Genetic polymorphisms and xenobiotic exposure in infantile asthma

Together with industrial development in Mexico has come a major increase in the generation of air pollutants. Some of these pollutants include compounds such as ozone, that like tobacco smoke, are related to the severity of certain respiratory diseases such as asthma. Although asthma affects people of all ages, it has been shown to primarily affect children and adolescents. Certain genetic polymorphisms have been found to be related to the symptoms or severity of the disease. The use of biomarker candidates has been proposed to study such genetic variations in several populations to detect and control this illness in its early stages. In addition, new research topics have been suggested that suggest a role for the metabolism of xenobiotics in the development of asthma. Furthermore, analysis of these polymorphisms in a Mexican population of children is being used as the first step in the development of strategies for detecting vulnerable groups. This paper reviews some genetic polymorphisms associated with allergic responses and their relationship with toxic exposure.