Polymorphisms and haplotypes of acid mammalian chitinase are associated with bronchial asthma.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Chitinases are enzymes that cleave chitin, a polysaccharide contained in many parasites of humans. Recent studies in mouse models of bronchial asthma have shown that acid mammalian chitinase (AMCase) is involved in the pathophysiology of asthma. It acts downstream of interleukin-13; inhibition of AMCase leads to an abrogated T-helper cell 2 inflammation, less bronchial hyperreactivity, and fewer eosinophils.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify common genetic variants in human AMCase and to use them to test for association of AMCase with pediatric asthma.

Methods

By sequencing the promotor region and all 11 exons on 30 individuals, 12 high-frequency polymorphisms were identified. Genotyping of six variants in exons and one promotor polymorphism w

SUBMITTER: Bierbaum S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2718453 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature