Asthma and atopy:Complex genetic diseases

Asthma and atopy are highly prevalent, chronic diseases that have considerably increased during the past decennia. Currently asthma is the most prevalent chronic disease in childhood in the Netherlands. Research has shown that asthma and atopy are caused by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Chromosomes 2, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 20 have been linked to asthma and allergies in different populations. Three new asthma genes have been discovered recently: ADAM 33, PHF11 and DPP10. These important findings provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of asthma and atopy. Studies of candidate gene in asthma, such as Interleukin-13 and the Interleukin-4 receptor, show how gene variants can result in increased asthma risk. The response to asthma treatment appears to be influenced by genetic factors. Studies of gene function, as well as the interaction of genes and the environment, may result in a better understanding of the increase of asthma and atopy. This may lead to a better diagnosis, a tailor-made treatment and perhaps future prevention of asthma and atopy.