Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Peanut Allergies May Be Linked to Skin Barrier Genes




Recent research shows that certain skin genes may be related to peanut allergies. Infants with sever eczema seem to be more likely to have peanut or other food allergies. Researchers at Kings College recently ran a study where they exposed infants with and without skin barrier deficiencies to controlled amounts of peanut protein. Years later, these children were tested for peanut allergies and skin barrier defect known as FLG. The FLG gene is thought to make the body more vulnerable to allergies.

Research’s found that exposure to peanut proteins the first twelve months of life increased the risk for peanut allergies later in life for the children with the FLG mutations. Children without the FLG mutation did not have increased risk of peanut allergies after exposure to proteins during the first twelve months of life. This study provides evidence that the peanut allergies may develop via skin cells in children with skin barrier mutations.

These findings also show, that in allergies, there is most likely a relationship between genetic and environmental exposures. These studies will help guide the medical field with allergy break through. Researchers believe that in the future, scientist will be able to genetically test children for the FLG gene and use the results to alter environmental exposure of children with the skin barrier mutation. This can help reduce the number of peanut allergies in the future. This scientific breakthrough can make the lives of man people much easier in the future.



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