Emerging Biomarkers Beyond Leukotrienes for the Management of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2022 Mar;14(2):153-167. doi: 10.4168/aair.2022.14.2.153.

Abstract

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) is a unique condition characterized by aspirin/NSAID hypersensitivity, adult-onset asthma, and/or chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Arachidonic acid metabolism dysregulation and intense eosinophilic/type 2 inflammation are central mechanisms in NERD. Studies have been conducted on various biomarkers, and urinary leukotriene E4 is considered the most available biomarker of NERD. However, the pathophysiology of NERD is heterogeneous and complex. Epithelial cells and platelets can interact with immune cells in NERD, and novel biomarkers related to these interactions have recently been investigated. We summarize emerging novel biomarkers of NERD and discuss their roles in the management of NERD.

Keywords: Aspirin; asthma; biomarkers; eosinophils; epithelial cells; hypersensitivity; leukotrienes; platelets.

Publication types

  • Review