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Ouyang X, Reihill JA, Douglas LEJ, Martin SL. Airborne indoor allergen serine proteases and their contribution to sensitisation and activation of innate immunity in allergic airway disease. Eur Respir Rev 2024; 33:230126. [PMID: 38657996 PMCID: PMC11040391 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0126-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Common airborne allergens (pollen, animal dander and those from fungi and insects) are the main triggers of type I allergic disorder in the respiratory system and are associated with allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, as well as immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. These allergens promote IgE crosslinking, vasodilation, infiltration of inflammatory cells, mucosal barrier dysfunction, extracellular matrix deposition and smooth muscle spasm, which collectively cause remodelling of the airways. Fungus and insect (house dust mite and cockroaches) indoor allergens are particularly rich in proteases. Indeed, more than 40 different types of aeroallergen proteases, which have both IgE-neutralising and tissue-destructive activities, have been documented in the Allergen Nomenclature database. Of all the inhaled protease allergens, 85% are classed as serine protease activities and include trypsin-like, chymotrypsin-like and collagenolytic serine proteases. In this article, we review and compare the allergenicity and proteolytic effect of allergen serine proteases as listed in the Allergen Nomenclature and MEROPS databases and highlight their contribution to allergic sensitisation, disruption of the epithelial barrier and activation of innate immunity in allergic airways disease. The utility of small-molecule inhibitors of allergen serine proteases as a potential treatment strategy for allergic airways disease will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Ouyang
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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2
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Blackwood CB, Croston TL, Barnes MA, Lemons AR, Rush RE, Goldsmith T, McKinney WG, Anderson S, Weaver KL, Sulyok M, Park JH, Germolec D, Beezhold DH, Green B. Optimization of Aspergillus versicolor Culture and Aerosolization in a Murine Model of Inhalational Fungal Exposure. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1090. [PMID: 37998895 PMCID: PMC10672600 DOI: 10.3390/jof9111090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus versicolor is ubiquitous in the environment and is particularly abundant in damp indoor spaces. Exposure to Aspergillus species, as well as other environmental fungi, has been linked to respiratory health outcomes, including asthma, allergy, and even local or disseminated infection. However, the pulmonary immunological mechanisms associated with repeated exposure to A. versicolor have remained relatively uncharacterized. Here, A. versicolor was cultured and desiccated on rice then placed in an acoustical generator system to achieve aerosolization. Mice were challenged with titrated doses of aerosolized conidia to examine deposition, lymphoproliferative properties, and immunotoxicological response to repeated inhalation exposures. The necessary dose to induce lymphoproliferation was identified, but not infection-like pathology. Further, it was determined that the dose was able to initiate localized immune responses. The data presented in this study demonstrate an optimized and reproducible method for delivering A. versicolor conidia to rodents via nose-only inhalation. Additionally, the feasibility of a long-term repeated exposure study was established. This experimental protocol can be used in future studies to investigate the physiological effects of repeated pulmonary exposure to fungal conidia utilizing a practical and relevant mode of delivery. In total, these data constitute an important foundation for subsequent research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine B. Blackwood
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (C.B.B.)
| | - Tara L. Croston
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (C.B.B.)
| | - Mark A. Barnes
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (C.B.B.)
| | - Angela R. Lemons
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (C.B.B.)
| | - Rachael E. Rush
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (C.B.B.)
| | - Travis Goldsmith
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (C.B.B.)
| | - Walter G. McKinney
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (C.B.B.)
| | - Stacey Anderson
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (C.B.B.)
| | - Kelly L. Weaver
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Michael Sulyok
- Department of Agrobiotechnology (IFA-Tulln), Institute of Bioanalytics and Agro-Metabolomics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ju-Hyeong Park
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Dori Germolec
- Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - 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 26505, USA; (C.B.B.)
- Office of the Director, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Brett 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 26505, USA; (C.B.B.)
- Office of the Director, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
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3
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Eriksen E, Afanou AK, Madsen AM, Straumfors A, Graff P. An assessment of occupational exposure to bioaerosols in automated versus manual waste sorting plants. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 218:115040. [PMID: 36521541 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Occupational exposure during waste sorting is associated with several health outcomes. This study obtained knowledge about the impact of work in fully automated waste sorting plants (AWSP; n = 3) vs manual waste sorting plants (MWSP; n = 3) on personal exposure (n = 71) to bioaerosols and exposure-related health effects. Personal full-shift air samples were collected using various filter-based active sampling devices that were placed in the workers' breathing zone. Personal exposure to inhalable and thoracic dust, endotoxin and microorganisms varied considerably between and within types of waste sorting plants (WSP). Workers at AWSP were on average exposed to 0.34 mg/m3 inhalable dust, 0.15 mg/m3 thoracic dust, and 51 EU/m3 endotoxins (geometric mean (GM) levels), whereas GM exposure levels at MWSP were 0.66 mg/m3 for inhalable dust, 0.44 mg/m3 for thoracic dust, and 32 EU/m3 for endotoxins. Exposure to submicronic fungal fragments did not differ between types of plants and ranged from levels below the detection limit (limit of detection, LOD) to levels in the order of 106 fragments/m3. Higher levels of fungal fragments and fungal spores were found at AWSP compared to MWSP with a GM of 2.1 × 105 spores/m3and with a GM of 1.2 × 105 spores/m3, respectively. Actinobacterial spores were found in samples from AWSP only, with exposure levels ranging from 1.9 × 104 to 1.1 × 107 spores/m3. Exposure to microbial DNA varied within and between WSP and was on average in the order of 104 copies/m3 for fungi and 105 copies/m3 for bacteria. Health symptoms, such as sneezing, congested nose and runny nose were significantly more common among exposed workers compared to the unexposed control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Eriksen
- STAMI, National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas Vei 8, 0363, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Anani Komlavi Afanou
- STAMI, National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas Vei 8, 0363, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Mette Madsen
- The National Research Center for Work Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Straumfors
- STAMI, National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas Vei 8, 0363, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pål Graff
- STAMI, National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas Vei 8, 0363, Oslo, Norway
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Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses Induced by Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia and Hyphae. Curr Microbiol 2023; 80:28. [PMID: 36474044 PMCID: PMC9734344 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-022-03102-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Previous research indicated that hyphae of Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) rather than conidia could successfully build a pulmonary aspergillosis model in immunocompetent mice. In this study, we compared the immune responses induced by hyphae and conidia to explore the possible mechanism of this striking phenomenon. Herein, a novel method was designed and adopted to quantify hyphal fragments. Murine macrophages RAW264.7 and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated by A. fumigatus hyphae and conidia in vitro, respectively, and then immunological reactions were measured. Male C57BL/6 mice were challenged with conidia and hyphae through intratracheal inoculation. Dynamic conditions of mice were recorded, and RNA-seq measured corresponding immune responses. The results of the study confirmed that hyphae could induce more intensive inflammation than conidia in vitro and in vivo. However, macrophages revealed a higher production of ROS and M1 polarisation in response to conidia stimuli. Additionally, conidia could promote Th1 cell differentiation, while hyphae could increase the CD4/CD8 ratio. RNA-seq validated the fact that those multiple immunologically relevant pathways were more strongly activated by hyphae than conidia, which also promoted Th2 cell differentiation and suppressed Th1 signalling. Both hyphae and conidia could activate Th17 signalling. In general, conidia and hyphae induced distinctly different host immune responses, and the immune responses induced by conidia played a better protective effect. Therefore, the unique function of hyphae in the spread and infection of Aspergillus should be emphasised, and more research is required to clarify the underlying mechanisms for better understanding and management of aspergillosis.
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Is in vitro cytokine release a suitable marker to improve the diagnosis of suspected mold-related respiratory symptoms? A proof-of-concept study. Allergol Select 2022; 6:133-141. [PMID: 35392213 PMCID: PMC8982069 DOI: 10.5414/alx02299e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Indoor mold infestation can lead to a variety of adverse health effects, including allergic and non-allergic respiratory complaints. Especially if no evidence of an allergic reaction can be found for the complaints, diagnostic tools that might explain mold-associated health problems are missing. As a proof-of-concept, in the present study whole blood assay (WBA) was used to determine cellular response by measuring cytokine release (IL-1β and IL-8) after in vitro stimulation. Blood was available from a total of 48 subjects. By questionnaire, complaints and possible mold exposure were documented. Specific in vitro blood stimulation was tested with Escherichia coli endotoxin and extracts of different molds (Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus versicolor, and Cladosporium herbarum). To characterize the relevance of WBA in describing the mold-induced immune response, we compared the following groups: asthmatics vs. non-asthmatics, mx1-sensitized vs. non-mx1-sensitized, mold-exposed vs. non-mold-exposed. In response to endotoxin stimulation, a significantly higher IL-1β release was found in mx1-sensitized than in non-mx1-sensitized subjects. Furthermore, the blood of asthmatics showed significantly higher IL-8 and IL-1β release after stimulation with Penicillium chrysogenum and endotoxin, respectively, compared to non-asthmatics. However, no significant difference in the level of cytokine release was observed between the mold-exposed and non-exposed group, neither after endotoxin nor mold stimulation. In conclusion, the WBA used in this study is not a suitable tool for clinical routine diagnostic workup. Our data suggests that WBA reflects cellular differences that are disease-related but not directly attributable to mold exposure. However, in combination with further data, WBA will be a helpful und interesting tool in research, e.g., in description of the complex immune response to molds.
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6
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Lu R, Tendal K, Frederiksen MW, Uhrbrand K, Li Y, Madsen AM. Strong variance in the inflammatory and cytotoxic potentials of Penicillium and Aspergillus species from cleaning workers' exposure in nursing homes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 724:138231. [PMID: 32408454 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Penicillium and Aspergillus are among the dominant genera of fungi in many environments. Exposure to these fungi may cause inflammation-related health effects, however the knowledge about this at species level is limited. The aim of this study was to obtain knowledge about cleaning workers' exposure to fungi and to investigate the total inflammatory potential (TIP) and the cytotoxic potential of fungal species. The fungi were obtained from the personal exposure of cleaning workers' in five nursing homes. In total 271 fungal isolates were identified using MALDI-TOF MS. The TIP and cytotoxic potential were determined for 30 different fungal isolates covering 17 species in an in vitro assay by exposing HL-60 cells to the fungal spores of each isolate. The geometric mean exposure of the cleaning workers was 351 CFU fungi/m3 air. We showed that the TIP and cytotoxicity varied among both species and isolates. At the two lowest doses, there was a positive relationship between spore concentration and TIP. The species with highest TIPs were A. candidus and P. italicum, while the most cytotoxic ones were A. niger and A. fumigatus. There was no obvious relationship between the TIP of an isolate and its cytotoxicity. The results of this study provide a better understanding of the inflammatory potential and cytotoxicity of different environmental fungal species and contribute to the risk evaluation of exposure to different Penicillium and Aspergillus species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Lu
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Kira Tendal
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Margit W Frederiksen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katrine Uhrbrand
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yanpeng Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Anne Mette Madsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Holme JA, Øya E, Afanou AKJ, Øvrevik J, Eduard W. Characterization and pro-inflammatory potential of indoor mold particles. INDOOR AIR 2020; 30:662-681. [PMID: 32078193 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A number of epidemiological studies find an association between indoor air dampness and respiratory health effects. This is often suggested to be linked to enhanced mold growth. However, the role of mold is obviously difficult to disentangle from other dampness-related exposure including microbes as well as non-biological particles and chemical pollutants. The association may partly be due to visible mycelial growth and a characteristic musty smell of mold. Thus, the potential role of mold exposure should be further explored by evaluating information from experimental studies elucidating possible mechanistic links. Such studies show that exposure to spores and hyphal fragments may act as allergens and pro-inflammatory mediators and that they may damage airways by the production of toxins, enzymes, and volatile organic compounds. In the present review, we hypothesize that continuous exposure to mold particles may result in chronic low-grade pro-inflammatory responses contributing to respiratory diseases. We summarize some of the main methods for detection and characterization of fungal aerosols and highlight in vitro research elucidating how molds may induce toxicity and pro-inflammatory reactions in human cell models relevant for airway exposure. Data suggest that the fraction of fungal hyphal fragments in indoor air is much higher than that of airborne spores, and the hyphal fragments often have a higher pro-inflammatory potential. Thus, hyphal fragments of prevalent mold species with strong pro-inflammatory potential may be particularly relevant candidates for respiratory diseases associated with damp/mold-contaminated indoor air. Future studies linking of indoor air dampness with health effects should assess the toxicity and pro-inflammatory potential of indoor air particulate matter and combined this information with a better characterization of biological components including hyphal fragments from both pathogenic and non-pathogenic mold species. Such studies may increase our understanding of the potential role of mold exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jørn A Holme
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Øya
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medicines Access, Norwegian Medicines Agency, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anani K J Afanou
- Group of Occupational Toxicology, STAMI National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johan Øvrevik
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Wijnand Eduard
- Group of Occupational Toxicology, STAMI National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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Zhang Z, Jiang Y, Chen J, Chen P, Kong Q, Lu L, Sang H. In vitro and in vivo characterization of two nonsporulating Aspergillus fumigatus clinical isolates from immunocompetent patients. Med Mycol 2020; 58:543-551. [PMID: 31290538 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a pathogenic fungus responsible for invasive aspergillosis (IA). Typically, it can produce abundant conidia to survive and spread. The infection by A. fumigatus usually occurs in immunocompromised patients due to failed clearance of inhaled conidia. However, the incidence of aspergillosis in immunocompetent hosts has been increasing, the pathogenesis of which is still unknown. Our team previously obtained two clinical nonsporulating A. fumigatus isolates from non-immunocompromised patients, which only have the form of hyphae. This present study demonstrated the in vitro and in vivo characteristics of the two nonsporulating A. fumigatus isolates and verified that their conidiation defects are associated to abolished expression of the sporulation-related central regulatory pathway brlA gene. In addition, we confirmed the mutation site of brlA gene (c.657_660delTCCT) contributes to the nonsporulating phenotype in one clinical isolate. Plate assay showed that the two nonsporulating isolates have a similar resistance to antifungal drugs, cell wall disturbing substances, and oxidative stress compared with the wild-type reference Af293. Most important of all, we employed an immunocompetent mouse model to mimic the pathogenesis of pulmonary aspergillosis in non-immunocompromised patients. It revealed that the hyphae of two nonsporulating isolates and Af293 have similar virulence in immunocompetent hosts. Interestingly, the hyphae fragments of Af293 but not conidia are able to induce invasive aspergillosis in immunocompetent mice. In conclusion, our study indicate that the form of hyphae may play a dominant causative role in pulmonary aspergillosis of immunocompetent hosts rather than conidia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peiying Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qingtao Kong
- Department of Dermatology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Sang
- Department of Dermatology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Nordberg M, Täubel M, Jalava PI, BéruBé K, Tervahauta A, Hyvärinen A, Huttunen K. Human airway construct model is suitable for studying transcriptome changes associated with indoor air particulate matter toxicity. INDOOR AIR 2020; 30:433-444. [PMID: 31883508 PMCID: PMC7217003 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
In vitro models mimicking the human respiratory system are essential when investigating the toxicological effects of inhaled indoor air particulate matter (PM). We present a pulmonary cell culture model for studying indoor air PM toxicity. We exposed normal human bronchial epithelial cells, grown on semi-permeable cell culture membranes, to four doses of indoor air PM in the air-liquid interface. We analyzed the chemokine interleukin-8 concentration from the cell culture medium, protein concentration from the apical wash, measured tissue electrical resistance, and imaged airway constructs using light and transmission electron microscopy. We sequenced RNA using a targeted RNA toxicology panel for 386 genes associated with toxicological responses. PM was collected from a non-complaint residential environment over 1 week. Sample collection was concomitant with monitoring size-segregated PM counts and determination of microbial levels and diversity. PM exposure was not acutely toxic for the cells, and we observed up-regulation of 34 genes and down-regulation of 17 genes when compared to blank sampler control exposure. The five most up-regulated genes were related to immunotoxicity. Despite indications of incomplete cell differentiation, this model enabled the comparison of a toxicological transcriptome associated with indoor air PM exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria‐Elisa Nordberg
- Department of Environmental and Biological SciencesUniversity of Eastern Finland (UEF)KuopioFinland
| | - Martin Täubel
- Environmental Health UnitNational Institute for Health and WelfareKuopioFinland
| | - Pasi I. Jalava
- Department of Environmental and Biological SciencesUniversity of Eastern Finland (UEF)KuopioFinland
| | - Kelly BéruBé
- Cardiff School of BiosciencesCardiff Institute Tissue Engineering and Repair (CITER)Cardiff UniversityWalesUK
| | - Arja Tervahauta
- Department of Environmental and Biological SciencesUniversity of Eastern Finland (UEF)KuopioFinland
| | - Anne Hyvärinen
- Environmental Health UnitNational Institute for Health and WelfareKuopioFinland
| | - Kati Huttunen
- Department of Environmental and Biological SciencesUniversity of Eastern Finland (UEF)KuopioFinland
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Associations Between Bioaerosol Exposures and Lung Function Changes Among Dairy Workers in Colorado. J Occup Environ Med 2020; 62:424-430. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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11
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Afanou AK, Straumfors A, Eduard W. Fungal aerosol composition in moldy basements. INDOOR AIR 2019; 29:780-790. [PMID: 31106451 PMCID: PMC6851693 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Experimental aerosolization studies revealed that fungal fragments including small fragments in the submicrometer size are released from fungal cultures and have been suggested to represent an important fraction of overall fungal aerosols in indoor environments. However, their prevalence indoors and outdoors remains poorly characterized. Moldy basements were investigated for airborne fungal particles including spores, submicron fragments, and larger fragments. Particles were collected onto poly-L-lysine-coated polycarbonate filters and qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using immunogold labeling combined with field emission scanning electron microscopy. We found that the total fungal aerosol levels including spores, submicrometer, and larger fragments in the moldy basements (median: 80 × 103 m-3 ) were not different from that estimated in control basements (63 × 103 m-3 ) and outdoor (90 × 103 m-3 ). However, mixed effect modeling of the fungal aerosol composition revealed that the fraction of fragments increased significantly in moldy basements, versus the spore fraction that increased significantly in outdoor air. These findings provide new insight on the compositional variation of mixed fungal aerosols in indoor as compared to outdoor air. Our results also suggest that further studies, aiming to investigate the role of fungal aerosols in the fungal exposure-disease relationships, should consider the mixed composition of various types of fungal particles.
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12
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Afanou KA, Eduard W, Laier Johnsen HB, Straumfors A. Fungal Fragments and Fungal Aerosol Composition in Sawmills. Ann Work Expo Health 2019; 62:559-570. [PMID: 29846519 PMCID: PMC5972573 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxy022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Assessment of exposure to fungi has commonly been limited to fungal spore measurements that have shown associations between fungi and development or exacerbation of different airway diseases. Because large numbers of submicronic fragments can be aerosolized from fungal cultures under laboratory conditions, it has been suggested that fungal exposure is more complex and higher than that commonly revealed by spore measurements. However, the assessment of fungal fragments in complex environmental matrix remain limited due to methodological challenges. With a recently developed immunolabeling method for field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), we could assess the complex composition of fungal aerosols present in personal thoracic samples collected from two Norwegian sawmills. We found that large fungal fragments (length >1 µm) dominated the fungal aerosols indicating that the traditional monitoring approach of spores severely underestimate fungal exposure. The composition of fungal aerosols comprised in average 9% submicronic fragments, 62% large fragments, and 29% spores. The average concentrations of large and submicronic fragments (0.2–1 µm) were 3 × 105 and 0.6 × 105 particles m−3, respectively, and correlated weakly with spores (1.4 × 105 particles m−3). The levels of fragments were 2.6 times higher than the average spore concentration that was close to the proposed hazardous level of 105 spores per m3. The season influenced significantly the fungal aerosol concentrations but not the composition. Furthermore, the ratio of spores in the heterogeneous fungal aerosol composition was significantly higher in saw departments as compared to sorting of green timber departments where the fungal fragments were most prevalent. Being the dominating particles of fungal aerosols in sawmills, fungal fragments should be included in exposure-response studies to elucidate their importance for health impairments. Likewise, the use of fungal aerosol composition in such studies should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komlavi Anani Afanou
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, STAMI National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Wijnand Eduard
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, STAMI National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helle Birgit Laier Johnsen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, STAMI National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Straumfors
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, STAMI National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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Øya E, Solhaug A, Bølling AK, Øvstebø R, Steensen TB, Afanou AKJ, Holme JA. Pro-inflammatory responses induced by A. fumigatus and A. versicolor in various human macrophage models. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2019; 82:483-501. [PMID: 31116698 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2019.1619114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to mold-contaminated indoor air has been associated with various respiratory diseases, and there is a need for experimental data to confirm these associations. The pro-inflammatory properties of well-characterized aerosolized spores and hyphal fragments from Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus versicolor were examined and compared using various human macrophage cell models including phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-differentiated THP-1 macrophages (THP-1 Ma), primary peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM), and primary airway macrophages (AM) from induced sputum. X-ray treated samples of the two mold species induced different responses with A. fumigatus displaying the most potent induction of pro-inflammatory responses. While hyphal fragments from A. fumigatus were more potent than spores, similar responses were produced by the two growth stages of A. versicolor. THP-1 Ma was the most sensitive model releasing a broad range of cytokines/chemokines. MDM exhibited a similar cytokine/chemokine profile as THP-1 Ma, except for a low-quantity release of interleukin-1β (IL-1β). In contrast, AM appeared to be nonresponsive and yielded a different pattern of pro-inflammatory markers. Toll-like receptor (TLR)4, but also to a certain degree TLR2, was involved in several responses induced by spores and aerosolized hyphal fragments of A. fumigatus in MDM. Taken together, MDM seems to be the most promising experimental macrophage model. Abbreviations: AF: A. fumigatus, Aspergillus fumigatus; AV: A. versicolor, Aspergillus versicolor; AM: Airway Macrophage; CBA: Cytometric Bead Array; CD: Cluster of Differentiation; DTT: dithiothreitol; ELISA: Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay; FBS: fetal bovine serum; GM-CSF: Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor; IL-1β: Interleukin-1beta; MDM: Monocyte-Derived Macrophages; NF-κB: Nuclear Factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells; NLR: NOD-like Receptor; PAMP: Pathogen Associated Molecular Pattern; PMA: Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate; PRR: Pattern Recognition Receptor; THP-1: Human leukemia monocyte cell line; TLR: Toll-like Receptor; TNF-α: Tumor Necrosis Factor- alpha.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Øya
- a Department of Air Pollution and Noise , Norwegian Institute of Public Health , Oslo , Norway
| | - Anita Solhaug
- b Toxinology Research Group , Norwegian Veterinary Institute , Oslo , Norway
| | - Anette K Bølling
- a Department of Air Pollution and Noise , Norwegian Institute of Public Health , Oslo , Norway
| | - Reidun Øvstebø
- c Department for Medical Biochemistry , Oslo University Hospital , Oslo , Norway
| | - Tonje B Steensen
- a Department of Air Pollution and Noise , Norwegian Institute of Public Health , Oslo , Norway
| | - Anani K J Afanou
- d Department for the Chemical and Biological Work Environment , National Institute of Occupational Health , Oslo , Norway
| | - Jørn A Holme
- a Department of Air Pollution and Noise , Norwegian Institute of Public Health , Oslo , Norway
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Øya E, Becher R, Ekeren L, Afanou AKJ, Øvrevik J, Holme JA. Pro-Inflammatory Responses in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Induced by Spores and Hyphal Fragments of Common Damp Indoor Molds. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16061085. [PMID: 30917597 PMCID: PMC6466608 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16061085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Damp indoor environments contaminated with different mold species may contribute to the development and exacerbation of respiratory illnesses. Human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells were exposed to X-ray treated spores and hyphal fragments from pure cultures of Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillum chrysogenum, Aspergillus versicolor and Stachybotrys chartarum. Hyphal fragments of A. fumigatus and P. chrysogenum induced expression and release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 and the chemokine IL-8, while none of the other hyphal preparations had effects. Hyphal fragments from A. fumigatus and P. chrysogenum also increased the expression of IL-1α, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, but these cytokines were not released. X-ray treated spores had little or no inflammatory potential. Attenuating Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 by blocking antibodies strongly reduced the A. fumigatus and P. chrysogenum hyphae-induced IL-6 and IL-8 release, whereas TLR4 antagonist treatment was without effects. Untreated A. fumigatus spores formed hyphae and triggered expression of pro-inflammatory genes with similarities to the effects of hyphal fragments. In conclusion, while X-ray treated spores induced no pro-inflammatory responses, hyphal fragments of A. fumigatus and P. chrysogenum enhanced a TLR2-dependent expression and release of IL-6 and IL-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Øya
- Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Division of Infection Control and Environment and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Rune Becher
- Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Division of Infection Control and Environment and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Leni Ekeren
- Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Division of Infection Control and Environment and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Anani K J Afanou
- Department for the Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, N-0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Johan Øvrevik
- Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Division of Infection Control and Environment and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, N-0315 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Jørn A Holme
- Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Division of Infection Control and Environment and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway.
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Hyphae fragments from A. fumigatus sensitize lung cells to silica particles (Min-U-Sil): Increased release of IL-1β. Toxicol In Vitro 2018; 55:1-10. [PMID: 30414920 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to particulate matter (PM), such as mineral particles and biological particles/components may be linked to aggravation of respiratory diseases, including asthma. Here we report that exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus hyphae fragments (AFH) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced both mRNA synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in both human THP-1 monocytes (THP-1 Mo) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-differentiated THP-1 monocytes (THP-1 macrophages; THP-1 Ma); while Min-U-Sil alone enhanced the release of IL-1β only in THP-1 Ma. Co-exposure to LPS or AFH with Min-U-Sil caused a synergistic release of IL-1β when compared to single exposures. In contrast, Min-U-Sil did not markedly change LPS- and AFH-induced release of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The combined exposures did not increase the LPS- and AFH-induced expression of IL-1β mRNA. Notably, the AFH- and LPS-induced IL-1β responses with and without co-exposure to Min-U-Sil in THP-1 Mo were found to be caspase-dependent as shown by inhibition with zYVAD-fmk. Furthermore, co-exposure with AFH and Min-U-Sil resulted in similar synergistic releases of IL-1β in primary human airway macrophages (AM; sputum), peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) and in the human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B). In conclusion, AFH induce both the synthesis and release of IL-1β. However, Min-U-Sil further enhanced the cleavage of the induced pro-IL-1β.
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Unterwurzacher V, Pogner C, Berger H, Strauss J, Strauss-Goller S, Gorfer M. Validation of a quantitative PCR based detection system for indoor mold exposure assessment in bioaerosols. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2018; 20:1454-1468. [PMID: 30225499 DOI: 10.1039/c8em00253c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Determination and assessment of airborne fungal particles is complex and results of different sampling and analytical strategies are hard to compare due to limitations of each of the techniques. Here, an indoor mold detection system based on quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is described and validated for its reliability and stability to identify airborne fungal particles collected. Data obtained from testing the system with fungal DNA, spore suspensions and bioaerosols indicated a need for spiking and normalization of measurements due to material loss and assay specific bias. Considering the loss of material during sample processing, detection limits defined for suspensions of Tritirachium oryzae spores were roughly 18 spores per sample. Detection of fungal spore mixtures nebulized under controlled conditions in a bioaerosol chamber showed generally 2-3 times higher normalized values measured with the molecular system compared to cultivation. Data obtained from a mold infested indoor sampling site and its corresponding outdoor reference measurement showed good correlations between qPCR and high-throughput sequencing (rho = 0.83, p < 0.01), if Cladosporium species were excluded. Taking necessary data normalization into account, the described qPCR detection system shows great potential to complement commonly used culture based approaches with the aim to improve the precision of indoor mold assessments. In contrast to already available qPCR assays that detect certain molds on a species level, this system covers a broad range of relevant fungal communities, serving as a promising alternative to high-throughput sequencing to identify indoor molds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Unterwurzacher
- Center for Health and Bioresources, Austrian Institute of Technology - AIT, Tulln, Austria.
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