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Research

Effect of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO)-based asthma management during pregnancy versus usual care on infant development, temperament, sensory function and autism signs

Asthma during pregnancy is associated with a range of adverse perinatal outcomes. It is also linked to increased rates of neurodevelopmental conditions in the offspring. We aimed to assess whether fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO)-based asthma management during pregnancy improves child developmental and behavioural outcomes compared to usual care. The Breathing for Life Trial was a randomised controlled trial that compared FENO-based asthma management during pregnancy to usual care.

Research

Airway-associated adipose tissue accumulation is increased in a kisspeptin receptor knockout mouse model

Airway-associated adipose tissue increases with body mass index and is a local source of pro-inflammatory adipokines that may contribute to airway pathology in asthma co-existing with obesity. Genetic susceptibility to airway adiposity was considered in the present study through kisspeptin/kisspeptin receptor signalling, known to modulate systemic adiposity and potentially drive airway remodelling. 

Research

The influence of sunlight exposure and sun protecting behaviours on allergic outcomes in early childhood

The dramatic rise in allergic disease has occurred in tandem with recent environmental changes and increasing indoor lifestyle culture. While multifactorial, one consistent allergy risk factor has been reduced sunlight exposure. However, vitamin D supplementation studies have been disappointing in preventing allergy, raising possible independent effects of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.

Research

Intrauterine Growth Restriction Promotes Postnatal Airway Hyperresponsiveness Independent of Allergic Disease

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with asthma. Murine models of IUGR have altered airway responsiveness in the absence of any inflammatory exposure. Given that a primary feature of asthma is airway inflammation, IUGR-affected individuals may develop more substantial respiratory impairment if subsequently exposed to an allergen. This study used a maternal hypoxia-induced mouse model of IUGR to determine the combined effects of IUGR and allergy on airway responsiveness.

Research

Multiancestry association study identifies new asthma risk loci that colocalize with immune-cell enhancer marks

We identified new asthma loci, found new associations at loci implicated in the comorbidity of asthma plus hay fever and confirmed nine known loci.

Research

Reduced transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in the repair of airway epithelial cells of children with asthma

Evidence into the role of TGF-β1 in airway epithelial repair in asthma is still controversial. This study tested the hypothesis that the reduced TGF-β1 levels previously observed in paediatric asthmatic airway epithelial cells directly contribute to the dysregulated repair seen in these cells.

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Identification of genes differentially regulated by vitamin D deficiency that alter lung pathophysiology and inflammation in allergic airways disease

Vitamin D deficiency exacerbates house dust mite-induced inflammation and alterations in lung structure and function

Research

Severe winter asthma exacerbations can be prevented by omalizumab, but there is no carryover effect.

Recurrent severe asthma exacerbations are associated with decreased lung growth or accelerated loss of long function and add substantially to cost and morbidity

Research

Immunodominant T-cell epitopes in the VP1 capsid protein of rhinovirus species A and C

Our results indicate a dissociation between the antibody and T-cell responses to rhinoviruses