A Modified Effect on Asthma: Ozone and Secondhand Smoke Outweigh Genetic Influence
2007
Ozone and Secondhand Smoke Affect Asthma More Than Genetics
Sample size: 596
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Potera Carol
Hypothesis
Does exposure to ozone or secondhand smoke alter genetic susceptibility to asthma in children?
Conclusion
Exposure to secondhand smoke and ozone may increase asthma risk more than genetic factors in children.
Supporting Evidence
- Parental smoking can modify the risk conferred by a particular SNP in children.
- One SNP for TNF raised the risk of asthma by 50% among all children.
- Certain SNPs were not linked to asthma among children living with smoking parents.
Takeaway
Breathing in smoke or ozone can make asthma worse for kids, even more than their genes do.
Methodology
The study measured genetic variations and asthma risk in children from families with asthmatic children in Mexico City.
Limitations
The study focused only on families in Mexico City, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 4 to 17 years, mostly with mild asthma, half living with a smoking parent.
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