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Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychosocial and physical stressors can elicit the stress response, co-ordinated by interactions between neuroendocrine and inflammatory processes. The central role of the immune system, specifically low-grade systemic inflammation, is sometimes overlooked in work-related stress research. OBJECTIVE To review evidence that work-related psychosocial and physical stressors can stimulate a low-grade systemic inflammation which, through interactions with the neurohormonal systems, may impact on the well-being and productivity of workers. METHODS Literature searches were performed by databases and by hand. Databases used included Interface - EBSCOhost Research Databases; PsycINFO; Academic Search Complete; Africa-Wide Information; CINAHL; E-Journals; MEDLINE and PsycARTICLES. RESULTS Psychosocial stressors, infections, poor indoor air quality, musculoskeletal injuries and chemicals can stimulate a low-grade systemic inflammation that may adversely affect workers' mental and physical health, as well as productivity. The psychological and physical effects caused by infection-induced inflammation are generally referred to as sickness behaviour and those caused by poor indoor air quality as sick building syndrome. CONCLUSIONS Stressor-induced low-grade systemic inflammation can be a causal factor in the physical and behavioural symptoms of work-related stress. It is therefore important that those involved with the health of workers be cognisant of inappropriate or chronic low-grade inflammation as a potential health hazard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaretha Viljoen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Del Casale A, Ferracuti S, Mosca A, Pomes LM, Fiaschè F, Bonanni L, Borro M, Gentile G, Martelletti P, Simmaco M. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome: A Principal Component Analysis of Symptoms. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17186551. [PMID: 32916833 PMCID: PMC7558401 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic and/or recurrent condition with somatic, cognitive, and affective symptoms following a contact with chemical agents whose concentrations do not correlate with toxicity in the general population. Its prevalence is not well defined; it mainly affects women between 40 and 50 years, without variations in ethnicity, education and economic status. We aimed to assess the core symptoms of this illness in a sample of Italian patients. Two physicians investigated different symptoms with a checklist compilation in 129 patients with MCS (117 women). We conducted a categorical Principal Component Analysis (CATPCA) with Varimax rotation on the checklist dataset. A typical triad was documented: hyperosmia, asthenia, and dyspnoea were the most common symptoms. Patients also frequently showed cough and headache. The CATPCA showed seven main factors: 1, neurocognitive symptoms; 2, physical (objective) symptoms; 3, gastrointestinal symptoms; 4, dermatological symptoms; 5, anxiety-depressive symptoms; 6, respiratory symptoms; 7, hyperosmia and asthenia. Patients showed higher mean prevalence of factors 7 (89.9%), 6 (71.7%), and 1 (62.13%). In conclusion, MCS patients frequently manifest hyperosmia, asthenia, and dyspnoea, which are often concomitant with other respiratory and neurocognitive symptoms. Considering the clinical association that is often made with anxiety, more studies are necessary on the psychosomatic aspects of this syndrome. Further analytical epidemiological studies are needed to support the formulation of aetiological hypotheses of MCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Del Casale
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Unit of Psychiatry, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Unit of Risk Management, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Mosca
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Leda Marina Pomes
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.P.); (F.F.); (L.B.); (M.B.); (G.G.); (M.S.)
- Unit of Laboratory and Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Fiaschè
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.P.); (F.F.); (L.B.); (M.B.); (G.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Luca Bonanni
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.P.); (F.F.); (L.B.); (M.B.); (G.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Marina Borro
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.P.); (F.F.); (L.B.); (M.B.); (G.G.); (M.S.)
- Unit of Laboratory and Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Gentile
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.P.); (F.F.); (L.B.); (M.B.); (G.G.); (M.S.)
- Unit of Laboratory and Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Martelletti
- Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Headache Centre Unit, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Simmaco
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.P.); (F.F.); (L.B.); (M.B.); (G.G.); (M.S.)
- Unit of Laboratory and Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
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Nordin S. Mechanisms underlying nontoxic indoor air health problems: A review. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 226:113489. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Azuma K, Uchiyama I, Tanigawa M, Bamba I, Azuma M, Takano H, Yoshikawa T, Sakabe K. Chemical intolerance: involvement of brain function and networks after exposure to extrinsic stimuli perceived as hazardous. Environ Health Prev Med 2019; 24:61. [PMID: 31640568 PMCID: PMC6806489 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-019-0816-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chemical intolerance (CI) is a chronic condition characterized by recurring and severe symptoms triggered by exposure to low levels of odorous or pungent substances. The etiology of CI has been a controversial subject for a long time. The aim of this review is to summarize findings on the neurological processing of sensory information during and after exposure to low levels of odorous or pungent substances in individuals with CI, focusing on the brain function and networks. Methods Scientific studies on CI published between 2000 and 2019 in academic peer-reviewed journals were systematically searched using medical and scientific literature databases. Only peer-reviewed articles reporting original research from experimental human studies directly associated with CI, and involving related neurological responses or brain imaging after exposure to odorous or pungent substances (i.e., in chemical provocation tests), were considered. Results Forty-seven studies were found to be eligible for a full-text review. Twenty-three studies met the selection criteria and were included in this review. Evidence indicated that differences between subjects with CI and healthy controls were observed by brain imaging during and after exposure to odorous or pungent substances. Differences in brain imaging were also observed between initial exposure and after exposure to these substances. Neurological processing of sensory information after exposure to extrinsic stimuli in the limbic system and related cortices were altered in subjects with CI. A previous documentable exposure event was likely to be involved in this alteration. Conclusions This review documents consistent evidence for the altered neurological processing of sensory information in individuals with CI. Further neurophysiological research exploring the processing of extrinsic stimuli and cognition of sensation through the limbic system and related cortices in CI, and the appearance of symptoms in individuals with CI, are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Azuma
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, 377-2 Ohnohigashi, Osakasayama, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan. .,Sick-house Medical Science Laboratory, Division of Basic Research, Louis Pasteur Center for Medical Research, Kyoto, 606-8225, Japan.
| | - Iwao Uchiyama
- Sick-house Medical Science Laboratory, Division of Basic Research, Louis Pasteur Center for Medical Research, Kyoto, 606-8225, Japan.,Outpatient Department of Sick-house Syndrome, Hyakumanben Clinic, Kyoto, 606-8225, Japan
| | - Mari Tanigawa
- Outpatient Department of Sick-house Syndrome, Hyakumanben Clinic, Kyoto, 606-8225, Japan.,Clinical Immune Function Laboratory, Division of Basic Research, Louis Pasteur Center for Medical Research, Kyoto, 606-8225, Japan
| | - Ikuko Bamba
- Faculty of Education, Home Economics, Tokyo Gakugei University, Koganei, 184-8501, Japan
| | - Michiyo Azuma
- Department of Human Environmental Design, Faculty of Health Science, Kio University, Kitakatsuragi-gun, 635-0832, Japan
| | - Hirohisa Takano
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Yoshikawa
- Sick-house Medical Science Laboratory, Division of Basic Research, Louis Pasteur Center for Medical Research, Kyoto, 606-8225, Japan
| | - Kou Sakabe
- Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, 259-1193, Japan
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Comorbidity of Airway Inflammatory Diseases in Chemical and Building-Related Intolerance. J Occup Environ Med 2019; 60:295-300. [PMID: 29227362 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated comorbidity in chemical intolerance (CI) and building- related intolerance (BRI) with (i) chronic sinusitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, allergic and nonallergic asthma and allergic rhinitis, and (ii) airway inflammatory symptoms. METHODS Data from two population-based questionnaire surveys, the Västerbotten and Österbotten Environmental Health Studies, were used. The participants were categorized as CI or BRI and referents, and binary logistic regression analysis was applied. RESULTS Prevalence rates for the case groups were 7.2% to 40.0% for diseases and 24.3% to 68.9% for symptoms, whereas adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were 3.4 to 26.1 for diseases and 3.3 to 17.0 for symptoms, all being significantly higher than unity. Prevalence rates and ORs were in general higher in BRI than in CI. CONCLUSION Inflammatory airway diseases and symptoms are associated with CI and BRI, which encourages further research regarding underlying mechanisms and treatments.
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Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Review of the State of the Art in Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Future Perspectives. J Occup Environ Med 2019; 60:138-146. [PMID: 29111991 PMCID: PMC5794238 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systematic bibliography analysis of about the last 17 years on multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) was carried out in order to detect new diagnostic and epidemiological evidence. The MCS is a complex syndrome that manifests as a result of exposure to a low level of various common contaminants. The etiology, diagnosis, and treatment are still debated among researchers. METHOD Querying PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane library, both using some specific MESH terms combined with MESH subheadings and through free search, even by Google. RESULTS The studies were analyzed by verifying 1) the typology of study design; 2) criteria for case definition; 3) presence of attendances in the emergency departments and hospital admissions, and 4) analysis of the risk factors. OUTLOOK With this review, we give some general considerations and hypothesis for possible future research.
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Palmer-Young EC, Tozkar CÖ, Schwarz RS, Chen Y, Irwin RE, Adler LS, Evans JD. Nectar and Pollen Phytochemicals Stimulate Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Immunity to Viral Infection. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 110:1959-1972. [PMID: 28981688 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tox193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cansu Ö Tozkar
- Bee Research Lab, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD
| | - Ryan S Schwarz
- Bee Research Lab, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD
| | - Yanping Chen
- Bee Research Lab, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD
| | - Rebecca E Irwin
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
| | - Lynn S Adler
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
| | - Jay D Evans
- Bee Research Lab, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD
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Claeson AS, Gouveia-Figueira S, Häggström J, Fowler CJ, Nording ML. Levels of oxylipins, endocannabinoids and related lipids in plasma before and after low-level exposure to acrolein in healthy individuals and individuals with chemical intolerance. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2017; 121:60-67. [PMID: 28651699 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Oxylipins and endocannabinoids play important biological roles, including effects upon inflammation. It is not known whether the circulating levels of these lipids are affected by inhalation of the environmental pollutant acrolein. In the present study, we have investigated the consequences of low-level exposure to acrolein on oxylipin, endocannabinoid and related lipid levels in the plasma of healthy individuals and individuals with chemical intolerance (CI), an affliction with a suggested inflammatory origin. Participants were exposed twice (60min) to heptane and a mixture of heptane and acrolein. Blood samples were collected before exposure, after and 24h post-exposure. There were no overt effects of acrolein exposure on the oxylipin lipidome or endocannibinoids detectable in the bloodstream at the time points investigated. No relationship between basal levels or levels after exposure to acrolein and CI could be identified. This implicates a minor role of inflammatory mediators on the systemic level in CI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jenny Häggström
- Umeå School of Business and Economics, Department of Statistics, Umeå University, Sweden
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Busby LD. A Comparison of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity with Other Hypersensitivity Illnesses Suggests Evidence and a Path to Answers. ECOPSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1089/eco.2017.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Dantoft TM, Skovbjerg S, Andersson L, Claeson AS, Lind N, Nordin S, Brix S. Inflammatory Mediator Profiling of n-butanol Exposed Upper Airways in Individuals with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143534. [PMID: 26599866 PMCID: PMC4657963 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic condition characterized by reports of recurrent symptoms in response to low level exposure to various chemical substances. Recent findings suggests that dysregulation of the immune system may play a role in MCS pathophysiology. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine baseline and low dose n-butanol-induced upper airway inflammatory response profiles in MCS subjects versus healthy controls. METHOD Eighteen participants with MCS and 18 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Epithelial lining fluid was collected from the nasal cavity at three time points: baseline, within 15 minutes after being exposed to 3.7 ppm n-butanol in an exposure chamber and four hours after exposure termination. A total of 19 cytokines and chemokines were quantified. Furthermore, at baseline and during the exposure session, participants rated the perceived intensity, valence and levels of symptoms and autonomic recordings were obtained. RESULTS The physiological and psychophysical measurements during the n-butanol exposure session verified a specific response in MCS individuals only. However, MCS subjects and healthy controls displayed similar upper airway inflammatory mediator profiles (P>0.05) at baseline. Likewise, direct comparison of mediator levels in the MCS group and controls after n-butanol exposure revealed no significant group differences. CONCLUSION We demonstrate no abnormal upper airway inflammatory mediator levels in MCS subjects before or after a symptom-eliciting exposure to low dose n-butanol, implying that upper airways of MCS subjects are functionally intact at the level of cytokine and chemokine production and secretory capacity. This suggests that previous findings of increased cytokine plasma levels in MCS are unlikely to be caused by systemic priming via excessive upper airway inflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Meinertz Dantoft
- Danish Research Centre for Chemical Sensitivities, Copenhagen University Hospital, Gentofte, Denmark
- Center for Biological Sequence Analysis, Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- * E-mail: ;
| | - Sine Skovbjerg
- Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Capital Region, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Linus Andersson
- Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Occupational and Public Health Sciences, University of Gävle, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Nina Lind
- Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Steven Nordin
- Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Susanne Brix
- Center for Biological Sequence Analysis, Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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Barnig C, de Blay F. [Pathophysiology of multiple chemical sensitivity]. Rev Mal Respir 2013; 30:446-50. [PMID: 23835316 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2013.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a complex clinical entity that includes a large number of non-specific symptoms, associated in a univocal manner in each patient and triggered by exposure to various chemicals at low concentrations, well below those known to cause toxic effects. However, no objective test exists currently to diagnose this syndrome. One of the main reasons is that the pathophysiology is poorly understood. However, many explanatory hypotheses have been proposed. VIEWPOINTS AND CONCLUSIONS Patients with symptoms of MCS are often encountered by pulmonologists. Their suffering is undeniable but, unfortunately, the lack of understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms makes treatment difficult and empirical.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Barnig
- Service de pneumologie, d'allergologie et de pathologie respiratoire de l'environnement, pôle de pathologie thoracique, hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, BP 426, 67091 Strasbourg cedex, France.
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Hetherington L, Battershill J. Review of evidence for a toxicological mechanism of idiopathic environmental intolerance. Hum Exp Toxicol 2012; 32:3-17. [PMID: 23060407 DOI: 10.1177/0960327112457189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI) is a medically unexplained disorder characterised by a wide variety of unspecific symptoms in different organ systems and attributed to nontoxic concentrations of chemicals and other environmental factors that are tolerated by the majority of individuals. Both exposure to chemicals and behavioural conditioning are considered as possible contributors to the development of IEI. However, owing to the heterogeneity of the condition, it is difficult to separate the toxicological, physiological and psychological aspects of IEI. Here, we review the evidence for postulated toxicologically mediated mechanisms for IEI. Available data do not support either a classical receptor-mediated or an idiosyncratic toxicological mechanism. Furthermore, if there were convincing evidence for a psychological cause for many patients with IEI, then this would suggest that the priority for the future is the development of psychological treatments for IEI. Finally, we advocate genome wide screening of IEI patients to elucidate genotypic features of the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lh Hetherington
- General Toxicology Group, Toxicology Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Health Protection Agency, Didcot, Oxon, UK.
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Banerjee A, Mondal NK, Das D, Ray MR. Neutrophilic inflammatory response and oxidative stress in premenopausal women chronically exposed to indoor air pollution from biomass burning. Inflammation 2012; 35:671-83. [PMID: 21769440 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-011-9360-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The possibility of inflammation and neutrophil activation in response to indoor air pollution (IAP) from biomass fuel use has been investigated. For this, 142 premenopausal, never-smoking women (median age, 34 years) who cook exclusively with biomass (wood, dung, crop wastes) and 126 age-matched control women who cook with cleaner fuel liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) were enrolled. The neutrophil count in blood and sputum was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in biomass users than the control group. Flow cytometric analysis revealed marked increase in the surface expression of CD35 (complement receptor-1), CD16 (F(C)γ receptor III), and β(2) Mac-1 integrin (CD11b/CD18) on circulating neutrophils of biomass users. Besides, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that they had 72%, 67%, and 54% higher plasma levels of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-12, respectively, and doubled neutrophil chemoattractant interleukin-8. Immunocytochemical study revealed significantly higher percentage of airway neutrophils expressing inducible nitric oxide synthase, while the serum level of nitric oxide was doubled in women who cooked with biomass. Spectrophotometric analysis documented higher myeloperoxidase activity in circulating neutrophils of biomass users, suggesting neutrophil activation. Flow cytometry showed excess generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by leukocytes of biomass-using women, whereas their erythrocytes contained a depleted level of antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). Indoor air of biomass-using households had two to four times more particulate matter with diameters of <10 μm (PM(10)) and <2.5 μm (PM(2.5)) as measured by real-time laser photometer. After controlling potential confounders, rise in proinflammatory mediators among biomass users were positively associated with PM(10) and PM(2.5) in indoor air, suggesting a close relationship between IAP and neutrophil activation. Besides, the levels of neutrophil activation and inflammation markers were positively associated with generation of ROS and negatively with SOD, indicating a role of oxidative stress in mediating neutrophilic inflammatory response following chronic inhalation of biomass smoke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Banerjee
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
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Genuis SJ. Sensitivity-related illness: the escalating pandemic of allergy, food intolerance and chemical sensitivity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:6047-6061. [PMID: 20920818 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.08.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2010] [Revised: 08/21/2010] [Accepted: 08/26/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of allergic-related diseases, food intolerance, and chemical sensitivities in both the pediatric and adult population has increased dramatically over the last two decades, with escalating rates of associated morbidity. Conditions of acquired allergy, food intolerance and chemical hypersensitivity are frequently the direct sequelae of a toxicant induced loss of tolerance (TILT) in response to a significant initiating toxic exposure. Following the primary toxicant insult, the individuals become sensitive to low levels of diverse and unrelated triggers in their environment such as commonly encountered chemical, inhalant or food antigens. Among sensitized individuals, exposure to assorted inciting stimuli may precipitate diverse clinical and/or immune sequelae as may be evidenced by clinical symptoms as well as varied lymphocyte, antibody, or cytokine responses in some cases. Recently recognized as a mechanism of disease development, TILT and resultant sensitivity-related illness (SRI) may involve various organ systems and evoke wide-ranging physical or neuropsychological manifestations. With escalating rates of toxicant exposure and bioaccumulation in the population-at-large, an increasing proportion of contemporary illness is the direct result of TILT and ensuing SRI. Avoidance of triggers will preclude symptoms, and desensitization immunotherapy or immune suppression may ameliorate symptomatology in some cases. Resolution of SRI generally occurs on a gradual basis following the elimination of bioaccumulated toxicity and avoidance of further initiating adverse environmental exposures. As has usually been the case throughout medical history whenever new evidence regarding disease mechanisms emerges, resistance to the translation of knowledge abounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Genuis
- Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty Of Medicine, University Of alberta, Canada.
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Win-Shwe TT, Tsukahara S, Yamamoto S, Fukushima A, Kunugita N, Arashidani K, Fujimaki H. Up-regulation of neurotrophin-related gene expression in mouse hippocampus following low-level toluene exposure. Neurotoxicology 2009; 31:85-93. [PMID: 19932712 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2009.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2009] [Revised: 10/26/2009] [Accepted: 11/17/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the role of strain differences in sensitivity to low-level toluene exposure on neurotrophins and their receptor levels in the mouse hippocampus, 8-week-old male C3H/HeN, BALB/c and C57BL/10 mice were exposed to 0, 5, 50, or 500 ppm toluene for 6h per day, 5 days per week for 6 weeks in an inhalation chamber. We examined the expressions of neurotrophin-related genes and receptors in the mouse hippocampus using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tyrosine kinase (Trk) A, and TrkB mRNAs in the C3H/HeN mice hippocampus was significantly higher in the mice exposed to 500 ppm toluene. Among the three strains of mice, the C3H/HeN mice seemed to be sensitive to toluene exposure. To examine the combined effect of toluene exposure and allergic challenge, the C3H/HeN mice stimulated with ovalbumin were exposed to toluene. The allergy group of C3H/HeN mice showed significantly elevated level of NGF mRNA in the hippocampus following exposure to 50 ppm toluene. Then, we also examined the expression of transcription factor, dopamine markers and oxidative stress marker in the hippocampus of sensitive strain C3H/HeN mice and found that the expression of CREB1 mRNA was significantly increased at 50 ppm toluene. In immunohistochemical analysis, the density of the NGF-immunoreactive signal was significantly stronger in the hippocampal CA3 region of the C3H/HeN mice exposed to 500 ppm toluene in non-allergy group and 50 ppm in allergy group. Our results indicate that low-level toluene exposure may induce up-regulation of neurotrophin-related gene expression in the mouse hippocampus depending on the mouse strain and an allergic stimulation in sensitive strain may decrease the threshold for sensitivity at lower exposure level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tin-Tin Win-Shwe
- Research Center for Environmental Risk, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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Bloch RM, Meggs WJ. Comorbidity patterns of self‐reported chemical sensitivity, allergy, and other medical illnesses with anxiety and depression. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/13590840701352823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Pall ML, Anderson JH. The vanilloid receptor as a putative target of diverse chemicals in multiple chemical sensitivity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 59:363-75. [PMID: 16241041 DOI: 10.3200/aeoh.59.7.363-375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The vanilloid receptor (TRPV1 or VR1), widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous system, is activated by a broad range of chemicals similar to those implicated in Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Syndrome. The vanilloid receptor is reportedly hyperresponsive in MCS and can increase nitric oxide levels and stimulate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activity, both of which are important features in the previously proposed central role of nitric oxide and NMDA receptors in MCS. Vanilloid receptor activity is markedly altered by multiple mechanisms, possibly providing an explanation for the increased activity in MCS and symptom masking by previous chemical exposure. Activation of this receptor by certain mycotoxins may account for some cases of sick building syndrome, a frequent precursor of MCS. Twelve types of evidence implicate the vanilloid receptor as the major target of chemicals, including volatile organic solvents (but not pesticides) in MCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin L Pall
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-4234, USA.
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Millqvist E, Ternesten-Hasséus E, Ståhl A, Bende M. Changes in levels of nerve growth factor in nasal secretions after capsaicin inhalation in patients with airway symptoms from scents and chemicals. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2005; 113:849-52. [PMID: 16002371 PMCID: PMC1257644 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.7657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Patients complaining of upper and lower airway symptoms caused by scents and chemicals have previously been shown to have increased cough sensitivity to inhaled capsaicin, but the precise mechanisms behind this reaction are unknown. Hypothesizing that a neurochemical alteration related to sensory hyperreactivity (SHR) of the airway mucosa occurs, we measured levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) in nasal lavage fluid (NAL) before and after capsaicin inhalation provocations and related the capsaicin cough sensitivity to the NGF levels. Thirteen patients with SHR and 14 control subjects were provoked with capsaicin inhalation at three different doses. We measured NGF in NAL before and after provocation and recorded cough and capsaicin-induced symptoms. All subjects demonstrated a dose-dependent cough response to capsaicin inhalation, with a more pronounced effect in patients than in controls. Basal levels of NGF were significantly lower in the patient group than in the control subjects (p < 0.01). After capsaicin provocation, the patients showed a significant increase in NGF (p < 0.01), which was related to capsaicin cough sensitivity. The findings demonstrate that, in patients with airway symptoms induced by scents and chemicals, SHR is real and measurable, demonstrating a pathophysiology in the airways of these patients compared to healthy subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Millqvist
- Asthma and Allergy Research Group, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
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