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Ng JY, Zhou H, Li T, Chew FT. Comparisons between wrinkles and photo-ageing detected and self-reported by the participant or identified by trained assessors reveal insights from Chinese individuals in the Singapore/Malaysia Cross-sectional Genetics Epidemiology Study (SMCGES) cohort. J Physiol Anthropol 2024; 43:14. [PMID: 38762735 PMCID: PMC11102249 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-024-00361-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changes develop on the facial skin as a person ages. Other than chronological time, it has been discovered that gender, ethnicity, air pollution, smoking, nutrition, and sun exposure are notable risk factors that influence the development of skin ageing phenotypes such as wrinkles and photo-ageing. These risk factors can be quantified through epidemiological collection methods. We previously studied wrinkles and photo-ageing in detail using photo-numeric scales. The analysis was performed on the ethnic Chinese skin by three trained assessors. Recent studies have shown that it is possible to use self-reported data to identify skin-related changes including skin colour and skin cancer. In order to investigate the association between risk factors and skin ageing phenotypic outcomes in large-scale epidemiological studies, it would be useful to evaluate whether it is also possible for participants to self-report signs of ageing on their skin. AIM We have previously identified several validated photo-numeric scales for wrinkling and photo-ageing to use on ethnic Chinese skin. Using these scales, our trained assessors grade wrinkling and photo-ageing with moderately high inter-assessor concordance and agreement. The main objective of this study involves letting participants grade self-reported wrinkling and photo-ageing using these same scales. We aim to compare the concordance and agreement between signs of skin ageing by the participant and signs of ageing identified by our assessors. METHOD Three trained assessors studied facial photo-ageing on 1081 ethnic Chinese young adults from the Singapore/Malaysia Cross-sectional Genetics Epidemiology Study (SMCGES) cohort. Self-reported facial photo-ageing data by the same 1081 participants were also collated and the two sets of data are compared. RESULTS Here, we found that self-reported signs of photo-ageing are concordant with photo-ageing detected by our assessors. This finding is consistent whether photo-ageing is evaluated through studying wrinkle variations (Spearman's rank correlation (ρ) value: 0.246-0.329) or through studying dyspigmentation patterns (Spearman's rank correlation (ρ) value 0.203-0.278). When studying individual wrinkles, both participants and assessors often detect the presence of the same wrinkle (Spearman's rank correlation (ρ) value 0.249-0.366). A weak-to-fair level of agreement between both participants and assessors (Cohen's kappa (κ) values: 0.041-0.233) persists and is statistically significant after accounting for agreements due to chance. Both the participant and the assessor are largely consistent in evaluating the extent of photo-ageing (area under curve (AUC) values 0.689-0.769) and in discerning between the presence or absence of a given facial wrinkle (area under curve (AUC) values 0.601-0.856). CONCLUSION When we analyse the overall appearance of the face, our results show that signs of photo-ageing identified by the participant are concordant with signs of photo-ageing identified by our assessors. When we focused our analysis on specific areas of the face, we found that participants were more likely to identify and self-report the same wrinkles that our assessors have also detected. Here, we found that self-reported signs of skin ageing provide a satisfactory approximation to the signs of skin ageing identified by our assessors. The ability to use self-reported signs of skin ageing should also be evaluated on scales beyond the ones discussed in this study. Currently, there are not as many photo-numeric scales for quantifying dyspigmentation patterns as there are for quantifying wrinkle variations. As Chinese skin is known to become dyspigmented more easily with age, more photo-numeric scales need to be developed and properly validated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yan Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Hongyu Zhou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Tianqi Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Fook Tim Chew
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
- Allergy and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Lee Hiok Kwee Functional Genomics Laboratories, Block S2, Level 5, 14 Science Drive 4, Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
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Wang T, Huang X, Dai LX, Zhan KM, Wang J. Functional connectivity alterations in the thalamus among patients with bronchial asthma. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1378362. [PMID: 38798710 PMCID: PMC11116975 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1378362] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Bronchial Asthma (BA) is a common chronic respiratory disease worldwide. Earlier research has demonstrated abnormal functional connectivity (FC) in multiple cognition-related cortices in asthma patients. The thalamus (Thal) serves as a relay center for transmitting sensory signals, yet the modifications in the thalamic FC among individuals with asthma remain uncertain. This research employed the resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) approach to explore alterations in thalamic functional connectivity among individuals with BA. Patients and methods After excluding participants who did not meet the criteria, this study finally included 31 patients with BA, with a gender distribution of 16 males and 15 females. Subsequently, we recruited 31 healthy control participants (HC) matched for age, gender, and educational background. All participants underwent the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) assessment. Following this, both groups underwent head magnetic resonance imaging scans, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data was collected. Based on the AAL (Automated Anatomical Labeling) template, the bilateral thalamic regions were used as seed points (ROI) for subsequent rsFC research. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between thalamic functional connectivity and neuropsychological scales in both groups. After controlling for potential confounding factors such as age, gender, intelligence, and emotional level, a two-sample t-test was further used to explore differences in thalamic functional connectivity between the two groups of participants. Result Compared to the HC group, the BA group demonstrated heightened functional connectivity (FC) between the left thalamus and the left cerebellar posterior lobe (CPL), left postcentral gyrus (PCG), and right superior frontal gyrus (SFG). Concurrently, there was a decrease in FC with both the Lentiform Nucleus (LN) and the left corpus callosum (CC). Performing FC analysis with the right thalamus as the Region of Interest (ROI) revealed an increase in FC between the right thalamus and the right SFG as well as the left CPL. Conversely, a decrease in FC was observed between the right thalamus and the right LN as well as the left CC. Conclusion In our study, we have verified the presence of aberrant FC patterns in the thalamus of BA patients. When compared to HCs, BA patients exhibit aberrant alterations in FC between the thalamus and various brain areas connected to vision, hearing, emotional regulation, cognitive control, somatic sensations, and wakefulness. This provides further confirmation of the substantial role played by the thalamus in the advancement of BA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Li-xue Dai
- Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Kang-min Zhan
- Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
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Ng JY, Zhou H, Li T, Chew FT. Comparisons between Caucasian-validated photo-numeric scales and Korean-validated photo-numeric scales for photo-ageing. Insights from the Singapore/Malaysia cross-sectional genetics epidemiology study (SMCGES) cohort. Skin Res Technol 2024; 30:e13637. [PMID: 38783624 PMCID: PMC11116842 DOI: 10.1111/srt.13637] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Photo-ageing is a form of skin ageing which affects the entire face. A photo-aged skin has a diverse variety of wrinkles and dyspigmentation all over the face. Here, we discuss photo-ageing on the Chinese skin evaluated using a photo-numeric scale developed and validated on Caucasian skin (i.e., Caucasian scale) and evaluated using a photo-numeric scale developed and validated on Korean skin (i.e., Korean scale). The Korean scale can be subdivided into two scales that separately address the wrinkling and dyspigmentation constituents of photo-ageing. AIM As there are currently no photo-ageing scales for Chinese skin, the main objective of this study is to adapt existing photo-ageing photo-numeric scales for use on ethnic Chinese skin. METHOD Three trained assessors studied facial photo-ageing on 1,081 ethnic Chinese young adults from the Singapore/Malaysia Cross-sectional Genetics Epidemiology Study (SMCGES) cohort. RESULTS All assessors are highly internally consistent (Weighted Kappa (κw) values≥0.952). We found that the Caucasian scale and Korean scale give nearly synonymous results for the wrinkling constituent of photo-ageing (R2 = 0.9386). The two scales are strongly concordant (Spearman's Rank Correlation (ρ) value: 0.62 ± 0.06, p = 1.31×10-84). A weak-to-moderate inter-scalar level of agreement (Cohen's Kappa (κ) values: 0.38 ± 0.05, p = 8.87×10-53) persists and is statistically significant after accounting for agreements due to chance. When tested on ethnic Chinese skin, both scales detect photo-ageing consistently (Area under curve [AUC] values: 0.76-0.84). Additionally, the Korean scale for the dyspigmentation constituent of photo-ageing is concordant with both the Caucasian scale (R2 = 0.7888) and the Korean scale for the wrinkling constituent of photo-ageing (R2 = 0.7734). CONCLUSION Our results show that the Caucasian scale is suitable for capturing photo-ageing on Chinese skin, especially wrinkle variations. The Korean dyspigmentation scale supplements the Caucasian scale to capture dyspigmentation patterns on Chinese skin that may be absent on Caucasian skin. Currently, photo-ageing scales for Chinese skin are absent. When developed, these photo-ageing scales must be properly validated for their ability to capture photo-ageing of the entire face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yan Ng
- Department of Biological SciencesFaculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Hongyu Zhou
- Department of Biological SciencesFaculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Tianqi Li
- Department of Biological SciencesFaculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Fook Tim Chew
- Department of Biological SciencesFaculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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Paramonova N, Trapina I, Gradauskiene (Sitkauskiene) B, Plavina S, Tamasauskiene L, Bastyte D, Rumba-Rozenfelde I, Tapina S, Stakaitiene I, Ugenskiene R, Shih-Hsin Wu L, Wang JY, Hsieh MH, Chen PC, Sjakste N. Genetic Diversity in Bronchial Asthma Susceptibility: Exploring the Role of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in Varied Geographic Contexts. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1943. [PMID: 38339221 PMCID: PMC10856277 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031943] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Bronchial asthma (BA) exhibits varying prevalence across global populations, prompting a comprehensive investigation into genetic and environmental determinants. Vitamin D is a potent immunomodulator capable of suppressing inflammatory signals in several cell types involved in the asthmatic response; it exerts effects on the immune system by binding to the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR). VDR gene genetic variations are affecting serum vitamin D levels with a possible role in the BA risk. The current study aimed to examine the complex interaction of various factors (genetic background, serum vitamin D levels, and geographic location) to identify differences in the influence of these factors on the susceptibility to asthma between populations at different latitudes. Focusing on Eastern European cohorts from Latvia and Lithuania and comparing them with published data on East Asian populations, we explore the impact of VDR gene polymorphisms on BA susceptibility. Genotyping four key VDR SNPs and assessing their association with 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, our study unveils significant associations of the studied loci with the risk of asthma-both risk-reducing and increasing effects, differently distributed between Baltic and East Asian populations. The functional effects of in silico VDR gene genetic variations are also identified and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Paramonova
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biology, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (N.P.); (S.P.); (N.S.)
| | - Ilva Trapina
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biology, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (N.P.); (S.P.); (N.S.)
| | | | - Samanta Plavina
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biology, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (N.P.); (S.P.); (N.S.)
| | - Laura Tamasauskiene
- Department of Immunology and Allergology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania (L.T.); (D.B.)
| | - Daina Bastyte
- Department of Immunology and Allergology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania (L.T.); (D.B.)
| | | | - Sandra Tapina
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia; (I.R.-R.); (S.T.)
| | - Ieva Stakaitiene
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (I.S.); (R.U.)
| | - Rasa Ugenskiene
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (I.S.); (R.U.)
| | - Lawrence Shih-Hsin Wu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan;
- Research Center of Allergy, Immunology, and Microbiome (AIM), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404327, Taiwan; (J.-Y.W.); (M.-H.H.); (P.-C.C.)
| | - Jiu-Yao Wang
- Research Center of Allergy, Immunology, and Microbiome (AIM), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404327, Taiwan; (J.-Y.W.); (M.-H.H.); (P.-C.C.)
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, China Medical University Children’s Hospital, Taichung 404327, Taiwan
| | - Miao-Hsi Hsieh
- Research Center of Allergy, Immunology, and Microbiome (AIM), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404327, Taiwan; (J.-Y.W.); (M.-H.H.); (P.-C.C.)
| | - Pei-Chi Chen
- Research Center of Allergy, Immunology, and Microbiome (AIM), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404327, Taiwan; (J.-Y.W.); (M.-H.H.); (P.-C.C.)
| | - Nikolajs Sjakste
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biology, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (N.P.); (S.P.); (N.S.)
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Kharusi ZA, Kalbani RA, Al-Hadhrami R. Frequency of Asthma Exacerbations and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections Among Adults With Asthma According to Vaccination Status: Does the annual influenza vaccine have a protective effect? Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J 2024; 24:70-75. [PMID: 38434454 PMCID: PMC10906763 DOI: 10.18295/squmj.9.2023.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Annual influenza vaccinations are recommended for asthma patients to prevent seasonal influenza and influenza-triggered asthma exacerbations. However, data on the beneficial effect of this vaccine on the frequency of asthma exacerbations are conflicting. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine in terms of reducing the frequency of asthma-related exacerbations and upper respiratory tract infections among adult patients with asthma. Methods This retrospective cohort study was performed from January to December 2018 in Muscat Governorate, Oman. A total of 466 patients attending 9 randomly selected primary health centres in Muscat Governorate were enrolled in the study and followed up for one year post vaccination. Results Most of the patients were female (70.6%) and had moderate persistent asthma (42.9%). There were 203 patients (43.6%) in the vaccinated group and 263 patients (56.4%) in the non-vaccinated group. A proportion of patients in each group had allergic rhinitis (28.6% and 25.5%, respectively). The frequency of upper respiratory tract infections over the one-year follow-up period was significantly lower in the vaccinated group than in the non-vaccinated group (37.9% versus 73%; relative risk [RR]: 2.299; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.834-2.882; P <0.001); however, there was no significant difference in terms of the frequency of asthma exacerbations (41.9% versus 45.2%; RR: 0.925; 95% CI: 0.750-1.141; P >0.050). Conclusion The influenza vaccine significantly reduces the frequency of upper respiratory tract infections over the following year. However, it does not significantly reduce the frequency of asthma exacerbations among Omani adults with asthma. Further studies are recommended to support the protective effect of the vaccine in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zalkha Al Kharusi
- Family Medicine, Directorate-General of Primary Healthcare, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Rahma Al Kalbani
- Family Medicine, Directorate-General of Primary Healthcare, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Rahma Al-Hadhrami
- Department of Family Medicine & Public Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
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Ng JY, Chew FT. Comparisons between eyebags, droopy eyelids, and eyebrow positioning identified by photo-numeric scales or identified by written descriptive scales: Insights from the Singapore/Malaysia cross-sectional genetics epidemiology study (SMCGES) cohort. Skin Res Technol 2024; 30:e13620. [PMID: 38376131 PMCID: PMC10878178 DOI: 10.1111/srt.13620] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We evaluate skin sagging phenotypes (eyebags, droopy eyelids, low eyebrow positioning) using written descriptive scales and photo-numeric scales. We also study how anti-ageing interventions and digital screen time influence skin sagging. AIM We compare the two phenotype assessment methods with each other. METHOD Skin sagging and personal lifestyle data obtained from 2885 ethnic Chinese young adults from the Singapore/Malaysia cross-sectional genetics epidemiology study (SMCGES) cohort were collated and compared. RESULTS Significant correlations (p-value < 0.001) between written descriptive scales and photo-numeric scales were observed for eyebags (0.25) and eyebrow positioning (0.08). Significant correlations (p-value < 0.001) were observed after combining both scales for eyebags (0.38), droopy eyelids (0.30), and eyebrow positioning (0.30). Anti-ageing interventions are associated with delayed progression of eyebags from 18-45 years old, droopy eyelids from 31-45 years old, and eyebrow positioning from 35-40 years old. Significantly lower (p-value < 0.02) eyebrow positioning is associated with both <1 and 1-3 h of screen time stratified by age. CONCLUSION Written descriptive scales provide comparable results to photo-numeric scales. However, validating and adapting photo-numeric scales for different populations identifies phenotypes better. Anti-ageing interventions are beneficial at different age ranges. Screen time is associated with skin sagging in young (18-30 years old) participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yan Ng
- Department of Biological SciencesFaculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Fook Tim Chew
- Department of Biological SciencesFaculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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Wong QYA, Lim JJ, Ng JY, Lim YYE, Sio YY, Chew FT. Sleep and allergic diseases among young Chinese adults from the Singapore/Malaysia Cross-Sectional Genetic Epidemiology Study (SMCGES) cohort. J Physiol Anthropol 2024; 43:6. [PMID: 38291494 PMCID: PMC10826209 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-024-00356-5] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Sleep disruption has been shown to affect immune function and thus influence allergic disease manifestation. The specific effects of sleep on allergic diseases, however, are less well-established; hence, in a unique population of young Chinese adults, we investigated the association between sleep and allergic disease. METHODS Young Chinese adults recruited from Singapore in the Singapore/Malaysia Cross-Sectional Genetic Epidemiology Study (SMCGES) were analyzed. We used the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) protocol and a skin prick test to determine atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic rhinitis (AR), and asthma status. Information regarding total sleep time (TST) and sleep quality (SQ) was also obtained. RESULTS Of 1558 participants with a mean age of 25.0 years (SD = 7.6), 61.4% were female, and the mean total sleep time (TST) was 6.8 h (SD = 1.1). The proportions of AD, AR, and asthma were 24.5% (393/1542), 36.4% (987/1551), and 14.7% (227/1547), respectively. 59.8% (235/393) of AD cases suffered from AD-related sleep disturbances, 37.1% (209/564) of AR cases suffered from AR-related sleep disturbances, and 25.1% (57/227) of asthma cases suffered from asthma-related sleep disturbances. Only asthma cases showed a significantly lower mean TST than those without asthma (p = 0.015). Longer TST was significantly associated with lower odds of AR (OR = 0.905, 95% CI = 0.820-0.999) and asthma (OR = 0.852, 95% CI = 0.746-0.972). Linear regression analyses showed that lower TST was significantly associated with asthma (β = - 0.18, SE = 0.076, p-value = 0.017), and AR when adjusted for AR-related sleep disturbances (β = - 0.157, SE = 0.065, p-value = 0.016). Only sleep disturbances due to AR were significantly associated with a poorer SQ (OR = 1.962, 95% CI = 1.245-3.089). CONCLUSIONS We found that sleep quality, but not sleep duration was significantly poorer among AD cases, although the exact direction of influence could not be determined. In consideration of the literature coupled with our findings, we posit that TST influences allergic rhinitis rather than vice versa. Finally, the association between TST and asthma is likely mediated by asthma-related sleep disturbances, since mean TST was significantly lower among those with nighttime asthma symptoms. Future studies could consider using objective sleep measurements coupled with differential expression analysis to investigate the pathophysiology of sleep and allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Yi Ambrose Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Allergy and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Lee Hiok Kwee Functional Genomics Laboratories, Block S2, Level 5, 14 Science Drive 4, Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Jun Jie Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Allergy and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Lee Hiok Kwee Functional Genomics Laboratories, Block S2, Level 5, 14 Science Drive 4, Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Jun Yan Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Allergy and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Lee Hiok Kwee Functional Genomics Laboratories, Block S2, Level 5, 14 Science Drive 4, Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Yi Ying Eliza Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Allergy and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Lee Hiok Kwee Functional Genomics Laboratories, Block S2, Level 5, 14 Science Drive 4, Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Yang Yie Sio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Allergy and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Lee Hiok Kwee Functional Genomics Laboratories, Block S2, Level 5, 14 Science Drive 4, Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Fook Tim Chew
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Allergy and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Lee Hiok Kwee Functional Genomics Laboratories, Block S2, Level 5, 14 Science Drive 4, Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
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Sio YY, Victoria Nanong GA, Lim JA, Matta SA, Say YH, Teh KF, Wong YR, Rawanan Shah SM, Reginald K, Chew FT. Sensitization to oil palm pollen associates with risks and severity of allergic diseases. World Allergy Organ J 2024; 17:100853. [PMID: 38235258 PMCID: PMC10792632 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2023.100853] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Elaeis guineensis (Ela g, oil palm) pollen is one of the most predominant species of inhalant allergens in the tropical Southeast Asia region; however, its association with the manifestation of allergic diseases remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to determine the sensitization pattern of oil palm pollen and associate this with the risk and severity of allergic diseases. Methods Participants were recruited as a part of the Singapore and Malaysia cross-sectional genetic and epidemiological study (SMCSGES). Two independent cohorts were recruited: n = 564 serum samples were collected and serological assessment was performed against a panel of 16 crude inhalant allergens including house dust mite, pet, insect, pollen, and fungal allergens; n = 13 652 Singapore/Malaysia Chinese young adults were recruited and skin prick test was used to assess oil palm sensitization, which was tested for its association with the risk and severity of asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and atopic dermatitis (AD). Results The sensitization rate of oil palm pollen is 9.6% in the n = 564 Singapore/Malaysia cohort. In the n = 13 652 Singapore/Malaysia Chinese cohort, oil palm sensitization significantly associates with increased risks of asthma (p = 1.34x10-4), AR (p = 2.91x10-13), and AD (p = 6.95x10-7). Asthmatic patients with oil palm sensitization have increased risks of wheezing (p = 0.00995), nocturnal cough (p = 0.0122), and exacerbations (p = 0.00139) in the past 12 months. AR patients with oil palm sensitization also have an increased risk of developing moderate-to-severe symptoms (p = 0.00113). Conclusions We have identified significant associations of oil palm sensitization with increased risks, exacerbations, and the severity of symptoms of allergic diseases in the tropical Southeast Asian region (Singapore/Malaysia).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yie Sio
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Jie Ann Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sri Anusha Matta
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yee-How Say
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Kampar Campus, Kampar, Perak, Malaysia
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Malaysia
| | - Keng Foo Teh
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Malaysia
| | - Yi Ru Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Malaysia
| | - Smyrna Moti Rawanan Shah
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Malaysia
| | - Kavita Reginald
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Malaysia
| | - Fook Tim Chew
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Losol P, Sokolowska M, Hwang YK, Ogulur I, Mitamura Y, Yazici D, Pat Y, Radzikowska U, Ardicli S, Yoon JE, Choi JP, Kim SH, van de Veen W, Akdis M, Chang YS, Akdis CA. Epithelial Barrier Theory: The Role of Exposome, Microbiome, and Barrier Function in Allergic Diseases. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2023; 15:705-724. [PMID: 37957791 PMCID: PMC10643858 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2023.15.6.705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Allergic diseases are a major public health problem with increasing prevalence. These immune-mediated diseases are characterized by defective epithelial barriers, which are explained by the epithelial barrier theory and continuously emerging evidence. Environmental exposures (exposome) including global warming, changes and loss of biodiversity, pollution, pathogens, allergens and mites, laundry and dishwasher detergents, surfactants, shampoos, body cleaners and household cleaners, microplastics, nanoparticles, toothpaste, enzymes and emulsifiers in processed foods, and dietary habits are responsible for the mucosal and skin barrier disruption. Exposure to barrier-damaging agents causes epithelial cell injury and barrier damage, colonization of opportunistic pathogens, loss of commensal bacteria, decreased microbiota diversity, bacterial translocation, allergic sensitization, and inflammation in the periepithelial area. Here, we review scientific evidence on the environmental components that impact epithelial barriers and microbiome composition and their influence on asthma and allergic diseases. We also discuss the historical overview of allergic diseases and the evolution of the hygiene hypothesis with theoretical evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purevsuren Losol
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Biomedicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Milena Sokolowska
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Yu-Kyoung Hwang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ismail Ogulur
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Yasutaka Mitamura
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Duygu Yazici
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Yagiz Pat
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Urszula Radzikowska
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Sena Ardicli
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Jeong-Eun Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jun-Pyo Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sae-Hoon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Willem van de Veen
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Mübeccel Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Yoon-Seok Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Cezmi A Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
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Ma R, Zhang G, Kong Y, Jia S. Regional heterogeneity in short-term associations of meteorological factors, air pollution, and asthma hospitalizations in Guangxi, China. Public Health 2023; 223:42-49. [PMID: 37597463 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.07.020] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify and evaluate the short-term and lag effects of environmental factors on asthma hospitalizations in different regions. STUDY DESIGN The ecological study on asthma is performed in three regions of Guangxi, China, that are distinctly different in geography and climate. METHODS We used distributed lag non-linear models to investigate the exposure-response-lag relationship between meteorological factors, air pollutants, and asthma hospital admissions across the three regions during 2015 (January 1 to December 31). RESULTS Cold was an important meteorological factor affecting asthma. At lag 0, the relative risk (RR; 23°C as reference) of cold in the Northwest, Northeast, and South was 1.10 (10°C), 1.14 (8°C), and 1.30 (11°C), respectively. NO2 was identified as the most important air pollutant affecting asthma. The RR of asthma hospitalization increased by 10.9% (at lag 4), 8.1% (at lag 0), and 4.2% (at lag 2) for every 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2 concentration in the Northwest, Northeast, and South, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In the three regions of Guangxi, there were differences in the dominant factors affecting asthma hospitalizations. Differences in geography can inform governments as to how to prepare the healthcare system to meet the expected peaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ma
- Key Laboratory of Geospatial Technology for the Middle and Lower Yellow River Regions, Ministry of Education, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China; The College of Information Science & Technology, Zhengzhou Normal University, Zhengzhou 451044, China.
| | - G Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Geospatial Technology for the Middle and Lower Yellow River Regions, Ministry of Education, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Y Kong
- Key Laboratory of Geospatial Technology for the Middle and Lower Yellow River Regions, Ministry of Education, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - S Jia
- The College of Information Science & Technology, Zhengzhou Normal University, Zhengzhou 451044, China.
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Lim JJ, Reginald K, Say YH, Liu MH, Chew FT. A Dietary Pattern for High Estimated Total Fat Amount Is Associated with Enhanced Allergy Sensitization and Atopic Diseases among Singapore/Malaysia Young Chinese Adults. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2023; 184:975-984. [PMID: 37393903 DOI: 10.1159/000530948] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Frequent dietary patterns for fast food diets are suggested to be a risk factor for atopic disease development. Excessive dietary fats in fast foods are postulated to promote low-grade chronic inflammation. However, no studies in Asia have yet to characterize the dietary pattern for high-fat foods with atopic diseases. Thus, this study aims to assess the association between dietary fats with the prevalence of atopic diseases in an allergic cohort. METHODS Through an investigator-administered questionnaire that follows the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) protocol, we evaluated the eating habits, lifestyle behaviours, sociodemographics, and atopic symptoms, and history among 11,494 young Chinese adults in Singapore and Malaysia. A skin prick test (SPT) for common house dust mites was also conducted to determine the atopic (allergic) status. We identified 1,550 atopic dermatitis (AD), 1,301 allergic asthma (AS), and 3,757 allergic rhinitis (AR) atopic cases. We derived a novel dietary index, Diet Quality based on Total Fat Amount (DQTFA), to examine the association between eating patterns for estimated total fat amount with various atopic outcomes. RESULTS There was a preponderance of subjects having positive SPT reaction (69.0%) with the prevalence of AR being the highest (32.7%), then AD (13.5%), and AS (11.3%). Additionally, there is a significantly higher proportion of subjects with an atopy background and atopic diseases consume diets with a high estimated mean fat amount. The adherence to a dietary pattern of the higher estimated total fat amount was shown to be strongly associated with all atopic diseases and exhibited dose-dependent responses in the univariate analysis. These associations remained significant even with the adjustments for age, gender, body mass index, use of alcohol, sedentary lifestyles, and physical activity. A dietary pattern for high-fat amount is more strongly associated with AS (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.524; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.216-1.725; p < 0.001) and AR (AOR: 1.294; 95% CI: 1.107-1.512; p < 0.001) compared to AD (AOR: 1.278; 95% CI: 1.049-1.559; p < 0.05). Finally, it was shown that having either one of the atopic comorbidities was strongly associated with a dietary pattern of high-fat amounts (AOR: 1.360; 95% CI: 1.161-1.594; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Our findings altogether provide initial evidence that the dietary pattern of a diet high in fat amount is associated with an increased risk of atopy and atopic diseases in young Chinese adults in Singapore and Malaysia. Balancing the consumption of dietary fats and changing personal dietary habits by choosing foods of the lower fat amount may reduce the associated odds of atopic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Jie Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore,
| | - Kavita Reginald
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Yee-How Say
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Kampar, Malaysia
| | - Mei Hui Liu
- Department of Food Science & Technology, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fook Tim Chew
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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12
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Sio YY, Gan WL, Ng WS, Matta SA, Say YH, Teh KF, Wong YR, Rawanan Shah SM, Reginald K, Chew FT. The ERBB2 Exonic Variant Pro1170Ala Modulates Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Cascades and Associates with Allergic Asthma. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2023; 184:1010-1021. [PMID: 37336194 DOI: 10.1159/000530960] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies have indicated the ERBB2 genetic variants in the 17q12 locus might be associated with asthma; however, the functional effects of these variants on asthma risk remain inconclusive. This study aimed to characterize the functional roles of asthma-associated ERBB2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in asthma pathogenesis by performing genetic association and functional analysis studies. METHODS This study belongs to a part of an ongoing Singapore/Malaysia cross-sectional genetics and epidemiological study (SMCSGES). Genotype-phenotype associations were assessed by performing a genotyping assay on n = 4,348 ethnic Chinese individuals from the SMCSGES cohort. The phosphorylation levels of receptors and signaling proteins in the MAPK signaling cascades, including ErbB2, EGFR, and ERK1/2, were compared across the genotypes of asthma-associated SNPs through in vitro and ex vivo approaches. RESULTS The ERBB2 tag-SNP rs1058808 was significantly associated with allergic asthma, with the allele "G" identified as protective against the disease (adjusted logistic p = 6.56 × 10-9, OR = 0.625, 95% CI: 0.544-0.718). The allele "G" of rs1058808 resulted in a Pro1170Ala mutation that results in lower phosphorylation levels of ErbB2 in HaCat cells (p < 0.001), whereas the overall ERBB2 mRNA expression and the phosphorylation levels of EGFR remained unaffected. In the SMCSGES cohort, individuals carrying the genotype "GG" of rs1058808 had lower phosphorylated ERK1/2 proteins in the MAPK signaling cascade. A lower phosphorylation level of ERK1/2 was also associated with reduced asthma risk. CONCLUSIONS The present findings highlighted the involvement of a functional exonic variant of ERBB2 in asthma development via modulating the MAPK signaling cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yie Sio
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore,
| | - Wei Liang Gan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wing Shan Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sri Anusha Matta
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yee-How Say
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)Kampar Campus, Kampar, Malaysia
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Keng Foo Teh
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Yi Ru Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Smyrna Moti Rawanan Shah
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Kavita Reginald
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Fook Tim Chew
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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