Genetic Variants of TSLP and Asthma in an Admixed Urban Population
2011

Genetic Variants of TSLP and Asthma in an Urban Population

Sample size: 599 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Liu Mengling, Rogers Linda, Cheng Qinyi, Shao Yongzhao, Fernandez-Beros Maria Elena, Hirschhorn Joel N., Lyon Helen N., Gajdos Zofia K. Z., Vedantam Sailaja, Gregersen Peter, Seldin Michael F., Bleck Bertram, Ramasamy Adaikalavan, Hartikainen Anna-Liisa, Jarvelin Marjo-Riitta, Kuokkanen Mikko, Laitinen Tarja, Eriksson Johan, Lehtimäki Terho, Raitakari Olli T., Reibman Joan

Primary Institution: New York University School of Medicine

Hypothesis

Are genetic variants in TSLP associated with asthma in an urban admixed population?

Conclusion

Genetic variants in TSLP may contribute to asthma susceptibility in admixed urban populations with a gene and environment interaction.

Supporting Evidence

  • One SNP (rs1898671) showed nominally significant association with asthma.
  • The association was stronger in ex-smokers compared to never-smokers.
  • The findings were validated in an independent large population-based cohort study.

Takeaway

This study found that certain genetic changes in a protein called TSLP might make people more likely to have asthma, especially if they live in cities and are exposed to pollution.

Methodology

The study analyzed ten tag-SNPs in the TSLP gene for association with asthma using 387 asthmatic cases and 212 healthy controls.

Potential Biases

Population stratification was a concern, but adjustments were made using ancestry informative markers.

Limitations

The study did not compensate for multiple testing and focused on discovery testing.

Participant Demographics

The majority of participants were women, with a mix of Hispanic and non-Hispanic individuals.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.01

Confidence Interval

1.09–2.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025099

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