Pharmacogenetic analysis of GLCCI1 in three north European pediatric asthma populations with a reported use of inhaled corticosteroids

BACKGROUND: GLCCI1 rs37972 has previously been associated with decreased lung function improvement upon treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in asthmatics.

AIM: To assess whether variation in rs37972 is associated with altered ICS efficacy in north European asthmatic children and young adults with a reported use of ICS.

PATIENTS & METHODS: rs37972 was genotyped in three cohort studies of asthmatic children with a reported use of ICS. As an indicator for asthma exacerbations, asthma-related hospital visits and oral corticosteroid use were studied. Asthma control was assessed using a questionnaire.

RESULTS: rs37972 T allele was not significantly associated with an increased risk of oral corticosteroid use (summary odds ratio: 1.20; 95% CI: 0.99-1.45), an increased risk of asthma-related hospital visits (summary odds ratio: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.89-1.29), uncontrolled symptoms (summary odds ratio: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.75-1.36) or higher ICS dosages (summary β: 0.01, 95% CI: -0.06-0.08).

CONCLUSION: Variation in GLCCI1 rs37972 genotype does not seem to affect ICS efficacy in north European asthmatic children. Original submitted 26 November 2013; Revision submitted 13 February 2014.