Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Pediatrics

Background: The relation between obesity and asthma is bidirectional. Obesity and asthma are characterized by the presence of inflammation. A possible mechanism linking obesity and asthma is through systemic inflammation characterized by elevated serum levels of pro-inflammatory adipokines. Objective: to evaluates the role of resistin and adiponectin as contributing factors for asthma in obese children; and their role on asthma control and severity; also the influence of obesity on the phenotype of asthma. Methods: Our study included 29 lean asthmatics, 23 obese asthmatic children from Specialized Children{u2019}s Hospital, Cairo university and the medical service unit, National research center (NRC) and 30 controls. All cases were subjected to detailed history taking and thorough examination; pulmonary function tests and measurement of serum adiponectin, resistin, MCP-1 and IgE. Results: elevated serum adiponectin level (P=<0.001) and decreased serum MCP-1 level (P=0.036) in obese asthmatic children compared to lean and control group; No significant difference concerning serum resistin level between cases and controls (P=0.758). Conclusion: Adiponectin was found to be higher in serum of obese asthmatics than lean asthmatics and controls, thus playing a role in induction of obesity in asthmatics. Adiponectin may play role in asthma pathogenesis in lean patients. Resistin and resistin/adiponectin ratio had no role in asthma pathogenesis. MCP-1 had a role in chronicity of asthma. Obese asthmatic children had better FEV1 and FVC% and less frequent exacerbations than lean asthmatics

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