[A society on the move and allergy]

Area of Science:

• Immunology and Epidemiology
• Environmental Health and Public Health

Background:

• Allergic disease prevalence has risen significantly in recent decades.
• Genetic factors are unlikely to explain this rapid increase; lifestyle and socio-economic factors are implicated.
• Differences in allergic disease expression exist between Western and Eastern countries, and industrialized versus underdeveloped regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of lifestyle and environmental factors in the rising prevalence of allergic diseases.
• To explore the impact of early-life immune system development and allergen exposure on atopic phenotypes.
• To examine epidemiological observations linking socio-economic status and lifestyle to allergic conditions.

Main Methods:

• Epidemiological analysis comparing disease prevalence across different socio-economic and geographical regions.
• Review of factors influencing early-life immune system development, including infections and breastfeeding.
• Assessment of lifestyle elements such as fat consumption and allergen exposure.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in allergen sensitization and allergic disease prevalence (allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, asthma) were observed between former East Socialist and Western countries.
• Highly industrialized regions showed different patterns compared to underdeveloped regions.
• Early-life exposure to infections appears crucial for immune system shaping, with absence potentially leading to atopic phenotypes.

Conclusions:

• Lifestyle factors and socio-economic status are strongly associated with the increased prevalence of allergic diseases.
• Early-life environmental exposures, including infections and allergen exposure, significantly influence immune system development and the risk of atopy.
• Current epidemiological data suggest a potential need for lifestyle modifications to mitigate the rise in allergic diseases.