Allergy triggering genes found

SYDNEY: Scientists in Japan have identified the gene that triggers allergic reactions.

Some people are allergic to common allergens such as dust and pollen although sensitivities vary from person to person and it is possible to be allergic to just about anything.

Scientists at Research Centre for Allergy and Immunology (RIKEN) at Yokohama used specially bred mice and found that they were resistant to stimuli normally capable of provoking severe allergic reactions, reported the online edition of News Australia .

Prior studies have established that allergens cause a build-up of calcium in what are called mast cells, located near the skin, kick-starting the process that leads to rashes, sneezing, itching and swelling.

Allergies to peanuts and other foods are showing up in children at younger ages for reasons that are not clear, researchers said on Monday, and some urged parents to postpone exposing susceptible children to peanuts.

In a study of 140 children with peanut allergies, the median age of the first allergic reaction was 14 months among those born between 2000 and 2005, compared to 22 to 24 months among allergic children born between 1988 and 1999.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com