Expression of the Apoptosis Inhibitor Bcl-2 in Sputum Eosinophils in Patients with Asthma

Background and Objectives: Apoptosis of eosinophils is of significant value in assessing the airway inflammation in patients with asthma. Our purpose was to investigate the degree ofexpression of the Bcl-2 protein in sputum eosinophils during acute asthma exacerbation and its relationship with exacerbation severity. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in Mostafa Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran in March 2008. Sputum was obtained from 15 asthmatic patients and 13 healthy subjects as a control group. Number of eosinophils was counted and Bcl-2+ eosinophils were stained usingimmunocytochemistry. Results: Sputum eosinophils and Bcl-2+ eosinophils were significantly higher in patients withacute exacerbation than controls (P<0.05). Conclusion: Bcl-2 prolongs survival and decreases apoptosis of airway eosinophils during acuteasthma exacerbation. Eosinophil apoptosis and inhibition of Bcl-2 represent a target for new and effective therapeutic strategies of asthma.

Keywords:

Apoptosis , Asthma , B-bcl-2 Proteins , Eosinophil , Sputum