The purpose of this study is to determine whether a specific genetic factor influences the severity of asthma symptoms.
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States. It is well known that asthma susceptibility is inherited; however, it is unknown if asthma severity is heritable. Studies suggest that levels of interleukin-16 (IL-16) may influence asthma severity. This study will examine the role of differences in the control region of the IL-16 gene in a racially diverse group of asthmatics and nonasthmatics and will determine if the IL-16 gene control region is related to asthma severity. Participants in this study will undergo lung function and blood tests; they will also complete a questionnaire about their respiratory health. Asthmatic participants will complete a severity-of-asthma questionnaire.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
600
Boston University School of Medicine
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Examination of the relationship between the IL-16 promoter genotype and the presence of the asthma phenotype
Time frame: Throughout study
Examination of the relationship between the IL-16 promoter genotype and asthma severity
Time frame: Throughout study
Examination of the serum IL-16 concentration and the serum IL-16:IL-9, IL-16:IL-13, and IL-16: TNF-alpha ratios as possible intermediate phenotypes lining the IL-16 promoter genotype to asthma severity
Time frame: Throughout study
Storage of DNA from all 600 participants for future study into the determinants of asthma severity
Time frame: Throughout study
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