Nasal Epithelium Gene Expression Profiling in Child Respiratory Allergic Disease

Nasal Epithelium Gene Expression Profiling in Child Respiratory Allergic

Using a human pangenomic microarray, the researchers established expression profiles of nasal epithelial cells, collected by brushing of patients belonging to one of four distinct groups:

1. allergic rhinitis to dust mite (AR) isolated (n=12),
2. AR associated with bronchial hyperreactivity (n=12),
3. AR associated with asthma (n=14),
4. control (n=14).

Context: Asthma is the most frequent chronic disease in childhood. Allergic rhinitis has been described as a risk factor to develop asthma. The objective of the study was to evaluate the contribution of the respiratory epithelium to development of allergic rhinitis and asthma and to identify the molecular mechanisms driving rhinitis toward asthma.

Methods: Using a human pangenomic microarray, we established expression profiles of nasal epithelial cells, collected by brushing of patients belonging to one of four distinct children 2 to 18 years of age groups:

1. allergic rhinitis to dust mite (AR) isolated (n=12),
2. AR associated with bronchial hyperreactivity (n=12),
3. AR associated with asthma (n=14),
4. control (n=14).

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients:

• Patients between 6 and 17 years old
• Patients with allergic rhinitis

Witness:

• Patients between 6 and 17 years old
• Patients without allergic rhinitis and asthma

Exclusion Criteria:

• Rhino-bronchitis infection dated from less than 15 days
• Patients younger than 6 or older than 17 years