Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 Gene Promoter Polymorphism in Asthma

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic (long-term) lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Asthma causes recurring periods of wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. People who suffer from this chronic condition (longlasting or recurrent) are said to be asthmatic. The airways in the lungs are the tubes which carry air in and out of the lungs. The inflammation makes the airways swollen and very sensitive. The airways tend to react strongly to certain inhaled substances. When the airways react, the muscles contract tightly and less air passes through the lungs as a consequence of narrowed airways. If the airways swell more, the airways narrows even more. In some cases the cells in the airways might make more mucus than usual worsening the situation as the mucus is a sticky, thick liquid which can further contribute to the narrowing of the airways. These chain reactions can result in asthma symptoms. Symptoms can be observed each time the airways are inflamed. Clinically, asthma can be described based on symptoms that are either intermittent or persistent, and these symptoms are further classified in terms of severity (i.e., mild, moderate, or severe).