When sneezing, itching, and wheezing are part of your daily life, you may question why you, among your friends or colleagues, are the ‘chosen one’. Allergies can negatively impact quality of life and are increasingly prevalent in Western societies, affecting up to 30% of the population. So, are these sensitivities as random as they appear, or is there a hidden genetic determinant behind your responses to seemingly harmless substances?
Emerging research suggests that your ancestors may play a more significant role in your allergies than you might have imagined. Data points to the fact that if one of your parents has an allergy, there’s a 30-50% chance that you could too. The likelihood of inheriting allergies increases to 60-80% if both your parents have allergies. However, the story doesn’t end here. Researchers are realizing it’s not as straightforward as inheriting a single ‘allergy gene.’
On a simple level, allergies are a result of our immune system overreacting to harmless substances, treating them as harmful invaders. These substances, or allergens, can vary widely from person to person. Often, it’s substances like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or certain foods that get your immune system’s undue attention. The symptoms related to allergies are our bodies’ inflammatory responses to these perceived threats.
Scientific teams have been working tirelessly to decode this complex puzzle of allergy inheritance. The Human Genome Project has identified multiple genes associated with allergic diseases. However, it’s clear that allergies are a polygenic condition, meaning many genes are involved.
University of British Columbia (UBC) researchers recently published a study in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Here, they identified a specific gene, the gene for a protein named Galectin-9, to be significantly involved in triggering asthma and allergies. Further research will be needed to examine the interactions and implications fully.
Furthermore, a study published in Nature Genetics revealed a shared genetic basis for asthma, hay fever, and eczema, highlighting that several shared genetic variations exist amongst these conditions.
While genetics play a substantial role in the development of allergies, it’s crucial to remember that they are not the sole determinant. Environmental factors also contribute significantly to the onset of allergies. Studies suggest that Western lifestyles with over-hygienic conditions may contribute to increased incidences of allergies, as the immune system has fewer real threats to combat, becoming hypersensitive instead. This concept is commonly known as the ‘hygiene hypothesis.’
“Too much cleanliness may not be a good thing,” says Professor Mark Larché, a renowned Immunology expert from McMaster University, Canada. “Earlier exposure to a variety of bacteria might help our immune system to respond more robustly and appropriately.”
Diet is another lifestyle-related factor considered relevant. Several studies link the Western high-fat, low-fiber diet to a higher occurrence of allergies compared to countries with a more balanced, plant-based diet.
Epidemiological studies have also correlated an increased risk of developing allergies with factors like air pollution, increased use of antibiotics, higher socioeconomic status, and smaller family sizes.
So while the interplay between genes and environment is complex and multifaceted, the evidence undoubtedly implicates both. However, it also offers an optimistic outlook: even if your genes predispose you to allergies, lifestyle alterations can potentially help manage your symptoms and prevent severe allergic reactions.
Current research suggests that allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy, can help teach your immune system to become less reactive over time. Studies have also found that certain probiotics may help reduce allergy symptoms, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.
In summary, emerging scientific evidence increasingly supports the belief that allergies are indeed genetic in nature. However, recognizing the essential role of environmental factors allows for intervention opportunities. Continued research into allergic diseases and their genetic links will not only deepen our understanding of these conditions but also pave the way for innovative solutions to manage and possibly prevent them.
Original Source: https://www.livescience.com/health/genetics/are-allergies-genetic
