Stress and asthma: Novel insights on genetic, epigenetic and immunologic mechanisms - Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Stress and asthma: Novel insights on genetic, epigenetic and immunologic mechanisms - Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Stress and asthma: Novel insights on genetic, epigenetic and immunologic mechanisms

Stacy L. Rosenberg, MD

, 

Gregory E. Miller, PhD

, 

John M. Brehm, MD, MPH

, 

Juan C. Celedón, MD, DrPH

Received: March 14, 2014; Received in revised form: June 11, 2014; Accepted: July 8, 2014; Published Online: August 13, 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2014.07.005

Publication stage: In Press Corrected Proof

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In the United States the economically disadvantaged and some ethnic minorities are often exposed to chronic psychosocial stressors and disproportionately affected by asthma. Current evidence suggests a causal association between chronic psychosocial stress and asthma or asthma morbidity. Recent findings suggest potential mechanisms underlying this association, including changes in the methylation and expression of genes that regulate behavioral, autonomic, neuroendocrine, and immunologic responses to stress. There is also evidence suggesting the existence of susceptibility genes that predispose chronically stressed youth to both post-traumatic stress disorder and asthma. In this review we critically examine published evidence and suggest future directions for research in this field.

Key words:

Asthma, psychosocial stress, immune system, neuroendocrine system, genetics

Abbreviations used:

ANS (Autonomic nervous system), aOR (Adjusted odds ratio), CRH (Corticotropin-releasing hormone), HA (Handling stimulation), HPA (Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical), MS (Maternal separation), PACAP (Pituitary adenylate cyclase–activating polypeptide), PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder), SES (Socioeconomic status), SNP (Single nucleotide polymorphism)