| ■ Scientists Zero In on Elusive 'Allergy Gene' | 2009.07.11 |
| THURSDAY, July 9 (HealthDay News) -- A defective gene significantly increases the likelihood of developing such allergic disorders as eczema and asthma, Scottish researchers report. Reviewing the findings of 24 studies, researchers from the University of Edinburgh concluded that mutations of the filaggrin gene -- which is thought to help maintain an effective skin barrier against the environment -- significantly increase the risk for developing allergic sensitization, atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis and asthma in people with eczema. The link between atopic eczema and filaggrin gene mutations appeared to be particularly strong, the study found. The study was to be published online July 10 in BMJ. |