Allergic disease, family related

The role of neurotrophins in the pathogenesis of allergic disease and asthma has been appreciated only recently. Neurotrophins are a family of growth factors that have common receptors and physiologic effects and are the principal regulators of neuronal activity, differentiation and maintenance. In humans, there are at least four defined neurotrophins also termed NGFs. These polypeptides include NGF, neurotrophin 3 (NT-3), neurotrophin 4/5 (NT-4/5) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). They all act on a common group of tropomyosin-related tyrosine kinase (Trk) receptors. Neurotrophin receptors are expressed in the neurons of both the central and peripheral nervous systems. 

Aberg N, Sundell J, Eriksson B, Hesselmar B. 1996. Prevalence of allergic disease in school children in relation to family history, upper respiratory tract infections and residential characteristics. Allergy. 51 232-237. 

The risk of developing atopic IgE-mediated diseases (e.g. allergic asthma, rhinitis and eczema) is related to a family history of IgE-mediated disease. 

Atopy, whether occurring on its own among the traditional batik workers or in his/her family members as a risk factor in relation to occupational skin disease has not been confirmed - maybe because of the few samples used. There has been a perception that atopic individuals should not develop allergic contact dermatitis as frequently as normal individuals [14], whereas... 

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