Decreased expression of leptin/leptin receptor linked to severe asthma and airway remodeling

The adipokine leptin is a potential new mediator for bronchial epithelial homeostasis. TGF-beta is a tissue growth factor the dysregulation of which is associated with airway remodeling.

TGF-beta decreased leptin receptor expression (inhaled steroid fluticasone reverses that). Leptin decreased the spontaneous release of TGF-beta and increased cell proliferation.

Severe asthma was associated with a reduced expression of leptin and its receptor and an increased RBM thickness with unaltered TGF-beta expression.

The authors concluded that decreased expression of leptin/leptin receptor characterizes severe asthma and is associated with airway remodeling.



Severe asthma - differential diagnosis and management (click to enlarge the image).

References:
Leptin and leptin receptor expression in asthma. Bruno A, Pace E, Chanez P, Gras D, Vachier I, Chiappara G, La Guardia M, Gerbino S, Profita M, Gjomarkaj M. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009 Jun 17.