The asthma-COPD overlap syndrome: Transcription factors GATA3 and STAT6 as possible markers

The aim of the study is to analyze an expression of transcription factors (GATA3, STAT6, et al.) and IFN-γ in peripheral blood of patients with asthma-COPD overlap syndrome and asthma. Materials and methods. 24 patients with asthma and 18 with asthma-COPD overlap syndrome were examined. The expression of protein level of GATA3 and STAT6 were analyzed by Western blotting and mRNA of IFN-γ - by RT-PCR (primers have been developed on the basis of known sequences (GenBank)). Expression levels of mRNA and protein were estimated concerning level of β-actin. Preparation of cell lysates, and the Western blotting were performed through the standard procedure. mRNA quantity reverse transcription PCR followed by electrophoresis on 1,5% agarose gel was performed. Lymphocytes derived from patientswere additionally analyzed after 1h incubation using IMDM with and without IL-4 (in the concentration 10 ng/ml). The spirometry with bronchodilation test and blood and sputum analyses were performed in all examined patients. Results. GATA3 levels were significantly decreased in patients with asthma-COPD overlap syndrome in comparison with asthma (p=0,014) (U-criterion). GATA3 and STAT6 levels were significantly decreased also after the IL-4 action in patients with asthma-COPD overlap syndrome in comparison with asthma (p=0,001 and p=0,008) (U-criterion). On the contrary significant increase of mRNA IFN-γ was registered in lymphocytes derived from patients with asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (p=0,015) (U-criterion). Conclusion: Transcription factors GATA3 and STAT6 play the important role in the pathogenesis of asthma and may be used as markers in differentiation from patients with asthma-COPD overlap syndrome.