Análise dos níveis de espécies reativas de oxigênio, biomarcadores inflamatórios e imunológicos, e da função pulmonar em crianças e adolescentes com asma em Vitória – ES
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Data
2025-09-25
Autores
Ferreira, Maiane Fernandes
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Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo
Resumo
INTRODUCTION: Given the inflammatory effects triggered by the inhalation of pollutants that promote the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), it is important to investigate the impact of exposure to air pollution on respiratory health, especially among children and adolescents with asthma, a particularly vulnerable group due to the ongoing development of their respiratory system. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate systemic levels of ROS, inflammatory and immunological biomarkers, as well as pulmonary function, in children and adolescents with and without a diagnosis of asthma residing in Vitória, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional study including 110 children and adolescents of both sexes, aged 6 to 15 years, with (n = 83) and without (n = 27) a previous diagnosis of asthma according to medical records from a Primary Health Care Unit. On a scheduled day, clinical assessments for pulmonary function (spirometry) were performed, and fasting blood samples were collected for complete blood count, basic biochemistry, and immunoglobulin measurements. A blood aliquot was stored at −80 °C for later quantification of ROS (superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide) by flow cytometry. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of CCS/UFES (Approval No. 3.546.535). Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 9.0. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation, median and interquartile range (IQR), or percentage (%). Group comparisons were conducted using the Mann–Whitney test, Student’s t test, and Chi-square test, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Patients with asthma showed higher eosinophil counts (447 [223–682] vs. 237 [157–410] N/mm³; p < 0.01) and higher IgE levels (548 [212–1091] vs. 138 [49.4–480] KU/L; p < 0.01) compared to controls. Regarding ROS production, there was a significant increase in superoxide anion levels (MIF) in the asthma group, with a median of 1295 [1162–1416], compared to the control group (1129 [973–1302]; p < 0.01). On the other hand, no significant difference was detected in hydrogen peroxide levels (MIF) between the asthma and control groups (3039 [1751–4293] vs. 2849 [1910–3403]; p = 0.34). Concerning pulmonary function, the asthma group presented lower Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV₁; %pred) compared to the non-asthma group (95.4 ± 15.9 vs. 105.0 ± 12.0; p < 0.01). Similarly, Forced Vital Capacity (FVC; %pred) was lower in the asthma group (100.4 ± 16.8 vs. 109.9 ± 15.2; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Children and adolescents with mild to moderate asthma exhibited greater inflammatory and oxidative activity, along with reduced pulmonary function, although still within normal clinical limits. Systemic quantification of ROS, particularly superoxide anion, proved sensitive in detecting oxidative activation, suggesting its potential as a complementary biomarker in the monitoring of asthma.
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Palavras-chave
Asma infantil , Função pulmonar , Estresse oxidativo , Inflamação , Citometria de fluxo , Childhood asthma , Pulmonary function , Oxidative stress , Inflammation , Flow cytometry