Although we cannot choose the month in which we are born, a team of researchers from the University of Southampton (United Kingdom) has found a relationship between the time of birth and the risk of allergy in adulthood, concluding that babies born in autumn and winter are the most affected.
To investigate the relationship between the season of birth and its long-term effects, the scientists carried out an epigenetic exploration (in which the activity of the gene changes but not the DNA sequence) in DNA samples from people born on the Island. from Wight off the south coast of the UK.
The most studied epigenetic process is DNA methylation ; It was first identified in human cancer in 1983 and since then it has also been associated with many other health conditions.
After measuring the DNA of the entire complete epigenome of 367 participants, the researchers found that DNA methylation was associated with the birth season and was still present after 18 years. They also found that, for example, people born in the fall had a higher risk of eczema, compared to those born in the spring.
“These results are very interesting. We know that the season of birth has an effect on people throughout their lives. For example, people born in the fall and winter are at increased risk for allergic diseases such as asthma. However, until now, we did not know how these effects could be so long lasting, ”explains John Holloway, leader of the work.
The study has been published in the journal Allergy .
