Published 9 July 2009, doi:10.1136/bmj.b1203
Cite this as: BMJ 2009;339:b1203

Editorials

Gene defects and allergy

Identifying specific genotypes of allergy is a major breakthrough in patient care

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Allergic diseases—such as asthma, rhinitis, and eczema—have been increasing worldwide over several decades, and the increase has largely been attributed to a Western lifestyle (the hygiene hypothesis). However, the exact causes of the increase are unknown. Several trigger mechanisms are probably involved, but it is still not clear whether similar triggers are responsible for the increases seen in different allergic diseases.1 In the linked systematic review (doi: 10.1136/bmj.b2433), van den Oord and Sheikh assess the association between defects of the filaggrin gene (FLG) and the risk of developing allergic sensitisation and allergic disorders.2

Allergies form a heterogeneous group of diseases in which IgE mediated reactions are the key feature, and a wide variety of symptoms can occur. Diagnosis is largely based on the history, symptoms, and detection of IgE mediated hypersensitivity, usually through skin prick testing or specific IgE determination from blood. Symptoms of allergy are non-specific . . . [Full text of this article]

Hugo Van Bever, professor and head of paediatric allergy, immunology, and rheumatology division1, Birgit Lane, executive director and principal investigator2, John Common, senior research fellow2

1 National University Singapore, Department of Paediatrics, 119074 Singapore , 2 Institute of Medical Biology, Agency for Science and Technology and Research, 138648 Singapore

paevbhps@nus.edu.sg


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Relevant Article

Filaggrin gene defects and risk of developing allergic sensitisation and allergic disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis
Rosanne A H M van den Oord and Aziz Sheikh
BMJ 2009 339: b2433. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

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