Airway epithelial cell cytokine release in childhood wheezing illnesses

neonatal unit and at 1 year of age. Additional blood samples were obtained at 1 year of age for ACE genotype and serum ACE concentration. Simple correlation was used to identify relationships between ACE genotype, ACE concentration and growth parameters. Analysis of the differences between groups was determined by parametric or non-parametric techniques, as appropriate, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results: Sixty infants participated (32 male, 28 female), mean gestation 30.3 weeks (range 24–35 weeks), mean birthweight 1.49 kg (range 0.54–2.52 kg). Sixteen infants (26.7%) had the type II allele, 35 ID (58.3%) and 9 DD (15%). Serum ACE concentration was significantly correlated with ACE genotype (r = −0.72, P < 0.0001). Infant serum ACE concentrations correlated with MAC/OFC both at term (r = 0.31, P = 0.02) and at 1 year corrected (r = 0.32, P = 0.01). Conclusions: The control of infant growth is multifactorial. These data suggest that markers of RAAS activity may influence aspects of growth during early life, and that asymmetrical growth restriction may be more prevalent in those with lower RAAS activity. The relationship between ACE genotype, serum ACE concentration and infant growth are not known and warrant further investigation. Airway epithelial cell cytokine release in childhood wheezing illnesses