IL13 gene polymorphisms modify the effect of exposure to tobacco smoke on persistent wheeze and asthma in childhood, a longitudinal study

2008

IL13 Gene Polymorphisms and Tobacco Smoke Effects on Childhood Asthma

Sample size: 791 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sadeghnejad Alireza, Karmaus Wilfried, Arshad S Hasan, Kurukulaaratchy Ramesh, Huebner Marianne, Ewart Susan

Primary Institution: Center for Human Genomics, Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Hypothesis

Does the interaction between IL13 gene polymorphisms and tobacco smoke exposure increase the risk of asthma and wheezing in children?

Conclusion

The study found that maternal smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of early-onset persistent wheeze and asthma, particularly in children with certain IL13 gene variants.

Supporting Evidence

Maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with early-onset persistent wheeze.
IL13 gene polymorphisms did not show an independent effect on wheeze phenotypes.
The interaction between maternal smoking and IL13 haplotypes significantly increased the risk of asthma.
Children with the common IL13 haplotype had a higher risk of asthma when exposed to maternal smoking.

Takeaway

If a mom smokes while pregnant, it can make kids more likely to have breathing problems, especially if they have certain genes.

Methodology

The study analyzed data from the Isle of Wight birth cohort, genotyping five IL13 SNPs and assessing wheeze and asthma phenotypes through parental questionnaires.