Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Given that b2 agonists constitute the primary treatment for asthma and that treatment response varies as a result of polymorphisms in the ADRB2 gene, we sought to investigate the associations between ADRB2 gene variants and bronchodilator response (BDR) in asthma patients. METHODS: A genetic database comprising 813 individuals was analyzed for variants in the ADRB2 gene. A longitudinal analysis of severe asthma patients was performed to evaluate changes in BDR over time. RESULTS: The rs1042713, rs1042714, and rs1042717 variants were associated with age-related changes in BDR in patients with severe asthma. The G allele (rs1042714) and the A allele (rs1042717) were associated with uncontrolled asthma, with carriers of the G46/G79/A252 alleles showing a higher risk of difficult-to-control asthma. Notably, no association was found between these variants and ADRB2 expression levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that a genetic panel including ADRB2 variants, as well as age-related differences in BDR, is a useful complementary tool in asthma management.