Recent developments in epigenetics of pediatric asthma.
The goal of this review was to systematically analyze recent studies updating our knowledge on the role of epigenetic mechanisms in childhood asthma.



A systematic literature search was conducted that identified 23 fresh articles published within the last 5 years reporting the results of human studies on the relationships between epigenetic modifications and childhood asthma or its/related phenotypes. In almost all these studies, meaningful associations between levels of epigenetic marks (DNA methylation and/or histone modifications) and pediatric asthma or its/related phenotypes have been observed. In addition, many studies identified by our screening analyzed those associations in the context of environmental factors, such as pollution, tobacco smoke, farming, or diet, showing in a huge majority a modifying effect of those exposures.



The results of our systematic literature search provide a strong support for the role of epigenetic mechanisms in (mediating the effects of environmental exposure on) pediatric asthma. This knowledge may possibly be translated into diagnostic and/or therapeutic approaches.
aInstitute for Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany bJohn Paul II Hospital, Krakow, Poland.
Hani
H
Harb
Bilal
B
Alashkar Alhamwe
Holger
H
Garn
Harald
H
Renz
Daniel P
DP
Potaczek
D001249:Asthma / Q000235:genetics*; D002648:Child; D019175:DNA Methylation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D059647:Gene-Environment Interaction; D042421:Histone Code; D006801:Humans; D010641:Phenotype; D012307:Risk Factors