MBD2 As A Marker To Identify Different Phenotypes Of Severe Asthma

BackgroundStudies have shown that methyl-Cp G binding domain protein 2(MBD2)expression is significantly elevated in a neutrophil-dominant severe asthma mouse model and positively regulates Th17 cell differentiation.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate for the first time serum MBD2 levels as a marker for identifying different phenotypes of severe asthma.Methods:Adult asthmatic patients and healthy volunteers(n=84)were divided into healthy controls(n=21),non-severe asthma group(n=32)and severe asthma group(n=31).Severe asthma different phenotypes were defined according to the percentage of Th2 and Th17 cells and the type inflammatory cells in the peripheral blood.The percentage of Th2 and Th17 cells in the peripheral blood was determined by flow cytometry.Serum MBD2,eosinophilic cationic protein and myeloperoxidase were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Correlations of MBD2 expression with clinical parameters were evaluated using Spearman’s rank correlation analysis.Results:Serum MBD2,ECP and MPO levels were increased in severe asthma group compared to healthy controls and non-severe asthma group.MBD2 and MPO levels were significantly increased in Th17 severe asthma group compared to T2 severe asthma group.ECP level was significantly increased in T2 severe asthma group compared to Th17 severe asthma group.Furthermore,in severe asthma group,MBD2 showed significant positive correlation with MPO and Th17 cells,and significant negative correlation with ECP and Th2 cells,and significant negative correlation with lung function of patients.Conclusions:In conclusion,serum MBD2 can be used as a new biomarker for the identification of Th17 severe asthma,and has significant clinical diagnostic value for Th17 severe asthma.