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Poole JA, Zamora-Sifuentes JL, De Las Vecillas L, Quirce S. Respiratory Diseases Associated With Organic Dust Exposure. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2024; 12:1960-1971. [PMID: 38423290 PMCID: PMC11316665 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2024.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Organic dusts are complex bioaerosol mixtures comprised of dust and par ticulate matter of organic origin. These include components from bacteria, fungi, pollen, and viruses to fragments of animals and plants commonplace to several environmental/occupational settings encompassing agriculture/farming, grain processing, waste/recycling, textile, cotton, woodworking, bird breeding, and more. Organic dust exposures are linked to development of chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, asthma-like syndrome, byssinosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Risk factors of disease development include cumulative dust exposure, smoking, atopy, timing/duration, and nutritional factors. The immunopathogenesis predominantly involves Toll-like receptor signaling cascade, T-helper 1/T-helper 17 lymphocyte responses, neutrophil influx, and potentiation of manifestations associated with allergy. The true prevalence of airway disease directly attributed to organic dust, especially in a workplace setting, remains challenging. Diagnostic confirmation can be difficult and complicated by hesitancy from workers to seek medical care, driven by fears of potential labor-related consequence. Clinical respiratory and systemic presentations coupled with allergy testing, lung function patterns of obstructive versus restrictive disease, and radiological characteristics are typically utilized to delineate these various organic dust-associated respiratory diseases. Prevention, risk reduction, and management primarily focus on reducing exposure to the offending dust, managing symptoms, and preventing disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill A Poole
- Division of Allergy & Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Neb.
| | - Jose L Zamora-Sifuentes
- Division of Allergy & Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Neb
| | | | - Santiago Quirce
- Department of Allergy, La Paz University of Hospital, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
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Bashir MBA, Basna R, Wennergren G, Rådinger M, Backman H, Goksör E, Lötvall J, Ekerljung L, Kankaanranta H, Nwaru BI. Level of education, but not occupation, is differentially associated with asthma phenotypes in adults. Clin Transl Allergy 2024; 14:e12389. [PMID: 39138137 PMCID: PMC11321906 DOI: 10.1002/clt2.12389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
CONCLUSION Education, but not occupation, was differentially associated with adult asthma phenotypes in the general population. Further research into socioeconomic status variation in various asthma phenotypes is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muwada Bashir Awad Bashir
- Krefting Research CentreInstitute of MedicineSahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Rani Basna
- Division of Geriatric MedicineDepartment of Clinical Sciences in MalmöLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Göran Wennergren
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Madeleine Rådinger
- Krefting Research CentreInstitute of MedicineSahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Helena Backman
- Department of Public Health and Clinical MedicineSection of Sustainable Health/the OLIN UnitUmeå UniversityUmeåSweden
| | - Emma Goksör
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Jan Lötvall
- Krefting Research CentreInstitute of MedicineSahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Linda Ekerljung
- Krefting Research CentreInstitute of MedicineSahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Hannu Kankaanranta
- Krefting Research CentreInstitute of MedicineSahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of Respiratory MedicineSeinäjoki Central HospitalSeinäjokiFinland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health TechnologyTampere University Respiratory Research GroupTampere UniversityTampereFinland
| | - Bright I. Nwaru
- Krefting Research CentreInstitute of MedicineSahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational MedicineInstitute of MedicineUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
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Chuang YC, Tsai HH, Lin MC, Wu CC, Lin YC, Wang TN. Cluster analysis of phenotypes, job exposure, and inflammatory patterns in elderly and nonelderly asthma patients. Allergol Int 2024; 73:214-223. [PMID: 38290901 DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma has been identified as different phenotypes due to various risk factors. Age differences may have potential effects on asthma phenotypes. Our study aimed to identify potential asthma phenotypes among adults divided by age as either younger or older than 65 years. We also compared differences in blood granulocyte patterns, occupational asthmagens, and asthma control-related outcomes among patient phenotype clusters. METHODS We recruited nonelderly (<65 years old) (n = 726) and elderly adults (≥65 years old) (n = 201) with mild-to-severe asthma. We conducted a factor analysis to select 17 variables. A two-step cluster analysis was used to classify subjects with asthma phenotypes, and a discriminant analysis was used to verify the classification of cluster results. RESULTS There were three clusters with different characteristics identified in both the nonelderly and elderly asthmatic adults. In the nonelderly patient group, cluster 2 (obese, neutrophilic phenotypes) had a 1.85-fold significantly increased risk of asthma exacerbations. Cluster 3 (early-onset, atopy, and smoker with an eosinophil-predominant pattern) had a 2.37-fold risk of asthma exacerbations and higher oral corticosteroid (OCS) use than cluster 1 (late-onset and LMW exposure with paucigranulocytic blood pattern). Among elderly patients, cluster 2 had poor lung function and more ex-smokers. Cluster 3 (early-onset, long asthma duration) had the lowest paucigranulocytic blood pattern percentages in the elderly group. CONCLUSIONS The novelty of the clusters was found in age-dependent clusters. We identified three distinct phenotypes with heterogeneous characteristics, asthma exacerbations and medicine use in nonelderly and elderly asthmatic patients, respectively. Classification of age-stratified asthma phenotypes may lead to precise identification of patients, which provides personalized disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Chi Chuang
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hua Tsai
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Chih Lin
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Chien Wu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Chung Lin
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tsu-Nai Wang
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Espuela-Ortiz A, Martin-Gonzalez E, Poza-Guedes P, González-Pérez R, Herrera-Luis E. Genomics of Treatable Traits in Asthma. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1824. [PMID: 37761964 PMCID: PMC10531302 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The astounding number of genetic variants revealed in the 15 years of genome-wide association studies of asthma has not kept pace with the goals of translational genomics. Moving asthma diagnosis from a nonspecific umbrella term to specific phenotypes/endotypes and related traits may provide insights into features that may be prevented or alleviated by therapeutical intervention. This review provides an overview of the different asthma endotypes and phenotypes and the genomic findings from asthma studies using patient stratification strategies and asthma-related traits. Asthma genomic research for treatable traits has uncovered novel and previously reported asthma loci, primarily through studies in Europeans. Novel genomic findings for asthma phenotypes and related traits may arise from multi-trait and specific phenotyping strategies in diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Espuela-Ortiz
- Genomics and Health Group, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Cell Biology and Genetics, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; (A.E.-O.); (E.M.-G.)
| | - Elena Martin-Gonzalez
- Genomics and Health Group, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Cell Biology and Genetics, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; (A.E.-O.); (E.M.-G.)
| | - Paloma Poza-Guedes
- Allergy Department, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Spain; (P.P.-G.); (R.G.-P.)
- Severe Asthma Unit, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Ruperto González-Pérez
- Allergy Department, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Spain; (P.P.-G.); (R.G.-P.)
- Severe Asthma Unit, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Esther Herrera-Luis
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Schwab AD, Poole JA. Mechanistic and Therapeutic Approaches to Occupational Exposure-Associated Allergic and Non-Allergic Asthmatic Disease. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2023; 23:313-324. [PMID: 37154874 PMCID: PMC10896074 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-023-01079-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Occupational lung disease, including asthma, is a significant cause of disability worldwide. The dose, exposure frequency, and nature of the causal agent influence the inflammatory pathomechanisms that inform asthma disease phenotype and progression. While surveillance, systems engineering, and exposure mitigation strategies are essential preventative considerations, no targeted medical therapies are currently available to ameliorate lung injury post-exposure and prevent chronic airway disease development. RECENT FINDINGS This article reviews contemporary understanding of allergic and non-allergic occupational asthma mechanisms. In addition, we discuss the available therapeutic options, patient-specific susceptibility and prevention measures, and recent scientific advances in post-exposure treatment conception. The course of occupational lung disease that follows exposure is informed by individual predisposition, immunobiologic response, agent identity, overall environmental risk, and preventative workplace practices. When protective strategies fail, knowledge of underlying disease mechanisms is necessary to inform targeted therapy development to lessen occupational asthma disease severity and occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron D Schwab
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Jill A Poole
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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Ganseman E, Gouwy M, Bullens DMA, Breynaert C, Schrijvers R, Proost P. Reported Cases and Diagnostics of Occupational Insect Allergy: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010086. [PMID: 36613529 PMCID: PMC9820383 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A significant part of adult-onset asthma is caused by occupational exposure to both high- and low-molecular-mass agents. Insects are occasionally described to cause occupational allergy in professions including anglers and fishers, laboratory workers, employees of aquaculture companies, farmers, bakers, sericulture workers and pet shop workers. Occupational insect allergies are often respiratory, causing asthma or rhinoconjunctivitis, but can be cutaneous as well. The European Union recently approved three insect species for human consumption, enabling an industry to develop where more employees could be exposed to insect products. This review overviews knowledge on occupational insect allergy risks and the tools used to diagnose employees. Despite the limited availability of commercial occupational insect allergy diagnostics, 60.9% of 164 included reports used skin prick tests and 63.4% of reports used specific IgE tests. In 21.9% of reports, a more elaborate diagnosis of occupational asthma was made by specific inhalation challenges or peak expiratory flow measurements at the workplace. In some work environments, 57% of employees were sensitized, and no less than 60% of employees reported work-related symptoms. Further development and optimization of specific diagnostics, together with strong primary prevention, may be vital to the health conditions of workers in the developing insect industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Ganseman
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Research Group Immunity and Inflammation, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mieke Gouwy
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Research Group Immunity and Inflammation, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique M. A. Bullens
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christine Breynaert
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department General Internal Medicine–Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rik Schrijvers
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department General Internal Medicine–Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paul Proost
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Research Group Immunity and Inflammation, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-16-37-90-20
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Mwanga HH, Baatjies R, Singh T, Jeebhay MF. Asthma Phenotypes and Host Risk Factors Associated With Various Asthma-Related Outcomes in Health Workers. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2021; 2:747566. [PMID: 35386991 PMCID: PMC8974710 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2021.747566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Work-related asthma phenotypes in health workers (HWs) exposed to cleaning agents have not been investigated extensively as other occupational exposures. This study aimed to describe asthma phenotypes and to identify important host risk factors associated with various asthma-related outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 699 HWs was conducted in two large tertiary hospitals. A total of 697 HWs completed questionnaire interviews. Sera collected from 682 HWs were analyzed for atopy (Phadiatop) and IgE to occupational allergens (NRL—Hev b5, Hev b6.02; chlorhexidine and ortho-phthalaldehyde—OPA). Methacholine (MCT), bronchodilator challenge (BDR) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were performed. An asthma symptom score (ASS) used five asthma-related symptoms reported in the past 12 months. Current asthma was based on use of asthma medication or an asthma attack or being woken up by an attack of shortness of breath in the past 12 months. Nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness (NSBH) was defined as having either a positive MCT or a significant bronchodilator response. Two continuous indices of NSBH [continuous index of responsiveness (CIR) and dose-response slope (DRS)] were calculated. Results: The prevalence of current asthma was 10%, atopic asthma (6%) and non-atopic asthma (4%). Overall, 2% of subjects had work-related asthma. There was a weak positive association between NSBH and FeNO [CIR: Beta coefficient (β) = 0.12; CI: 0.03–0.22 and DRS: β = 0.07; CI: 0.03–0.12]. Combining FeNO ≥ 50 ppb with a BDR [mean ratio (MR) = 5.89; CI: 1.02–34.14] or with NSBH (MR = 4.62; CI: 1.16–18.46) correlated better with ASS than FeNO alone (MR = 2.23; CI: 1.30–3.85). HWs with current asthma were twice as likely to be atopic. FeNO was positively associated with atopy (OR = 3.19; CI: 1.59–6.39) but negatively associated with smoking status (GMR = 0.76; CI: 0.62–0.94). Most HWs sensitized to occupational allergens were atopic. Conclusion: Atopic asthma was more prevalent than non-atopic asthma in HWs. Most asthma-related outcomes were positively associated with allergic predictors suggesting a dominant role for IgE mechanisms for work-related symptoms and asthma associated with sensitization to OPA or chlorhexidine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein H. Mwanga
- Division of Occupational Medicine and Center for Environmental & Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Roslynn Baatjies
- Division of Occupational Medicine and Center for Environmental & Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Studies, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tanusha Singh
- National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mohamed F. Jeebhay
- Division of Occupational Medicine and Center for Environmental & Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Mohamed F. Jeebhay
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To describe the recent findings of the last 2 years on the epidemiology and phenotypes of occupational asthma, as well as new developments in its diagnosis and management. RECENT FINDINGS Data from nine longitudinal studies showed a population attributable fraction for the occupational contribution to incident asthma of 16%. The main phenotypes of occupational asthma are: occupational asthma caused by high-molecular-weight (HMW) or low-molecular-weight (LMW) agents, irritant-induced asthma and occupational asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap. Among the variety of causative agents of occupational asthma, food-derived components are increasingly being reported, accounting for up to 25% cases of occupational asthma and/or occupational rhinitis. Recently, a specific inhalation challenge (SIC)-independent model has been developed to calculate the probability of occupational asthma diagnosis in workers exposed to HMW agents. In this model, work-specific sensitization, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, inhaled corticosteroid use, rhinoconjunctivitis and age 40 years or less were the most relevant predictive factors. Specific IgE measurements showed a pooled sensitivity of 0.74 and a specificity of 0.71 in the diagnosis of occupational asthma for HMW agents, while a lower sensitivity (0.28) and a higher specificity (0.89) was shown for LMW agents. Cessation of exposure to workplace sensitizers is the cornerstone of management of work-related conditions. SUMMARY An early and precise diagnosis of occupational asthma is crucial, allowing appropriate management and implementation of preventive strategies.
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Akgündüz Üzmezoğlu B. Inhalation Challenge Tests in Occupational Asthma: Why Are Multiple Tests Needed? Turk Thorac J 2021; 22:154-162. [PMID: 33871340 DOI: 10.5152/turkthoracj.2021.20007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Occupational and environmental lung diseases are on the rise because of the widespread use of various toxic agents in industry. Asthma etiopathogenesis is unclear because of exposure to high and low molecular agents in workplaces. Approximately 15-25% of asthma in adults is reported to be related to occupational exposure. The prevalence of occupational asthma (OA) is predicted to be high. The difficulties in diagnosing OA results in inadequate treatment, permanent airway damage, and medicolegal and social problems. As with other occupational diseases, it is necessary to demonstrate a direct causal relationship between the suspected agent and OA. Spirometry, peak expiratory flow rate, and/or non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness are frequently used to show airway hyperresponsiveness at the workplace and away from work. However, there are some controversies about the specificity and sensitivity of these test methods. Furthermore, these tests do not identify the exposure agent, which could be the causative agent. Specific inhalation challenge (SIC) tests that demonstrate the direct causal relationship are currently the gold standard. However, their positive and negative predictive values have not yet been established; therefore, many low molecular weight agents could cause late or atypical reactions. Therefore, a negative SIC test cannot exclude the disease. This review describes the procedures for the SIC test and discusses the importance of using the combined test methods with the SIC test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilge Akgündüz Üzmezoğlu
- Department of Occupational Diseases, Atatürk Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Golden E, Maertens M, Hartung T, Maertens A. Mapping Chemical Respiratory Sensitization: How Useful Are Our Current Computational Tools? Chem Res Toxicol 2020; 34:473-482. [PMID: 33320000 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.0c00320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chemical respiratory sensitization is an immunological process that manifests clinically mostly as occupational asthma and is responsible for 1 in 6 cases of adult asthma, although this may be an underestimate of the prevalence, as it is under-diagnosed. Occupational asthma results in unemployment for roughly one-third of those affected due to severe health issues. Despite its high prevalence, chemical respiratory sensitization is difficult to predict, as there are currently no validated models and the mechanisms are not entirely understood, creating a significant challenge for regulatory bodies and industry alike. The Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) for respiratory sensitization is currently incomplete. However, some key events have been identified, and there is overlap with the comparatively well-characterized AOP for dermal sensitization. Because of this, and the fact that dermal sensitization is often assessed by in vivo, in chemico, or in silico methods, regulatory bodies are defaulting to the dermal sensitization status of chemicals as a proxy for respiratory sensitization status when evaluating chemical safety. We identified a data set of known human respiratory sensitizers, which we used to investigate the accuracy of a structural alert model, Toxtree, designed for skin sensitization and the Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health (COEH)'s model, a model developed specifically for occupational asthma. While both models had a reasonable level of accuracy, the COEH model achieved the highest balanced accuracy at 76%; when the models agreed, the overall accuracy was 87%. There were important differences between the models: Toxtree had superior performance for some structural alerts and some categories of well-characterized skin sensitizers, while the COEH model had high accuracy in identifying sensitizers that lacked identified skin sensitization reactivity domains. Overall, both models achieved respectable accuracy. However, neither model addresses potency, which, along with data quality, remains a hurdle, and the field must prioritize these issues to move forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Golden
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Mikhail Maertens
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States.,CAAT-Europe, University of Konstanz, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Alexandra Maertens
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
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Tiotiu AI, Novakova S, Labor M, Emelyanov A, Mihaicuta S, Novakova P, Nedeva D. Progress in Occupational Asthma. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E4553. [PMID: 32599814 PMCID: PMC7345155 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Occupational asthma (OA) represents one of the major public health problems due to its high prevalence, important social and economic burden. The aim of this review is to summarize current data about clinical phenotypes, biomarkers, diagnosis and management of OA, a subtype of work-related asthma. Most studies have identified two phenotypes of OA. One is sensitizer-induced asthma, occuring after a latency period and caused by hypersensitivity to high- or low-molecular weight agents. The other is irritant-induced asthma, which can occur after one or more exposures to high concentrations of irritants without latency period. More than 400 agents causing OA have been identified and its list is growing fast. The best diagnostic approach for OA is a combination of clinical history and objective tests. An important tool is a specific inhalation challenge. Additional tests include assessments of bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine/histamine in patients without airflow limitations, monitoring peak expiratory flow at- and off-work, sputum eosinophil count, exhaled nitric oxide measurement, skin prick tests with occupational allergens and serum specific IgE. Treatment of OA implies avoidance of exposure, pharmacotherapy and education. OA is a heterogeneous disease. Mechanisms of its different phenotypes, their diagnosis, role of new biomarkers and treatment require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica I. Tiotiu
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital of Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France
- Development, Adaptation and Disadvantage, Cardiorespiratory Regulations and Motor Control (EA 3450 DevAH), University of Lorraine, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Silviya Novakova
- Allergy Unit, Internal Consulting Department, University Hospital “St. George”, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Marina Labor
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Centre Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;
- Medical Faculty Osijek, J.J. Strossmayer University, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Alexander Emelyanov
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, North-Western Medical University, 191015 Saint-Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Stefan Mihaicuta
- Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300120 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Plamena Novakova
- Clinic of Clinical Allergy, Medical University, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria;
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Tarlo SM, Quirce S. Impact of Identification of Clinical Phenotypes in Occupational Asthma. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2020; 8:3277-3282. [PMID: 32561498 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic differences and similarities in the spectrum of occupational asthma (OA) subtypes reflect the underlying mechanisms of the diverse forms of the disease, and these phenotypes provide information as to diagnostic steps and approaches to management. In large part, the phenotype reflects the existence of immunologic mechanisms and the presence or absence of a specific IgE-antibody response to a work sensitizer. However, further differences occur between OA from high- and low-molecular-weight sensitizers (chemical sensitizers), which potentially might be relevant for nonoccupational asthma. Chemical sensitizers cause a specific response that is more likely to be a late asthmatic response and specific IgE can be identified only in a minority. Irritant-induced asthma is most easily recognized when it occurs with 1 or more high-level respiratory irritant exposure(s) but is also possible with chronic low-level exposures as in cleaners, farmers, and woodworkers, as suggested from epidemiologic studies. OA chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap is more common in older patients and with OA from low-molecular-weight sensitizers. Removal from exposure to the causative agent is currently advised for those with OA from sensitization: further studies with omalizumab and other biologic agents are needed to determine whether these might allow return to the same exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Tarlo
- Respiratory Division, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto Department of Medicine and Dalla Lana Department of Public Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Santiago Quirce
- Department of Allergy, La Paz University Hospital, IdiPAZ, and CIBER of Respiratory Diseases CIBERES, Madrid, Spain
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Clofent D, de Homdedeu M, Muñoz-Esquerre M, Cruz MJ, Muñoz X. Sudan red dye: a new agent causing type-2 occupational asthma. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 2020; 16:7. [PMID: 32021623 PMCID: PMC6993377 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-020-0404-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sudan red or 1-[(2-methoxyphenyl)azo]-2-naphthol is a low molecular weight azoic agent widely used in industry, particularly in the production of hair dyes. The use of this product in the food industry is prohibited due to its potential carcinogenic effect, but no respiratory involvement has been reported to date. Case presentation We present the case of a 46-year-old female patient who had been working in a cosmetics packaging company for 20 years. The patient developed occupational asthma to a red azo dye known as Sudan red. The diagnosis was confirmed by specific bronchial provocation test. Induced sputum samples were obtained previously and in the 24 h following the procedure, with a rise in the percentage of eosinophils from 10 to 65%. Conclusions This report describes the case of a patient who developed OA caused by exposure to an azoic dye called Sudan red. The clinical and analytical features suggest a type 2-related asthma; however, we are not yet able to confirm the specific pathophysiological mechanism. The extensive use of azo dyes in industry means that it is particularly important to describe their implications for health, which are probably underestimated at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Clofent
- 1Servicio de Neumologia, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miquel de Homdedeu
- 1Servicio de Neumologia, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.,2CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias (CibeRes), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariana Muñoz-Esquerre
- 3Servicio de Neumologia, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Jesús Cruz
- 1Servicio de Neumologia, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.,2CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias (CibeRes), Madrid, Spain
| | - Xavier Muñoz
- 1Servicio de Neumologia, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.,2CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias (CibeRes), Madrid, Spain.,4Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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