Asthma
Conditions
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to determine whether a specific genetic factor influences the severity of asthma symptoms.
Detailed description
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States. It is well known that asthma susceptibility is inherited; however, it is unknown if asthma severity is heritable. Studies suggest that levels of interleukin-16 (IL-16) may influence asthma severity. This study will examine the role of differences in the control region of the IL-16 gene in a racially diverse group of asthmatics and nonasthmatics and will determine if the IL-16 gene control region is related to asthma severity. Participants in this study will undergo lung function and blood tests; they will also complete a questionnaire about their respiratory health. Asthmatic participants will complete a severity-of-asthma questionnaire.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 44 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
for Asthmatic Participants: * Diagnosis of asthma Inclusion Criteria for Non-asthmatic Participants: * No diagnosis of asthma
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Examination of the relationship between the IL-16 promoter genotype and the presence of the asthma phenotype | Throughout study |
| Examination of the relationship between the IL-16 promoter genotype and asthma severity | Throughout study |
| Examination of the serum IL-16 concentration and the serum IL-16:IL-9, IL-16:IL-13, and IL-16: TNF-alpha ratios as possible intermediate phenotypes lining the IL-16 promoter genotype to asthma severity | Throughout study |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Storage of DNA from all 600 participants for future study into the determinants of asthma severity | Throughout study |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed