Asthma gene’s effect on respiratory symptoms in infancy depends on breastfeeding status

Infants who have a genetic profile linked with asthma risk could be protected against respiratory symptoms if they are breastfeed, according to a new study.
The study is presented today (4 September, 2016) at the European Respiratory Society's International Congress.
"Our study is the first to show that breastfeeding can modify the effect of asthma-related genetic profiles on respiratory symptoms in the first year of life", commented Dr Olga Gorlanova, from the University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), and the University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.....

Read more here: erscongress.org

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Vitamin D 'significantly reduces severe asthma attacks'

Taking Vitamin D supplements in addition to asthma medication appears to cut the risk of severe asthma attacks, a review of evidence suggests.
An independent review by the Cochrane research body of nine clinical trials found it also cut the rate of asthma attacks needing steroid treatment.
But researchers say it is unclear whether it only helps patients who are vitamin D deficient.
They say more studies are needed before they can give patients official advice.
They recommend talking to a GP or pharmacist to get advice before taking a vitamin D supplement.....

Read more here: bbc.com

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AstraZeneca offers some mixed PhIII results for severe asthma, while Roche rival flounders

AstraZeneca posted some mixed, though generally positive, data from two big Phase III studies of benralizumab, its IL-5 contender for the highly competitive market for severe asthma. A high placebo response seriously eroded one set of late-stage data. But the therapy appears headed to an approval — even as Roche was practically given the kiss of death for a rival late-stage drug.....

Read more here: endpts.com