Association of increased basic salivary proline-rich protein 1 levels in induced sputum with type 2-high asthma.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to reveal whether basic salivary proline-rich protein BstNI subfamily 1 (PRB1) may be used as a diagnostic biomarker for type 2-high asthma. METHODS: PRB1 protein levels in the induced sputum of 67 subjects with asthma and 27 controls were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Correlation analyses between PRB1 in the induced sputum and airway inflammatory indicators were also performed. RESULTS: PRB1 protein levels were significantly upregulated in the induced sputum of asthmatic patients (p =0.0098) and correlated with clinical eosinophil-related indicators and type 2 airway inflammation. These results indicate that PRB1 is a promising biomarker for type 2-high asthma. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of PRB1 in induced sputum is a potential biomarker for type 2-high asthma. The results of this study present new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of asthma.