Background: NF-kappaB is a transcription factor involved in expression of many inflammatory cytokines, chemical transmitters, and adhesion molecules. It has been reported to play a major role in the pathogenesis of asthma. NF-kappaB p50, which is the actual subunit that results from the cleavage of p105, is required for the induction of eosinophilia via IL-5 and chemokines.
Methods: The subjects were 10 patients with a mean age of 59.3 years (14-82 years). NF-kappaB p105 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells during the presence or absence of asthmatic attacks was investigated. Total RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. After cDNA was synthesized using random primers, NF-kappaB p105 mRNA level was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction.
Results: The NF-kappaB p105 mRNA level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was lower during asthmatic attacks than in the absence of attacks, showing a significant difference (Wilcoxon's signed rank test: p<0.01).
Conclusions: A drop in NF-kappaB p105 during an asthma attack could result in increased NF-kappaB activity. There is a possibility that a change in the NF-kappaB p105 mRNA level might indicate some pathogenetic state in bronchial asthma attacks.