Clinical Trial: The Role of Endothelium A and EGFR Receptor in Fibrocytes From Asthma With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Study Status: Recruiting
Recruit Status: Recruiting
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: he Role of Endothelium A and EGFR Receptor in Fibrocytes From Asthma With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Brief Summary: The investigators will compare the circulating fibrocyte proportion in asthmatic patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and not with OSA In addition, the investigators will compare the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), endothelin A receptor (ETAR) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) The association of those factors and annual decline of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) will be performed

Detailed Summary: Asthma is characterized by airflow obstruction, chronic airway inflammation and remodeling. The investigators' report has shown directly the relationship between fibrocytes, and chronic airflow obstruction with rapid decline in FEV1 in asthma. Asthma concomitant of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may appear intermittent hypoxia and result in the frequent attack of asthma symptoms. In animal model, hypoxia may increase the circulating fibrocytes, thus play a role in pulmonary hypertension. The investigators' published paper also showed that an increased expression of EGFR, ETAR and Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) in circulating fibrocytes in chronic obstructive asthmatics. It is unknown whether circulating fibrocytes from asthma with OSA have the higher expression of EGFR, connective tissue growth factor receptor, VEGFR and ETAR compared to asthma without OSA. The investigators are also interested in whether proliferation and differentiation of fibrocytes are different between asthmatics with or without concomitant of OSA. The investigators will study the correlation between the percentage of circulating fibrocytes and the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and severity of sleep apnea to clarify the role of hypoxia, which contributing to chronic asthma.
Sponsor: Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

Current Primary Outcome: circulating fibrocyte proportion between asthmatic patient with OSA and without OSA [ Time Frame: baseline ]

Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: the change of circulating fibrocyte proportion in asthmatic patients with OSA [ Time Frame: baseline, 3 months under continuous positive airway pressure treatment ]

Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

Dates:
Date Received: April 7, 2016
Date Started: January 2015
Date Completion: April 2019
Last Updated: November 20, 2016
Last Verified: November 2016