Molecular Determination of Toll-Like Receptors 2 and 4 among Asthmatic Patients in Basrah, South Iraq

Aims: Bronchial asthma is a life-threatening disease with a multifactorial etiology. It was shown that immunological dysregulations play an essential role in the exacerbation of the patient’s attacks. Toll-like receptors act as a bridge in the transmission of different signals associated with the regulation of immune responses. According to numerous research, TLR2 causes different outcomes in asthma. TLR2 and TLR4 overexpression seems to predispose to an increase in the frequency of dyspneic attacks. Therefore, this study aimed to learn more about the function of TLR2 and TLR4 and investigate their underlying association with allergic airway inflammation in asthmatic patients. Materials Methods: In this case-control study conducted at outpatient clinics in a Specialized Allergy Center in Basrah City, South of Iraq, 70 asthmatic patients and 70 healthy individuals were investigated. 4ml of venous blood was drawn and divided into two parts: 2ml was used for RNA extraction and qRT-PCR, and another 2ml was used for the serological tests. Data analysis was done by SPSS 26 software. Findings: The mean serum levels of TLR2 and TLR4 were significantly higher in the asthmatic group (28.33±13.00ng/ml and 46.30±20.32ng/ml, respectively) than in the control group (7.33±3.73ng/ml and 26.28±14.32ng/ml, respectively). Also, the expression level of TLR2 and TLR4 was significantly higher in the asthmatic group (p 0.05). Conclusion: TLR2 and TLR4 are increased in patients with bronchial asthma compared to healthy individuals. Elevated levels of both biomarkers may act as a trigger for increased secretion of other cytokines, leading to exacerbation of asthmatic signs and symptoms.