UK Wedding News
24/03/2016
They carried out epigenetic scanning on DNA samples from a group of people born on the Isle of Wight.
The Southampton study, published in the journal Allergy, conducted epigenetic scanning on DNA samples from a group of people born on the Isle of Wight. They found that epigenetic marks – specifically, DNA methylation – were associated with season of birth and were also still present 18 years later. It has been said that the season in which a person is born, influences a variety of things, from a risk of allergies, to lifespan and height. However, there is little information available about how a one-time exposure like the season of birth has such lasting effects.
In addition to discovering the epigenetic marks, the team was able to link these to allergic disease. For example, those who were born in autumn were said to have an increased risk of eczema compared to those born in the spring. These results were validated in a cohort of Dutch children.
John Holloway, Professor of Allergy and Respiratory Genetics at the University and one of the author's of the study, said: "These are really interesting results. We know that season of birth has an effect on people throughout their lives. For example generally, people born in autumn and winter are at increased risk for allergic diseases such as asthma. However, until now, we did not know how the effects can be so long lasting.
"Epigenetic marks are attached onto DNA, and can influence gene expression (the process by which specific genes are activated to produce a required protein) for years, maybe even into the next generation. Our study has linked specific epigenetic marks with season of birth and risk of allergy. However, while these results have clinical implications in mediating against allergy risk, we are not advising altering pregnancy timing."
Dr Gabrielle Lockett, of the University of Southampton and first author of the study, added: "It might sound like a horoscope by the seasons, but now we have scientific evidence for how that horoscope could work. Because season of birth influences so many things, the epigenetic marks discovered in this study could also potentially be the mechanism for other seasonally influenced diseases and traits too, not just allergy."
The team added that further research is needed to understand why the different seasons lead to altered disease risk, and if there are specific differences in the seasons – such as temperature, sunlight levels and diets – that are also responsible.
The study can be viewed via the Allergy journal here.
(JP/LM)
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Study Finds Link Between Birth Month And Allergy Risk
A new study has found a link between the season of a person's birth and the risk of allergy in later life. The research, which has been conducted by a team at the University of Southampton and published in the journal Allergy, uncovered specific markers on DNA that could explain the link.They carried out epigenetic scanning on DNA samples from a group of people born on the Isle of Wight.
The Southampton study, published in the journal Allergy, conducted epigenetic scanning on DNA samples from a group of people born on the Isle of Wight. They found that epigenetic marks – specifically, DNA methylation – were associated with season of birth and were also still present 18 years later. It has been said that the season in which a person is born, influences a variety of things, from a risk of allergies, to lifespan and height. However, there is little information available about how a one-time exposure like the season of birth has such lasting effects.
In addition to discovering the epigenetic marks, the team was able to link these to allergic disease. For example, those who were born in autumn were said to have an increased risk of eczema compared to those born in the spring. These results were validated in a cohort of Dutch children.
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John Holloway, Professor of Allergy and Respiratory Genetics at the University and one of the author's of the study, said: "These are really interesting results. We know that season of birth has an effect on people throughout their lives. For example generally, people born in autumn and winter are at increased risk for allergic diseases such as asthma. However, until now, we did not know how the effects can be so long lasting.
"Epigenetic marks are attached onto DNA, and can influence gene expression (the process by which specific genes are activated to produce a required protein) for years, maybe even into the next generation. Our study has linked specific epigenetic marks with season of birth and risk of allergy. However, while these results have clinical implications in mediating against allergy risk, we are not advising altering pregnancy timing."
Dr Gabrielle Lockett, of the University of Southampton and first author of the study, added: "It might sound like a horoscope by the seasons, but now we have scientific evidence for how that horoscope could work. Because season of birth influences so many things, the epigenetic marks discovered in this study could also potentially be the mechanism for other seasonally influenced diseases and traits too, not just allergy."
The team added that further research is needed to understand why the different seasons lead to altered disease risk, and if there are specific differences in the seasons – such as temperature, sunlight levels and diets – that are also responsible.
The study can be viewed via the Allergy journal here.
(JP/LM)
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