Effects of Glutathione S-Transferase M1, Maternal Smoking during Pregnancy, and Environmental Tobacco Smoke on Asthma and Wheezing in Children

• DOI: 10.1164/rccm.2112064
• Publication Date: 2002-10-01T21:37:17Z
• Authors: Frank D. Gilliland; Yu-Fen Li; Louis Dubeau; Kiros Berhane; Edward Avol; Rob McConnell; W. James Gauderman; John M. Peters
• Keywords: Tobacco smoke; Passive smoking; Respiratory sounds; Wheeze; Etiology

The rise in childhood asthma prevalence suggests a role for environmental factors the etiology of this evolving epidemic; however, genetics also influence occurrence asthma. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1 may play and wheezing among those exposed to tobacco smoke, as it functions pathways involved pathogenesis such xenobiotic metabolism antioxidant defenses. Effects GSTM1 genotype, maternal smoking during pregnancy, smoke (ETS) exposure on were investigated 2,950 children enrolled 4th, 7th, 10th grade classrooms 12 Southern California communities. effects utero largely restricted with null genotype. Among children, was associated increased early onset (odds ratio [OR] 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0–2.5), current symptoms (OR 1.7, CI 1.1–2.8), persistent 1.1–2.4), lifetime history 1.8, 1.3–2.5), exercise 2.1, 1.3–3.3), requiring medication 2.2, 1.4–3.4), emergency room visits past year 3.7, 1.9–7.3). (+) not or wheezing. Our findings indicate that there are important long-term genetically susceptible group children.