidity: A New Asthma Endotype?

Elevated Circulating Th2 Cells in Women With Asthma and Psychological Morbidity: A New Asthma Endotype? Clin Ther. 2020 May 29;: Authors: Cameron L, Palikhe NS, Laratta C, Vliagoftis H Abstract PURPOSE: Psychological stress shifts the immune system toward the production of T-helper (Th)-2-mediated cytokines and eosinophilia, increases the risks for both asthma and depression, and can precipitate asthma exacerbations. Th2-mediated inflammation is a characteristic of allergic asthma. We have shown that the levels of CD4+ Th2 cells in the peripheral blood of patients with asthma are associated with severity and/or control of the disease. To improve our understanding of the interactions between stress and asthma symptoms, we evaluated the effects of psychological comorbidity on Th2-mediated inflammation in patients with asthma. METHODS: Sixty-six asthmatic patients were recruited from the University of Alberta Asthma Clinic after they gave informed consent. Stress-related effects on asthma and psychological morbidity were assessed using the Asthma Control Questionnaire, completed by the patients at recruitment. Venous blood was collected at recruitment and Th2-mediated immunity evaluated by flow cytometry, quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. FINDINGS: Patients with stress-triggered asthma (n = 12) had higher percentage of CD4+ T cells (P = 0.00...
Source: Clinical Therapeutics - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: Clin Ther Source Type: research