A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON ASTHMA: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, TREATMENT AND ROLE OF GENETICS

Background: To date, several studies conducted to assess the role of genetics in the pathophysiology and treatment of asthma. Objectives: However, the findings were not consistent and remain uncertain. Thus, it is the need of the hour to assess the recent literature, observe limitations and finally propose future research directions in this field. Methodology: The relevant literature published in the English language was retrieved by using different electronic databases including Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, Ovid, EMBASE, and MEDLINE. Results: Leukotriene modifiers, β-adrenergic receptor agonists, and inhaled corticosteroids are the three most important classes. Data suggested that the heterogeneity in the treatment response among asthma patients is partly due to genetic factors. Conclusion: Large-scale genetic investigations can be improved by using the high throughput technologies that could have promising potential for personalized treatment of asthma, which in turn will minimize side effects, better therapeutic outcomes, and finally lead to more cost-effective care.