Eczema asthma gene link.

Australasian Business Intelligence, March, 2006

Byline: Michelle Pountney

Mar 20, 2006 (Herald Sun - ABIX via COMTEX) -- British researchers claim the filaggrin gene could be responsible for both eczema and asthma. The University of Dundee researchers have found that a mutation in the gene, which codes for a component in skin, allows infectious organisms, allergens and toxins to

enter the body, resulting in asthma and immunological responses such as allergy. It is believed asthma is caused when the faulty gene allows irritants to seep into the lungs.An estimated nine per cent of people of European origin are believed to have the defective gene. It is thought that further

work on the gene could potentially yield cures...