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Fluhr JW, Herzog L, Darlenski R, Mentel T, Zuberbier T. Short-term Heat Application Reduces Itch Intensity in Atopic Dermatitis: Insights from Mechanical Induction and Real-life Episodes. Acta Derm Venereol 2024; 104:adv40127. [PMID: 38887031 PMCID: PMC11196986 DOI: 10.2340/actadv.v104.40127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Heat application is known to activate transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, which play a crucial role in sensory perception, including itch. In this study, the effect of a 5-s, 49°C heat application on itch intensity in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients was evaluated. The study comprised 2 parts: a controlled trial investigating the impact of brief heat treatment on mechanically induced itch, and a real-life study of AD patients experiencing itch attacks. A significant and immediate reduction in itch sensations following heat application was shown, with effects enduring over time. This response, however, showed notable individual variability, underscoring the potential of personalized approaches in AD treatment. Repeated applications of heat showed no habituation effect, suggesting its viability as a non-pharmacological, patient-tailored option for managing itch in AD. Further research in larger cohorts is warranted to refine treatment protocols and deepen understanding of the mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim W Fluhr
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Allergology, Berlin, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany.
| | - Leonie Herzog
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Allergology, Berlin, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Frankfurt-Am-Main, Germany
| | - Razvigor Darlenski
- - Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Acibadem City Clinic Tokuda Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical Faculty, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | | | - Torsten Zuberbier
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Allergology, Berlin, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany
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Rio P, Caldarelli M, Gasbarrini A, Gambassi G, Cianci R. The Impact of Climate Change on Immunity and Gut Microbiota in the Development of Disease. Diseases 2024; 12:118. [PMID: 38920550 PMCID: PMC11202752 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12060118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
According to the definition provided by the United Nations, "climate change" describes the persistent alterations in temperatures and weather trends. These alterations may arise naturally, such as fluctuations in the solar cycle. Nonetheless, since the 19th century, human activities have emerged as the primary agent for climate change, primarily attributed to the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas. Climate change can potentially influence the well-being, agricultural production, housing, safety, and employment opportunities for all individuals. The immune system is an important interface through which global climate change affects human health. Extreme heat, weather events and environmental pollutants could impair both innate and adaptive immune responses, promoting inflammation and genomic instability, and increasing the risk of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. Moreover, climate change has an impact on both soil and gut microbiome composition, which can further explain changes in human health outcomes. This narrative review aims to explore the influence of climate change on human health and disease, focusing specifically on its effects on the immune system and gut microbiota. Understanding how these factors contribute to the development of physical and mental illness may allow for the design of strategies aimed at reducing the negative impact of climate and pollution on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Rio
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (P.R.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (G.G.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Caldarelli
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (P.R.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (G.G.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (P.R.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (G.G.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Gambassi
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (P.R.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (G.G.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Cianci
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (P.R.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (G.G.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00168 Rome, Italy
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Rosario CS, Urrutia-Pereira M, Murrieta-Aguttes M, D’Amato G, Chong-Silva DC, Godoi RHM, Rosario Filho NA. Air pollution and rhinitis. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2024; 5:1387525. [PMID: 38863567 PMCID: PMC11166029 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2024.1387525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Rhinitis arises from either allergic or non-allergic inflammation of the nasal mucosa, characterized by the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the tissue and nasal secretions, along with structural alterations in the nasal mucosa. The pathways through which air pollution affects rhinitis may diverge from those affecting asthma. This article aims to review the effects of diverse air pollutants on the nose, the correlation of climate change and pollution, and how they aggravate the symptoms of patients with rhinitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gennaro D’Amato
- Division of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases, Department of Chest Diseases, High Speciality Hospital “A. Cardarelli”, Naples, Italy
- Medical School of Specialization in Respiratory Diseases, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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Schmuth M, Eckmann S, Moosbrugger-Martinz V, Ortner-Tobider D, Blunder S, Trafoier T, Gruber R, Elias PM. Skin Barrier in Atopic Dermatitis. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:989-1000.e1. [PMID: 38643989 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
A compromised permeability barrier is a hallmark of atopic dermatitis (AD). Localized to the outermost skin layer, the stratum corneum (SC) is critically dependent on terminal differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes, which transform into protein-rich corneocytes surrounded by extracellular lamellae of unique epidermal lipids, conferring permeability barrier function. These structures are disrupted in AD. A leaky barrier is prone to environmental insult, which in AD elicits type 2-dominant inflammation, in turn resulting in a vicious cycle further impairing the SC structure. Therapies directed at enforcing SC structure and anti-inflammatory strategies administered by topical and systemic route as well as UV therapy have differential effects on the permeability barrier. The expanding armamentarium of therapeutic modalities for AD treatment warrants optimization of their effects on permeability barrier function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Schmuth
- Dermatology, Venerology and Allergy, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Institute for Pediatric Dermatology and Rare Diseases, Karl Landsteiner Society, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Sonja Eckmann
- Dermatology, Venerology and Allergy, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | | | - Stefan Blunder
- Dermatology, Venerology and Allergy, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Thomas Trafoier
- Dermatology, Venerology and Allergy, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Robert Gruber
- Dermatology, Venerology and Allergy, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Institute for Pediatric Dermatology and Rare Diseases, Karl Landsteiner Society, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Peter M Elias
- Dermatology, Veteran Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, California, USA; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Soares AG, Teixeira SA, Thakore P, Santos LG, Filho WDRP, Antunes VR, Muscará MN, Brain SD, Costa SKP. Disruption of Atrial Rhythmicity by the Air Pollutant 1,2-Naphthoquinone: Role of Beta-Adrenergic and Sensory Receptors. Biomolecules 2023; 14:57. [PMID: 38254656 PMCID: PMC10813334 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The combustion of fossil fuels contributes to air pollution (AP), which was linked to about 8.79 million global deaths in 2018, mainly due to respiratory and cardiovascular-related effects. Among these, particulate air pollution (PM2.5) stands out as a major risk factor for heart health, especially during vulnerable phases. Our prior study showed that premature exposure to 1,2-naphthoquinone (1,2-NQ), a chemical found in diesel exhaust particles (DEP), exacerbated asthma in adulthood. Moreover, increased concentration of 1,2-NQ contributed to airway inflammation triggered by PM2.5, employing neurogenic pathways related to the up-regulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). However, the potential impact of early-life exposure to 1,2-naphthoquinone (1,2-NQ) on atrial fibrillation (AF) has not yet been investigated. This study aims to investigate how inhaling 1,2-NQ in early life affects the autonomic adrenergic system and the role played by TRPV1 in these heart disturbances. C57Bl/6 neonate male mice were exposed to 1,2-NQ (100 nM) or its vehicle at 6, 8, and 10 days of life. Early exposure to 1,2-NQ impairs adrenergic responses in the right atria without markedly affecting cholinergic responses. ECG analysis revealed altered rhythmicity in young mice, suggesting increased sympathetic nervous system activity. Furthermore, 1,2-NQ affected β1-adrenergic receptor agonist-mediated positive chronotropism, which was prevented by metoprolol, a β1 receptor blocker. Capsazepine, a TRPV1 blocker but not a TRPC5 blocker, reversed 1,2-NQ-induced cardiac changes. In conclusion, neonate mice exposure to AP 1,2-NQ results in an elevated risk of developing cardiac adrenergic dysfunction, potentially leading to atrial arrhythmia at a young age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio G. Soares
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (A.G.S.); (S.A.T.); (L.G.S.); (M.N.M.)
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Simone A. Teixeira
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (A.G.S.); (S.A.T.); (L.G.S.); (M.N.M.)
| | - Pratish Thakore
- Section of Vascular Biology and Inflammation, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, BHF Cardiovascular Centre of Research Excellence, King’s College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, London SE1 9NH, UK;
| | - Larissa G. Santos
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (A.G.S.); (S.A.T.); (L.G.S.); (M.N.M.)
| | - Walter dos R. P. Filho
- Fundação Jorge Duprat Figueiredo de Segurança e Medicina do Trabalho, Ministério do Trabalho e Previdência Social, Rua Capote Valente, nº 710, São Paulo 05409-002, SP, Brazil;
| | - Vagner R. Antunes
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil;
| | - Marcelo N. Muscará
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (A.G.S.); (S.A.T.); (L.G.S.); (M.N.M.)
| | - Susan D. Brain
- Section of Vascular Biology and Inflammation, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, BHF Cardiovascular Centre of Research Excellence, King’s College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, London SE1 9NH, UK;
| | - Soraia K. P. Costa
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (A.G.S.); (S.A.T.); (L.G.S.); (M.N.M.)
- Section of Vascular Biology and Inflammation, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, BHF Cardiovascular Centre of Research Excellence, King’s College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, London SE1 9NH, UK;
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Nassikas NJ, Gold DR. Climate change is a health crisis with opportunities for health care action: A focus on health care providers, patients with asthma and allergic immune diseases, and their families and neighbors. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 152:1047-1052. [PMID: 37742937 PMCID: PMC10841871 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Climate change has increased the frequency of extreme weather events and compounded natural disasters. Heat, wildfires, flooding, and pollen are already threatening public health and disproportionately affecting individuals in susceptible situations and vulnerable locations. In this theme issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, we address what is known and not known about the biologic as well as clinical upstream and downstream effects of climate change on asthma and allergy development and exacerbation. We present potential actions that individuals can take at the family, neighborhood, community, health care system, and national and international levels to build climate resilience and protect their own health and the health and welfare of others. We emphasize the importance of actions and policies that are context specific and just. We emphasize the need for the health care system, which contributes between 3% and 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, to reduce its carbon footprint and build resiliency. Health care providers play a pivotal role in helping policymakers understand the effects of climate on the health of our patients. There is still a window to avoid the most serious effects of climate change on human health and our planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Nassikas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Mass.
| | - Diane R Gold
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Mass; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Mass
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