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Trace Elements in Medicine
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  3. Том 26 вып. 3
  4. MACRO- AND MICROELEMENTS IN THE PATHOGENESIS AND THERAPY OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA: MOLECULAR MECHANISMS AND EVIDENCE BASE

MACRO- AND MICROELEMENTS IN THE PATHOGENESIS AND THERAPY OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA: MOLECULAR MECHANISMS AND EVIDENCE BASE

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ABSTRACT. Bronchial asthma (BA) is a heterogeneous chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, in the pathogenesis of which an imbalance of macro- and microelements plays a significant role. Analysis of the literature data demonstrates that calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, and copper are involved in key pathophysiological mechanisms of BA, including the development of bronchial hyperreactivity, persistence of inflammation, and dysregulation of oxidative stress. Calcium potentiates bronchoconstriction and the activation of pro-inflammatory cascades, while magnesium acts as its physiological antagonist, exerting a bronchodilatory effect. Phosphorus deficiency is associated with impaired respiratory muscle function, especially during exacerbations. Among trace elements, a central role belongs to zinc (a modulator of the Th1/Th2 response), selenium (a key cofactor of antioxidant defense), and copper (a regulator of redox homeostasis). Based on evidence-based data, recommendations have been formulated for correcting the micronutrient status in patients with BA, including the use of magnesium, zinc, and selenium supplements, as well as monitoring calcium and phosphorus levels during long-term glucocorticoid therapy. Promising research directions include the development of personalized approaches to correcting macro- and micronutrient deficiencies, taking into account BA phenotypes, and studying the efficacy of combined preparations.

KEYWORDS: bronchial asthma, macronutrients, micronutrients, pathogenesis, oxidative stress.

For citation: Lapik I.A., Gapparova K.M. Macro- and microelements in the pathogenesis and therapy of bronchial asthma: molecular mechanisms and evidence base. Trace elemets in medicine. 2025;26(3):3-10. DOI: 10.19112/2413-6174-2025-26-3-3-10

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Information about the authors:
I.A. Lapik – Ph.D. (Med.), Research Scientist of the Department of Rehabilitation Diet Therapy; 
ORСID: 0000-0002-0963-0792; SPIN: 2927-2441
K.M. Gapparova – Ph.D. (Med.), Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Diet Therapy; 
ORСID: 0000-0003-1223-8545; SPIN: 3394-4039

Conflict of interest 
The authors declare no obvious and potential conflicts of interest related to the publication of this article.