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The heterogeneity of allergic phenotypes: genetic and environmental interactions
1Institute of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, Italian National Research Council, Rome. se.bonini-CNR@flashnet.it
Objective:
This article reinforces the reader's knowledge of the multifactorial nature of allergic diseases and of the heterogeneity of allergic phenotypes.
Data Sources:
Personal studies and an evidence-based approach is used to support the assumption that three major abnormalities concur in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases: 1) enhanced allergen recognition and specific immune response; 2) a T helper 2 cytokine profile that results in polyclonal immunoglobulin E activation and mast cell-eosinophilic inflammation; and 3) organ hyperreactivity.
Study Selection:
Examples of genetic and environmental factors that preferentially influence each of these distinct pathophysiologic abnormalities are provided.
Results:
Data presented indicate that allergic diseases distribute along a wide spectrum depending on the preferential pathophysiologic abnormalities operating in the individual patient.
Conclusions:
Categorization of allergic patients into distinct clinical phenotypes might result in a more patient-oriented (rather than disease-oriented) approach, and hence, better management.