ROLE OF LEUKOTRIENE B4 METABOLISM IN SEVERE ASTHMA

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. This study examines the potential contribution of CYP4F3 to clinical asthma. 40 patients with severe or persistent asthma will be recruited from the Asthma and Obstructive Disease clinics, while 40 controls will be recruited from the community at large. Blood will be drawn for genetics and evaluation of leukotriene metabolism, and the exhaled breath condensate will be collected for evaluation of NO and leukotriene levels, as well as IgE and RAST testing. In addition, the control subjects will complete a questionnaire and undergo spirometry testing. The patients will receive 4-6 months of clinical, educational, physiological, and pharmacological assessment and optimization, including high doses of inhaled corticosterones and long-acting inhaled beta-agonists to minimize symptoms and optimize lung function, after which they will again visit the GCRC for blood and exhale breath condensate testing. During the outpatient GCRC visits, nursing staff will be asked to administer the questionnaire, obtain informed consent, and draw and process blood samples. Biostatistics support is also requested to assist with the analysis of sample power.