The role of specific cytokines in the progression of asthma and atherosclerosis : the effect of asthma on the cytokine profile and atherogenesis in mice

Abstract

A persistent respiratory condition known as asthma causes constriction of the airways and breathing problems. Chronic inflammation that involves the TH2 response and the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines is the root cause of this illness. Atherosclerosis is another manifestation of ongoing inflammation. It is characterized by the growth and rupture of an atheroma plaque, which releases all of its contents, including foam cells, ox-LDL, and detritus. These two illnesses have long been considered to be distinct conditions, but recent research have revealed a connection between them. According to this study, mice with asthmatic animals had higher amounts of IL-4 and TNF-α, whereas mice with atherosclerosis had decreased levels of these two proteins. In the instance of IL-4, atherosclerosis has resulted in a drop in this cytokine's levels in aorta samples from mice with both atherosclerosis and asthma. In contrast, mice with both atherosclerosis and asthma had somewhat lower levels of TNF-α in their aortas, which was a result of atherosclerosis. The anti-atherogenic effects of IL-4 and the pro-atherogenic effects of TNF- suggest that atherosclerosis may postpone asthma because of these effects. The relationship between asthma and atherosclerosis is still unclear, though. In this area, more research is really necessary.