Peripheral blood mononuclear cell NF-κB p105 mRNA decreases during asthmatic attacks

Background NF-κB is a transcription factor involved in expression of many inflammatory cytokines, chemical transmitters, and adhesion molecules. It has been reported to play a major role in the pathogenesis of asthma. NF-κB p50, which is the actual subunit that results from the cleavage of p105, is required for the induction of eosinophilia via IL-5 and chemokines. Methods The subjects were 10 patients with a mean age of 59.3 years (14–82 years). NF-κB p105 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells during the presence or absence of asthmatic attacks was investigated. Total RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. After cDNA was synthesized using random primers, NF-κB p105 mRNA level was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results The NF-κB p105 mRNA level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was lower during asthmatic attacks than in the absence of attacks, showing a significant difference (Wilcoxonʹs signed rank test: p < 0.01). Conclusions A drop in NF-κB p105 during an asthma attack could result in increased NF-κB activity. There is a possibility that a change in the NF-κB p105 mRNA level might indicate some pathogenetic state in bronchial asthma attacks.