Epigenetic changes during pregnancy contribute to asthma

Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Published On 2022-06-08 03:30 GMT | Update On 2022-06-08 09:08 GMT

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects 25 million people. Having a mother with asthma is an important risk factor and a new study may explain why. A team of researchers have found striking epigenetic differences in the airway cells of patients with asthma who have asthmatic mothers, compared to patients whose mothers never had asthma. The research was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

In the study, the team found different DNA methylation patterns in epithelial cells of the lower airways of asthmatic adults with asthmatic mothers compared to those whose mothers did not have asthma. Epigenetics refers to changes in how genes are expressed that are not directed by changes or mutations in the DNA sequence itself.

Many environmental factors are known to impact DNA methylation patterns, including the in-utero environment.

The results hence suggested that an underlying cause is due to impaired immune responses, potentially explaining lack of therapeutic response to corticosteroids and suggesting alternative pathways to target as therapies for this group of patients.

Full View

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Dr. Nandita Mohan

Dr. Nandita Mohan is a practicing pediatric dentist with more than 5 years of clinical work experience. Along with this, she is equally interested in keeping herself up to date about the latest developments in the field of medicine and dentistry which is the driving force for her to be in association with Medical Dialogues. She also has her name attached with many publications; both national and international. She has pursued her BDS from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore and later went to enter her dream specialty (MDS) in the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry from Pt. B.D. Sharma University of Health Sciences. Through all the years of experience, her core interest in learning something new has never stopped. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Epigenetic changes during pregnancy contribute to asthma

Similar News

Managing Nasal Congestion in Allergic Rhinitis: Whats the Mechanism of Action of Allegra D ?

WHO Leads Global Call to Include Pregnant, Lactating Women in TB Research

COVID-19 Linked to Higher Risk of Asthma and Sinusitis: Study Finds

PCV20 Launch in India: A Single Dose, Science-Driven Approach for Pneumococcal Disease Control

Study Reveals Social Factors that May Triple the Risk of Long Covid

Maternal RSV Vaccine Cuts Infant Hospitalizations by 72 Percent: Study Finds

Micro labs to offer mucolytic solution for respiratory care with its recently launched Pulmucus range

Why Asthma Often Comes Back After Stopping Biologic Drugs? Study Sheds Light