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The intersect of genetics, environment, and microbiota in asthma-perspectives and challenges

In asthma, a significant portion of the interaction between genetics and environment occurs through microbiota. The proposed mechanisms behind this interaction are complex and at times contradictory. This review covers recent developments in our understanding of this interaction: the "microbial hypothesis" and the "farm effect"; the role of endotoxin and genetic variation in pattern recognition systems; the interaction with allergen exposure; the additional involvement of host gut and airway microbiota; the role of viral respiratory infections in interaction with the 17q21 and CDHR3 genetic loci; and the importance of in utero and early-life timing of exposures.

Time spent outdoors through childhood and adolescence - assessed by 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration - and risk of myopia at 20 years

To investigate the relationship between time spent outdoors, at particular ages in childhood and adolescence, and myopia status in young adulthood using serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration as a biomarker of time spent outdoors. Participants of the Raine Study Generation 2 cohort had 25(OH)D concentrations measured at the 6-, 14-, 17- and 20-year follow-ups. Participants underwent cycloplegic autorefraction at age 20 years, and myopia was defined as a mean spherical equivalent -0.50 dioptres or more myopic. Logistic regression was used to analyse the association between risk of myopia at age 20 years and age-specific 25(OH)D concentrations. Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyse trajectory of 25(OH)D concentrations from 6 to 20 years.

Risk factors for bronchial hyperresponsiveness in teenagers differ with sex and atopic status

Sex-related differences in bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) have been reported in adolescents, but the mechanisms remain obscure.

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccination at birth in a high-risk setting: No evidence for neonatal T-cell tolerance

Concerns about the risk of inducing immune deviation-associated "neonatal tolerance" as described in mice have restricted the widespread adoption...

Gene polymorphisms, breast-feeding, and development of food sensitization in early childhood

The effect of breast-feeding on the development of allergic disease is uncertain

Interaction between adaptive and innate immune pathways in the pathogenesis of atopic asthma: Operation of a lung/bone marrow axis

Atopic asthma is the most common form of asthma, particularly during childhood, and in many cases it persists into adult life.

Regulatory role of IL10 genetic variations in determining allergen-induced TH2 cytokine responses in children

Interleukin-10 is a key immunomodulatory cytokine the principal function of which is to limit the magnitude of immune response.

Environmental Factors in Children's Asthma and Respiratory Effects

Childhood asthma is a condition characterized by airflow obstruction that varies in time spontaneously, in response to various environmental stimuli...

Boosting airway T-regulatory cells by gastrointestinal stimulation as a strategy for asthma control

The hallmark of atopic asthma is transient airways hyperresponsiveness (AHR) preceded by aeroallergen-induced Th-cell activation.

Does genetic regulation of IgE begin in utero?

Elucidation of early life factors is critical to understand the development of allergic diseases, especially those manifesting in early life such as food allerg