Interactions between genes and environmental factors in asthma and atopy: new developments

doi:10.1186/rr179

Respiratory Research

Volume 3

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Lau S
Wahn U
Nickel R

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Nickel R
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Interactions between genes and environmental factors in asthma and atopy: new developments

Claudia Sengler, Susanne Lau, Ulrich Wahn and Renate Nickel

Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité, Humboldt University Berlin, Berlin, Germany

author email corresponding author email

Respiratory Research 2002, 3:7doi:10.1186/rr179


Published:	31 October 2001

Abstract

Asthma and associated phenotypes are complex traits most probably caused by an interaction of multiple disease susceptibility genes and environmental factors. Major achievements have occurred in identifying chromosomal regions and polymorphisms in candidate genes linked to or associated with asthma, atopic dermatitis, IgE levels and response to asthma therapy. The aims of this review are to explain the methodology of genetic studies of multifactorial diseases, to summarize chromosomal regions and polymorphisms in candidate genes linked to or associated with asthma and associated traits, to list genetic alterations that may alter response to asthma therapy, and to outline genetic factors that may render individuals more susceptible to asthma and atopy due to environmental changes.