Nocturnal asthma attacks: Their relationship to the circadian adrenal cycle

Genetic polymorphisms of the beta 2-adrenergic receptor in nocturnal and nonnocturnal asthma. Evidence that Gly16 correlates with the nocturnal phenotype.

“…A circadian decrease in plasma cortisol levels (with the nadir being around midnight) is observed in normal subjects (20). An exaggerated decrease in plasma cortisol has been reported in patients with nocturnal asthma (20,22). Others, however, report no such differences between normal subjects, nocturnal asthmatics, and/or nonnocturnal asthmatics (7,8).…”

“…The pathophysiologic mechanism of nocturnal asthma is not clear but such factors as hormonal circadian rhythms (5,6,8,20), nocturnal worsening of inflammation (8,21), and autonomic nervous system dysfunction (5-8) have been implicated in previous studies. Decreases in endogenous cortisol, which may result in increased inflammation and decreased ,62AR expression, have been the subject of several investigations (7,8,20,22). A circadian decrease in plasma cortisol levels (with the nadir being around midnight) is observed in normal subjects (20).…”

Le rythme journalier de la résistance bronchique chez l’asthmatique

“…Ainsi le ry th m e jo u rn alier de la fonction pulm onaire serait in tim em en t lié à l'activité du systèm e végétatif, hypothèse form ulée déjà p ar W y s s et W il b r a n d t [23]. L 'accroissem ent de la viscosité des sécrétions bronchiques et leur accum ulation dans les voies respiratoires d u ra n t la n u it [2,4] ainsi que les variations jo u r nalières de la production du cortisol [ 18,19] jo u en t certainem ent aussi un rôle dans le déterm inism e de ce phénom ène biologique.…”

A circadian based inflammatory response – implications for respiratory disease and treatment

“…A daily rhythm in allergic symptoms has been known since the 1960s (Reinberg et al 1963;Reinberg et al 1969). Symptoms often intensify overnight and are worst upon wakening, displaying a "morning attack" (Smolensky et al 2007;Smolensky et al 2015;Long 2007;Gelfand 2004;Smolensky et al 1995;Reinberg et al 1988).…”