PHARMACOGENOMIC APPROACH; PAVING THE WAY FOR PERSONALISED DRUGS FOR ASTHMA

BY SAHITHI . GADDE

K.V.S.R.SIDDARTHA COLLEGE OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES , VIJAYAWADA.

DEFINITION OF ASTHMA
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways of the lungs. Many cells and cellular elements including mast cells, eosinophils, T-lymphocytes, macrophages, neutrophills and epithelial cells are involved in the process. It affects nearly 155 million individuals across the world. In India 10-15% of the population particularly women and children were found to be affected by atopic asthma.

CLASSIFICATION
It is classified as; 1. Atopic (symptoms are precipitated by allergens) 2. Non-atopic (symptoms are not precipitated by allergens)

SYMPTOMS
Wheezing (high pitched whistling sounds when breathing out-especially in children) Breathlessness Chest tightness Coughing - these symptoms are particularly observed in night and in early mornings.

Causes for asthma

The infiltration of leukocytes particularly eosionphils in to the lungs and release of vaso active mediators from mast cells set the stage for asthamatic inflammation.

Two functional alterations are typically associated with asthma;

These include variable air way obstruction of bronchial hyper responsiveness. The narrowing of the airways is associated with smooth muscle contraction, airway wall thickening, edema and increased mucus secretion. Along with these there is a denudation of the air way epithelium and collagen deposition beneath the basement membrane.

BIOCHEMICAL PATHWAYS INVOLVED IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF ASTHMA

 Studies over last 25 years have clearly demonstrated that both genetic and environmental factors determine the phenotypic expression of asthma.

 Asthma is a complex disorder of multi factorial origin. Atopic asthma in children is found to be strongly familial and genetic basis. In addition to genes of asthma environmental factors such as allergens, food, childhood viral infection, also plays a significant role in causing asthma.

Genes contributing to asthma

CURRENT MODE OF ASTHMA THERAPY

Large number of drugs are available for the treatment of asthma. The anti-leukotrienes are the newest class of anti asthmatic drugs available. They help to control symptoms of asthma. Corticosteroids are the anti inflammatory drugs of choice.

FUTURE PERSPECTIVE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
A.PRAMEELA RANI N.KANAKA DURGA DEVI K.NAVEEN BABU
KVSR SIDDARTHA COLLEGE OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, VIJAYAWADA.