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Kannan S, Perzanowski MS, Ganguri HB, Acevedo-Garcia D, Acosta LM, Spatcher M, Divjan A, Chew GL. Complex relationships between vitamin D and allergic sensitization among Puerto Rican 2-year-old children. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2019; 120:84-89. [PMID: 29273135 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2017.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States, Puerto Ricans have a higher prevalence of asthma than other Latino ethnicities. Low vitamin D levels for children living in northern climates could be a factor. OBJECTIVE To assess serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] distributions (a marker of vitamin D) and associations among vitamin D, allergic sensitization, early wheeze, and home/demographic factors. METHODS Puerto Rican infants born in New York City, with a maternal history of atopy, were enrolled in a birth cohort. Blood was collected at age 2 years (n = 154; 82 males and 72 females). Serum 25(OH)D and immunoglobulin E (IgE) (indoor allergen-specific and total) were determined using immunoassays. Home/demographic characteristics and respiratory symptoms were assessed by questionnaire. RESULTS The median concentration of 25(OH)D was 22.6 ng/mL; 32% were at risk of deficiency or inadequacy (<12 or 12-19 ng/mL). Serum 25(OH)D levels were lower in the heating (a surrogate for less sun exposure in colder months) compared with nonheating (26.1 vs 22.7 ng/mL, P = .02) season, but were not associated with allergen-specific IgE levels or with level of acculturation (measured by maternal birthplace). However, low 25(OH)D levels (below median) were associated with high total IgE >100 IU/mL (P = .01). Also, 25(OH)D concentrations differed between children who attended daycare and those who did not (21.8 vs 24.5 ng/mL; t test, P = .02). Serum 25(OH)D was not associated with wheeze or asthma by 2 years of age (P = .43). CONCLUSION Vitamin D deficiency, possibly linked with allergic pathways, may partially explain the trajectory for disproportionate asthma burden among Puerto Ricans, especially those born and raised in colder climates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srimathi Kannan
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts; Department of Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois.
| | - Matthew S Perzanowski
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Harish B Ganguri
- Department of Computer Science, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois; Kronsys, Inc, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Dolores Acevedo-Garcia
- The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Luis M Acosta
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Molly Spatcher
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts; Eye and Lasik Center, Greenfield, Massachusetts
| | - Adnan Divjan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Ginger L Chew
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Vesper S, Choi H, Perzanowski MS, Acosta LM, Divjan A, Bolaños-Rosero B, Rivera-Mariani F, Chew GL. Mold populations and dust mite allergen concentrations in house dust samples from across Puerto Rico. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2015; 26:198-207. [PMID: 26412677 PMCID: PMC4741371 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2015.1089531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Lifetime childhood asthma prevalence (LCAP) percentages in Puerto Rico Health Regions (HR) are substantially higher in northeastern vs. southwestern HR. Higher average relative humidity in the northeast might promote mold and mite exposures and possibly asthma prevalence. To test this hypothesis, mold contamination, Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) values were measured in floor dust (n = 26) and dust mite allergen concentrations in bed dust (n = 14). For this analysis, the eight HR were divided into those with LCAP > 30% (n = 3) and < 30% (n = 5). The average ERMI value was significantly greater (Wilcoxon Rank Sum, p < 0.001) in high than in low LCAP HR (14.5 vs. 9.3). The dust mite antigens Der p 1, Der f 1, and Blo t 5 were detected in 90% of bed samples, but the concentrations were not significantly different in high vs. low LCAP HR. Mold exposures might partially explain the differences in LCAP HR in Puerto Rico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Vesper
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Hyunok Choi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Albany, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Matthew S. Perzanowski
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Luis M. Acosta
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adnan Divjan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin Bolaños-Rosero
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, USA
| | | | - Ginger L. Chew
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Kannan S, Acosta LM, Acevedo-Garcia D, Divjan A, Bracero LA, Perzanowski MS, Chew GL. Sociocultural characteristics, obesity and inflammatory biomarkers in Puerto Rican toddlers born in New York City. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2013; 24:487-92. [PMID: 23773017 DOI: 10.1111/pai.12084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the USA, Puerto Rican children have a higher prevalence of asthma than other Latino ethnicities, and acculturation is one of hypothesized reasons for this difference. We examined associations between sociocultural characteristics and serum leptin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and body mass index (BMI), and further, among hsCRP, leptin levels, BMI percentiles, and allergic sensitization in 2-year-old children. METHODS IgE antibodies, leptin, and hsCRP concentrations were measured in serum from Puerto Rican toddlers (n = 143) born in New York City with a maternal history of allergy and/or asthma. Demographic and home characteristics questionnaires were administered to the mother, postpartum and two years later. Children's weight and height were measured to determine BMI percentiles. RESULTS More girls (60%) had leptin levels above the median compared with boys (37%) (p = 0.0063). Leptin was positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.25; p = 0.0042). Children in daycare were more likely to be obese (40% vs. 24% p < 0.06). Maternal birthplace was significantly associated with children's leptin but not with hsCRP. Leptin levels were lower for children whose mothers were born on the US mainland (GM = 2.5 ng/ml, 95% CI [2.2-2.7]) compared with those whose mothers were born in Puerto Rico or another country (GM = 3.2 ng/ml, 95% CI [2.2-3.9], t-test p = 0.01). Mothers born in another country were more likely than those born in the US mainland or Puerto Rico to have obese children (60% vs. 26% p < 0.02). Leptin, hsCRP, and BMI percentile were not associated with sensitization to any of the measured inhalant allergens or total IgE. CONCLUSION Even at a very young age, some acculturation factors were associated with biomarkers and anthropometric measures of obesity among this Puerto Rican pediatric population. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the association of mother's birth place with child BMI and leptin as early as 24 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srimathi Kannan
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, College of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA.
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Abstract
In the past, cockroach allergen exposure assessment mainly focused on settled dust in homes in low-income urban cities in the United States. That choice was not wrong; without measureable levels of cockroach allergen, it is difficult to show associations with any home characteristics, much less with health outcomes (e.g., allergy, asthma). However, recent studies in other suburban areas, schools, and other countries have elucidated the importance of cockroach allergen in these environments too. In addition, characterizing the underlying factors that give rise to cockroach allergen exposure (or protect against it) can lead to more targeted public health interventions. This review discusses different approaches to sampling indoor environments, interprets recent asthma and allergy studies, compares cockroach allergen levels from past studies with those of recent studies, and describes strategies for decreasing exposures.
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Abstract
Building-level characteristics are structural factors largely beyond the control of those who live in them. We explored whether building-level characteristics and indoor allergens in the household are related. We examined the relationship between building-level characteristics and indoor allergens: dust mite, cat, cockroach, and mouse. Building-level characteristics measured were presence of pests (seeing cockroaches and rodents), building type (public housing, buildings zoned commercially and residentially, and building size), and building condition (building age and violations). Allergen cutpoints were used for categorical analyses and defined as follows: dust mite: >0.25 μg/g; cat: >1 μg/g; cockroach: >1 U/g; mouse: >1.6 μg/g. In fully adjusted linear analyses, neither dust mite nor cat allergen were statistically significantly associated with any building-level characteristics. Cockroach allergen was associated with the presence of cockroaches (2.07; 95% CI, 1.23, 3.49) and living in public housing (2.14; 95% CI, 1.07, 4.31). Mouse allergen was associated with the presence of rodents (1.70; 95% CI, 1.29, 2.23), and building size: living in a low-rise (<8 floors; 0.60; 95% CI, 0.42, 0.87) or high-rise (8 + floors; 0.50; 95% CI, 0.29, 0.88; compared with house/duplex). In fully adjusted logistic analyses, cat allergen was statistically significantly associated with living in a high-rise (6.29; 95% CI, 1.51, 26.21; compared with a house/duplex). Mouse allergen was associated with living in public housing (6.20; 95% CI, 1.01, 37.95) and building size: living in a low-rise (0.16; 95% CI, 0.05, 0.52) or high-rise (0.06; 95% CI, 0.01, 0.50; compared with a house/duplex). Issues concerning building size and public housing may be particularly critical factors in reducing asthma morbidity. We suggest that future research explore the possible improvement of these factors through changes to building code and violations adherence, design standards, and incentives for landlords.
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Rosenfeld L, Rudd R, Chew GL, Emmons K, Acevedo-García D. Are neighborhood-level characteristics associated with indoor allergens in the household? J Asthma 2010; 47:66-75. [PMID: 20100024 PMCID: PMC2920139 DOI: 10.3109/02770900903362676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individual home characteristics have been associated with indoor allergen exposure; however, the influence of neighborhood-level characteristics has not been well studied. We defined neighborhoods as community districts determined by the New York City Department of City Planning. OBJECTIVE We examined the relationship between neighborhood-level characteristics and the presence of dust mite (Der f 1), cat (Fel d 1), cockroach (Bla g 2), and mouse (MUP) allergens in the household. METHODS Using data from the Puerto Rican Asthma Project, a birth cohort of Puerto Rican children at risk of allergic sensitization (n = 261), we examined associations between neighborhood characteristics (percent tree canopy, asthma hospitalizations per 1,000 children, roadway length within 100 meters of buildings, serious housing code violations per 1000 rental units, poverty rates, and felony crime rates), and the presence of indoor allergens. Allergen cutpoints were used for categorical analyses and defined as follows: dust mite: >0.25 microg/g; cat: >1 microg/g; cockroach: >1 U/g; mouse: >1.6 microg/g. RESULTS Serious housing code violations were statistically significantly positively associated with dust mite, cat, and mouse allergens (continuous variables), adjusting for mother's income and education, and all neighborhood-level characteristics. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, medium levels of housing code violations were associated with higher dust mite and cat allergens (1.81, 95%CI: 1.08, 3.03 and 3.10, 95%CI: 1.22, 7.92, respectively). A high level of serious housing code violations was associated with higher mouse allergen (2.04, 95%CI: 1.15, 3.62). A medium level of housing code violations was associated with higher cockroach allergen (3.30, 95%CI: 1.11, 9.78). CONCLUSIONS Neighborhood-level characteristics, specifically housing code violations, appear to be related to indoor allergens, which may have implications for future research explorations and policy decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Rosenfeld
- Institute on Urban Health Research, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02130, USA.
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Wilson J, Dixon SL, Breysse P, Jacobs D, Adamkiewicz G, Chew GL, Dearborn D, Krieger J, Sandel M, Spanier A. Housing and allergens: a pooled analysis of nine US studies. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2010; 110:189-198. [PMID: 19939359 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2009.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2009] [Revised: 10/14/2009] [Accepted: 10/20/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Housing conditions can contribute to allergen exposures that are linked to asthma, but little is known about which of those conditions are most likely to predict high levels of allergens in settled house dust. METHODS We pooled allergen, housing condition, occupant behavior, demographic, and other data from nine asthma studies (n=950 homes in 6 US cities). Dust mite (Der f 1 or Der p 1), cockroach (Bla g 1 or Bla g 2), mouse (Mus m 1), cat (Fel d 1) and dog (Can f 1) allergens were measured in settled dust from kitchens or bedrooms, and concentrations were categorized according to previously published asthma symptom thresholds. We calculated odds ratios (OR) using logistic regression to identify those housing conditions and occupant behaviors that were associated with clinically significant allergen levels, after adjusting for numerous confounding variables. RESULTS The adjusted results show that high cockroach allergen was associated with cracks or holes in walls (OR=2.1), high dust mite allergen was associated with mold odor (OR=2.5), housing built before 1951 (OR=2.1), and single-family home with slab on grade (OR=1.9); and mouse allergen was associated with rodent control or signs of rodents (OR=3.62) and inversely associated with presence of a cat (OR=0.20). Water leaks and below average housekeeping had unadjusted high odds ratios for high cockroach allergen. CONCLUSION We have identified a number of housing conditions that are consistently associated with increased allergen dust concentrations. This study indicates that screening for housing-based asthma triggers should include presence of cats, dogs, cockroaches, or rodents; water leaks; mold or mold odor; holes or cracks in walls; and below average housekeeping. Single family houses that have basements or crawl spaces or are built before 1951 are also important predictors for increased allergens in housing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Wilson
- National Center for Healthy Housing, 10320 Little Patuxent Pkway, Suite 500, Columbia, MD 21044, USA
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Green BJ, Tovey ER, Beezhold DH, Perzanowski MS, Acosta LM, Divjan AI, Chew GL. Surveillance of Fungal Allergic Sensitization Using the Fluorescent Halogen Immunoassay. J Mycol Med 2009; 19:253-261. [PMID: 20495612 PMCID: PMC2872482 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2009.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Conidia derived from a small number of common fungal genera are widely accepted as the etiological agents responsible for fungal allergic sensitization. The contribution of fungal conidia, spores, airborne hyphae, and subcellular fragments from other uncharacterized fungal genera remains unclear. In this proof-of-concept study, we examined the composition of mycoaerosols that atopic women were exposed and sensitized to in their own indoor environment using the fluorescent halogen immunoassay (fHIA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Mycoaerosols were collected onto mixed cellulose ester protein binding membranes (PBMs) for 30 minutes with volumetric air sampling pumps. The PBMs were laminated with an adhesive cover slip and indirectly immunostained with individual patient serum IgE using the fHIA. Samples were examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy and immunostained particles were expressed as a percentage of total particles. RESULTS: All air samples contained a broad spectrum of fungal spores, conidia, hyphae, and other fungal particulates. Airborne concentrations varied between individual study participant environments. Positively immunostained conidia belonging to moniliaceous amerospores, Cladosporium, Alternaria, and many unknown species were observed in the majority of air samples. Other fungal genera including Bipolaris, Curvularia, Pithomyces, and Stachybotrys, in addition to, ascospore genera and dematiaceous hyphal fragments released detectable allergen. Twelve percent of all fHIA haloes quantified in the analysis were directed towards fungal particles. No immunostaining was detected to conidia belonging to Epicoccum, Fusarium, and Spegazzinia species. CONCLUSION: In addition to characterized fungal aeroallergens, we observed a wider composition of fungi that bound human IgE. Field surveillance studies that utilize immunodiagnostic techniques such as the fHIA will provide further insight into the diversity of fungi that function as aeroallergen sources in individual study participant environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett J. Green
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, U.S.A
| | - Euan R. Tovey
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Donald H. Beezhold
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, U.S.A
| | | | - Luis M. Acosta
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, U.S.A
| | - Adnan I. Divjan
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, U.S.A
| | - Ginger L. Chew
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, U.S.A
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Chew GL, Reardon AM, Correa JC, Young M, Acosta L, Mellins R, Chew FT, Perzanowski MS. Mite sensitization among Latina women in New York, where dust-mite allergen levels are typically low. INDOOR AIR 2009; 19:193-197. [PMID: 19220508 PMCID: PMC2697277 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0668.2008.00578.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED In New York (NY), Latinos often have greater asthma morbidity than other ethnicities, and dust-mite sensitization is common despite low allergen levels. We investigated mite allergen exposure and sensitization in atopic and/or asthmatic women, the majority being Puerto Rican. Women (n = 274) recruited for a birth cohort study were visited postnatally. Dust from their homes was analyzed for mite allergens (Der f 1, Der p 1, and Blo t 5). Serum was analyzed for total and allergen-specific IgE. Thirty-seven percent were sensitized to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, 34% to Dermatophagoides farinae, and 21% to Blomia tropicalis. Only 5% of NY homes had levels of Der f 1 >2 microg/g; none had Blo t 5 or Der p 1 above this level. Caribbean or Latin American birthplace (a proxy for childhood exposure) was not associated with mite sensitization. Sensitization to D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae was associated with a report of doctor-diagnosed asthma [Odds ratio (OR) = 3.27, P = 0.003; OR = 2.81, P = 0.010, respectively]; sensitization to any mite was associated with asthma medication use in the past 12 months (OR = 3.12, P = 0.004). These associations held even after adjustment for cockroach, mouse, and cat sensitization. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Despite the low concentrations of mite allergen in our community, many of the women in the atopically enriched cohort were sensitized to mites, even Blomia tropicalis which is typically found only in tropical environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- G L Chew
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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