Tobacco.org

ADAM33 genotype ‘interacts with in utero smoke exposure’ 

Variations in the so-called asthma gene, ADAM33, interact with exposure to cigarette smoke in utero to influence lung function in childhood, a study has found.

The research, if confirmed, underlines the importance of maternal cigarette smoking as an environmental risk factor for reduced lung function, acting in concert with genetic factors such as ADAM33.

The finding is reported in the journal Allergy by Dutch researchers, who analyzed data from a birth cohort study, the Prevention and Incidence of Mite Allergy. The study, which began in 1996, included 4146 children, 1327 of whom were considered at high risk based on a positive maternal history of atopy.

Dirkje Postma (University of Groningen) and fellow authors first sought to verify the previously reported association between ADAM33 genotype and asthma risk.

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