Researchers from the University of Southampton have uncovered specific DNA markers linking birth season to allergy risk later in life.
In a study published in the journal Allergy, the researchers carried out epigenetic scanning on samples of DNA from people born on the Isle of Wight.
Based on their findings, they saw that certain DNA markers associated with birth season were still present even after 18 years and that they were linked to allergic disease. For example, those who were born in autumn were likelier to develop eczema compared to people born in spring and these were validated using a cohort involving Dutch children.
"We know that season of birth has an effect on people throughout their lives. However, until now, we did not know how the effects can be so long lasting," said John Holloway, one of the authors for the study.
According to the researchers, attached onto DNA, epigenetic marks can affect gene expression for years and maybe even the next generation. Their research has linked certain DNA markers with birth season and allergy risk but they are not recommending adjusting pregnancy timing to alleviate allergy risk.
Dr. Gabrielle Lockett, first author for the study, refers to their discovery as a kind of horoscope by the seasons, except they have scientific proof of how a particular "horoscope" could work. As they've discovered the link to allergy risk, the researchers are saying that it is also possible to turn to epigenetic markers as possible hints for other diseases influenced by the seasons.
Further research is needed to clarify what it is about the different seasons exactly that lead them to influence disease risk and whether seasonal characteristics like sunlight levels and temperature have a role to play.
Of the epigenetic marks the researchers observed during the study, DNA methylation was particularly prominent. However, more study is also needed to explore the relationship between the DNA marker and allergic disease, paving the way for further understanding of the potential implications of birth season influence on disease.
Other authors for the study include Nelis Soto-Ramirez, Wilfried Karmaus, Meredith Ray, Hongmei Zhang, Todd Everson, S. Hasan Arshad, Cheng-Jian Xu, Gerard Koppelman, Veeresh Patil, Dirkje Postma, William Terry, Ulrike Gehring, Akhilesh Kaushal, Susan Ewart and Faisal Rezwan.
Photo: Tina Franklin | Flickr
