Evaluation of Serum Levels of Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptor Gene ADRB2 in Asthmatic Patients

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by reversible airflow obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and variable respiratory symptoms. The current study aims to evaluate serum levels of Beta-2 adrenergic receptor gene ADRB2 in asthmatic patients.  This case–control study was conducted in Wasit Province, Iraq, with participants recruited from several private clinics across different areas of Kut Governorate, Wasit Province, Iraq. A total of 80 individuals were included, comprising 45 asthmatic patients and 35 apparently healthy controls. The mean age of patients was (38.44 ± 11.02) years, while controls had a mean age of (36.71 ± 10.15) years, with a balanced distribution of males and females in both groups. The results showed that serum ADRB2 levels were significantly lower in asthmatic patients (1.172 ± 0.060 ng/ml) compared to controls (1.483 ± 0.093 ng/ml) (P = 0.005). This reduction was not genotype-dependent but was more pronounced in male patients (P = 0.004), while no significant difference was observed in females (P = 0.151). In conclusion, the greater reduction of serum ADRB2 in male patients implies that gender-specific physiological or hormonal factors can modulate receptor expression and may contribute to differential disease manifestations.