[Epigenetics in allergic diseases and asthma]

Area of Science:

• Environmental health
• Pediatric allergy and immunology
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Asthma and allergic diseases arise from gene-environment interactions.
• Childhood asthma is a widespread chronic respiratory condition.
• Epigenetic mechanisms mediate environmental influences on disease risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review environmental factors influencing asthma and allergy development.
• To examine the role of epigenetics in asthma and allergy.
• To cover intrauterine and infancy exposure impacts.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific articles.
• Analysis of in-vitro studies.
• Examination of animal models.
• Evaluation of human epidemiological data.

Main Results:

• Specific environmental factors (allergens, tobacco, diet, obesity, stress) are linked to epigenetic alterations.
• Early life exposures during critical developmental windows can program asthma risk.
• Evidence from in-vitro, animal, and human studies supports these findings.

Conclusions:

• Environmental exposures in early life epigenetically regulate asthma and allergic disease.
• Understanding these epigenetic links is vital for prevention and treatment strategies.
• Further research is needed to elucidate specific molecular pathways.