Oxidative stress in allergic respiratory diseases

Terpenoids, a Rising Star in Bioactive Constituents for Alleviating Food Allergy: A Review about the Potential Mechanism, Preparation, and Application

Food allergies affect approximately 2.5% of the global population, with a notable increase in prevalence observed each year. Terpenoids, a class of natural bioactive constituents, have been widely utilized in the management of immune- and inflammation-related disorders, and their potential in alleviating food allergies is increasingly being recognized. This article summarizes various terpenoids derived from plant, fungal, and marine sources. Among them, triterpenoids, such as oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, and lupeol, possess the highest proportion and bioactivity in alleviating food allergy. Additionally, the mechanisms by which terpenoids may mitigate allergic diseases were categorically outlined, focusing on their roles in epithelial mucosal barrier function, immunomodulatory effects during the sensitization phase, inhibition of effector cells, oxidative stress, and regulation of microbial homeostasis. Finally, the advantages and limitations of natural extraction and artificial synthesis methods were compared, and the application of terpenoids in the food industry were also discussed. This article serves as a useful reference for the development of methods or functional foods based on terpenoids, which could represent a promising avenue for alleviating food allergy.

Coarse particulate air pollution and mortality in a multidrug-resistant tuberculosis cohort

RATIONALE

The association between ambient coarse particulate matter (PM2.5-10) and mortality in multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients has not yet been studied. The modifying effects of temperature and humidity on this association are completely unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of long-term PM2.5-10 exposures, and their modifications by temperature and humidity on mortality among MDR-TB patients.

METHODS

A Chinese cohort of 3469 MDR-TB patients was followed up from diagnosis until death, loss to follow-up, or the study's end, averaging 2567 days per patient. PM2.5-10 concentrations were derived from the difference between PM10 and PM2.5. Cox proportional hazard models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) per 3.74 μg/m3 (interquartile range, IQR) exposure to PM2.5-10 and all-cause mortality for the full cohort and individuals at distinct long-term and short-term temperature and humidity levels, adjusting for other air pollutants and potential covariates. Exposure-response relationships were quantified using smoothed splines.

RESULTS

Hazard ratios of 1.733 (95% CI, 1.407, 2.135) and 1.427 (1.114, 1.827) were observed for mortality in association with PM2.5-10 exposures for the full cohort under both long-term and short-term exposures to temperature and humidity. Modifying effects by temperature and humidity were heterogenous across sexes, age, treatment history, and surrounding environment measured by greenness and nighttime light levels. Nonlinear exposure-response curves suggestes a cumulative risk of PM2.5-10-related mortality starting from a low exposure concentration around 15 μg/m3.

CONCLUSION

Long-term exposure to PM2.5-10 poses significant harm among MDR-TB patients, with effects modified by temperature and humidity. Immediate surveillance of PM2.5-10 is crucial to mitigate the progression of MDR-TB severity, particularly due to co-exposures to air pollution and adverse weather conditions.

Human keratinocyte response to 4,4'-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate-glutathione conjugate exposure

Workplace exposure to diisocyanates like 4,4'-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate can cause occupational asthma (MDI-OA), and the underlying biological pathways are still being researched.Although uncertainty remains, evidence supports the hypothesis that dermal exposure to MDI plays an important role in the development of MDI-OA.Gene expression, proteomics, and informatics tools were utilised to characterise changes in expression of RNA and protein in cultured human HEKa keratinocyte cells following exposure to conjugates of MDI with glutathione (MDI-GSH).RT-qPCR analysis using a panel of 39 candidate primers demonstrated 9 candidate genes upregulated and 30 unchanged.HPLC-MS/MS analysis of HEKa cell lysate identified 18 540 proteins across all samples 60 proteins demonstrate statistically significant differential expression in exposed cells, some of which suggest activation of immune and inflammatory pathways.The results support the hypothesis that dermal exposures have the potential to play an important role in the development of MDI-OA. Furthermore, proteomic and gene expression data suggest multiple immune (adaptive and innate) and inflammatory pathways may be involved in the development of MDI-OA.

The inhibitory potential of 4,7-dihydroxycoumarin derivatives on ROS-producing enzymes and direct HOO•/o2• - radical scavenging activity - a comprehensive kinetic DFT study

This study examined the antiradical activity of three synthesized coumarin derivatives: (E)-3-(1-((2-hydroxyphenyl)amino)ethylidene)-2,4-dioxochroman-7-yl acetate (A1-OH), (E)-3-(1-((3-hydroxyphenyl)amino)ethylidene)-2,4-dioxochroman-7-yl acetate (A2-OH), and (E)-3-(1-((4-hydroxyphenyl)amino)ethylidene)-2,4-dioxochroman-7-yl acetate (A3-OH) against HOO•/O2•- radical species. The investigation included electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements and a DFT kinetic study. Thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of antiradical mechanisms-Formal Hydrogen Atom Transfer (f-HAT), Radical Adduct Formation (RAF), Sequential Proton Loss followed by Electron Transfer (SPLET), and Single-Electron Transfer followed by Proton Transfer (SET-PT)-were evaluated using the Quantum Mechanics-based test for Overall Free Radical Scavenging Activity (QM-ORSA) under physiological conditions. ESR results indicated antiradical activity decreased in the sequence A1-OH (58.7%) > A2-OH (57.5%) > A3-OH (53.1%). Kinetic analysis revealed the f-HAT mechanism dominated HOO• inactivation. A newly formulated Sequential Proton Loss followed by Radical Adduct Formation (SPL-RAF) mechanism described interactions with O2•-. The activity toward O2•- was A2-OH (1.26 × 106 M-1s-1) > A3-OH (7.71 × 105 M-1s-1) > A1-OH (4.22 × 105 M-1s-1). Molecular docking and dynamics studies tested inhibitory capability against enzymes producing reactive species: Lipoxygenase (LOX), Myeloperoxidase (MPO), NAD(P)H oxidase (NOX), and Xanthine Oxidase (XOD). Affinity to enzymes decreased in the order: XOD > LOX > NOX > MPO.

Reactive oxygen species on indoor surfaces

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are relatively unstable oxygen-containing radicals or non-radicals, some of which may react with tissues and biomolecules after entering the body. ROS is present in indoor aerosols, but it is unclear how much of that ROS is of indoor origin. Indoor surface films have been hypothesized to be a major source of the ROS observed on indoor aerosols. In this study, the ROS concentration on residential indoor surfaces was measured using a xylenol orange ferrous oxidation assay after wiping and extraction. On genuine surfaces frequently touched by apartment occupants, the concentration was >0.2 nmol cm-2; infrequently touched surfaces were at or below detection limits. On clean glass plates that had been deployed in apartments for 6 weeks, horizontal plates had higher concentrations than vertically oriented plates. The highest concentration, 1.3 nmol cm-2, was observed on a horizontally oriented plate close to an electric stove. To simulate the dynamic oxidation of unsaturated hydrocarbons on indoor surfaces, a surface lipid mixture (SLM) was dosed on 19 glass plates which were then exposed to untreated laboratory air for periods ranging from 1 to 56 days. During the first 5-6 days, the ROS concentration increased roughly linearly to a maximum of 5-6 nmol cm-2. Then the concentration ceased to increase, perhaps because reactive sites had become depleted. After 2 weeks, ROS decreased slowly, possibly due to a combination of volatilization, decomposition and continued formation by autoxidation. These field and laboratory results support the hypothesis that indoor surfaces can be a source of ROS.

Biodegradable Mesoporous Organosilica-Based Nanostabilizer Targeting Mast Cells for Long-Term Treatment of Allergic Diseases

Allergic diseases are immune system dysfunctions mediated by mast cell (MC) activation stimulated by specific allergens. However, current small molecular MC stabilizers for allergic disease prevention often require multiple doses over a long period of time and are associated with serious side effects. Herein, we develop a diselenide-bridged mesoporous silica nanostabilizer, proving that it could specifically target sensitized MCs via the recognition of IgE aptamer and IgE. Meantime, the IgE aptamer can also mitigate allergic reactions by preventing re-exposure of allergens from the surface of sensitized MCs. Furthermore, the diselenide-bridged scaffold can be reduced by the intracellular excessive ROS, subsequently achieving redox homeostasis via ROS depletion. Finally, the precise release of small molecular MC stabilizers along with the biodegradation of nanocarrier can stabilize the membranes of MCs. In vivo assays in passive cutaneous anaphylactic (PCA) and allergic rhinitis (AR) mice indicated that our current strategy further endowed it with a high efficacy, long-term therapeutic time window, as well as negligible inflammatory side effects for allergic diseases, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for the clinical generalization of allergic diseases.

The potential application and molecular mechanisms of natural products in the treatment of allergic rhinitis: A review

BACKGROUNDS

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a non-infectious chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa mainly mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) in atopic individuals after exposure to allergens. The application of AR guideline-recommended pharmacotherapies can rapidly relieve symptoms of AR but with poor long-term efficacy, and many of these therapies have side effects. Many natural products and their derivatives have shown potential therapeutic effects on AR with fewer side effects.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to expand understanding of the roles and mechanisms of natural compounds in the treatment of AR and to highlight the importance of utilizing natural products in the treatment of AR.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

We conducted a systematic literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Clinical Trials. The search was performed using keywords including natural products, natural compounds, bioproducts, plant extracts, naturally derived products, natural resources, allergic rhinitis, hay fever, pollinosis, nasal allergy. Comprehensive research and compilation of existing literature were conducted.

RESULTS

This article provided a comprehensive review of the potential therapeutic effects and mechanisms of natural compounds in the treatment of AR. We emphasized that natural products primarily exert their effects by modulating signalling pathways such as NF-κB, MAPKs, STAT3/ROR-γt/Foxp3, and GATA3/T-bet, thereby inhibiting the activation and expansion of allergic inflammation. We also discussed their toxicity and clinical applications in AR therapy.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, natural products exhibit great potential in the treatment of AR. This review is also expected to facilitate the application of natural products as candidates for treating AR. Furthermore, drug discovery based on natural products has a promising prospect in AR treatment.

Exploring the Role of Lactoferrin in Managing Allergic Airway Diseases among Children: Unrevealing a Potential Breakthrough

The prevalence of allergic diseases has dramatically increased among children in recent decades. These conditions significantly impact the quality of life of allergic children and their families. Lactoferrin, a multifunctional glycoprotein found in various biological fluids, is emerging as a promising immunomodulatory agent that can potentially alleviate allergic diseases in children. Lactoferrin's multifaceted properties make it a compelling candidate for managing these conditions. Firstly, lactoferrin exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which can mitigate the chronic inflammation characteristic of allergic diseases. Secondly, its iron-binding capabilities may help regulate the iron balance in allergic children, potentially influencing the severity of their symptoms. Lactoferrin also demonstrates antimicrobial properties, making it beneficial in preventing secondary infections often associated with respiratory allergies. Furthermore, its ability to modulate the immune response and regulate inflammatory pathways suggests its potential as an immune-balancing agent. This review of the current literature emphasises the need for further research to elucidate the precise roles of lactoferrin in allergic diseases. Harnessing the immunomodulatory potential of lactoferrin could provide a novel add-on approach to managing allergic diseases in children, offering hope for improved outcomes and an enhanced quality of life for paediatric patients and their families. As lactoferrin continues to capture the attention of researchers, its properties and diverse applications make it an intriguing subject of study with a rich history and a promising future.

The risk of open angle glaucoma in young adults with allergic diseases: a Nationwide cohort study

This study investigated the potential associations between allergic diseases (asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis) and the development of primary open-angle glaucoma. We utilized authorized data from the Korean National Health Information Database (KNHID), which provides comprehensive medical claims data and information from the National Health Screening Program. We compared the baseline characteristics of subjects with and without allergic diseases and calculated the incidence and risk of glaucoma development. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to determine the risk of glaucoma development in subjects with allergic diseases. A total of 171,129 subjects aged 20-39 with or without allergic diseases who underwent a general health examination between 2009 and 2015 were included. Subjects with allergic diseases exhibited a higher incidence of glaucoma compared to the control group. The hazard ratio (HR) of glaucoma onset was 1.49 and 1.39 in subjects with at least one allergic disease before and after adjusting for potential confounding factors, respectively. Among allergic diseases, atopic dermatitis showed the highest risk for glaucoma development (aHR 1.73) after adjusting for confounders. Allergic rhinitis showed an increased risk for incident glaucoma after adjustment (aHR 1.38). Asthma showed the lowest but still increased risk for glaucoma (aHR 1.22). The associations were consistent in all subgroup analyses stratified by sex, smoking, drinking, exercise, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or history of steroid. In conclusion, allergic diseases are associated with increased risk of glaucoma development. Among allergic diseases, atopic dermatitis showed the highest risk for glaucoma development followed by allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Hispidulin Alleviates Mast Cell-Mediated Allergic Airway Inflammation through FcεR1 and Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway

Allergic asthma is a type 2 immune-response-mediated chronic respiratory disease. Mast cell activation influences the pathogenesis and exacerbation of allergic asthma. Therefore, the development of mast cell-targeting pharmacotherapy is important for managing allergic airway inflammation. We investigated the efficacy of hispidulin (HPD), natural flavone, in a mast-cell-mediated ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway inflammation model. HPD alleviated symptoms of allergic asthma and decreased the levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) E, type 2 inflammation, immune cell infiltration, and mast cell activation in the lung. Furthermore, in vivo analysis confirmed the efficacy of HPD through the evaluation of IgE-mediated allergic responses in a mast cell line. HPD treatment inhibited mast cell degranulation through inhibition of the FcεR1 signaling pathway and suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-13) through suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway. The antioxidant effects of HPD in activated mast cells were identified through modulation of antioxidant enzymes and the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. In conclusion, HPD may be a potential therapeutic candidate for allergic airway inflammation of asthma and acts by suppressing mast cell activation and oxidative stress.

Changes in FeNO, d-ROMs, and BH4 by Intravenous L-Arginine in Children and Its Putative Role in Asthma Treatment

Purpose

Pteridines are metabolites of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), being coenzymes for nitric oxide synthase (NOS). No study has clarified the relationship among pteridines and NOS, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) generated by pteridines, and reactive oxygen species. In this study, we administered arginine, a precursor of NO, and confirmed changes in the levels of pteridines, FeNO, and reactive oxygen species and their relationship to clarify the pathogenesis of airway inflammation in which oxidative stress is involved, such as bronchial asthma.

Patients and Methods

This is a prospective, randomized open-label study. Children, aged 2 to 15 years, who were scheduled for growth hormone stimulation tests and were able to undergo a respiratory function test were recruited. They were randomly divided into two groups: arginine-administered and control groups. In the former, L-arginine hydrochloride was intravenously administered. After administration, the levels of diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs), serum pteridines, serum amino acids, and fractional exhaled NO (FeNO) were measured.

Results

We analyzed 15 children aged 4 to 14 years. In the arginine-administered group, there was an increase in the FeNO level and a decrease in the d-ROMs level, reaching a peak 30 min after administration, compared with the control group. In addition, there was a decrease in the serum biopterin level and an increase in the d-ROMs level, reaching peak 60 min after administration.

Conclusion

The administration of L-arginine increased the NO level and decreased the d-ROMs level. Due to this, biopterin may be consumed and decreased, leading to an increase in the d-ROMs level. As a reduction in reactive oxygen species leads to the relief of inflammation, arginine and biopterin may be useful for inhibiting inflammation.

New Insights into Mechanisms Traditional Chinese Medicine for Allergic Rhinitis by Regulating Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Pathways

Allergy rhinitis (AR) is becoming more common and has serious medical and societal consequences. Sneezing, paroxysmal nasal blockage, nasal itching, mucosal edema, coughing, and rhinorrhea are symptoms of this type I allergic immunological illness. Immunoglobulin E-mediated inflammation is the cause of it. Because AR is prone to recurrent attacks, extended medication therapy may impair its effectiveness. In addition to negatively affecting the patients' physical health, this can also negatively impact their mental health. During AR development, there are inflammatory and oxidative stress responses that are linked to problems in a number of signal transduction pathways. By using the terms "allergic rhinitis", "traditional Chinese medicine", "inflammation", and "oxidative stress", we screened for pertinent research published over the previous five years in databases like PubMed. We saw that NF-KB, TLR, IL-33/ST2, PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and Nrf2 are some of the most important inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways in AR. Studies have revealed that antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapy reduced the risk of AR and was therapeutic; however, the impact of the therapy varies widely. The Chinese medical system places a high value on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which has been there for virtually all of China's 5000-year history. By influencing signaling pathways related to inflammation and oxidative stress, Chinese herbal medicine and its constituent compounds have been shown to prevent allergic rhinitis. This review will focus on this evidence and provide references for clinical treatment and scientific research applications.

Impact of Climate Change on Dietary Nutritional Quality and Implications for Asthma and Allergy

Asthma and allergic disorders are common in childhood with genetic and environmental determinants of disease that include prenatal nutritional exposures such as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. Global climate change is implicated in asthma and allergic disorder morbidity with potential mechanisms including perturbations of ecosystems. There is support that environmental and climatic changes such as increasing global temperate and carbon dioxide levels affect aquatic and agricultural ecosystems with subsequent alterations in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid availability and nutrient quality and antioxidant capacity of certain crops, respectively. This article discusses asthma epidemiology and the influence of global climate change.

ATP functions as a primary alarmin in allergen-induced type 2 immunity

Environmental allergens that interact with the airway epithelium can activate cellular stress pathways that lead to the release of danger signals known as alarmins. The mechanisms of alarmin release are distinct from damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which typically escape from cells after loss of plasma membrane integrity. Oxidative stress represents a form of allergen-induced cellular stress that stimulates oxidant-sensing mechanisms coupled to pathways, which facilitate alarmin mobilization and efflux across the plasma membrane. In this review, we highlight examples of alarmin release and discuss their roles in the initiation of type 2 immunity and allergic airway inflammation. In addition, we discuss the concept of alarmin amplification, where "primary" alarmins, which are directly released in response to a specific cellular stress, stimulate additional signaling pathways that lead to secretion of "secondary" alarmins that include proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-33, as well as genomic and mitochondrial DNA that coordinate or amplify type 2 immunity. Accordingly, allergen-evoked cellular stress can elicit a hierarchy of alarmin signaling responses from the airway epithelium that trigger local innate immune reactions, impact adaptive immunity, and exacerbate diseases including asthma and other chronic inflammatory conditions that affect airway function.

Malondialdehyde as a Potential Oxidative Stress Marker for Allergy-Oriented Diseases: An Update

Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a compound that is derived from the peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. It has been used as a biomarker to measure oxidative stress in various biological samples in patients who are affected by a wide range of diseases. The aim of our work is to provide an updated overview of the role of MDA as a marker of oxidative stress in allergy-related diseases. We considered studies involving both paediatric and adult patients affected by rhinitis, asthma, urticaria and atopic dermatitis. The measurement of MDA was performed on different types of samples. The reported data highlight the role of serum MDA in inflammatory airway diseases. According to the literature review, the oxidative stress status in asthmatic patients, assessed via MDA determination, appears to worsen in the presence of other allergic airway diseases and in relation to the disease severity. This suggests that MDA can be a suitable marker for monitoring the disease status. However, there are several limitations in the considered studies due to the different samples used and the lack of phenotyping and description of the clinical period of patients examined. In cutaneous allergic diseases, the role of MDA is controversial because of the smallness of the studies and the heterogeneity of the samples and patients.

Antioxidant potential of the diet in Italian children with food allergies

A reduced fruit and vegetable consumption, which implies a decreased intake of antioxidant compounds, seems to play a role in allergic diseases onset. Data on the antioxidant capacity of diet in children with food allergies, who are on an avoidance diet, are still lacking. This pilot study aims to assess the antioxidant potential of diet in Italian children with food allergies, compared to healthy children, using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method. 95 children (54 with confirmed food allergies and 41 controls), with a median age of 7.8 years, were enrolled and underwent a nutritional assessment. Mean nutrient intakes were compared using the Mann–Whitney test. ORAC resulted significantly lower in allergic children (median 2,908, IQR: 1450;4,716) compared to control children (median 4,392, IQR: 2523;5,836; p = 0.049). Among micronutrients with antioxidant properties, vitamin A intakes were significantly higher in controls than in allergic children. Using Spearman’s correlation, a moderate-to-strong correlation between ORAC and vitamin C, potassium and magnesium was observed (ρ = 0.648, p < 0.001; ρ = 0.645, p < 0.001; ρ = 0.500, p < 0.001, respectively). Iron, phosphorus, vitamin E and vitamin A intakes were also moderately-to-low correlated with ORAC values (ρ = 0.351, p < 0.001; ρ = 0.367, p < 0.001; ρ = 0.346, p < 0.001; and ρ = 0.295, p = 0.004, respectively). We hypothesize that the reduced antioxidant potential of the diet might be related to a reduced variety of the diet in children with food allergies. Our study suggests that the diet of children with food allergies has a lower antioxidant potential (expressed as ORAC value) compared to the diet of healthy children, regardless of the allergenic food excluded from the diet. This issue should be further investigated in prospective, powered studies.

Cigarette smoke induces the ROS accumulation and iNOS activation through deactivation of Nrf-2/SIRT3 axis to mediate the human bronchial epithelium ferroptosis

Cigarette smoke (CS)-induced oxidative stress drives the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases, in which the activation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role. Ferroptosis, a regulated cell death induced by Fe²⁺-dependent, lipid peroxidation, and ROS, is closely related to CS-induced airway injury disease, but its mechanism remains unclear. We found that bronchial epithelial ferroptosis and expression of iNOS in smoking patients were significantly higher than that in non-smokers. The iNOS, induced by CS exposure, was involved in bronchial epithelial cell ferroptosis, whereas genetic depletion or pharmacologic inactivation of iNOS attenuated the CS-induced ferroptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Our mechanistic studies found that SIRT3 directly bound to and negatively regulated iNOS to mediate ferroptosis. Moreover, we found that the Nrf-2/SIRT3 signal was deactivated by cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced ROS. Collectively, these results linked CS to human bronchial epithelial cell ferroptosis through ROS deactivation of the Nrf-2/SIRT3 signal to promote iNOS expression. Our study provides new insights into the pathogenesis of CS-induced tracheal injury diseases such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The effects of lipoic acid on respiratory diseases

Respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, and the recently emerging fatal coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), are the leading causes of illness and death worldwide. The increasing incidence and mortality rates have attracted much attention to the prevention and treatment of these conditions. Lipoic acid (LA), a naturally occurring organosulfur compound, is not only essential for mitochondrial aerobic metabolism but also shows therapeutic potential via certain pharmacological effects (e.g., antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects). In recent years, accumulating evidence (animal experiments and in vitro studies) has suggested a role of LA in ameliorating many respiratory diseases (e.g., lung cancer, fibrosis, asthma, acute lung injury and smoking-induced lung injury). Therefore, this review will provide an overview of the present investigational evidence on the therapeutic effect of LA against respiratory diseases in vitro and in vivo. We also summarize the corresponding mechanisms of action to inspire further basic studies and clinical trials to confirm the health benefits of LA in the context of respiratory diseases.

Association between vitamin A and asthma: A meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis

Objective: To explore the association between vitamin A (vit A) status and risk of asthma. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and the Cochrane Library were electronically searched to identify related studies that reported the association between vit A status and asthma. All databases were searched from inception to November 2022. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed risk bias of included studies. Meta-analysis was performed on R software Version 4.1.2 and STATA Version 12.0. Results: A total of 19 observational studies were included. A pooled analysis showed that the serum vit A concentrations in patients with asthma was lower than that in healthy controls (standard mean difference (SMD)= -2.479, 95% confidence interval (CI): -3.719, -.239, 95% prediction interval (PI): -7.510, 2.552), and relatively higher vit A intake in pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of asthma at age 7 years (risk ratio (RR)= 1.181, 95% CI: 1.048, 1.331). No significant correlation was observed between serum vit A levels or vit A intake and the risk of asthma. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis confirms that serum vit A levels are lower in patients with asthma than in healthy controls. Relatively higher vit A intake during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of asthma at age 7 years. There is no significant correlation between vit A intake and asthma risk in children, nor between serum vit A levels and asthma risk. The effect of vit A may depend on age or developmental stage, diet and genetics. Therefore, further studies are needed to explore the association of vit A and asthma. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/CRD42022358930, identifier CRD42022358930.

Hydrogen peroxide attenuates rhinovirus-induced anti-viral interferon secretion in sinonasal epithelial cells

Background

Altered innate defense mechanisms, including an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants release, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The aim of this study is to investigate whether oxidative stress may attenuate the secretion of anti-viral interferons in human sinonasal mucosa.

Methods

The levels of H₂O₂ in nasal secretion were increased in patients with CRS with nasal polyps, compared with that of CRS patients without nasal polyps and control subjects. Normal sinonasal epithelial cells derived from healthy subjects were cultured under an air-liquid interface. The cultured cells were infected with rhinovirus 16 (RV 16) or treated with poly (I: C), TLR3 agonist, after being pretreated with an oxidative stressor, H₂O₂ or antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Thereafter, the expression levels of type I (IFN-β) and type III (IFN-λ1 and λ2) interferons and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) were evaluated with RT-qPCR, ELISA, and western blot.

Results

The data showed that the production of type I (IFN-β) and type III (IFN-λ1 and λ2) interferons and ISGs was upregulated in cells infected with RV 16 or treated with poly (I: C). However, their up-regulated expression was attenuated in cells pretreated with H₂O_2, but not inhibited in cells pretreated with NAC. In line with these data, the up-regulated expression of TLR3, RIG-1, MDA5, and IRF3 was reduced in cells pretreated with H₂O_2, but not attenuated in cells treated with NAC. Furthermore, cells transfected with Nrf2 siRNA showed decreased secretion of anti-viral interferons whereas sulforaphane treatment enhanced the secretory capacity of antiviral interferons.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the production of RV16-induced antiviral interferons may be attenuated by oxidative stress.

Sodium Pyruvate Nasal Spray Reduces the Severity of Nasal Inflammation and Congestion in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis

Background: As an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, sodium pyruvate significantly reduces inflammatory cytokines and oxygen radicals such as interleukin (IL) IL-6, IL-8, Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1, and hydrogen peroxide. Thus, sodium pyruvate holds promise as a treatment for many respiratory diseases, including allergic rhinitis (AR). Novel treatments for AR are needed as current medications, including steroids, often fail to treat severe symptoms. Methods: The data from five human clinical studies were analyzed to determine the effect of 20 mM sodium pyruvate nasal spray (N115) in patients with AR. Nasal inflammation scores were compared to a placebo control or a no-treatment baseline control. Three studies were open-labeled and two were appropriately blinded to both patients and clinicians using computer randomization of subjects. Results: The intranasal administration of sodium pyruvate significantly improved nasal inflammation scores in all five clinical trials of patients with AR (p < 0.0001 in all trials). Conclusions: These results give credence to the overall ability of sodium pyruvate, administered by nasal spray, to treat inflammation of the nasal airways.

Low Level of Advanced Glycation End Products in Serum of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis and Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus Infection at Different Stages of Virus Persistence

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are formed in a nonenzymatic reaction of the reducing sugars with amino groups of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids of different tissues and body fluids. A relatively small number of studies have been conducted on the role of AGEs in allergic inflammation. In this study, patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) were examined for the presence of Epstein-Barr virus and the content of fluorescent and nonfluorescent AGEs. We have also determined the level of a unique epitope (AGE10) which was recently identified in human serum using monoclonal antibodies against synthetic melibiose-derived AGE (MAGE). The levels of AGE10 determined with an immunoenzymatic method revealed no significant difference in the patients' blood with intermittent AR and chronic EBV persistence in the active and latent phases. It has been shown that there is a statistically significantly smaller amount of AGEs and pentosidine in groups of patients, both with and without viremia, than in healthy subjects. In turn, higher levels of immune complexes than of AGE10 were detected in the groups of patients, in contrast to the control group, which had lower levels of complexes than AGE10 concentration. In patients with active infection, there is even more complexes than of noncomplexed AGE10 antigen. The lower level of AGE in allergic rhinitis patient sera may also be due, besides complexes, to allergic inflammation continuously activating the cells, which effectively remove glycation products from the body.

Exposure to Heavy Metals and Allergic Outcomes in Children: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

It has been reported that heavy metals have adverse effects on the immune system. However, the relationship between heavy metal exposure and allergic outcomes remains unclear. This systematic review was conducted to examine whether heavy metal exposure is associated with allergic outcomes during childhood. We performed a systematic search of all relevant articles in Web of Science, EMBASE, and PubMed, from inception through to November 2020. We used odds ratio (OR) and the standard mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to present estimates from individual studies. In addition, random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the data. We also conducted the meta-regression and subgroup analysis to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. After duplicate removal, we finally included 35 articles in the systematic review and meta-analysis from an initial 11,181 articles. The overall results showed that copper (Cu) was associated with asthma (pooled SMD = 1.50, 95% CI = 0.13-2.86); in the subgroup analysis, the results indicated that lead (Pb) was associated with asthma (pooled OR = 6.27, 95% CI = 2.24-17.56), and Cu and Pb were connected with atopic dermatitis (SMD =  - 1.05, 95% CI =  - 1.45 to - 0.65; SMD = 5.68, 95% CI = 5.05-6.32), respectively. Mercury (Hg) was associated with atopic dermatitis (pooled OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.04-1.22) and wheeze (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.05-1.37). The meta-analysis results indicate that Cu might be connected with childhood asthma, but not with other allergic diseases; Hg and Pb may have no association with allergic diseases during childhood. Given some limits observed in the current studies, more prospective cohort studies are still needed to verify our findings. Review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020222167.

Allergic Inflammation: Effect of Propolis and Its Flavonoids

The incidence of allergic diseases and their complications are increasing worldwide. Today, people increasingly use natural products, which has been termed a "return to nature". Natural products with healing properties, especially those obtained from plants and bees, have been used in the prevention and treatment of numerous chronic diseases, including allergy and/or inflammation. Propolis is a multi-component resin rich in flavonoids, collected and transformed by honeybees from buds and plant wounds for the construction and adaptation of their nests. This article describes the current views regarding the possible mechanisms and multiple benefits of flavonoids in combating allergy and allergy-related complications. These benefits arise from flavonoid anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and wound healing activities and their effects on microbe-immune system interactions in developing host responses to different allergens. Finally, this article presents various aspects of allergy pathobiology and possible molecular approaches in their treatment. Possible mechanisms regarding the antiallergic action of propolis on the microbiota of the digestive and respiratory tracts and skin diseases as a method to selectively remove allergenic molecules by the process of bacterial biotransformation are also reported.

Ameliorative effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate nanoparticles on 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene induced atopic dermatitis: A potential mechanism of inflammation-related necroptosis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common autoimmune and chronic inflammatory cutaneous disease with a relapsing-remitting course. Necroptosis is a regulated necrotic cell death mediated by receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1), receptor-interacting protein 3 (RIP3), and mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase (MLKL), which is activated by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). However, the mechanism and the role of necroptosis have not been delineated in AD progression. (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the main biological activity of tea catechin, is well known for its beneficial effects in the treatment of skin diseases. Here, PEG-PLGA-EGCG nanoparticles (EGCG-NPs) were formulated to investigate the bioavailability of EGCG to rescue cellular injury following the inhibition of necroptosis after AD. 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) was used to establish AD mouse models. As expected, topically applied EGCG-NPs elicited a significant amelioration of AD symptoms in skin lesions, including reductions in the ear and skin thickness, dermatitis score, and scratching behavior, which was accompanied by redox homeostasis restored early in the experiment. In addition, EGCG-NPs significantly decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in a time-dependent manner than those of in AD group. As a result, the overexpression of RIP1, RIP3, and MLKL in the entire epidermis layers was dramatically blocked by EGCG-NPs, as well as the expression ofphosphorylated p38 (p-p38), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2). These findings promote that EGCG-NPs formulation represents a promising drug-delivery strategy for the treatment of AD by maintaining the balance of Th1/Th2 inflammation response and targeting necroptosis.

Food bioactives lowering risks of chronic diseases induced by fine particulate air pollution: a comprehensive review

Airborne particulate matter (PM) exerts huge negative impacts on human health worldwide, not only targeting the respiratory system but more importantly inducing and aggravating associated chronic diseases like asthma, lung cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer diseases. Food-derived bioactive compounds like vitamins, dietary polyphenols, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and sulforaphane are feasible alternative therapeutic approaches against PM-mediated potential health damages, drawing great attention in recent years. In this review, the association between PM exposure and risks of developing chronic diseases, and the detailed mechanisms underlying the detrimental effects of PM will be discussed. Subsequently, principal food-derived bioactive compounds, with emphasize on the preventative or protective effects against PM, along with potential mechanisms will be elucidated. This comprehensive review will discuss and present current research findings to reveal the nutritional intervention as a preventative or therapeutic strategy against ambient air pollution, thereby lowering the risk of developing chronic diseases.

15LO1 dictates glutathione redox changes in asthmatic airway epithelium to worsen type-2 inflammation

Altered redox biology challenges all cells, with compensatory responses often determining a cell’s fate. When 15 lipoxygenase 1 (15LO1), a lipid-peroxidizing enzyme abundant in asthmatic human airway epithelial cells (HAECs), binds phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 1 (PEBP1), hydroperoxy-phospholipids, which drive ferroptotic cell death, are generated. Peroxidases, including glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), metabolize hydroperoxy-phospholipids to hydroxy derivatives to prevent ferroptotic death, but consume reduced glutathione (GSH). The cystine transporter SLC7A11 critically restores/maintains intracellular GSH. We hypothesized that high 15LO1, PEBP1, and GPX4 activity drives abnormal asthmatic redox biology, evidenced by lower bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and intraepithelial cell GSH:oxidized GSH (GSSG) ratios, to enhance type 2 (T2) inflammatory responses. GSH, GSSG (enzymatic assays), 15LO1, GPX4, SLC7A11, and T2 biomarkers (Western blot and RNA-Seq) were measured in asthmatic and healthy control (HC) cells and fluids, with siRNA knockdown as appropriate. GSSG was higher and GSH:GSSG lower in asthmatic compared with HC BAL fluid, while intracellular GSH was lower in asthma. In vitro, a T2 cytokine (IL-13) induced 15LO1 generation of hydroperoxy-phospholipids, which lowered intracellular GSH and increased extracellular GSSG. Lowering GSH further by inhibiting SLC7A11 enhanced T2 inflammatory protein expression and ferroptosis. Ex vivo, redox imbalances corresponded to 15LO1 and SLC7A11 expression, T2 biomarkers, and worsened clinical outcomes. Thus, 15LO1 pathway–induced redox biology perturbations worsen T2 inflammation and asthma control, supporting 15LO1 as a therapeutic target.

8-iso-prostaglandin E2 induces nasal obstruction via thromboxane receptor in murine model of allergic rhinitis

Thromboxane receptor (TP) mediates nasal obstruction, a typical symptom of allergic rhinitis. Since it has been reported that several types of eicosanoids, such as non-enzymatic oxidation product of arachidonic acid isoprostane, act as a TP ligand, there is a possibility that some other eicosanoids contribute to the TP-mediated nasal obstruction. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanisms of TP-mediated nasal obstruction. Intranasal challenges of ovalbumin (OVA) induced nasal obstruction in mice. Pharmacological blockade of TP receptor but not thromboxane A₂ synthase inhibited OVA-induced nasal obstruction. Simultaneous analysis of eicosanoids in nasal lavage fluid and the responses in trans-endothelial resistance suggested that 8-iso-prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂ ) can be a candidate for TP ligand. Intranasal challenge of 8-iso-PGE₂ induced vascular hyperpermeability and nasal obstruction in TP receptor-dependent manner. Wholemount immunostaining of nasal septum mucosa revealed that 8-iso-PGE₂ increased plasma leakage accompanied by distention of venous sinusoids. This study shows that 8-iso-PGE₂ is a contributor in TP-mediated nasal obstruction in mice.

The nexus between redox state and intermediary metabolism

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are not just a by-product of cellular metabolic processes but act as signalling molecules that regulate both physiological and pathophysiological processes. A close connection exists in cells between redox homeostasis and cellular metabolism. In this review, we describe how intracellular redox state and glycolytic intermediary metabolism are closely coupled. On the one hand, ROS signalling can control glycolytic intermediary metabolism by direct regulation of the activity of key metabolic enzymes and indirect regulation via redox-sensitive transcription factors. On the other hand, metabolic adaptation and reprogramming in response to physiological or pathological stimuli regulate intracellular redox balance, through mechanisms such as the generation of reducing equivalents. We also discuss the impact of these intermediary metabolism-redox circuits in physiological and disease settings across different tissues. A better understanding of the mechanisms regulating these intermediary metabolism-redox circuits will be crucial to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Antioxidant Role of Kaempferol in Prevention of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are noxious to cells because their increased level interacts with the body's defense mechanism. These species also cause mutations and uncontrolled cell division, resulting in oxidative stress (OS). Prolonged oxidative stress is responsible for incorrect protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), causing a stressful condition, ER stress. These cellular stresses (oxidative stress and ER stress) are well-recognized biological factors that play a prominent role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is a critical global health problem and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The application of anti-oxidants from herbal sources significantly reduces oxidative stress. Kaempferol (KP) is a naturally occurring, aglycone dietary flavonoid that is present in various plants (Crocus sativus, Coccinia grandis, Euphorbia pekinensis, varieties of Aloe vera, etc.) It is capable of interacting with pleiotropic proteins of the human body. Efforts are in progress to develop KP as a potential candidate to prevent HCC with no adverse effects. This review emphasizes the molecular mechanism of KP for treating HCC, targeting oxidative stress.

Association between ambient air pollution and development and persistence of atopic and non-atopic eczema in a cohort of adults

BACKGROUND

There is limited information on risk factors for eczema in adults. Recent evidence suggests that air pollution may be associated with increased incidence of eczema in adults. We aimed to assess this possible association.

METHODS

Ambient air pollution exposures (distance from a major road, nitrogen dioxide [NO₂ ], fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 µm [PM_2.5 ]) were assessed for the residential address of Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study participants at ages 43 and 53 years. Eczema incidence (onset after age 43 years), prevalence (at 53 years), and persistence were assessed from surveys, while IgE sensitization was assessed using skin prick tests. The presence or absence of eczema and sensitization was classified into four groups: no atopy or eczema, atopy alone, non-atopic eczema, and atopic eczema. Adjusted logistic and multinomial regression models were fitted to estimate associations between ambient air pollution and eczema, and interaction by sex was assessed.

RESULTS

Of 3153 participants in both follow-ups, 2369 had valid skin prick tests. For males, a 2.3 ppb increase in baselineNO₂ was associated with increased odds of prevalent eczema (OR = 1.15 [95% CI 0.98-1.36]) and prevalent atopic eczema (OR = 1.26 [1.00-1.59]). These associations were not seen in females (p for interaction = 0.08, <0.01). For both sexes, a 1.6 µg/m³ increase in PM_2.5 exposure at follow-up was associated with increased odds of aeroallergen sensitization (OR = 1.15 [1.03-1.30]).

CONCLUSION

Increased exposure to residential ambient air pollutants was associated with an increased odds of eczema, only in males, and aeroallergen sensitization in both genders.

Short-term exposure to ambient air pollution and hospital visits for IgE-mediated allergy: A time-stratified case-crossover study in southern China from 2012 to 2019

BACKGROUND

Because of the limited epidemiological evidence on the association between acute air pollutants and allergy, there is a need to investigate this association, especially between the short-term exposure to air pollution and the serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergy.

METHODS

A total of 39,569 IgE test results and demographic characteristics were obtained in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between August 2012 and September 2019. Ninety-nine specific allergens were tested according to clinical diagnosis. The logistic regression was used to assess the effects of CO, NO₂ and PM_2.5 exposure on the risk of sensitization to specific inhalant/food allergens. Generalized additive models with multivariate adjustments were utilized to model the exposure-response relationship. Stratified analyses were performed to estimate the reliability of correlations in various subgroups.

FINDINGS

Single-pollutant models indicate that the 3-day moving average (lag_2-4) of CO, PM_2.5 or NO₂ is associated with the increased risk for allergic diseases related to specific inhaled allergens. In multi-pollutant models, the adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) 95% (Confidence Interval, CI) increases by 8% (95% CI, 2%-15%) for per increment of 0.2 mg/m³ in CO levels, and rises by 8% (95% CI, 2%-13%) for each increase of 16.3 μg/m³ in PM_2.5 concentration. The associations are stronger in youngsters (<18, years) but not significantly different by gender. Particularly, a significantly stronger association between PM_2.5 exposure and hospital visits for inhaled allergy is observed in patients who are exposed to lower concentration of SO₂ (<10.333 μg/m³) and higher levels of NO₂ (≥42.0 μg/m³), as well as patients enrolled after 2017.

INTERPRETATION

The short-term exposure to CO/PM_2.5 increases the number of hospital visits for IgE-mediated allergy, especially for the sensitization to specific inhalant allergens. Therefore, to prevent inhaled allergies, the public policy for controlling air pollution needs to be considered seriously.

FUNDING

This study was supported by the University of Macau (grant numbers: FHS-CRDA-029-002-2017 and MYRG2018-00,071-FHS) as well as the Science and Technology Development Fund, Macau SAR (File no. 0004/2019/AFJ and 0011/2019/AKP). This work was also supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81,871,736), the National Key Technology R&D Program (2018YFC1311902), the Guangdong Science and Technology Foundation (2019B030316028), the Guangzhou Municipal Health Foundation (20191A011073), and the Guangzhou Science and Technology Foundation (201,804,020,043).

Exogenous oxidative stress suppresses IL-33 -driven proliferation programming in group 2 innate lymphoid cells

Although exogenous oxidative stress has been suggested to promote the pathogenesis of airway inflammation, previous trials using conventional antioxidant therapy in asthma have been largely ineffective, suggesting the complex roles of oxidative stress in the regulation of airway inflammation and of its critical mediating lymphocyte populations. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) proliferate and induce eosinophilia in response to tissue alarminsin the early phase of airway inflammation. We previously showed that IL-33 -induced endogenous reactive oxygen species is required for optimal metabolic activation of ILC2 functions, however, the role of exogenous oxidative stress in regulating ILC2 functions has not been investigated. Here, we found that exogenous oxidative stress induced by injection of ROS -generating reagent alleviated IL-33 -triggered ILC2 response and inflammation both in the airway and in the liver. Exogenous oxidative stress in ILC2s also compromised IL-33 -mediated accumulation of these cells, as well as subsequent recruitment of eosinophils, after adoptive transferring into ILC2 deficient hosts. Mechanistically, exogenous oxidative stress in ILC2s compromised the proliferation program, while preserving the expression levels of effector molecules in ILC2s. Impaired proliferation under exogenous oxidative stress led to reduced numbers of ILC2s, and an overall decrease in ILC2 response to IL-33 stimulation. Collectively, these data indicate that exogenous oxidative stress suppresses the proliferation program in ILC2s and alleviates IL-33 -triggered inflammation, suggesting that therapeutic induction of oxidative stress might alleviate ILC2 -mediated inflammation in the airway, and possibly also in other organs.

Telomere shortening and DNA damage in culprit cells of different types of progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease

Pulmonary fibrosis is strongly associated with telomere shortening and increased DNA damage. Key cells in the pathogenesis involve alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells, club cells and myofibroblasts; however, to what extent these cells are affected by telomere shortening and DNA damage is not yet known. We sought to determine the degree of, and correlation between, telomere shortening and DNA damage in different cell types involved in the pathogenesis of progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease. Telomere length and DNA damage were quantified, using combined fluorescence in situ hybridisation and immunofluorescence staining techniques, in AT2 cells, club cells and myofibroblasts of controls and patients with pulmonary fibrosis and a telomerase reverse transcriptase mutation (TERT-PF), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (fHP). In IPF and TERT-PF lungs, AT2 cells contained shorter telomeres and expressed higher DNA damage signals than club cells and myofibroblasts. In fHP lungs, club cells contained highly elevated levels of DNA damage, while telomeres were not obviously short. In vitro, we found significantly shorter telomeres and higher DNA damage levels only in AT2 surrogate cell lines treated with telomerase inhibitor BIBR1532. Our study demonstrated that in IPF and TERT-PF lungs, telomere shortening and accumulation of DNA damage primarily affects AT2 cells, further supporting the importance of AT2 cells in these diseases, while in fHP the particularly high telomere-independent DNA damage signals in club cells underscores its bronchiolocentric pathogenesis. These findings suggest that cell type-specific telomere shortening and DNA damage may help to discriminate between different drivers of fibrogenesis.

Impact of Snoring on Telomere Shortening in Adolescents with Atopic Diseases

Atopic diseases can impose a significant burden on children and adolescents. Telomere length is a cellular marker of aging reflecting the impact of cumulative stress exposure on individual health. Since elevated oxidative stress and inflammation burden induced by chronic atopy and snoring may impact telomere length, this study aimed to investigate whether snoring would moderate the relationship between atopic diseases and telomere length in early adolescence. We surveyed 354 adolescents and their parents. Parents reported the adolescents' history of atopic diseases, recent snoring history as well as other family sociodemographic characteristics. Buccal swab samples were also collected from the adolescents for telomere length determination. Independent and combined effects of atopic diseases and snoring on telomere length were examined. Among the surveyed adolescents, 174 were reported by parents to have atopic diseases (20 had asthma, 145 had allergic rhinitis, 53 had eczema, and 25 had food allergy). Shorter TL was found in participants with a history of snoring and atopic diseases (β = -0.34, p = 0.002) particularly for asthma (β = -0.21, p = 0.007) and allergic rhinitis (β = -0.22, p = 0.023). Our findings suggest that snoring in atopic patients has important implications for accelerated telomere shortening. Proper management of atopic symptoms at an early age is important for the alleviation of long-term health consequences at the cellular level.

Atopy, asthma, and risk of bladder cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

The relationship between atopic diseases and cancer at various sites has been extensively studied. Previous epidemiological studies have investigated the association between atopic diseases and bladder cancer; however, the results remain inconclusive. In this study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies published thus far to evaluate the association between atopy and the risk of bladder cancer. We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus to identify potentially relevant studies. The pooled risk ratio (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using a random-effect model considering the heterogeneity among studies. On the basis of our selection criteria, a total of 10 cohort studies were included in our meta-analysis involving 2,341,005 participants, of whom 1720 were patients with bladder cancer. The pooled RR of bladder cancer in the group with atopic disease versus the group without atopic disease was 1.31 (95% CI: 1.10–1.56, p < 0.01), indicating a positive association between overall atopy and bladder cancer risk. In subgroup analysis, the pooled RR of bladder cancer was 1.46 (95% CI: 1.18–1.80, p < 0.001) for asthma and 1.03 (95% CI: 0.74–1.44, p = 0.86) for allergic rhinitis. The risk of bladder cancer is positively associated with overall atopy and asthma, but is not associated with allergic rhinitis.

Gender differences in food allergy depend on the PPAR γ/NF-κB in the intestines of mice

AIMS

Epidemiology shows that gender affects the incidence of food allergy. However, there is a lack of evidence of gender differences in food allergies and little is known about the mechanisms. The aim of this study was to excavate potential reasons for gender differences in food allergy based on estrogen.

MAIN METHODS

Female and male BALB/c mice sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) were established to analyze the difference in food allergy. The systemic anaphylactic, including OVA-specific IgE, OVA-specific IgG, histamine, and cytokines, was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ELISA also detected the estradiol in serum. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect the estrogen receptor. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) implicated in immune homeostasis and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) were determined by western blotting. Immunohistochemistry and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining were used to detect zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), tryptase, forkhead box protein P3 (Foxp3), and intestinal morphology, respectively.

KEY FINDINGS

Female mice were more vulnerable to food allergy. Female mice treated with OVA did exhibit more serious systemic anaphylaxis than male mice. We observed increased levels of estradiol in serum, estrogen receptor, NF-κB, and decreased levels of PPAR γ in female mice. Furthermore, the intestinal mucosal integrity and intestinal permeability were more impaired in female mice treated with OVA than male mice.

SIGNIFICANCE

Clarify the mechanism of gender differences in food allergies can provide targets in female mice and provide personalized diagnosis, management, and treatment of food allergy for female mice.

Biological effect of PM10 on airway epithelium-focus on obstructive lung diseases

Recently, a continuous increase in environmental pollution has been observed. Despite wide-scale efforts to reduce air pollutant emissions, the problem is still relevant. Exposure to elevated levels of airborne particles increased the incidence of respiratory diseases. PM₁₀ constitute the largest fraction of air pollutants, containing particles with a diameter of less than 10 μm, metals, pollens, mineral dust and remnant material from anthropogenic activity. The natural airway defensive mechanisms against inhaled material, such as mucus layer, ciliary clearance and macrophage phagocytic activity, may be insufficient for proper respiratory function. The epithelium layer can be disrupted by ongoing oxidative stress and inflammatory processes induced by exposure to large amounts of inhaled particles as well as promote the development and exacerbation of obstructive lung diseases. This review draws attention to the current state of knowledge about the physical features of PM₁₀ and its impact on airway epithelial cells, and obstructive pulmonary diseases.

Naturally Oxidized Olive Oil Promotes Active Cutaneous Anaphylaxis and Th2 Cytokine Production

The excessive ingestion of oxidized dietary oils may exacerbate some allergic diseases. We previously reported that oxidized olive oil exacerbates active cutaneous anaphylaxis (ACA), one of the immediate allergic reactions. This study was conducted to clarify the effects of oxidized olive oil on the T cell response during ACA. BALB/c female mice were orally administered naturally oxidized olive oil once every 2 d for 2 weeks after ovalbumin (OVA)/aluminum hydroxide gel sensitization, after which ACA was elicited by intracutaneous administration of OVA into the ear auricles. Compared with fresh olive oil, oxidized olive oil administration increased the antigen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody titer 2 weeks after OVA-sensitization and vascular hyperpermeability increased due to ACA. In the oxidized olive oil-administered mice, the mRNA expression levels of T-helper 2 (Th2) cytokines, interleukin (IL)-4, -5, -6, and -10, in the lymph nodes increased, as did the proportion of cluster designation (CD)3+CD4+ cells in the spleen and lymph nodes. In CD3+CD4+ cells, the mRNA expression levels of IL-4 and GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3), the master regulator of Th2, were higher in the oxidized olive oil-group. Antigen-stimulated specific IL-4 production was promoted in CD3+CD4+ cells of oxidized olive oil-administered mice. This suggests that oxidized olive oil exacerbates ACA by promoting Th2 dominance in immediate allergic diseases.

Airway Redox Homeostasis and Inflammation Gone Awry: From Molecular Pathogenesis to Emerging Therapeutics in Respiratory Pathology

As aerobic organisms, we are continuously and throughout our lifetime subjected to an oxidizing atmosphere and, most often, to environmental threats. The lung is the internal organ most highly exposed to this milieu. Therefore, it has evolved to confront both oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a variety of pollutants, pathogens, and allergens that promote inflammation and can harm the airways to different degrees. Indeed, an excess of ROS, generated intrinsically or from external sources, can imprint direct damage to key structural cell components (nucleic acids, sugars, lipids, and proteins) and indirectly perturb ROS-mediated signaling in lung epithelia, impairing its homeostasis. These early events complemented with efficient recognition of pathogen- or damage-associated recognition patterns by the airway resident cells alert the immune system, which mounts an inflammatory response to remove the hazards, including collateral dead cells and cellular debris, in an attempt to return to homeostatic conditions. Thus, any major or chronic dysregulation of the redox balance, the air-liquid interface, or defects in epithelial proteins impairing mucociliary clearance or other defense systems may lead to airway damage. Here, we review our understanding of the key role of oxidative stress and inflammation in respiratory pathology, and extensively report current and future trends in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory treatments focusing on the following major acute and chronic lung diseases: acute lung injury/respiratory distress syndrome, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis.

Casticin Improves Respiratory Dysfunction and Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Inflammation via Inhibition of NF-ĸB in a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model of Chronic Cigarette Smoke-Exposed Rats

Objective

The present study was conducted to elucidate the protective effect of Casticin against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in rats.

Methods

The COPD in rats was induced by the controlled cigarette smoke, and CST (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) was injected into the cigarette-smoke exposed rats. Blood was taken from the abdominal vein and centrifuged (1500×g, 4°C, 15min); plasma was collected and used for the determination of various biochemical parameters.

Results

The results of the study suggested that CST significantly improved the lung functions of the rats in a dose-dependent manner. It also causes a reduction of white blood cells, neutrophils, and macrophages in BALF of rats. The plasma level of leptin and C-reactive protein together with pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) were also significantly restored to near to normal in CST-treated group. In Western blot analysis, CST causes significant inhibition of the NF-ĸB and iNOS pathway.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that the CST protects lungs against COPD via improving lung functions and inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Potential Differences between Local and Systemic Allergic Rhinitis Induced by Birch Pollen

INTRODUCTION

Different endotypes of rhinitis are known, but its pathomechanism has not been conclusively established. For example, the precise difference between systemic allergic rhinitis (SAR) and local allergic rhinitis (LAR) is still being checked. Comparison of patients with LAR and with allergies to birch of those with intermittent allergic rhinitis, same allergy, or with non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) was the purpose of this study.

METHODS

Twenty-six patients with LAR, 18 with SAR and allergy to birch, and 21 with NAR were included. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected to undergo the following procedures at baseline: medical examinations, nasal provocation test (NPT), detection of nasal-specific IgE to birch as well as basophil activation test (BAT). All immunological parameters were detected before and after NPT.

RESULTS

Concentration of nasal IgE to Bet v1 increased comparably in the LAR and SAR groups after NPT to birch as follows: in 21 (81%) patients with LAR, 14 (78%) with SAR, and in everyone in the NAR group. Serum concentration of allergen-specific IgE to Bet v1 increased significantly from a median of 20.7 (25-75% interval: 11.2-35.6) IU/mL to 29.9 (13.6-44.1) (p = 0.028) after NPT in patients with SAR. Allergen-specific IgE to Bet v1 was absent in all patients with LAR and NAR before and after NPT. BAT with Bet v1 was positive in 22 (85%) patients with LAR, in 14 (78%) with SAR, and 2 (9.5%) with NAR.

CONCLUSION

These obtained data suggest there are no potential mechanisms that could explain LAR compared to SAR.

Anti-allergic rhinitis activity of α-lipoic acid via balancing Th17/Treg expression and enhancing Nrf2/HO-1 pathway signaling

An ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) mouse model was established to investigate whether α-Lipoic acid (LA) has a protective effect against upper respiratory tract inflammation. BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection and challenged by intranasal application of OVA. Mice were orally administered various doses of LA once daily (2, 10, 50 mg/kg) and dexamethasone (Dex; 2.5 mg/kg) 1 h before OVA challenge. Allergic nasal symptoms, levels of OVA-specific immunoglobulins, cytokines, and transcription factors were measured. Nasal and lung histopathology were evaluated. LA administration significantly alleviated the nasal symptoms such as rubbing and sneezing, markedly reduced both serum OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 levels. The LA treatment group showed markedly up-regulated levels of the Treg cytokine IL-10 and Treg transcription factor Foxp3. In contrast, it showed down-regulated levels of the Th17 cytokine IL-17 and the Th17 transcription factor STAT3, and RORγ. LA greatly enhanced the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2/heme oxygenase 1 (Nrf2/HO-1) pathway signaling and inhibited the activation of NF-κB/IκB, markedly suppressed the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and chemokine COX-2. The histologic alterations of nasal and lung tissues of AR mice were effectively ameliorated by LA. Based on these results, we suggest that LA could be a potential therapeutic agent in OVA-induced AR by virtue of its role in controlling the Th17/Treg balance and enhancing Nrf2/HO-1 pathway signaling.

Relationship closeness buffers the effects of perceived stress on transcriptomic indicators of cellular stress and biological aging marker p16INK4a

Chronic stress can accelerate biological aging, offering one mechanism through which stress may increase age-related disease risk. Chronic activation of the sympathoadrenal system increases cellular energy production, resulting in cell stress that can initiate cellular senescence, a permanent state of cell growth arrest. Our previous research linked psychosocial stress with increased expression of senescence marker p16^INK4a; however, less is known about the role of protective psychosocial factors in biological aging. We examined relationship closeness (perceived interconnectedness with one's spouse) as a protective buffer of the effects of stress on expression of the p16^INK4a-encoding gene (CDKN2A) and transcription control pathways activated under cell stress. Seventy parents (M_age=43.2) completed interview-based and questionnaire measures of psychosocial stress and relationship closeness. Blood samples assessed CDKN2A expression and inferred activity of a priori-selected transcription factors Nrf2 and heat shock factors (HSFs) via genome-wide transcriptome profiling. Random intercept models adjusting for age, sex, and ethnicity/race revealed that perceived stress was associated with elevated CDKN2A expression for parents with low but not high closeness. Secondary bioinformatics analyses linked the interaction of perceived stress and relationship closeness to Nrf2 and HSF-1 activity. Findings identify relationship closeness as a protective factor that may buffer the impact of stress on cellular stress and senescence pathways.

The Effect of Nasal Steroid and Antihistamine Use on Total Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study is to determine the post-treatment levels of total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS), that are increased due to pathophysiology, and to compare those with pre-treatment levels in allergic rhinitis patients.Material-Methods: Among 84 patients clinically diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, 31 patients were started only on nasal steroid treatment (mometasone furoate), and 53 patients were started on nasal steroid and oral antihistamine treatment (mometasone furoate + rupatadine fumarate 10 mg). Blood samples were taken from the patients at the first examination and at post-treatment month 1.TAS and TOS were measured from the blood samples.

RESULTS

While no significant change was determined in mean TAS levels with treatment, a statistically significant decrease was determined in TOS values in post-treatment period (P < .01). There was no significant change in TAS and TOS values of patients only using nasal steroids, while a significant decrease was determined in post-treatment TOS values of patients using both nasal steroids and oral antihistamines (P < .001). It was determined that TOS values of women were significantly lower compared to men, and it was also reduced in seasonal allergic rhinitis compared to perennial allergic rhinitis (P < .05 for both).

CONCLUSION

In allergic rhinitis patients, concomitant use of nasal steroids and antihistamines significantly decreases total oxidative stress. It may be stated that the addition of antihistamines to allergic rhinitis treatment positively affects treatment.

Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Chronic Airway Diseases

Introduction: The global burden of chronic airway diseases represents an important public health concern. The role of oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathogenesis of these diseases is well known. The aim of this study is to evaluate the behavior of both inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with chronic bronchitis, current asthma and past asthma in the frame of a population-based study. Methods: For this purpose, data collected from the Gene Environment Interactions in Respiratory Diseases (GEIRD) Study, an Italian multicentre, multicase-control study, was evaluated. Cases and controls were identified through a two-stage screening process of individuals aged 20-65 years from the general population. Out of 16,569 subjects selected from the general population in the first stage of the survey, 2259 participated in the clinical evaluation. Oxidative stress biomarkers such as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), 8-isoprostane and glutathione and inflammatory biomarkers such as Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FENO) and white blood cells were evaluated in 1878 subjects. Results: Current asthmatics presented higher levels of FENO (23.05 ppm), leucocytes (6770 n/µL), basophils (30.75 n/µL) and eosinophils (177.80 n/µL), while subjects with chronic bronchitis showed higher levels of GSH (0.29 mg/mL) and lymphocytes (2101.6 n/µL). The multivariable multinomial logistic regression confirmed high levels of leucocytes (RRR = 1.33), basophils (RRR = 1.48), eosinophils (RRR = 2.39), lymphocytes (RRR = 1.26) and FENO (RRR = 1.42) in subjects with current asthma. Subjects with past asthma had a statistically significant higher level of eosinophils (RRR = 1.78) with respect to controls. Subjects with chronic bronchitis were characterized by increased levels of eosinophils (RRR = 2.15), lymphocytes (RRR = 1.58), GSH (RRR = 2.23) and 8-isoprostane (RRR = 1.23). Conclusion: In our study, current asthmatics show a greater expression of the inflammatory profile compared to subjects who have had asthma in the past and chronic bronchitis. On the other hand, chronic bronchitis subjects showed a higher rate of expression of oxidative stress biomarkers compared to asthmatic subjects. In particular, inflammatory markers such as circulating inflammatory cells and FENO seem to be more specific for current asthma, while oxidative stress biomarkers such as glutathione and 8-isoprostane appear to be more specific and applicable to patients with chronic bronchitis.

An update on immunologic mechanisms in the respiratory mucosa in response to air pollutants

Every day, we breathe in more than 10,000 L of air that contains a variety of air pollutants that can pose negative consequences to lung health. The respiratory mucosa formed by the airway epithelium is the first point of contact for air pollution in the lung, functioning as a mechanical and immunologic barrier. Under normal circumstances, airway epithelial cells connected by tight junctions secrete mucus, airway surface lining fluid, host defense peptides, and antioxidants and express innate immune pattern recognition receptors to respond to inhaled foreign substances and pathogens. Under conditions of air pollution exposure, the defenses of the airway epithelium are compromised by reductions in barrier function, impaired host defense to pathogens, and exaggerated inflammatory responses. Central to the mechanical and immunologic changes induced by air pollution are activation of redox-sensitive pathways and a role for antioxidants in normalizing these negative effects. Genetic variants in genes important in epithelial cell function and phenotype contribute to a diversity of responses to air pollution in the population at the individual and group levels and suggest a need for personalized approaches to attenuate the respiratory mucosal immune responses to air pollution.

Inhibitory Effects of AF-343, a Mixture of Cassia tora L., Ulmus pumila L., and Taraxacum officinale, on Compound 48/80-Mediated Allergic Responses in RBL-2H3 Cells

The purpose of this study was to determine the antiallergic effects of AF-343, a mixture of natural plant extracts from Cassia tora L., Ulmus pumila L., and Taraxacum officinale, on rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells. The inhibitory effects on cell degranulation, proinflammatory cytokine secretion, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were studied in compound 48/80-treated RBL-2H3 cells. The bioactive compounds in AF-343 were also identified by HPLC–UV. AF-343 was found to effectively suppress compound 48/80-induced β-hexosaminidase release, and interleukin (IL)-4 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production in RBL-2H3 cells. In addition, AF-343 exhibited DPPH free radical scavenging effects in vitro (half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) = 105 μg/mL) and potently inhibited compound 48/80-induced cellular ROS generation in a 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay. Specifically, treatment with AF-343 exerted stronger antioxidant effects in vitro and antiallergic effects in cells than treatment with three single natural plant extracts. Furthermore, AF-343 was observed to contain bioactive compounds, including catechin, aurantio-obtusin, and chicoric acid, which have been reported to elicit antiallergic responses. This study reveals that AF-343 attenuates allergic responses via suppression of β-hexosaminidase release, IL-4 and TNF-α secretion, and ROS generation, perhaps through mechanisms related to catechin, aurantio-obtusin, and chicoric acid. The results indicate that AF-343 can be considered a treatment for various allergic diseases.