The association between asthma, atopic diseases and metabolic factors in a young population of southern Taiwan

Background: Previous studies have suggested that obesity and cholesterol may play a role in the susceptibility for asthma. The relationship between cholesterol concentrations, asthma and atopic diseases is still controversial. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether metabolic factors are associated with asthma and atopic diseases. Methods: The cross-sectional study sampled randomly 6838 subjects ≤ 18 years old from elementary, junior and senior high schools in southern Taiwan. All subjects completed questionnaire interview, weight and height data measurements and blood sample collection. Allergic disorders were determined by the subjects ever been diagnosed by a doctor. Body mass index (BMI), blood pressures, the levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol were measured. Results: We found a significant association between high concentrations of cholesterol and dermatitis in girls (aOR = 1.56, p = 0.002) and rhinitis in boys (aOR = 1.31, p = 0.038) after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Obesity was statistical significant associated with dermatitis (p = 0.008) and rhinitis (p = 0.038). The interaction effect of cholesterol and obesity on dermatitis was significant (p = 0.032). We did not find that cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were associated with asthma. Conclusion: We found that high concentrations of cholesterol were associated with dermatitis in girls and rhinitis in boys. Obesity and high concentrations of cholesterol may increase the risk of dermatitis.