Neuropeptide Y as a potential biomarker in patients with asthma and obesity

The phenotype of asthma with obesity is particularly difficult to treat, while its prevalence is increasing. In recent years, special attention has been paid to neuropeptide Y (NPY) due to its possible effect on the severity of the clinical course of asthma.

Aim. To identify the relationship between the level of NPY and the clinical course of asthma in patients with obesity and overweight.

Methods. The study included 113 patients (27, or 23.89% of men and 86, or 76.11% of women) diagnosed with asthma of moderate severity, whose average age was 57.81 ± 13.05 years. Patients were divided into three groups — with normal body weight, overweight, and obesity. The examination included spirometry, body mass index (BMI), and a questionnaire. Also, Asthma Control Test (ACT) was used. The levels of leptin, adiponectin, NPY, and general oxidative damage were measured in all patients.

Results. Asthma control was significantly lower in the group of patients with asthma and obesity compared with the normal body weight and overweight patients. Leptin level was significantly higher in the group of patients with asthma and obesity compared with the normal body weight and overweight patients. The level of NPY was significantly higher in the group of patients with obesity than in the patients with normal body weight and overweight. No significant differences in the level of adiponectin were found between the groups. The NPY level had a high inverse correlation with VLC index, a moderate/medium inverse correlation with forced expiratory volume in 1 sec, forced expiratory flow (FEF) at 25%; forced vital capacity, Tiffno index, FEF 50%, peak expiratory flow, ACT score, and a moderate positive correlation with the level of total oxidative damage.

Conclusion. A higher level of NPY is observed in patients with asthma and obesity. This level has an inverse correlation with spirometric parameters, asthma control (evaluated via ACT) and a positive correlation with the level of general oxidative damage, which indicates a possible proinflammatory effect of NPY that contributes to an unfavorable course of asthma. Thus, further studies are required to establish the nature of the relationship between NPY and asthma exacerbations, as well as the mechanism of NPY influence on asthma pathogenesis.

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