@article {MIZUNO:June 2006:1328-8067:261,
author = "MIZUNO, YASUTAKA",
author = "FURUSHO, TADASU",
author = "YOSHIDA, AI",
author = "NAKAMURA, HIRONORI",
author = "MATSUURA, TOMOKAZU",
author = "ETO, YOSHIKATSU",
title = "Serum vitamin A concentrations in asthmatic children in Japan",
journal = "Pediatrics International",
volume = "48",
year = "June 2006",
abstract = "Background: Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient with important roles in immunity and maintenance of normal epithelial cell differentiation. Little information is available regarding the relationship between vitamin A concentrations and asthma despite the repair of epithelial and other structural changes being of utmost importance for the relief of symptoms and control of the disease. The authors evaluated vitamin A and vitamin E concentrations in well-nourished children with asthma. Methods: The serum vitamin A and vitamin E concentrations were measured by high performance liquid chromatography methods. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney U-test and Peason's correlation coefficient test. Results: According to these methods, the mean serum vitamin A concentrations were significantly lower (19.41 ± 7.45 μg/dL, mean ± SD) in asthmatic children than controls (29.52 ± 11.34 μg/dL, P = 0.0001). To compare the correlation of C-reactive protein and serum vitamin A concentrations, there was also significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: The data suggest that there is a correlation between vitamin A deficiency and the mechanism of asthmatic response. These data support that the mechanism of hypovitaminosis A in asthmatic children may involve not only the acute phase response but also the various degrees of chronic epitherial damage of airways.",
pages = "261-264(4)",
url = "http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/ped/2006/00000048/00000003/art00004"
doi = "doi:10.1111/j.1442-200X.2006.02200.x"
}