Eosinophilic esophagitis linked to chromosome 5 and TSLP gene

A genome-wide association study has led to the discovery of the first major gene site responsible for the severe food allergy eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a disorder that features the accumulation of eosinophils in the esophagus.

The investigators found that EoE, which has been increasing over the past 20 years, is linked to a region of chromosome 5 that includes the TSLP gene, which encodes a hematopoietic cytokine called thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). They also discovered that the TSLP gene exhibits increased activity in esophageal biopsies from children with EoE. The gene has been previously linked to allergic inflammatory diseases, such as asthma and atopic dermatitis.

Mnemonics: Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis: SADD

Steroids
Acid suppression
Diet
Dilatation of esophagus

Treatment modalities for EoE include the 3Ds: drugs, diet, and dilation (Allergy, 2012).

References:

JAMA -- Clues to Food Allergy, April 7, 2010, Hampton 303 (13): 1245.

Image source: Eosinophilic esophagitis, Wikipedia, GNU Free Documentation License.