Abstract
Understanding of the mechanisms of asthma has progressed in three areas: the genetics of asthma, the role of nitric oxide in asthma, and the role of neurokinins in asthma. Genes encoding for the high affinity IgE receptor, the beta 2-adrenergic receptor, and interleukin-4 have been linked to clinical characteristics of asthma. Exhaled nitric oxide may be a useful clinical marker for airway inflammation in asthma. Tachykinin receptors are present in human lung and may be differentially expressed in individuals with asthma.
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Adult
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Asthma / genetics
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Asthma / immunology
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Asthma / physiopathology*
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Bronchi / metabolism
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Child
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Child, Preschool
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Female
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Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / genetics
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Humans
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Interleukin-4 / genetics
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Neuropeptides / physiology
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Nitric Oxide / physiology
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Nitric Oxide Synthase / metabolism
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Protease Inhibitors / pharmacology
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Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2 / genetics
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / genetics
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Receptors, IgE / genetics
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Receptors, Tachykinin / antagonists & inhibitors
Substances
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Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
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Neuropeptides
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Protease Inhibitors
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Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta
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Receptors, IgE
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Receptors, Tachykinin
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Interleukin-4
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Nitric Oxide
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Nitric Oxide Synthase