CFTR gene mutations and asthma in the Norwegian Environment and Childhood Asthma study

SummaryBackgroundSeveral candidate genes have been implicated in the etiology of asthma, including the gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Mutations in the CFTR gene result in derangements of mucociliary clearance. Homozygotes for CFTR mutations develop cystic fibrosis (CF), a disorder characterized mainly by lung and pancreas disease.ObjectiveTo investigate whether there was an increased frequency of CFTR mutations in asthma patients.MethodsSeven hundred and three subjects aged 10–11 years from the environment and childhood asthma (ECA) study were included in the present study. Possible associations between asthma, reduced lung function, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), and increased or decreased nitrogen oxide (NO) levels (based on structural parental interview, spirometry, PD20 methacholine challenge test and exhaled NO measurements), and the five most common CFTR mutations in Norway (ΔF508, R117H, R117C, 4005+2T→C, 394delTT), the modulating polymorphisms IVS8(TG)mTn and the IVS8-5T were investigated.ResultsNo association were found between asthma, reduced lung function, BHR or exhaled NO levels and CF heterozygosity. However, the IVS8(TG)11T7 haplotype was associated with normal lung function.ConclusionsOur results do not support the hypothesis that CFTR mutations or polymorphisms play a role in the pathogenesis of asthma in children. However, the distribution of Tn(TG)m haplotypes differed between individuals with reduced lung function and individuals with normal lung function.