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Jul

14

Allergies and Genetics

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A recent issue of the British Medical Journal has found a link between a defective gene and allergies. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland looked at the results of 24 studies and found that those with mutations in the filaggrin gene had a much higher rate of developing allergies and sensitivities.

The filaggrin gene seems to be important in helping the skin function correctly. The skin is one of the bodies first defenses against fighting disease and bacteria. The universities Co-author Aziz Sheikh explained, “Restoring skin barrier function in filaggrin deficient people in early life may help prevent the development of sensitization and halt the development and progression of allergic disease.” The research also found that those with both asthma and atopic eczema were twice as likely to have the gene mutation while those with just asthma alone did not have significantly higher rates of the mutation.

The study may help explain why allergies seem to run in families and the importance of knowing ones family history, and while genetic background a lone may not be the only factor in determining if a person will suffer from allergies it definitely does play a factor. The study also makes us realize just how important the bodies skin is, something we for the most part take for granted.

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