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Environmental epigenetics of asthma: an update
1Department of Environmental Health, Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. shuk-mei.ho@uc.edu
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|September 7, 2010
Summary
Environmental factors significantly influence asthma development and severity through epigenetic modifications. This review explores how exposures like tobacco smoke and allergens alter gene expression, impacting immune responses and airway health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disorder influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
- Epigenetics, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, plays a key role in mediating these influences.
- Recent increases in asthma prevalence suggest a significant environmental contribution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of environmental factors in asthma development and severity via epigenetic mechanisms.
- To discuss the impact of various environmental exposures on asthma-related epigenetic alterations.
- To explore the potential of epigenetic biomarkers for asthma risk assessment and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental and population studies.
- Analysis of epigenetic effects of environmental factors like tobacco smoke, allergens, and pollutants.
- Discussion of technological advances in epigenetic research.
Main Results:
- Environmental exposures can induce epigenetic changes affecting immune cell function and airway epithelial barrier integrity.
- Specific environmental factors, including tobacco smoke, microbial allergens, and particulate matter, are linked to asthma-associated epigenetic modifications.
- Early-life epigenetic reprogramming influences later-life asthma risk and severity.
Conclusions:
- Environmental factors significantly contribute to asthma risk and severity through epigenetic modifications.
- Epigenetic biomarkers hold promise for improved asthma diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized therapy.
- Further research into epigenetics is crucial for understanding and combating asthma.
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