Invited Review Obesity and asthma: lessons from animal models

dicate that obesity is a risk factor for asthma. These data are supported by observations in several murine models of obesity. Ob/ob, db/db, and Cpefat mice each exhibit innate airway hyperresponsiveness, a characteristic feature of asthma. These mice also respond more vigorously to common asthma triggers, including ozone. Here we discuss the implications of these data with respect to several mechanisms proposed to explain the relationship between obesity and asthma: 1) common etiologies; 2) comorbidities; 3) mechanical factors; and 4) adipokines. We focus on the role of adipokines, especially TNF-, IL-6, leptin, and adiponectin. Understanding the mechanistic basis for the relationship between obesity and asthma may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for treatment of the obese asthmatic subject. mice; leptin; adiponectin; tumor necrosis factor-; interleukin-6; adipokines ACCORDING TO THE US CENTERS for Disease Control,65 % of the US population is either overweight or obese. The prevalence has more than doubled during the last 20 years (www.cdc.gov