Role of Genetic Variant of Autophagy Related Gene 5 ATG5 rs17587319 CG in Asthma in North Indian Population

Abstract

ASTHMA Asthma is a chronic lung disease in which inflammation of the lung’s airways and a tightening of the muscles occur around them, causing reversible airway obstruction and wheezing which is difficulty in breathing [1]. Some degree of airway obstruction is often constantly present in those with asthma, but are severe reactions can occur due to exposure to a variety of triggers. Asthma triggers vary depending upon person and environment, but some known triggers include cigarette and other smoke, mold, pollen, dust, animal dander, exercise, cold air, household and industrial products, air pollutants, and infections. Asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath [2]. During an asthma attack, these symptoms worsen and a person feels like they cannot breathe. An asthma attack is often the result of exposure to one or more asthma triggers. Adequate healthcare is integral to reducing the burden of asthma. Without proper treatment, asthma can become life threatening. The issue of access to healthcare for minority populations or people of less developed countries has become an area of concern in recent years. Scientists have proposed varying explanations for the high rates of asthma in some ethnic and racial populations. One theory is that these groups have a genetic predisposition to asthma. A second theory is that environmental influences, such as poverty, stress, living in inner cities, and decreased access to healthcare contribute to the high prevalence of asthma among these populations. Some researchers believe that both genetic and environmental factors combine and interact to explain the higher asthma rates in some communities. Often, these other factors may be the true cause of a disparity, with race or ethnicity being the factor that is easier to detect between different populations [3]. Research and interventions based on and comparing the contributions of these theories is ongoing.