Obesity, inflammation, and severe asthma: an update

Sharma, V. and Cowan, D. C. (2021) Obesity, inflammation, and severe asthma: an update. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, 21(12), 46. (doi: 10.1007/s11882-021-01024-9)

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Abstract

Purpose of Review: Obesity-associated difficult asthma continues to be a substantial problem and, despite a move to address treatable traits affecting asthma morbidity and mortality, it remains poorly understood with limited phenotype-specific treatments. The complex association between asthma, obesity, and inflammation is highlighted and recent advances in treatment options explored. Recent Findings: Obesity negatively impacts asthma outcomes and has a causal link in the pathogenesis of adult-onset asthma. Imbalance in the adipose organ found in obesity favours a pro-inflammatory state both systemically and in airways. Obesity may impact currently available asthma biomarkers, and obesity-associated asthma specific biomarkers are needed. Whilst surgical weight loss interventions are associated with improvements in asthma control and quality of life, evidence for pragmatic conservative options are sparse. Innovative approaches tackling obesity-mediated airway inflammation may provide novel therapies. Summary: The immunopathological mechanisms underlying obesity-associated asthma require further research that may lead to novel therapeutic options for this disease. However, weight loss appears to be effective in improving asthma in this cohort and focus is also needed on non-surgical treatments applicable in the real-world setting.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Cowan, Douglas and Sharma, Dr Varun
Authors: Sharma, V., and Cowan, D. C.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:Current Allergy and Asthma Reports
Publisher:Springer
ISSN:1529-7322
ISSN (Online):1534-6315
Published Online:18 December 2021
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2021 The Authors
First Published:First published in Current Allergy and Asthma Reports 21(12): 46
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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