Sequential evaluation of serum monocyte chemotactic protein 1 among asymptomatic state and acute exacerbation and remission of asthma in children.
BACKGROUND
Monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) plays an important role in various immune and allergic disorders since it is a potent chemo-attractant for inflammatory cells, such as eosinophils, memory T cells, and monocytes.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate serum MCP-1 during asymptomatic state and acute attacks of bronchial asthma.


METHODS
In this longitudinal cohort design study, sequential serum levels of MCP-1 were measured by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Twenty-four asthma patients' MCP-1 levels were examined at 5 time points: during the asymptomatic phase, in an acute wheezing episode, and at 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months after acute asthma attack. Fifteen children without asthma were enrolled as control.


RESULTS
During the asymptomatic phase of asthma, serum MCP-1 levels were significantly higher than that of normal controls (329.57 +/- 99.20 pg/ml vs. 213.63 +/- 77.29 pg/ml, p = 0.001). In comparison with the asymptomatic phase, the serum MCP-1 levels during the acute asthma attack were significantly higher (682.88 +/- 88.45 pg/ml vs. 329.57 +/- 99.20 pg/ml, p < 0.001). After treatment of acute asthma exacerbation, all of the serum MCP-1 levels declined within 1 week, but were still higher than control 2 months later.


CONCLUSIONS
In asthma patients, the consistently elevated serum levels of MCP-1 suggest its role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma - not only in the chronic inflammatory processes, but also in acute asthma attack exacerbation. These findings suggest a possible role for MCP-1 in the pathogenesis of asthma and a potential role for its use in anti-asthma treatment in the future.
Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Chin-Kan
CK
Chan
Ming-Ling
ML
Kuo
Kuo-Wei
KW
Yeh
Liang-Shiou
LS
Ou
Li-Chen
LC
Chen
Tsung-Chieh
TC
Yao
Jing-Long
JL
Huang
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000730:Androstadienes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018932:Chemokine CCL2 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood*; D002648:Child; D002681:China; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D000068298:Fluticasone; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D013726:Terbutaline / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000730:Androstadienes; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D018932:Chemokine CCL2; D000068298:Fluticasone; D013726:Terbutaline