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Genetic predisposition for immunoglobulin E production explains atopic risk in children: Tohoku Medical Megabank
Yoichi Sutoh1, Tsuyoshi Hachiya1, Yayoi Otsuka-Yamasaki1
1Division of Biomedical Information Analysis, Iwate Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Disaster Reconstruction Center, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba, Japan; Division of Biomedical Information Analysis, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba, Japan.
Insights
A polygenic score (PGS) for immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels can predict atopic disease risk in infants. This genetic tool aids in identifying high-risk children for early allergy intervention.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- The atopic march, a progression of allergic diseases, lacks early identification methods for high-risk infants.
- Genetic predisposition plays a role in the development of allergic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of a polygenic score (PGS) for total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in predicting the risk of atopic diseases in infants.
- To address gaps in polygenic score research within non-European populations.
Main Methods:
- A polygenic score model (PRS-CS) was used to estimate IgE levels.
- The predictive performance of the PGS was assessed in a Japanese birth cohort (n=17,154) from birth to 2 years of age.
Main Results:
- The PGS showed a significant correlation with log-transformed IgE levels (ρ = 0.200, p < 2.2 × 10-16).
- Infants in the highest PGS quintile (Q5) had significantly elevated risks for food allergy (1.51-fold), atopic dermatitis (1.30-fold), and both conditions (1.88-fold) compared to lower quintiles (Q1-Q3).
Conclusions:
- Genetic predisposition for IgE production contributes to early-onset allergic diseases.
- Polygenic scores for IgE levels can aid in the early identification of high-risk infants, supporting timely intervention strategies.
Abstract:
The atopic march lacks early identification methods for high-risk children. In this study, we assessed whether the risk of atopic diseases in infants could be predicted using a polygenic score (PGS) for total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. The PGS estimated using the polygenic model generated by PRS-CS was significantly correlated with log-transformed IgE levels (ρ = 0.200, p < 2.2 × 10-16). Assessment of the risk from birth to 2 years of age in a Japanese birth cohort (n = 17,154) applying the estimated PGS revealed significantly elevated incidence risk ratios in the highest PGS quintile (Q5) compared with those in the reference quintiles (Q1-Q3) for food allergy (1.51-fold; 95% confidence interval: 1.30-1.76), atopic dermatitis (1.30-fold; 1.12-1.51), and both conditions (1.88-fold; 1.46-2.43). These findings address critical gaps in allergy and PGS research among non-European populations, suggesting the contribution of genetic predisposition to IgE production in early-onset allergic diseases and supporting the use of PGS in early intervention.
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