Eczema Risk May Begin Developing in the Womb

Quick Summary

• Study focus: Research explores how stress during pregnancy might influence the development of eczema-like conditions in offspring by priming fetal immune cells.
• Role of Mast Cells: Immune cells called mast cells in the skin are implicated; they release chemicals that fuel inflammation, contributing to eczema flare-ups.
• Research Method: experiments conducted on mice revealed maternal stress triggers elevated levels of corticosterone (stress hormone), influencing fetal immune and nervous system development.
• Findings:

– Offspring of stressed mothers exhibited red, itchy, scaly rashes resembling eczema when exposed to irritants like saline pads or adhesive tape after birth.
– RNA sequencing highlighted significant genetic changes in sensory neurons and mast cells among these offspring, leading to heightened sensitivity and predisposition to inflammation.
– Blocking corticosterone production in pregnant mice prevented eczema in offspring; conversely, artificially raising corticosterone levels induced it even without stress exposure.
– Genetically engineered pups lacking mast cells did not develop eczema symptoms despite maternal stress exposure.

• Expert Insight: while thorough and promising, the study used mice models. researchers caution against overinterpretation until human studies validate findings.

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