Methylation of IL-2 promoter at birth alters the risk of asthma exacerbations during childhood.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Epigenetic modifications may have a role in asthma susceptibility.

Objective

To investigate whether epigenetic modification at birth of a CpG site necessary for the regulation of IL-2 transcription (IL-2 Site1) is associated with the development of asthma during childhood.

Methods

Methylation of IL-2 Site1 was assessed in cord blood from 303 children (225 with atopic mothers); as controls, we measured methylation of a site not important in the transcription of IL-2 (IL-2 Site7) and methylation of the LINE-1 repetitive element. Children were followed to the age of 8 years. Information on severe asthma exacerbations and hospital admissions was collected from child's primary care medical record. To account for potential confounding by bronchiolitis, we used ex

SUBMITTER: Curtin JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6344940 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature