Objective: To explore the difference of gene expression profile in allergic rhinitis complicated with asthma patients.
Method: mRNA levels of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in allergic rhinitis complicated with asthma patients and health controlled people were compared by cDNA microarray. Paired mRNAs from allergic rhinitis complicated with asthma cases and healthy were labeled with different fluorochromes during cDNA probe synthesis in a reverse transcription reaction. The signal intensity of each spot was measured by laser scanner and gene expression was quantified as the rhinitis-to-normal fluorescence ratio (R:N ratio). The gene was defined as over expression when the A:N ratio was greater than 2.0 and under expression when the ration was less than 0.5.
Result: Among 4,000 immunogenesis associated genes there were 351 differences, 191 genes were upregulated and 160 genes were downregulated. The differential expressed genes involved in the functions of signal conduct, immunology, metabolism, DNA transcript and others, and they had potential value in allergic rhinitis complicated with asthma study.
Conclusion: The immunogenesis of allergic rhinitis complicated with asthma involves multigenetic expression changes. The results provide new insight for understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of allergic rhinitis complicated with asthma and exploring new therapeutic strategies.