Parental Smoking and Genetic Variation in TNF and Childhood Asthma
Author Information
Author(s): Wu Hao, Romieu Isabelle, Sienra-Monge Juan-Jose, del Rio-Navarro Blanca Estela, Anderson Daniel M., Dunn Erin W., Steiner Lori L., del Carmen Lara-Sanchez Irma, London Stephanie J.
Primary Institution: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Hypothesis
Is genetic variation in TNF and LTA associated with asthma and atopy, and is this association modified by parental smoking?
Conclusion
Genetic variation in TNF may contribute to childhood asthma, particularly among children of non-smoking parents.
Supporting Evidence
- The A allele of the TNF-308 SNP was associated with increased risk of asthma.
- Children of non-smoking parents showed a stronger association with TNF-308 and TNF-238 alleles.
- Atopy was determined by skin prick tests, with 91.9% of cases being atopic.
Takeaway
This study found that some genes related to inflammation can increase the risk of asthma in kids, especially if their parents don't smoke.
Methodology
The study used a case-parent triad design to analyze genetic data from 596 families with children aged 4-17 diagnosed with asthma.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported parental smoking and asthma diagnosis.
Limitations
The study was limited to a specific population in Mexico City, which may affect the generalizability of the results.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 4-17 years, primarily from Mexico City, with a majority having mild asthma.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0097
Confidence Interval
1.19–3.55
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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