Clinical Report: Relationship Between Serum GDF11 Levels and Asthma Severity

Overview

This study investigates the association between serum growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) levels and asthma severity, inflammatory responses, and airway remodeling in children.

Background

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by episodic airflow obstruction and airway remodeling. Understanding biomarkers associated with asthma severity and exacerbations is crucial for improving management strategies in pediatric patients. GDF11, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, may play a role in these processes, although its specific contributions to asthma have not been well defined.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Children with asthma had significantly lower serum GDF11 levels compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001).
• Serum GDF11 levels were further reduced during acute exacerbations (p < 0.001).
• Higher GDF11 levels were independently associated with reduced odds of exacerbation (OR = 0.879, p = 0.041).
• GDF11 levels positively correlated with pulmonary function parameters (FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF; all p < 0.001).
• GDF11 levels inversely correlated with eosinophil counts and inflammatory cytokines (all p < 0.05).
• ROC analysis indicated good accuracy for GDF11 in distinguishing asthma exacerbations (sensitivity = 77.6%, specificity = 77.3%).

Clinical Implications

Monitoring GDF11 levels could provide insights into airway inflammation and remodeling in pediatric patients.

Conclusion

Reduced serum GDF11 levels are associated with asthma exacerbations and airway remodeling in children.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Association of Serum Growth Differentiation Factor 11 with Asthma Severity, Inflammation, and Airway Remodeling in Pediatric Patients
2. Frontiers in Pediatrics — Development and internal validation of a multidimensional nomogram integrating PIV, LDH, and FeNO for predicting poor asthma control in school-aged children
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4. Frontiers in Immunology — Integrated airway epithelial signaling networks linking allergen-driven inflammation to airway remodeling in asthma
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6. GINA Summary Guide 2026
7. WHO Consolidated Guidelines for Asthma Management
8. NICE Guidance on Asthma Management
9. VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for Asthma
10. AARC and PALISI Clinical Practice Guideline: Pediatric Critical Asthma
11. The immunology of asthma | Nature Immunology
12. The Next Frontier: From Clinical Remission to Structural Remission—Rethinking Airway Remodeling in Asthma - Respiratory Medicine
13. Frontiers | Association of Serum Growth Differentiation Factor 11 with Asthma Severity, Inflammation, and Airway Remodeling in Pediatric Patients
14. Dupilumab in Children with Uncontrolled Moderate-to-Severe Asthma | New England Journal of Medicine
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