The link between asthma and pollution has long been
purported, and around 25% of children in high density traffic areas suffer from the illness. Researchers at the University of Cincinnati, lead by Dr Shuk-Mei Ho, examined this link in neonatal children. They found that high levels of traffic pollution, specifically elevated amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, induced the ACSL3 gene to change. The function of this gene is not known, though it is believed to be involved in the cell membrane structure. 56 Mothers, from New York, were equipped with an air monitor and a significant association between traffic pollution and chemical changes in the activation of the ACSL3 was found. These changes were associated with the onset of asthma symptoms in the children of the mothers studied, around the age of 5.
The changes in the activity of the gene were detected in umbilical cord blood. This opens the possibility of early detection of asthma in children. This could help in the prevention of asthma. Mothers, whose blood is found with changes in the gene, would be able to adopt a different lifestyle, and move away from areas of traffic pollution.
An interesting point to note is that the environment did not mutate or change the gene; it altered the activity of the gene. This highlights the profound impact the environment can have on our characteristics and adds another dimension to the nature versus nurture debate.
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