Blood reveals the key to treatment: researchers test a new method for diagnosing asthma.

Researchers from Rutgers Health have made a potential breakthrough in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma. They found that elevated levels of the molecule cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the blood could serve as a reliable marker for this condition. This finding suggests that a simple blood test could revolutionize asthma treatment by diagnosing the disease and assessing its severity. This method could be particularly beneficial for children and individuals in areas with limited access to healthcare, according to Knowridge.

The study, the results of which will soon be published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, showed that individuals with asthma can have cAMP levels up to 1000 times higher than those without the condition. Dr. Reynold Panettieri, the senior author of the study and vice chancellor of Rutgers University, explained that the molecule, produced in the smooth muscle cells of the airways, enters the bloodstream through a specific transport protein.

This finding contradicts the long-held belief that the enzyme phosphodiesterase is responsible for lowering cAMP levels. "This discovery changes our understanding of the role of cAMP in asthma," noted Dr. Panettieri. During the study, researchers analyzed blood samples from 87 asthma patients and 273 individuals without the disease. They consistently found elevated levels of cAMP in asthma sufferers, and this level directly correlated with the severity of the disease.

This means that blood tests could be used to monitor patients over time, allowing healthcare providers to track disease progression and adjust treatments accordingly, the authors believe. According to Dr. Panettieri, this innovation may be particularly useful for diagnosing young children who often struggle with traditional lung function tests. A simple blood test taken via a finger prick could become a more practical alternative.

Asthma is a widespread condition affecting about 1 in 20 Americans, with higher rates in urban areas where pollution and environmental factors exacerbate the disease. In urban centers, approximately 1 in 15 residents suffers from asthma, making it one of the leading causes of emergency department visits for children.

The research team is currently collaborating with industry partners to develop a practical blood test for clinical use. Initial attempts to create a simple kit similar to a pregnancy test were unsuccessful due to low sensitivity. However, a new version utilizing fluorescent markers appears promising and may be ready in the next year or two, the authors stated.

In addition to aiding in diagnosis, this discovery could lead to the development of more effective treatments for the disease. Current asthma medications, such as albuterol, increase cAMP levels to relax airway muscles. By targeting the transport protein responsible for cAMP leakage, future treatments may enhance the efficacy of these medications.

Researchers are also studying changes in cAMP levels across different asthma subtypes, hoping to develop personalized treatment approaches. Dr. Panettieri emphasized that asthma is not a single disease but a collection of various subtypes, each requiring an individualized approach. Despite the widespread use of inhaled steroids and bronchodilators, asthma remains difficult to treat for many patients.

Having such a blood test could enable doctors to better identify those who need more aggressive treatments and monitor the effectiveness of therapies. If successful, this discovery could lead to faster diagnoses, improved treatments, and enhanced quality of life for millions of asthma sufferers worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases globally, affecting over 262 million people in 2019. Environmental factors, such as air pollution and allergens, play a significant role in the prevalence of the disease.

Important! This article is based on the latest scientific and medical research and does not contradict them. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. For diagnosis, please consult a doctor.