Resistin is a predictor of asthma risk and resistin:adiponectin ratio is a negative predictor of lung function in asthma. Issue 8 (27th May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ballantyne, D.; Scott, H.; MacDonald‐Wicks, L.; Gibson, P. G.; Wood, L. G.
• Is Part Of: Clinical & experimental allergy. Volume 46:Issue 8(2016:Aug.)
• Page Start: 1056
• Page End: 1065
• Publication Date: 2016-05-27
• Subjects: asthma -- obesity -- adiponectin -- adipokines -- asthma; Allergy -- Periodicals; Immunology -- Periodicals; 616.97
• DOI: 10.1111/cea.12742
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-7894

Abstract

Summary: Background: Adipokines, such as resistin and adiponectin, modify inflammation and may contribute to increased asthma risk and severity in obese people. Objective: To examine plasma resistin and resistin:adiponectin ratio (i) in asthmatics compared to healthy controls, (ii) according to asthma severity, obesity and gender (iii) following weight loss in obese asthmatics. Methods: In a cross‐sectional observational study of asthmatic adults ( n = 96) and healthy controls ( n = 46), plasma resistin and adiponectin were measured. In a separate intervention study, obese asthmatic adults ( n = 27) completed a 10‐week weight loss intervention and plasma resistin and adiponectin concentrations were analysed. Results: Plasma resistin and resistin:adiponectin ratio were higher in asthma compared to controls and were higher again in subjects with a severe vs. mild‐to‐moderate asthma pattern. Amongst asthmatic subjects, resistin was not modified by gender or obesity, while adiponectin was lower in males and obese subjects. As a result, resistin:adiponectin ratio was higher in obese males, non‐obese males and obese females, compared to non‐obese females. In a logistic regression model, plasma resistin concentration was a predictor of asthma risk. In a multiple linear regression model, plasma resistin:adiponectin ratio was a negative predictor of FEV1 in asthma. Following weight loss, neither resistin, adiponectin nor resistin:adiponectin ratio was changed. However, the change (∆) in %body fat was associated with ∆ resistin:adiponectin ratio. Post‐intervention ∆ resistin was negatively correlated with both ∆FRC and ∆RV. Conclusion and clinical relevance: This study demonstrates that resistin and resistin:adiponectin ratio are higher in asthma and are higher again in subjects who have more severe disease. Resistin:adiponectin ratio is highest in obese male asthmatics. As resistin is a predictor of asthma risk and resistin:adiponectin is a predictor of FEV1 in asthma, these adipokines may be contributing to the obese asthma phenotype, thus providing a potential therapeutic target for obese asthma.