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Molot J, Sears M, Anisman H. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: It's time to catch up to the science. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 151:105227. [PMID: 37172924 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a complex medical condition associated with low dose chemical exposures. MCS is characterized by diverse features and common comorbidities, including fibromyalgia, cough hypersensitivity, asthma, and migraine, and stress/anxiety, with which the syndrome shares numerous neurobiological processes and altered functioning within diverse brain regions. Predictive factors linked to MCS comprise genetic influences, gene-environment interactions, oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, cell dysfunction, and psychosocial influences. The development of MCS may be attributed to the sensitization of transient receptor potential (TRP) receptors, notably TRPV1 and TRPA1. Capsaicin inhalation challenge studies demonstrated that TRPV1 sensitization is manifested in MCS, and functional brain imaging studies revealed that TRPV1 and TRPA1 agonists promote brain-region specific neuronal variations. Unfortunately, MCS has often been inappropriately viewed as stemming exclusively from psychological disturbances, which has fostered patients being stigmatized and ostracized, and often being denied accommodation for their disability. Evidence-based education is essential to provide appropriate support and advocacy. Greater recognition of receptor-mediated biological mechanisms should be incorporated in laws, and regulation of environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Molot
- Family Medicine, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa ON Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa Canada.
| | - Margaret Sears
- Family Medicine, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa ON Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa Canada.
| | - Hymie Anisman
- Family Medicine, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa ON Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa Canada.
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2
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Morin SM, Majhi PD, Crisi GM, Gregory KJ, Franca R, Schalet B, Mason H, Casaubon JT, Cao QJ, Haddad S, Makari-Judson G, Jerry DJ, Schneider SS. Interindividual variation contributes to differential PCB 126 induced gene expression in primary breast epithelial cells and tissues. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 241:113722. [PMID: 35724515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
PCB 126 is a pervasive, dioxin-like chemical pollutant which can activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Despite being banned from the market, PCB 126 can be detected in breast milk to this day. The extent to which interindividual variation impacts the adverse responses to this chemical in the breast tissue remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of 3 nM PCB 126 on gene expression in a panel of genetically diverse benign human breast epithelial cell (HBEC) cultures and patient derived breast tissues. Six patient derived HBEC cultures were treated with 3 nM PCB 126. RNAseq was used to interrogate the impact of exposure on differential gene expression. Gene expression changes from the top critical pathways were confirmed via qRT-PCR in a larger panel of benign patient derived HBEC cultures, as well as in patient-derived breast tissue explant cultures. RNAseq analysis of HBEC cultures revealed a signature of 144 genes significantly altered by 3 nM PCB 126 treatment. Confirmation of 8 targets using a panel of 12 HBEC cultures and commercially available breast cell lines demonstrated that while the induction of canonical downstream target gene, CYP1A1, was consistent across our primary HBECs, other genes including AREG, S100A8, IL1A, IL1B, MMP7, and CCL28 exhibited significant variability across individuals. The dependence on the activity of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor was confirmed using inhibitors. PCB 126 can induce significant and consistent changes in gene expression associated with xenobiotic metabolism in benign breast epithelial cells. Although the induction of most genes was reliant on the AhR, significant variability was noted between genes and individuals. These data suggest that there is a bifurcation of the pathway following AhR activation that contributes to the variation in interindividual responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Morin
- Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute, Springfield, MA 01199, United States; Dept of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
| | - Prabin Dhangada Majhi
- Dept of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
| | - Giovanna M Crisi
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Department of Pathology, Springfield, MA 01199, United States
| | - Kelly J Gregory
- Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute, Springfield, MA 01199, United States
| | - Renata Franca
- Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute, Springfield, MA 01199, United States
| | - Benjamin Schalet
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Department of Surgery, Springfield, MA 01199, United States
| | - Holly Mason
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Department of Surgery, Springfield, MA 01199, United States
| | - Jesse Thomas Casaubon
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Department of Surgery, Springfield, MA 01199, United States
| | - Qing Jackie Cao
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Department of Pathology, Springfield, MA 01199, United States
| | - Sandra Haddad
- Dept of Science, Bay Path University, Longmeadow, MA 01106, United States
| | - Grace Makari-Judson
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Springfield, MA, United States
| | - D Joseph Jerry
- Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute, Springfield, MA 01199, United States; Dept of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
| | - Sallie S Schneider
- Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute, Springfield, MA 01199, United States; Dept of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States; University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Department of Surgery, Springfield, MA 01199, United States.
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3
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Lee I, Ji K. Identification of combinations of endocrine disrupting chemicals in household chemical products that require mixture toxicity testing. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 240:113677. [PMID: 35642859 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
People are exposed to various chemicals contained in consumer products for which the risks are poorly characterized. There is growing evidence that exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) through product use potentially affects development, behavior, and reproduction. However, limited information is available about common combinations of chemicals based on their appearance and potential health effects. The present study listed the ingredients contained in 11064 household chemical products from a publicly available database, and identified EDCs related to estrogenicity, androgenicity, thyroid hormone disruption, and changes in steroidogenesis. Association rule mining was applied to the dataset to identify frequent combinations of chemicals or commonly occurring EDCs contained in a single product. Among the target products, ingredient names were matched with 1241 chemical identifiers. A total of 293 chemicals were related to endocrine disruption, and nearly two-thirds of the products contained more than one of these chemicals. Cleaning products, synthetic detergents, fabric softeners, air fresheners, and deodorants have several hotspots for fragrances, isothiazolinones, glycol ethers, and parabens. The three most prevalent EDCs in household chemical products were added to act as fragrances and preservatives. The present study demonstrated that commonly occurring chemical combinations can be derived using an association rule mining algorithm. The results of this study will be useful in prioritizing chemical combinations and developing management plans for EDC mixture in consumer products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inhye Lee
- Institute of Natural Science, Yongin University, Yongin 17092, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyunghee Ji
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Yongin University, Yongin 17092, Republic of Korea.
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Insulin Resistance Is Associated with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in a Danish Population-Based Study-DanFunD. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312654. [PMID: 34886380 PMCID: PMC8657139 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a multisystem syndrome, and limited knowledge of its pathophysiology exists. Based on the population-based Danish cohort DanFunD, this study investigated metabolic health in people with MCS compared to individuals who did not have MCS. From 9656 cohort participants aged 18–76 years old, 1.95% were categorized as MCS individuals with comorbid functional somatic disorders (MCS +FSD, n = 188), and 1.13% were categorized as MCS without functional somatic disorders (MCS ÷FSD, n = 109). MCS was characterized based on three criteria: the experience of symptoms upon exposure to common odors and airborne chemicals, symptoms related the central nervous systems and others organ symptoms, and significant impact on every day, social, and occupational life. The remaining study population without MCS or any other functional somatic disorders were regarded as controls. We used adjusted multiple linear regression with link-function to evaluate the associations between lipid and glucose metabolism markers and MCS. We also tested the odds ratio of metabolic syndrome in MCS. Results did not point to statistically significant associations between lipid biomarkers or metabolic syndrome and both MCS groups compared to the controls. We found that MCS individuals may be more insulin resistant and that MCS ÷ FSD may have an impaired glucose metabolism when compared to controls.
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Fileccia E, Incensi A, Ventruto F, Rizzo G, Galimberti D, Rao G, Salvi F, Liguori R, Donadio V. Small Fiber Neuropathy in Patients with Chronic Pain and a Previous Diagnosis of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2021; 80:868-874. [PMID: 34402516 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlab082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is characterized by the involvement of Aδ and C fibers leading to sensory, mainly pain, and/or autonomic symptoms. Multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome (MCS) is an incompletely defined condition characterized by the onset of various symptoms in patients after exposure to several chemical substances. Pain is a common symptom in these patients. In this study, we report the histological and clinical data of a cohort of 21 patients who had been diagnosed as having MCS and who were referred to us with the suspicion of SFN because of chronic pain. All patients underwent neurological clinical examination, (including scales for pain and autonomic disorders), and a skin biopsy. Age-matched healthy subjects were used as controls for the skin biopsies. Nerve conduction studies and serum screening to exclude possible causes of peripheral neuropathy were also performed. Skin biopsies disclosed a somatic SFN in all patients. Although the majority (18 out of 21) of patients also had autonomic symptoms. we found sparing of autonomic innervation in the biopsies. These observations suggest that chronic pain in MCS could be secondary to the presence of somatic SFN, although more data are needed to confirm these observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Fileccia
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alex Incensi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Ventruto
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Rizzo
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Damiano Galimberti
- Università di Catania, Dipartimento di Biochimica e Patologia Clinica, Catania, Italy
| | - Giacomo Rao
- Sovrintendenza Sanitaria Centrale Settore Prevenzione Ricerca Direzione Generale INAIL Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rocco Liguori
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Bologna, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Donadio
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Bologna, Italy
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Dantoft TM, Nordin S, Andersson L, Petersen MW, Skovbjerg S, Jørgensen T. Multiple chemical sensitivity described in the Danish general population: Cohort characteristics and the importance of screening for functional somatic syndrome comorbidity-The DanFunD study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246461. [PMID: 33626058 PMCID: PMC7904225 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is characterized by widespread symptoms attributed to exposure to airborne chemicals. MCS is categorized as a functional somatic syndrome (FSS), and MCS cases often meet the criteria for other types of FSS, e.g. fibromyalgia. The primary aim was to characterize MCS regarding symptom triggers, symptoms, lifestyle and describe demographics, socioeconomics and lifestyle factors associated with MCS. A secondary aim was to examine the implication of FSS comorbidity. Methods Data were derived from a random sample of the Danish adult population enrolled in the Danish Study of Functional Disorders (DanFunD; n = 9,656). Questionnaire data comprised information used to delimit MCS and four additional types of FSS, as well as data on demographics, socioeconomics and lifestyle. MCS cases (n = 188) was stratified into subgroups; MCS only (n = 109) and MCS with comorbid FSS (n = 73). Information regarding FSS comorbidities were missing for six MCS cases. MCS subgroups and controls without FSS comorbidities (n = 7,791) were compared by means of logistic regression analyses, adjusted for age and sex. Results MCS was associated with female sex, not being in occupation and low social status, but not with age or education. MCS cases reported normal dietary intake and smoking habits and lower alcohol consumption. Additional associations were found between MCS and low rate of cohabitation, sedentarism, daily physically limitations, and poor quality of sleep. However, subgroup analysis revealed that these findings were primarily associated with MCS with comorbid FSS. Conclusions MCS was associated with lower socioeconomic status, physically inactivity and poor quality of sleep. Subgroup analysis revealed that several associations was explained by FSS comorbidity, i.e. MCS cases with no comorbid FSS showed normal rate of cohabitation and did not report physical limitations or difficulties sleeping. Overall, our findings emphasise the importance of screening MCS cases for FSS comorbidity both in epidemiological and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Meinertz Dantoft
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg & Frederiksberg Hospital, Frederiksberg, Capital Region Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Steven Nordin
- Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Marie Weinreich Petersen
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sine Skovbjerg
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Danish Center for Mindfulness, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Torben Jørgensen
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg & Frederiksberg Hospital, Frederiksberg, Capital Region Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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Driesen L, Patton R, John M. The impact of multiple chemical sensitivity on people's social and occupational functioning; a systematic review of qualitative research studies. J Psychosom Res 2020; 132:109964. [PMID: 32114179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.109964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Social and occupational functioning are important for psychological health. However, quantitative research has suggested that these areas can be adversely affected by multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). This systematic review therefore sought to explore what qualitative research has suggested about how people with MCS perceive it to affect their social and occupational functioning. METHOD Journal articles were included if they were 1) peer reviewed 2) qualitative or mixed methods 3) published in English 4) reported qualitative findings relevant to the review. Studies were excluded if they were 1) descriptive only 2) primarily concerned with environmental intolerances other than chemicals or 3) focussed on specific populations such as veterans. Quality was assessed using the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2018) qualitative quality criteria. However, quality was not used to determine eligibility for inclusion. Six databases (CINAHL, Medline, PsychArticles, PsychInfo, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched between the 24th of February 2019 and 2nd of March 2019. RESULTS Having removed duplicates, database searches identified 388 potential articles. Thirteen of these articles were eligible for inclusion. Following review, no more articles were included from the reference lists of these studies. Meta-aggregation of the findings identified seven categories. These were synthesised into three themes; 'limited access', 'loss & anxiety' and 'seeking engagement'. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggested that MCS limits some people's social and occupational functioning. The results warrant further research, and, the development of prevention and intervention strategies. Studies predominantly recruited United States and Canadian females and had several limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Driesen
- School of Psychology, The University of Surrey, United Kingdom.
| | - Robert Patton
- School of Psychology, The University of Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Mary John
- School of Psychology, The University of Surrey, United Kingdom
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Azuma K, Uchiyama I, Tanigawa M, Bamba I, Azuma M, Takano H, Yoshikawa T, Sakabe K. Chemical intolerance: involvement of brain function and networks after exposure to extrinsic stimuli perceived as hazardous. Environ Health Prev Med 2019; 24:61. [PMID: 31640568 PMCID: PMC6806489 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-019-0816-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chemical intolerance (CI) is a chronic condition characterized by recurring and severe symptoms triggered by exposure to low levels of odorous or pungent substances. The etiology of CI has been a controversial subject for a long time. The aim of this review is to summarize findings on the neurological processing of sensory information during and after exposure to low levels of odorous or pungent substances in individuals with CI, focusing on the brain function and networks. Methods Scientific studies on CI published between 2000 and 2019 in academic peer-reviewed journals were systematically searched using medical and scientific literature databases. Only peer-reviewed articles reporting original research from experimental human studies directly associated with CI, and involving related neurological responses or brain imaging after exposure to odorous or pungent substances (i.e., in chemical provocation tests), were considered. Results Forty-seven studies were found to be eligible for a full-text review. Twenty-three studies met the selection criteria and were included in this review. Evidence indicated that differences between subjects with CI and healthy controls were observed by brain imaging during and after exposure to odorous or pungent substances. Differences in brain imaging were also observed between initial exposure and after exposure to these substances. Neurological processing of sensory information after exposure to extrinsic stimuli in the limbic system and related cortices were altered in subjects with CI. A previous documentable exposure event was likely to be involved in this alteration. Conclusions This review documents consistent evidence for the altered neurological processing of sensory information in individuals with CI. Further neurophysiological research exploring the processing of extrinsic stimuli and cognition of sensation through the limbic system and related cortices in CI, and the appearance of symptoms in individuals with CI, are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Azuma
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, 377-2 Ohnohigashi, Osakasayama, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan. .,Sick-house Medical Science Laboratory, Division of Basic Research, Louis Pasteur Center for Medical Research, Kyoto, 606-8225, Japan.
| | - Iwao Uchiyama
- Sick-house Medical Science Laboratory, Division of Basic Research, Louis Pasteur Center for Medical Research, Kyoto, 606-8225, Japan.,Outpatient Department of Sick-house Syndrome, Hyakumanben Clinic, Kyoto, 606-8225, Japan
| | - Mari Tanigawa
- Outpatient Department of Sick-house Syndrome, Hyakumanben Clinic, Kyoto, 606-8225, Japan.,Clinical Immune Function Laboratory, Division of Basic Research, Louis Pasteur Center for Medical Research, Kyoto, 606-8225, Japan
| | - Ikuko Bamba
- Faculty of Education, Home Economics, Tokyo Gakugei University, Koganei, 184-8501, Japan
| | - Michiyo Azuma
- Department of Human Environmental Design, Faculty of Health Science, Kio University, Kitakatsuragi-gun, 635-0832, Japan
| | - Hirohisa Takano
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Yoshikawa
- Sick-house Medical Science Laboratory, Division of Basic Research, Louis Pasteur Center for Medical Research, Kyoto, 606-8225, Japan
| | - Kou Sakabe
- Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, 259-1193, Japan
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Gibbs JEM. Essential oils, asthma, thunderstorms, and plant gases: a prospective study of respiratory response to ambient biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). J Asthma Allergy 2019; 12:169-182. [PMID: 31417289 PMCID: PMC6593190 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s193211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Prevailing opinion is that wind-pollinated plants affect asthma negatively and that insect- pollinated ones do not. "Thunderstorm" asthma, too, is attributed to bursting grass pollens. Additional biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) are identified here. Essential oils' BVOCs are inhaled from plants, oil diffusers, candles, room "fresheners", perfumes, and hygiene products. Claims of BVOC "safety" for sensitive respiratory systems are questioned. Methods: Fourteen volunteers, of mixed-age and gender, with seasonal asthma recorded peak expiratory flow (PEF) and 11 symptom scores. BVOCs were collected on Tenax tubes from ambient air in autumn and spring, as were live flower emissions, before and after a thunderstorm. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified frequently occurring BVOCs. Air spora, meteorological, outdoor air pollution variables, and BVOCs predict respiratory symptoms in univariate linear regression models, seasonally. Results: Increased pinene, camphor, linalool, linalyl acetate, benzaldehyde, and benzoic acid predict respiratory symptoms, including reduced PEF, and increased nasal congestion; day length, atmospheric pressure and temperature predict symptoms in both seasons, differently; other variables predict a range of symptoms (0.0001≤p≤0.05). Thunder predicts different BVOC emissions in spring, compared to autumn (p≤0.05). An uncut Grevillea flower emitted linalool and hexenal before a storm; the latter is also emitted from cut grass. Increased nitrogen oxides and pinene in autumn may combine to form harmful oxidation products. Conclusion: This research supports BVOCs as contributors to seasonal asthma and allergic rhinitis, and "thunderstorm" asthma. Pinene emissions from Myrtaceae species (Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Leptospermum, Callistemon), Brassicaceae (canola), and conifers, worldwide, may induce respiratory inflammation and maintain it, by inhibiting eosinophilic apoptosis. Widely used essential oil products containing BVOCs, like linalool, are associated here with respiratory symptoms. Lagged responses suggest that users' cognitive associations between exposure and response are unlikely, increasing potential for impaired health for vulnerable children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane EM Gibbs
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Pigatto PD, Guzzi G. Prevalence and risk factors for multiple chemical sensitivity in Australia. Prev Med Rep 2019; 14:100856. [PMID: 31193443 PMCID: PMC6527960 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2019.100856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The author found that the prevalence of diagnosed multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) in Australia was 6.5%. No mention is made about the role of exposure to metals. Exposure to metallic elements has been associated with MCS. Metals are a well-known primary risk factor for idiopathic environmental intolerance. It is important that the medical approach designed to reduce the risk factors for MCS includes preventive strategies of metal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo D Pigatto
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Unit of Dermatology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, University of Milan, Via Riccardo Galeazzi 4, 20161 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Guzzi
- Italian Association for Metals and Biocompatibility Research - A.I.R.M.E.B., Via Antonio Banfi 4, 20122 Milan, Italy
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