Dual responses of CD14 methylation to distinct environments: a role in asthma and allergy

Gene–environment interactions are believed to cause an increased prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases in Western Countries, in comparison to Eastern Countries. To date, research has been inconclusive about which specific genetic and environmental risk factors are important, how the epigenetics/genetics interact with the environment, and which pathogenic mechanisms underlie the development of asthma and allergy. Inconsistencies in research outcomes are mainly attributed to substantial variations in genetic backgrounds and environmental conditions between different populations. Furthermore, a poor understanding of epigenetics might partially account for the observed disparities.
Source: European Respiratory Journal - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Asthma and allergy Original Articles: Research letters Source Type: research