Clinical and experimental allergy : journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology
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Chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g. asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)are leading causes of morbidity and mortality world-wide and effective treatments are limited. These disorders can often be attributed to abnormal immune responses to environmental stimuli and infections. Mechanisms leading to inflammation are complex,resulting from interactions of structural cells and activation of both the adaptive and innate arms of the immune system. ⋯ Our current understanding of the role of miRNA in the regulation of inflammatory disease (e.g. allergic diseases) remains limited. In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of miRNA biogenesis and function, the roles miRNA play in the regulation of immune cell function and their potential contribution to inflammatory diseases. We also highlight strategies to alter miRNA function for experimental or therapeutic gain, and discuss the potential utility and limitations of targeting these molecules as anti-inflammatory strategies.
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Measuring fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a simple and non-invasive method for assessing airway inflammation. IL-17 plays an important role in T cell-dependent inflammatory response that occurs in allergic asthma, it could act as a potent activator of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) to amplify FeNO levels. ⋯ CD4(+) IL-17A(+) T cells counts and serum IL-17 levels in conjunction with augmented FeNO levels are systemic markers of childhood asthma, using these markers, prediction and potential therapeutics for persistent asthmatics may be developed.