mRNA expression analysis of interleukins 17A and 17F in bronchial asthmatic patients from Northern Indian population

INTRODUCTION: Asthma being a chronic inflammatory disease concerning to the airways involves genetic and environmental factors. It is known to develop a clinical condition of airway hyper-responsiveness, which induces frequent symptoms in patients such as breathlessness, chest congestion, coughing, and wheezing, particularly during night hours or during early morning hours. The cytokine, Interleukin 17F (IL17F), is important in mediating allergic reactions in the body and regulating the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of asthmatic attacks, as well as airway inflammation, respectively. The Interleukin 17A (IL17A) is involved in increasing the biosynthesis of interleukins IL-6 and IL11. In contrast, IL17F enhances the expression of interleukin IL11 and tumor growth factor, TGF-β. METHODOLOGY: Standard procedures were followed for collection and processing of blood samples from the subjects (controls and patients, 104 each), isolation of mRNA and to determine the quantities of IgE, and the interlukins (IL17A and IL17F) in the serum. The Real-time PCR and ELISA techniques were employed for synthesis of cDNA and determination of interleukins, respectively, using standard protocols. Early diagnosis of asthma is still a challenge to meet. RESULTS: The statistical analysis of the data reflected a positive correlation between each of the interleukins (IL-17A and IL17F) and IgE (p = 0.001 and r = 0.41), (p = 0.004 and r = 0.077). The results indicated the upregulation of expression of IL17A and IL17F genes in the patients suffering from asthma. CONCLUSIONS: This study has indicated that the blood levels of IL-17A and IL17F could be utilized as viable clinical markers for early diagnosis, timely treatment, and proper management of asthma.