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Mallach G, Sun L(S, McKay M, Kovesi T, Lawlor G, Kulka R, Miller JD. Indoor air quality in remote first nations communities in Ontario, Canada. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294040. [PMID: 37992001 PMCID: PMC10664901 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294040] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
A recent study of the health of Indigenous children in four First Nations Communities in remote northwestern Ontario found that 21% of children had been admitted to hospital for respiratory infections before age 2 years. Here we report a detailed analysis of the housing conditions in these communities. We employed a variety of statistical methods, including linear regression, mixed models, and logistic regression, to assess the correlations between housing conditions and loadings of biocontaminants (dust mite allergens, fungal glucan, and endotoxin) and indoor concentrations of PM2.5, CO2, benzene, and formaldehyde. The houses (n = 101) were crowded with an average of approximately 7 people. Approximately 27% of the homes had sustained CO2 concentrations above 1500 ppm. Most homes had more than one smoker. Commercial tobacco smoking and the use of non-electric heating (e.g., wood, oil) were associated with increased fine particle concentrations. Over 90% of the homes lacked working Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs), which was associated with increased fine particle concentrations and higher CO2. Of the 101 homes, 12 had mold damage sufficient to increase the relative risk of respiratory disease. This resulted from roof leaks, through walls or around the windows due to construction defects or lack of maintenance. A similar percentage had mold resulting from condensation on windows. Endotoxin loadings were much higher than any previous study in Canada. This work provides evidence for the need for more effort to repair existing houses and to ensure the HRVs are properly installed and maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Mallach
- Water and Air Quality Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | | | - Thomas Kovesi
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Ryan Kulka
- Water and Air Quality Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - J. David Miller
- Department of Chemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
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Amin H, Šantl-Temkiv T, Cramer C, Finster K, Real FG, Gislason T, Holm M, Janson C, Jögi NO, Jogi R, Malinovschi A, Marshall IPG, Modig L, Norbäck D, Shigdel R, Sigsgaard T, Svanes C, Thorarinsdottir H, Wouters IM, Schlünssen V, Bertelsen RJ. Indoor Airborne Microbiome and Endotoxin: Meteorological Events and Occupant Characteristics Are Important Determinants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:11750-11766. [PMID: 37523308 PMCID: PMC10433529 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Airborne bacteria and endotoxin may affect asthma and allergies. However, there is limited understanding of the environmental determinants that influence them. This study investigated the airborne microbiomes in the homes of 1038 participants from five cities in Northern Europe: Aarhus, Bergen, Reykjavik, Tartu, and Uppsala. Airborne dust particles were sampled with electrostatic dust fall collectors (EDCs) from the participants' bedrooms. The dust washed from the EDCs' clothes was used to extract DNA and endotoxin. The DNA extracts were used for quantitative polymerase chain (qPCR) measurement and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, while endotoxin was measured using the kinetic chromogenic limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay. The results showed that households in Tartu and Aarhus had a higher bacterial load and diversity than those in Bergen and Reykjavik, possibly due to elevated concentrations of outdoor bacterial taxa associated with low precipitation and high wind speeds. Bergen-Tartu had the highest difference (ANOSIM R = 0.203) in β diversity. Multivariate regression models showed that α diversity indices and bacterial and endotoxin loads were positively associated with the occupants' age, number of occupants, cleaning frequency, presence of dogs, and age of the house. Further studies are needed to understand how meteorological factors influence the indoor bacterial community in light of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesham Amin
- Department
of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Tina Šantl-Temkiv
- Section
for Microbiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Christine Cramer
- Department
of Public Health, Environment, Work and Health, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Department
of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kai Finster
- Section
for Microbiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | - Mathias Holm
- Department
of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christer Janson
- Department
of Medical Sciences: Respiratory, Allergy, Sleep Research, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department
of Medical Sciences: Clinical Physiology, Uppsala University, 751
85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nils Oskar Jögi
- Department
of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Rain Jogi
- Tartu
University Hospital, Lung Clinic, 50406 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andrei Malinovschi
- Department
of Medical Sciences: Clinical Physiology, Uppsala University, 751
85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ian P. G. Marshall
- Section
for Microbiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lars Modig
- Division
of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health
and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical
Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, 751
85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Rajesh Shigdel
- Department
of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Department
of Public Health, Environment, Work and Health, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Svanes
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland
University Hospital, 5053 Bergen, Norway
- Centre for International Health, University
of Bergen Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Hulda Thorarinsdottir
- Department of Anesthesia
and Intensive Care, Landspitali University
Hospital, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Inge M. Wouters
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- Department
of Public Health, Environment, Work and Health, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Randi J. Bertelsen
- Department
of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
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Grant T, Lilley T, McCormack MC, Rathouz PJ, Peng R, Keet CA, Rule A, Davis M, Balcer-Whaley S, Newman M, Matsui EC. Indoor environmental exposures and obstructive lung disease phenotypes among children with asthma living in poor urban neighborhoods. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:716-722.e8. [PMID: 36395986 PMCID: PMC9992008 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air trapping is an obstructive phenotype that has been associated with more severe and unstable asthma in children. Air trapping has been defined using pre- and postbronchodilator spirometry. The causes of air trapping are not completely understood. It is possible that environmental exposures could be implicated in air trapping in children with asthma. OBJECTIVE We investigated the association between indoor exposures and air trapping in urban children with asthma. METHODS Children with asthma aged 5 to 17 years living in Baltimore and enrolled onto the Environmental Control as Add-on Therapy for Childhood Asthma study were evaluated for air trapping using spirometry. Aeroallergen sensitization was assessed at baseline, and spirometry was performed at 0, 3, and 6 months. Air trapping was defined as an FVC z score of less than -1.64 or a change in FVC with bronchodilation of ≥10% predicted. Logistic normal random effects models were used to evaluate associations of air trapping and indoor exposures. RESULTS Airborne and bedroom floor mouse allergen concentrations were associated with air trapping but not airflow limitation (odds ratio 1.19, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.37, P = .02 per 2-fold increase in airborne mouse allergen; odds ratio 1.23, 95% confidence interval 1.07-1.41, P = .003 per 2-fold increase in bedroom floor mouse allergen). Other indoor exposures (cockroach, cat, dog, dust mite, particulate matter, and nicotine) were not associated with air trapping or airflow limitation. CONCLUSION Mouse allergen exposure, but not other indoor exposure, was associated with air trapping in urban children with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torie Grant
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Travis Lilley
- Department of Population Health, Dell Medical School at UT Austin, Austin, Tex
| | - Meredith C McCormack
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Paul J Rathouz
- Department of Population Health, Dell Medical School at UT Austin, Austin, Tex
| | - Roger Peng
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Md
| | - Corinne A Keet
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Ana Rule
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Pubilc Health, Baltimore, Md
| | - Meghan Davis
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Pubilc Health, Baltimore, Md
| | - Susan Balcer-Whaley
- Department of Population Health, Dell Medical School at UT Austin, Austin, Tex
| | - Michelle Newman
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Elizabeth C Matsui
- Department of Population Health, Dell Medical School at UT Austin, Austin, Tex; Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School at UT Austin, Austin, Tex.
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Johnston JD, Cowger AE, Weber KS. Bioaerosol and microbial exposures from residential evaporative coolers and their potential health outcomes: A review. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13082. [PMID: 36168234 PMCID: PMC9826010 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Evaporative cooling is an energy efficient form of air conditioning in dry climates that functions by pulling hot, dry outdoor air across a wet evaporative pad. While evaporative coolers can help save energy, they also have the potential to influence human health. Studies have shown residential evaporative coolers may pull outdoor air pollutants into the home or contribute to elevated levels of indoor bioaerosols that may be harmful to health. There is also evidence that evaporative coolers can enable a diverse microbial environment that may confer early-life immunological protection against the development of allergies and asthma or exacerbate these same hypersensitivities. This review summarizes the current knowledge of bioaerosol and microbiological studies associated with evaporative coolers, focusing on harmful and potentially helpful outcomes from their use. We evaluate the effects of evaporative coolers on indoor bacterial endotoxins, fungal β-(1 → 3)-D-glucans, dust mite antigens, residential microbial communities, and Legionella pneumophila. To our knowledge, this is the first review to summarize and evaluate studies on the influence that evaporative coolers have on the bioaerosol and microbiological profile of homes. This brings to light a gap in the literature on evaporative coolers, which is the lack of data on health effects associated with their use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - K. Scott Weber
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular BiologyBrigham Young UniversityProvoUtahUSA
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Ji X, Yao Y, Zheng P, Hao C. The relationship of domestic pet ownership with the risk of childhood asthma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:953330. [PMID: 35935350 PMCID: PMC9352935 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.953330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The relationship between pet ownership and childhood asthma remains controversial. In recent years, there have been increasing studies with large sample size. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between pet ownership and childhood asthma. METHOD Relevant research was retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Web of science. The retrieval was as of October 1, 2021. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Stata 15.0 was used to conduct the meta-analysis. RESULTS A total of 60 studies with large sample size published between 1995 and 2021 were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis, which included 18 cohort studies and 42 case-control studies covering 27 countries and 1,871,295 children. As shown by meta-analysis results, cat ownership (OR = 1.18, 95%CI: 1.05∼1.33) and dog ownership (OR = 1.12, 95%CI: 1.0 0∼1.24) have a significant bearing on the occurrence of childhood asthma. Pet ownership was also positively correlated with the occurrence of severe childhood asthma (OR = 1.15, 95%CI: 1.11∼1.20). CONCLUSION Pet ownership, especially cats and dogs, is associated with the occurrence of asthma in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Ji
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Pediatric, Jiaxing Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yuan Yao
- Department of Radiology, Jiaxing Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Ping Zheng
- Department of Pediatric, Jiaxing Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Chuangli Hao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Sander I, Lotz A, Liebers V, Zahradnik E, Sauke-Gensow U, Petersen J, Raulf M. Comparing the concentration levels of allergens and endotoxins in employees' homes and offices. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2021; 95:573-588. [PMID: 34738178 PMCID: PMC8938351 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-021-01794-9] [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: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective The aim of the study was to find out whether allergen and endotoxin concentrations in offices differ from those measured at the homes of employees, and identify the parameters that influence exposure. Methods Electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs) were placed in five office buildings (68 rooms, 436 EDCs), as well as the homes of the office workers (145 rooms, 405 EDCs) for 14 days, four times a year. In addition, surface samples were collected from the offices four times a year by vacuuming the carpeted floors. Domestic mite (DM), and the major cat and dog allergens (Fel d 1 and Can f 1) were quantified in all samples using fluorescence enzyme immunoassays. Endotoxin was measured in the EDC samples, using the Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay. The allergen and endotoxin concentrations were log transformed and analysed with multilevel models. Results Endotoxin concentrations were significantly higher in personal homes compared to levels measured in the offices, and depended on the number of persons living in each household, as well as the presence of a dog. DM allergens were significantly higher in households than in offices, and were significantly higher in bedrooms compared to living rooms. Offices occupied by cat owners had significantly higher Fel d 1 concentrations than offices or homes without. Additionally, Can f 1 concentrations were significantly higher in offices occupied by dog owners compared to those without. Conclusions Pet owners appear to transfer cat and dog allergens to their offices. Therefore, in case of allergy complaints at the office, employers and physicians might consider possible contamination by cat and dog allergens. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00420-021-01794-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Sander
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine, German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Anne Lotz
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine, German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Verena Liebers
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine, German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Eva Zahradnik
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine, German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ulrich Sauke-Gensow
- Verwaltungsberufsgenossenschaft (VBG), German Social Accident Insurance, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jens Petersen
- Verwaltungsberufsgenossenschaft (VBG), German Social Accident Insurance, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Monika Raulf
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine, German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
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Riederer AM, Krenz JE, Tchong-French MI, Torres E, Perez A, Younglove LR, Jansen KL, Hardie DC, Farquhar SA, Sampson PD, Metwali N, Thorne PS, Karr CJ. Effectiveness of portable HEPA air cleaners on reducing indoor endotoxin, PM 10, and coarse particulate matter in an agricultural cohort of children with asthma: A randomized intervention trial. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:1926-1939. [PMID: 34288127 PMCID: PMC8577577 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a randomized trial of portable HEPA air cleaners in the homes of children age 6-12 years with asthma in the Yakima Valley, Washington. All families received asthma education while intervention families also received two HEPA cleaners (child's bedroom, living room). We collected 14-day integrated samples of endotoxin in settled dust and PM10 and PM10-2.5 in the air of the children's bedrooms at baseline and one-year follow-up, and used linear regression to compare follow-up levels, adjusting for baseline. Seventy-one families (36 HEPA, 35 control) completed the study. Baseline geometric mean (GSD) endotoxin loadings were 1565 (6.3) EU/m2 and 2110 (4.9) EU/m2 , respectively, in HEPA vs. control homes while PM10 and PM10-2.5 were 22.5 (1.9) μg/m3 and 9.5 (2.9) μg/m3 , respectively, in HEPA homes, and 19.8 (1.8) μg/m3 and 7.7 (2.0) μg/m3 , respectively, in control homes. At follow-up, HEPA families had 46% lower (95% CI, 31%-57%) PM10 on average than control families, consistent with prior studies. In the best-fit heterogeneous slopes model, HEPA families had 49% (95% CI, 6%-110%) and 89% lower (95% CI, 28%-177%) PM10-2.5 at follow-up, respectively, at 50th and 75th percentile baseline concentrations. Endotoxin loadings did not differ significantly at follow-up (4% lower, HEPA homes; 95% CI, -87% to 50%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M. Riederer
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Krenz
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Maria I. Tchong-French
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Torres
- Northwest Communities Education Center, Radio KDNA, Granger, WA, USA
| | - Adriana Perez
- Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, Toppenish, WA, USA
| | - Lisa R. Younglove
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Karen L. Jansen
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David C. Hardie
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stephanie A. Farquhar
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Paul D. Sampson
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nervana Metwali
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Peter S. Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Catherine J. Karr
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Degois J, Veillette M, Poulin P, Lévesque B, Aubin D, Ouazia B, Brisson M, Maltais F, Duchaine C. Indoor air quality assessment in dwellings with different ventilation strategies in Nunavik and impacts on bacterial and fungal microbiota. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:2213-2225. [PMID: 34048604 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air quality is a major issue for public health, particularly in northern communities. In this extreme environment, adequate ventilation is crucial to provide a healthier indoor environment, especially in airtight dwellings. The main objective of the study is to assess the impact of ventilation systems and their optimization on microbial communities in bioaerosols and dust in 54 dwellings in Nunavik. Dwellings with three ventilation strategies (without mechanical ventilators, with heat recovery ventilators, and with energy recovery ventilators) were investigated before and after optimization of the ventilation systems. Indoor environmental conditions (temperature, relative humidity) and microbiological parameters (total bacteria, Aspergillus/Penicillium, endotoxin, and microbial biodiversity) were measured. Dust samples were collected in closed face cassettes with a polycarbonate filter using a micro-vacuum while a volume of 20 m3 of bioaerosols were collected on filters using a SASS3100 (airflow of 300 L/min). In bioaerosols, the median number of copies was 4.01 × 103 copies/m3 of air for total bacteria and 1.45 × 101 copies/m3 for Aspergillus/Penicillium. Median concentrations were 5.13 × 104 copies/mg of dust, 5.07 × 101 copies/mg, 9.98 EU/mg for total bacteria, Aspergillus/Penicillium and endotoxin concentrations, respectively. The main microorganisms were associated with human occupancy such as skin-related bacteria or yeasts, regardless of the type of ventilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodelle Degois
- Département de Biochimie, Microbiologie et Bio-Informatique, Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
- CRIUCPQ, Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | | | - Patrick Poulin
- Direction de la santé Environnementale et de la Toxicologie, Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Benoit Lévesque
- Direction de la santé Environnementale et de la Toxicologie, Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Daniel Aubin
- Centre de Recherches en Construction (CRC, Conseil national de recherches Canada (CNRC, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Boualem Ouazia
- Centre de Recherches en Construction (CRC, Conseil national de recherches Canada (CNRC, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mario Brisson
- Régie Régionale de la Santé et des Services Sociaux du Nunavik, Kuujjuaq, Qc, Canada
| | | | - Caroline Duchaine
- Département de Biochimie, Microbiologie et Bio-Informatique, Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
- CRIUCPQ, Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
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Rosser F, Han YY, Forno E, Acosta-Pérez E, Canino G, Celedón JC. Indoor endotoxin, proximity to a major roadway, and severe asthma exacerbations among children in Puerto Rico. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2020; 125:658-664.e2. [PMID: 32911057 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have examined concurrent exposure to household endotoxin and traffic-related air pollution in relation to childhood asthma, yet both factors are associated with asthma outcomes. OBJECTIVE To examine whether proximity to a major roadway (a traffic-related air pollution proxy) modifies the estimated effects of indoor endotoxin on asthma outcomes in children. METHODS Cross-sectional study of 200 children with asthma (ages, 6-14 years) living in Puerto Rico. Residential distance to a major roadway was calculated as the distance from the participant's residential US census block centroid to the nearest major road. The outcomes of interest were severe asthma exacerbations, missed school days for asthma, atopy, lung function, and bronchodilator response (BDR). Logistic, linear, or negative binomial regression was used for the multivariable analysis. RESULTS In the multivariable analysis, there was an interaction between indoor endotoxin and residential distance to a roadway on severe asthma exacerbations (P = .02) and BDR (P = .07). In an analysis stratified by distance to a roadway, each log10-unit increase in endotoxin was associated with 4.21 times increased odds of severe asthma exacerbations among children living within 499 m (the lower 3 quartiles of residential distance) to a road (95% confidence interval, 1.5-12.0). Among subjects living further than 499 m away from a roadway, each log10-unit increase in endotoxin was associated with reduced odds of severe asthma exacerbations (odds ratio, 0.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.001-0.67). Similar but less substantial findings were observed for BDR. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that residential proximity to a major road modifies the estimated effect of endotoxin on severe asthma exacerbations in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Rosser
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Yueh-Ying Han
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Erick Forno
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Edna Acosta-Pérez
- Department of Pediatrics, Behavioral Sciences Research Institute, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Glorisa Canino
- Department of Pediatrics, Behavioral Sciences Research Institute, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Juan C Celedón
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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10
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Mendy A, Wilkerson J, Salo PM, Zeldin DC, Thorne PS. Endotoxin clustering with allergens in house dust and asthma outcomes in a U.S. national study. Environ Health 2020; 19:35. [PMID: 32178682 PMCID: PMC7077112 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-020-00585-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endotoxin is ubiquitous in the environment, but its clustering with indoor allergens is not well characterized. This study examined the clustering patterns of endotoxin with allergens in house dust and their association with asthma outcomes. METHODS We analyzed data from 6963 participants of the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. House dust sampled from bedroom floor and bedding was evaluated for endotoxin and allergens from fungi, cockroach, dog, cat, mites, and rodents. Two-step cluster analysis and logistic regressions were performed to identify the clustering patterns and their associations with current asthma and wheeze in the past 12 months, adjusting for covariates. RESULTS Of the homes, 17.8% had low endotoxin and allergen levels in house dust (Cluster 1). High endotoxin level clustered with Alternaria and pet allergens in the homes of participants with a high socioeconomic status who own pets (Cluster 2) (48.9%). High endotoxin clustered with Aspergillus, dust mites, cockroach, and rodent allergens in the homes of participants with low socioeconomic status (Cluster 3) (33.3%). Compared to Cluster 1, Cluster 2 was associated with higher asthma prevalence (OR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.06-1.91) and wheeze (OR 1.32, 95% CI: 1.07-1.63). Cluster 3 was positively associated with wheeze only in participants sensitized to inhalant allergens (OR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.06-1.91) or exposed to tobacco smoke (OR 1.72, 95% CI: 1.15-2.60). CONCLUSIONS The clustering of endotoxin with allergens in dust from homes with pets or of people with low socioeconomic status is associated with asthma and wheeze.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelico Mendy
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Pӓivi M Salo
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Darryl C Zeldin
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Peter S Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
- University of Iowa College of Public Health, 100 CPHB, S341A, 145 N Riverside Dr, Iowa City, IA, 52242-2207, USA.
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11
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Mendy A, Wilkerson J, Salo PM, Weir CH, Feinstein L, Zeldin DC, Thorne PS. Synergistic Association of House Endotoxin Exposure and Ambient Air Pollution with Asthma Outcomes. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2020; 200:712-720. [PMID: 30965018 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201809-1733oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: House endotoxin and ambient air pollution are risk factors for asthma; however, the effects of their coexposure on asthma are not well characterized.Objectives: To examine potential synergistic associations of coexposure to house dust endotoxin and ambient air pollutants with asthma outcomes.Methods: We analyzed data of 6,488 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006. Dust from bedding and bedroom floor was analyzed for endotoxin content. The Community Multiscale Air Quality Modeling System (CMAQ) and Downscaler Model data were used to determine annual average particulate matter ≤2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5), ozone (O3), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposures at participants' residential locations. The associations of the coexposures with asthma outcomes were assessed and tested for synergistic interaction.Measurements and Main Results: In adjusted analysis, PM2.5 (CMAQ) (odds ratio [OR], 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-1.18), O3 (Downscaler Model) (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.13), and log10 NO2 (CMAQ) (OR, 3.15; 95% CI, 1.33-7.45) were positively associated with emergency room visits for asthma in the past 12 months. Coexposure to elevated concentrations of house dust endotoxin and PM2.5 (CMAQ) was synergistically associated with the outcome, increasing the odds by fivefold (OR, 5.01; 95% CI, 2.54-9.87). A synergistic association was also found for coexposure to higher concentrations of endotoxin and NO2 in children (OR, 3.45; 95% CI, 1.65-7.18).Conclusions: Coexposure to elevated concentrations of residential endotoxin and ambient PM2.5 in all participants and NO2 in children is synergistically associated with increased emergency room visits for asthma. Therefore, decreasing exposure to both endotoxin and air pollution may help reduce asthma morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelico Mendy
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | | | - Pӓivi M Salo
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; and
| | - Charles H Weir
- Office of Emergency Management, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Darryl C Zeldin
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; and
| | - Peter S Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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12
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Tsuang A, Grishin A, Grishina G, Do AN, Sordillo J, Chew GL, Bunyavanich S. Endotoxin, food allergen sensitization, and food allergy: A complementary epidemiologic and experimental study. Allergy 2020; 75:625-635. [PMID: 31535385 DOI: 10.1111/all.14054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Household endotoxin levels have been variably associated with risk for asthma and atopy. METHODS We studied participants from the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, n = 6963), a large cohort representative of the US population (aged 1-84 years). We built logistic regression models to test for associations between house dust endotoxin and sensitization to specific foods (milk, egg, and peanut). To experimentally explore the detected epidemiologic associations, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from 21 children (aged 1-19 years) mono-food allergic (ie, sensitized and clinically reactive) to milk, egg, or peanut and nonallergic controls for stimulation with endotoxin and secreted cytokine measurement. For each food allergy, linear mixed-effects models were built to test the association between endotoxin stimulation and cytokine level. RESULTS Among NHANES subjects, the geometric mean household endotoxin level was 15.5 EU/mg (GSE 0.5). Prevalence of food allergen sensitization (sIgE ≥ 0.35 kUA /L) varied by food: milk 5.7%, egg 4.0%, and peanut 7.9%. In models adjusted for potential confounders (age, race, country of birth, total people per household, US region, and history of wheezing in the past year), household endotoxin level was associated with sensitization to milk (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.1) and egg (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.01-1.9), but not peanut (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.8-1.2). Interferon-γ levels of endotoxin-stimulated PBMCs from children allergic to milk or egg, but not peanut, were significantly lower compared to controls in linear mixed-effects models adjusted for repeated measures, experimental variables, age, and inter-individual variability (P-values .007, .018, and .058, respectively). CONCLUSION Higher household endotoxin is associated with increased odds of milk and egg sensitization. Altered cytokine responsiveness to endotoxin is also observed in PBMCs from individuals with milk and egg allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Tsuang
- Division of Allergy & Immunology Department of Pediatrics Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York NY USA
| | - Alexander Grishin
- Division of Allergy & Immunology Department of Pediatrics Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York NY USA
| | - Galina Grishina
- Division of Allergy & Immunology Department of Pediatrics Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York NY USA
| | - Anh N. Do
- Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York NY USA
| | - Joanne Sordillo
- Department of Population Medicine Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute Boston MA USA
| | - Ginger L. Chew
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences Mailman School of Public Health Columbia University New York NY USA
| | - Supinda Bunyavanich
- Division of Allergy & Immunology Department of Pediatrics Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York NY USA
- Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York NY USA
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13
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AlShatti KA, Ziyab AH. Pet-Keeping in Relation to Asthma, Rhinitis, and Eczema Symptoms Among Adolescents in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Study. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:331. [PMID: 32656169 PMCID: PMC7324793 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.00331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Findings on the associations between household pet-keeping and allergic diseases, including asthma, rhinitis, and eczema, have been contradictory, with investigations reporting positive, negative, and null associations. This study sought to estimate the prevalence of pet-keeping among families in Kuwait and to assess the associations between pet-keeping and symptoms of allergic diseases among adolescents. Methods: Schoolchildren aged 11-14 years (n = 3,864) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The children's parents completed questionnaires regarding their child's environmental exposures, including pet-keeping in the past 12 months, and clinical history and symptoms of allergic diseases. Associations were assessed using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation, and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Results: Pet-keeping in the past 12 months was reported by 42.8% of the participating families. Birds, cats, rabbits, fish, and dogs were kept by 28.3, 13.2, 7.8, 3.9, and 3.1% of all households, respectively. Current cat ownership was significantly associated with current wheezing (aPR 1.29, 95% CI 1.05-1.58), current rhinitis symptoms (aPR 1.18, 95% CI 1.02-1.36), and ever doctor-diagnosed eczema (aPR 1.25, 95% CI 1.03-1.50). Current rabbit-keeping was positively associated with multiple symptoms of asthma (e.g., study-defined current asthma: aPR 1.38, 95% CI 1.04-1.82) and eczema (e.g., severe eczema: aPR 1.94, 95% CI 1.02-3.71). Similarly, current bird-keeping was associated with study-defined current rhinitis (aPR 1.19, 95% CI 1.05-1.41) and current itchy rash (aPR 1.27, 95% CI 1.10-1.46). Conclusions: Household pet-keeping is very common and diverse in Kuwait and was found to be positively associated with symptoms of allergic diseases among adolescents. The findings of associations between rabbit-keeping and symptoms of asthma and eczema add to the existing literature and further highlight the importance of considering the pet type when assessing such associations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali H Ziyab
- Department of Community Medicine and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
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Rhinoconjunctivitis among Adolescents in Kuwait and Associated Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:3981064. [PMID: 31815136 PMCID: PMC6878814 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3981064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Rhinoconjunctivitis is a public health problem that causes major illness and disability worldwide. Epidemiological studies intended to determine the burden of rhinoconjunctivitis in Kuwait are limited. Hence, this study sought to estimate the prevalence of rhinoconjunctivitis among adolescents in Kuwait and explore its association with different risk factors. Schoolchildren aged 11–14 years (n = 3,864) were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Parents completed questionnaires regarding their children's clinical history and symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis and relevant exposures. Associations were assessed using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation, and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. The 12-month (current) prevalence estimates of rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, and severe rhinoconjunctivitis were 28.6% (1,040/3,643), 13.5% (497/3,689), and 1.2% (44/3,689), respectively. The prevalence of current rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms was higher in boys compared to girls (aPR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.01–1.41). Parental history of rhinitis and asthma showed positive associations with rhinoconjunctivitis in offspring. Trend analyses showed that rhinoconjunctivitis prevalence decreased with increasing numbers of total siblings (aPR = 0.92, Ptrend < 0.001) and older siblings (aPR = 0.90, Ptrend < 0.001). Rhinoconjunctivitis is common among adolescents in Kuwait and its epidemiology is similar to that found in western countries.
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15
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Johnston JD, Cowger AE, Graul RJ, Nash R, Tueller JA, Hendrickson NR, Robinson DR, Beard JD, Weber KS. Associations between evaporative cooling and dust-mite allergens, endotoxins, and β-(1 → 3)-d-glucans in house dust: A study of low-income homes. INDOOR AIR 2019; 29:1005-1017. [PMID: 31463967 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Recent work suggests that evaporative coolers increase the level and diversity of bioaerosols, but this association remains understudied in low-income homes. We conducted a cross-sectional study of metropolitan, low-income homes in Utah with evaporative coolers (n = 20) and central air conditioners (n = 28). Dust samples (N = 147) were collected from four locations in each home and analyzed for dust-mite allergens Der p1 and Der f1, endotoxins, and β-(1 → 3)-d-glucans. In all sample locations combined, Der p1 or Der f1 was significantly higher in evaporative cooler versus central air conditioning homes (OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.05-4.98). Endotoxin concentration was significantly higher in evaporative cooler versus central air conditioning homes in furniture (geometric mean (GM) = 8.05 vs 2.85 EU/mg, P < .01) and all samples combined (GM = 3.60 vs 1.29 EU/mg, P = .03). β-(1 → 3)-d-glucan concentration and surface loads were significantly higher in evaporative cooler versus central air conditioning homes in all four sample locations and all samples combined (P < .01). Our study suggests that low-income, evaporative cooled homes have higher levels of immunologically important bioaerosols than central air-conditioned homes in dry climates, warranting studies on health implications and other exposed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Johnston
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
| | - Ashlin E Cowger
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
| | - Robert J Graul
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
| | - Ryan Nash
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
| | - Josie A Tueller
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
| | | | | | - John D Beard
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
| | - K Scott Weber
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
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16
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Hwang J, Golla V, Metwali N, Thorne PS. Inhalable and Respirable Particulate and Endotoxin Exposures in Kentucky Equine Farms. J Agromedicine 2019; 25:179-189. [PMID: 31430228 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2019.1656128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Adverse respiratory health effects in the agricultural industry have been linked to particulate endotoxin exposure. However, whether the endotoxin concentration is significantly correlated to the size of the particle remains an open question. To date, limited research has been conducted to assess particulate endotoxin exposures in the agricultural industry in general or the equine industry in particular. A task-based exposure assessment was conducted to characterize the endotoxin levels of inhalable and respirable particles on four Kentucky farms during the summer season. We conducted personal sampling of respirable and inhalable particles (n = 75) across all four farms and particulate endotoxin (n = 58) on two of them. Simultaneously, we collected real-time area samples across all four farms by task - horse care, filing hooves, cleaning stalls, cleaning barns, cleaning dry lots, and cleaning trucks. The endotoxin concentration of inhalable particles (geometric mean: 50.2-1,024 EU/m3) was ~50 times higher than that of respirable particles (geometric mean: 1.72-19.0 EU/m3). Horse care generated the lowest endotoxin concentrations for both particle sizes, while cleaning tasks tended to produce higher concentrations. There was no significant correlation between the endotoxin and particle concentrations for each size fraction based on tasks by farm (R2 = 0.069 for inhalable; 0.214 for respirable). The equine workers in this study were exposed to higher endotoxin concentrations than workers in other industries, such as the swine industry. Providing exposure control guidelines and recommendations to the equine industry is necessary to reduce long-term endotoxin exposure and to prevent adverse respiratory symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jooyeon Hwang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Vijay Golla
- Department of Public Health, College of Health and Human Services, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY, USA
| | - Nervana Metwali
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Peter S Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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17
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Yen YC, Yang CY, Mena KD, Cheng YT, Yuan CS, Chen PS. Jumping on the bed and associated increases of PM 10, PM 2.5, PM 1, airborne endotoxin, bacteria, and fungi concentrations. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 245:799-809. [PMID: 30502709 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.11.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Jumping on the bed is a favorite behavior of children; however, no study has investigated the increased air pollutants resulting from jumping on the bed. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the elevated concentrations of particulate matter (PM) and bioaerosols from jumping on the bed and making the bed. Simulation of jumping on the bed and making the bed was performed at sixty schoolchildren's houses in Taiwan. PM10, PM2.5, PM1 (PM with aerodynamic diameter less than 10, 2.5, and 1 μm, respectively) and airborne bacteria, fungi and endotoxin concentrations were simultaneously measured over simulation and background periods. Our results show the increase of PM10, PM2.5, PM1, airborne bacteria and fungi through the behavior of jumping on the bed (by 414 μg m-3, 353 μg m-3, 349 μg m-3, 6569 CFU m-3 and 978 CFU m-3, respectively). When making the bed, the PM10, PM2.5, PM1, airborne bacteria and fungi also significantly increased by 4.69 μg m-3, 4.09 μg m-3, 4.15 μg m-3, 8569 CFU m-3, and 779 CFU m-3, respectively. Airborne endotoxin concentrations significantly increased by 21.76 EU m-3 following jumping on the bed and making the bed. Moreover, when jumping on the bed, higher PM2.5 and PM1 concentrations in houses with furry pets rather than no furry pets, and less airborne fungi in apartments than in townhouses were found. For making the bed, lower airborne fungi was found in houses using essential oils rather than no essential oils using. The airborne endotoxin concentrations were positively associated with furry pets and smokers in the homes and negatively correlated to the home with window opening with a statistical significance during the periods of jumping on the bed and making the bed. In conclusion, significant increases of PM and bioaerosols during jumping on the bed and making the bed may need to be concerned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chuan Yen
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yuh Yang
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Kristina Dawn Mena
- Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yu-Ting Cheng
- Research Center for Environmental Changes, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Shin Yuan
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Shih Chen
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan; Institute of Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
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18
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Kristono GA, Shorter C, Pierse N, Crane J, Siebers R. Endotoxin, cat, and house dust mite allergens in electrostatic cloths and bedroom dust. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2019; 16:89-96. [PMID: 30325697 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2018.1536827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to endotoxin, Fel d I (cat) allergen and Der p I (house dust mite) allergen have been associated with asthma symptoms and have been measured in the environment using various sampling methods, including the electrostatic dust collector. The objectives of this study were to investigate whether levels of endotoxin and allergens were detectable in electrostatic dust collectors and to examine the correlation of allergen and endotoxin levels between electrostatic dust collectors and vacuum sampling methods (floor dust and mattress dust). Electrostatic cloths, bedroom floor dust and mattress dust samples from a subset of 60 homes were randomly selected from the Health of Occupants of Mouldy Homes study for allergen and endotoxin analysis. Fel d I and Der p I allergens were analyzed by double monoclonal antibody ELISA and endotoxin by the kinetic Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay. An enhanced ELISA method was used to analyze Der p I in the electrostatic cloths. Endotoxin was detected in all samples, however Fel d I and Der p I were not detected in all electrostatic dust collector samples (detection in 53% and 15% of cloths respectively). No correlations were found between cloth and dust samples for endotoxin or Der p I, but moderate-to-strong correlations were found between all three sampling methods for Fel d I (rs = 0.612-0.715, p < 0.001). Poor correlation was found between floor dust and mattress dust samples for Der p I (rs = 0.256, p = 0.048). Electrostatic dust collectors may provide a way to measure airborne dust and allergen. Given the moderate-to-low correlations with vacuum dust sampling, this may present a unique measurement system which, when collected alongside traditional vacuum dust sampling, could provide additional exposure measures. Further studies are required to correlate endotoxin and allergen levels measured by electrostatic dust collector with air sampling and to explore the relationships between these bioaerosols, environmental factors and asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela A Kristono
- a Wellington Asthma Research Group, Department of Medicine , University of Otago , Wellington , New Zealand
| | - Caroline Shorter
- a Wellington Asthma Research Group, Department of Medicine , University of Otago , Wellington , New Zealand
| | - Nevil Pierse
- b Department of Public Health , University of Otago , Wellington , New Zealand
| | - Julian Crane
- a Wellington Asthma Research Group, Department of Medicine , University of Otago , Wellington , New Zealand
| | - Robert Siebers
- a Wellington Asthma Research Group, Department of Medicine , University of Otago , Wellington , New Zealand
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19
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Lau MYZ, Dharmage SC, Burgess JA, Win AK, Lowe AJ, Lodge CJ, Perret J, Hui J, Thomas PS, Giles G, Thompson BR, Abramson MJ, Walters EH, Matheson MC. Early-life exposure to sibling modifies the relationship between CD14 polymorphisms and allergic sensitization. Clin Exp Allergy 2018; 49:331-340. [PMID: 30288821 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Markers of microbial exposure are thought to be associated with risk of allergic sensitization; however, the associations are inconsistent and may be related to gene-environment interactions. OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between polymorphisms in the CD14 gene and allergic sensitization and whether sibling exposure, as a marker of microbial exposure, modified this relationship. METHODS We used data from the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study and the Melbourne Atopy Cohort Study. Two CD14 polymorphisms were genotyped. Allergic sensitization was defined by a positive response to a skin prick test. Sibling exposure was measured as cumulative exposure to siblings before age 6 months, 2 and 4 years. Logistic regression and multi-level mixed-effects logistic regression were used to examine the associations. Effect estimates across the cohorts were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS CD14 SNPs were not individually associated with allergic sensitization in either cohort. In TAHS, cumulative sibling exposure before age 6 months, 2 and 4 years was each associated with a reduced risk of allergic sensitization at age 45 years. A similar effect was observed in MACS. Meta-analysis across the two cohorts showed consistent evidence of an interaction between cumulative sibling exposure before 6 months and the rs5744455-SNP (P = 0.001) but not with the rs2569190-SNP (P = 0.60). The pooled meta-analysis showed that the odds of sensitization with increasing cumulative exposure to sibling before 6 months of age was 20.9% smaller in those with the rs5744455-C-allele than the T-allele (OR = 0.83 vs 1.05, respectively). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Cumulative sibling exposure reduced the risk of sensitization from childhood to middle age in genetically susceptible individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melisa Y Z Lau
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shyamali C Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John A Burgess
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aung K Win
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adrian J Lowe
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Caroline J Lodge
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer Perret
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennie Hui
- School of Population Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Paul S Thomas
- Inflammation and Infection Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Graham Giles
- Cancer Epidemiology Centre, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bruce R Thompson
- Allergy Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael J Abramson
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - E Haydn Walters
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Melanie C Matheson
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Oteros J, Bartusel E, Alessandrini F, Núñez A, Moreno DA, Behrendt H, Schmidt-Weber C, Traidl-Hoffmann C, Buters J. Artemisia pollen is the main vector for airborne endotoxin. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2018; 143:369-377.e5. [PMID: 30012513 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2018.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endotoxin (LPS) released from gram-negative bacteria causes strong immunologic and inflammatory effects and, when airborne, can contribute to respiratory conditions, such as allergic asthma. OBJECTIVES We sought to identify the source of airborne endotoxin and the effect of this endotoxin on allergic sensitization. METHODS We determined LPS levels in outdoor air on a daily basis for 4 consecutive years in Munich (Germany) and Davos (Switzerland). Air was sampled as particulate matter (PM) greater than 10 μm (PM > 10) and PM between 2.5 and 10 μm. LPS levels were determined by using the recombinant Factor C assay. RESULTS More than 60% of the annual endotoxin exposure was detected in the PM > 10 fraction, showing that bacteria do not aerosolize as independent units or aggregates but adhered to large particles. In Munich 70% of annual exposure was detected between June 12th and August 28th. Multivariate modeling showed that endotoxin levels could be explained by phenological parameters (ie, plant growth). Indeed, days with high airborne endotoxin levels correlated well with the amount of Artemisia pollen in the air. Pollen collected from plants across Europe (100 locations) showed that the highest levels of endotoxin were detected on Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort) pollen, with little on other pollen. Microbiome analysis showed that LPS concentrations on mugwort pollen were related to the presence of Pseudomonas species and Pantoea species communities. In a mouse model of allergic disease, the presence of LPS on mugwort pollen was needed for allergic sensitization. CONCLUSIONS The majority of airborne endotoxin stems from bacteria dispersed with pollen of only one plant: mugwort. This LPS was essential for inducing inflammation of the lung and allergic sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Oteros
- Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Technical University and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Elke Bartusel
- Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Technical University and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany; Christine Kühne-Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-CARE), Davos, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Alessandrini
- Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Technical University and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrés Núñez
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Industriales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (ETSII-UPM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego A Moreno
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Industriales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (ETSII-UPM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Heidrun Behrendt
- Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Technical University and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany; Christine Kühne-Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-CARE), Davos, Switzerland
| | - Carsten Schmidt-Weber
- Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Technical University and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Traidl-Hoffmann
- Christine Kühne-Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-CARE), Davos, Switzerland; Institute of Environmental Medicine (UNIKA-T), Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Jeroen Buters
- Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Technical University and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany; Christine Kühne-Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-CARE), Davos, Switzerland.
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Fuertes E, Standl M, Markevych I, Bischof W, Heinrich J. Is the association between pet ownership and indoor endotoxin levels confounded or modified by outdoor residential greenspace? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 625:716-721. [PMID: 29306159 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pet ownership is consistently associated with higher indoor endotoxin concentrations, but may also be related to the amount of greenspace around the home. This study examined whether the association between pet ownership and higher indoor endotoxin concentrations is confounded or modified by residential greenspace. METHODS Information on pet ownership was collected at the time of recruitment of the German LISA birth cohort. Endotoxin levels were measured in settled house dust sampled from mothers' mattresses (N=1197) and living room floors (N=390). Greenspace around the home was assessed as the mean Normalized Difference Vegetation Index in 100m, 500m and 1000m buffers around the home, and as the distance to the nearest urban and natural green space. Linear regression models assessed cross-sectional associations between pet ownership and log-transformed endotoxin levels, adjusted for known predictors of endotoxin levels. Confounding by greenspace was assessed by additionally adjusting the models for each greenspace variable. Effect modification was assessed by including interaction terms between pet ownership and each greenspace variable, and by model stratification. RESULTS Dog and cat ownership were associated with higher endotoxin levels in mothers' mattresses, whereas only dog ownership was associated with endotoxin levels in the floor samples. All associations were highly robust to further adjustment for greenspace, and there was little evidence to suggest any effect modification (interaction terms had p-values >0.05). CONCLUSIONS Residential greenspace did not confound or modify the association between pet ownership and indoor endotoxin levels. Studies should continue investigating whether pets influence the indoor environment only by their presence, or also by acting as transmission vectors of the outdoors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Fuertes
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marie Standl
- Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Iana Markevych
- Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Bischof
- University Hospital Jena, Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Department of Indoor Climatology, Jena, Germany
| | - Joachim Heinrich
- Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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22
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Exposure and Sensitization to Pets Modify Endotoxin Association with Asthma and Wheeze. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2018; 6:2006-2013.e4. [PMID: 29684578 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pets are major contributors of endotoxin in homes, but whether they influence endotoxin association with respiratory outcomes is unclear. OBJECTIVE To examine whether exposure and sensitization to dog and cat modify the relationship between endotoxin exposure and asthma and wheeze. METHODS We analyzed data from 6051 participants in the 2005-2006 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). House dust from bedroom floor and bedding was evaluated for endotoxin and for dog (Canis familiaris 1) and cat (Feline domesticus 1) allergens. The NHANES also collected data on respiratory outcomes and measured IgE specific to allergens. Associations of log-endotoxin and pet exposure with respiratory outcomes were examined, adjusting for covariates including pet avoidance. RESULTS Dog and cat ownership among participants was 48.3% and 37.5%, respectively. Endotoxin geometric mean (SE) was 15.49 (0.50) EU/mg. Endotoxin and pet allergen levels were significantly higher in households with a dog or cat. Overall, endotoxin was positively associated with wheeze (odds ratio [OR], 1.30; 95% CI, 1.04-1.62), but not with asthma. However, in participants nonsensitized to dog, the odds of endotoxin association with wheeze were higher with exposure to dog allergen (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.27-2.53; Pinteraction = .048). In participants sensitized to cat and exposed to cat allergen, endotoxin became positively associated with asthma (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.21-3.0; Pinteraction = .040). With coexposure to dog and cat allergens, endotoxin association with asthma and wheeze was exacerbated (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.04-3.83; Pinteraction = .012 and OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.32-2.66; Pinteraction = .016, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Exposure to dog and cat allergens enhances the association of endotoxin with asthma and wheeze.
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Strassle PD, Smit LAM, Hoppin JA. Endotoxin enhances respiratory effects of phthalates in adults: Results from NHANES 2005-6. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 162:280-286. [PMID: 29407759 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates have been associated with respiratory symptoms in adults; they may enhance effects of inflammatory compounds. To assess the potential interactions of phthalates and endotoxin on respiratory and allergic symptoms in adults, we used cross-sectional information from the 1091 adults with complete data on urinary phthalates and house dust endotoxin from NHANES 2005-2006. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess whether endotoxin levels modified the association between nine phthalate metabolites and four current allergic symptoms (asthma, wheeze, hay fever, and rhinitis). Endotoxin was classified into tertiles (<10, 10-25, >25EU/mg dust). Urinary phthalate and dust endotoxin levels were not correlated (r < |0.02|). Under low endotoxin conditions, no associations between phthalates and respiratory outcomes were observed. Under medium or high endotoxin conditions, exposure-response relationships were observed between specific phthalates and wheeze and asthma. For wheeze, three phthalates (mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP), mono(carboxyoctyl) phthalate (MCOP), and di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) had significant interactions with endotoxin); for asthma, two phthalates (MCOP and mono(carboxyoctyl) phthalate (MCNP)) had significant interactions. Endotoxin did not modify the associations between phthalates and hay fever or rhinitis. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that endotoxin enhances the respiratory toxicity of phthalates; however this cross-sectional study cannot address key temporal issues. The lack of an association between wheeze or asthma and phthalates when endotoxin exposure was low suggests that phthalates alone may not increase these symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula D Strassle
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Lidwien A M Smit
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jane A Hoppin
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7633, Raleigh 27695-7633, NC, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.
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Mendy A, Salo PM, Cohn RD, Wilkerson J, Zeldin DC, Thorne PS. House Dust Endotoxin Association with Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2018; 126:037007. [PMID: 29578323 PMCID: PMC6071737 DOI: 10.1289/ehp2452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endotoxin has been reported to be associated with chronic bronchitis or emphysema (CBE) at high occupational exposures. However, whether levels found in domestic environments have similar effects is unknown. OBJECTIVES We aimed to study the association between house dust endotoxin and CBE in a sample representative of the U.S. population. METHODS We analyzed data from 3,393 participants ≥20 y old from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2006. House dust from bedding and from bedroom floors was analyzed for endotoxin content. NHANES participants received questionnaires and underwent examination as well as extensive laboratory testing. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of endotoxin levels with CBE diagnosis and symptoms, adjusting for covariates. The survey design and weights were applied so that estimates were nationally representative and so that statistical inferences were made appropriately. RESULTS The median endotoxin concentration in house dust was 14.61 EU/mg dust, and CBE was reported by 8.2% of participants. In the adjusted analysis, one unit (EU/mg) increase in log10-transformed endotoxin concentrations was associated with a 27% increase in the odds of CBE diagnosis [OR=1.27 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.61)] and a 78% increase in the odds of chronic bronchitis symptoms (defined as cough and phlegm for ≥3 mo in a year for ≥2 y) [OR=1.78 (95% CI: 1.01, 3.12)]. Sensitization to inhalant allergens (p=0.001) modified the relationship between endotoxin and CBE diagnosis, with stronger associations observed in sensitized participants [OR=2.46 (95% CI: 1.72, 3.50) for a unit increase in log10-endotoxin]. CONCLUSIONS In a population-based sample of U.S. adults, endotoxin levels in homes were associated with a self-reported history of CBE diagnosis and chronic bronchitis symptoms, with stronger associations among people sensitized to inhalant allergens. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP2452.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelico Mendy
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Päivi M Salo
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Richard D Cohn
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jesse Wilkerson
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Darryl C Zeldin
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Peter S Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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25
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Mendy A, Wilkerson J, Salo PM, Cohn RD, Zeldin DC, Thorne PS. Endotoxin predictors and associated respiratory outcomes differ with climate regions in the U.S. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 112:218-226. [PMID: 29277065 PMCID: PMC5899028 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Although endotoxin is a recognized cause of environmental lung disease, how its relationship with respiratory outcomes varies with climate is unknown. OBJECTIVE To examine the endotoxin predictors as well as endotoxin association with asthma, wheeze, and sensitization to inhalant allergens in various US climate regions. METHODS We analyzed data on 6963 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Endotoxin measurements of house dust from bedroom floor and bedding were performed at the University of Iowa. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to identify endotoxin predictors and assess endotoxin association with health outcomes. RESULTS The overall median house dust endotoxin was 16.2 EU/mg; it was higher in mixed-dry/hot-dry regions (19.7 EU/mg) and lower in mixed-humid/marine areas (14.8 EU/mg). Endotoxin predictors and endotoxin association with health outcomes significantly differed across climate regions. In subarctic/very cold/cold regions, log10-endotoxin was significantly associated with higher prevalence of wheeze outcomes (OR:1.48, 95% CI:1.19-1.85 for any wheeze, OR:1.48, 95% CI:1.22-1.80 for exercise-induced wheeze, OR:1.50, 95% CI:1.13-1.98 for prescription medication for wheeze, and OR:1.95, 95% CI:1.50-2.54 for doctor/ER visit for wheeze). In hot-humid regions, log10-endotoxin was positively associated with any wheeze (OR:1.66, 95% CI:1.04-2.65) and current asthma (OR:1.56, 95% CI:1.11-2.18), but negatively with sensitization to any inhalant allergens (OR:0.83, 95% CI:0.74-0.92). CONCLUSION Endotoxin predictors and endotoxin association with asthma and wheeze differ across U.S. climate regions. Endotoxin is associated positively with wheeze or asthma in cold and hot-humid regions, but negatively with sensitization to inhalant allergens in hot-humid climates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelico Mendy
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Jesse Wilkerson
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., Durham, NC, United States
| | - Pӓivi M Salo
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Richard D Cohn
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., Durham, NC, United States
| | - Darryl C Zeldin
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Peter S Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.
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26
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Assessment of Bacterial Aerosol in a Preschool, Primary School and High School in Poland. ATMOSPHERE 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos9030087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Casas L, Tischer C, Täubel M. Pediatric Asthma and the Indoor Microbial Environment. Curr Environ Health Rep 2018; 3:238-49. [PMID: 27230430 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-016-0095-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The global increase in the prevalence of asthma has been related to several risk factors; many of them linked to the "westernization" process and the characteristics of the indoor microbial environment during early life may play an important role. Living in moisture damaged homes contributes to the exacerbation and development of asthma. However, living in homes with a rich variety and high levels of microbes (e.g., traditional farming environments) may confer protection. While the results of previous research are rather consistent when it comes to observation/report of indoor moisture damage or when comparing farming versus non-farming homes, when actual measures targeting indoor microbial exposure are included, the picture becomes less clear and the associations appear inconsistent. This may partly be due to limitations of sampling and measurement techniques that make comparisons difficult and provide an incomplete picture of the indoor microbial environment and in particular also human exposure. In this regard, new generation sequencing techniques represent a potential revolution in better understanding the impact of the indoor microbiome on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Casas
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment and Health, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. .,ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain. .,University Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain. .,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Christina Tischer
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.,University Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Martin Täubel
- Living Environment and Health Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Neulaniementie 4, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
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28
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Hu LW, Qian Z, Dharmage SC, Liu E, Howard SW, Vaughn MG, Perret J, Lodge CC, Zeng XW, Yang BY, Xu SL, Zhang C, Dong GH. Pre-natal and post-natal exposure to pet ownership and lung function in children: The Seven Northeastern Cities Study. INDOOR AIR 2017; 27:1177-1189. [PMID: 28613428 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the association between pre-natal and post-natal exposure to pet ownership and lung function in children, a cross-sectional study named Seven Northeastern Cities (SNEC) study was conducted. In this study, children's lung function including the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 ), forced vital capacity (FVC), maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were measured by spirometers, and pet ownership situations were collected by questionnaire. Analyzed by multiple logistic regression and generalized linear modeling, we found that for all subjects, pet exposure in the first 2 years of life was significantly associated with lung function impairment of FVC<85% predicted (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 1.63). For current pet exposure, the increased odds of lung function impairment ranged from 35% (aOR=1.35; 95%CI: 1.12, 1.62) for FVC<85% predicted to 57% (aOR=1.57; 95%CI: 1.29, 1.93) for FEV1 <85% predicted. The in utero exposure was not related to lung function impairment. Compared with other pets, higher odds were observed among children with dogs. When stratified by gender, girls with current pet exposure were more likely to have lung function impairment than boys. It implies self-reported exposures to pets were negatively associated with lung function among the children under study.
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Affiliation(s)
- L-W Hu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Z Qian
- Department of Epidemiology, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - S C Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - E Liu
- Department of Health Management & Policy, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - S W Howard
- Department of Health Management & Policy, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - M G Vaughn
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - J Perret
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - C C Lodge
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - X-W Zeng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - B-Y Yang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - S-L Xu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - C Zhang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - G-H Dong
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Johnston JD, Kruman BA, Nelson MC, Merrill RM, Graul RJ, Hoybjerg TG, Tuttle SC, Myers SJ, Cook RB, Weber KS. Differential effects of air conditioning type on residential endotoxin levels in a semi-arid climate. INDOOR AIR 2017; 27:946-954. [PMID: 28141892 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Residential endotoxin exposure is associated with protective and pathogenic health outcomes. Evaporative coolers, an energy-efficient type of air conditioner used in dry climates, are a potential source of indoor endotoxins; however, this association is largely unstudied. We collected settled dust biannually from four locations in homes with evaporative coolers (n=18) and central air conditioners (n=22) in Utah County, Utah (USA), during winter (Jan-Apr) and summer (Aug-Sept), 2014. Dust samples (n=281) were analyzed by the Limulus amebocyte lysate test. Housing factors were measured by survey, and indoor temperature and relative humidity measures were collected during both seasons. Endotoxin concentrations (EU/mg) were significantly higher in homes with evaporative coolers from mattress and bedroom floor samples during both seasons. Endotoxin surface loads (EU/m2 ) were significantly higher in homes with evaporative coolers from mattress and bedroom floor samples during both seasons and in upholstered furniture during winter. For the nine significant season-by-location comparisons, EU/mg and EU/m2 were approximately three to six times greater in homes using evaporative coolers. A plausible explanation for these findings is that evaporative coolers serve as a reservoir and distribution system for Gram-negative bacteria or their cell wall components in homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Johnston
- Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - B A Kruman
- Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - M C Nelson
- Microbiology & Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - R M Merrill
- Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - R J Graul
- Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - T G Hoybjerg
- Microbiology & Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - S C Tuttle
- Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - S J Myers
- Microbiology & Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - R B Cook
- Microbiology & Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - K S Weber
- Microbiology & Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
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McNamara ML, Thornburg J, Semmens EO, Ward TJ, Noonan CW. Reducing indoor air pollutants with air filtration units in wood stove homes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 592:488-494. [PMID: 28320525 PMCID: PMC6394836 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.03.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomass burning has been shown to be a major source of poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in developing and higher income countries across the world. Specifically, wood burning for cooking and heating contributes to high indoor concentrations of fine (particles with aerodynamic diameters<2.5μm; PM2.5) and coarse (particles with aerodynamic diameters <10μm and >2.5μm; PMc) particulate matter. Endotoxin, predominantly found within the coarse fraction of airborne particulate matter, is associated with proinflammatory effects and adverse outcomes among susceptible populations. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of air filter interventions in reducing indoor PM2.5, PMc, and PMc-associated endotoxin concentrations in homes using a wood stove for primary heating. RESULTS Homes (n=48) were randomized to receive in-room air filtration units with either a high efficiency filter (i.e. active) or a lower efficiency fiberglass filter (i.e., placebo). The active filter intervention showed a 66% reduction in indoor PM2.5 concentrations (95% CI: 42.2% to 79.7% reduction) relative to the placebo intervention. Both the active and the placebo filters were effective in substantially reducing indoor concentrations of PMc (63.3% and 40.6% average reduction for active and placebo filters, respectively) and PMc-associated endotoxin concentrations (91.8% and 80.4% average reductions, respectively). CONCLUSIONS These findings support the use of high efficiency air filtration units for reducing indoor PM2.5 in homes using a wood stove for primary heating. We also discovered that using lower efficiency, lower cost filter alternatives can be effective for reducing PMc and airborne endotoxin in homes burning biomass fuel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcy L McNamara
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59801, USA.
| | | | - Erin O Semmens
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59801, USA.
| | - Tony J Ward
- School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59801, USA.
| | - Curtis W Noonan
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59801, USA.
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Fessler MB, Carnes MU, Salo PM, Wilkerson J, Cohn RD, King D, Hoppin JA, Sandler DP, Travlos G, London S, Thorne P, Zeldin D. House Dust Endotoxin and Peripheral Leukocyte Counts: Results from Two Large Epidemiologic Studies. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:057010. [PMID: 28599265 PMCID: PMC5730525 DOI: 10.1289/ehp661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The peripheral leukocyte count is a biomarker of inflammation and is associated with human all-cause mortality. Although causes of acute leukocytosis are well-described, chronic environmental determinants of leukocyte number are less well understood. OBJECTIVES We investigated the relationship between house dust endotoxin concentration and peripheral leukocyte counts in human subjects. METHODS The endotoxin–leukocyte relationship was evaluated by linear regression in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2006 (n=6,254) and the Agricultural Lung Health Study (ALHS; n=1,708). In the ALHS, we tested for a gene [Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4), encoding the endotoxin receptor]-by-environment interaction in the endotoxin–leukocyte relationship using regression models with an interaction term. RESULTS There is a statistically significant, positive association between endotoxin concentration and total leukocyte number [estimated change, 0.186×103/μL (95% CI: 0.070, 0.301×103/μL) per 10-fold change in endotoxin; p=0.004) in the NHANES. Similar positive associations were found for monocytes, lymphocytes, and neutrophils. Stratified analyses revealed possible effect modification by asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We observed similar associations in the ALHS. For total leukocytes, there was suggestive evidence in the ALHS of a gene-by-environment interaction for minor allele carrier status at the TLR4 haplotype defined by rs4986790 and rs4986791 (interaction p=0.15). CONCLUSIONS This is, to our knowledge, the first report of an association between house dust endotoxin and leukocyte count in a national survey. The finding was replicated in a farming population. Peripheral leukocyte count may be influenced by residential endotoxin exposure in diverse settings. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP661.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Fessler
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Megan U Carnes
- Epidemiology Branch, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Päivi M Salo
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jesse Wilkerson
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Richard D Cohn
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Debra King
- Clinical Pathology Group, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jane A Hoppin
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Greg Travlos
- Clinical Pathology Group, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Stephanie London
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
- Epidemiology Branch, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Peter Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| | - Darryl Zeldin
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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32
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Hoppe Parr KA, Hađina S, Kilburg-Basnyat B, Wang Y, Chavez D, Thorne PS, Weiss JP. Modification of sample processing for the Limulus amebocyte lysate assay enhances detection of inflammogenic endotoxin in intact bacteria and organic dust. Innate Immun 2017; 23:307-318. [PMID: 28359219 PMCID: PMC5814115 DOI: 10.1177/1753425917694084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The pro-inflammatory potency and causal relationship with asthma of inhaled endotoxins have underscored the importance of accurately assessing the endotoxin content of organic dusts. The Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay has emerged as the preferred assay, but its ability to measure endotoxin in intact bacteria and organic dusts with similar sensitivity as purified endotoxin is unknown. We used metabolically radiolabeled Neisseria meningitidis and both rough and smooth Escherichia coli to compare dose-dependent activation in the LAL with purified endotoxin from these bacteria and shed outer membrane (OM) blebs. Labeled [14C]-3-OH-fatty acids were used to quantify the endotoxin content of the samples. Purified meningococcal and E. coli endotoxins and OM blebs displayed similar specific activity in the LAL assay to the purified LPS standard. In contrast, intact bacteria exhibited fivefold lower specific activity in the LAL assay but showed similar MD-2-dependent potency as purified endotoxin in inducing acute airway inflammation in mice. Pre-treatment of intact bacteria and organic dusts with 0.1 M Tris-HCl/10 mM EDTA increased by fivefold the release of endotoxin. These findings demonstrate that house dust and other organic dusts should be extracted with Tris/EDTA to more accurately assess the endotoxin content and pro-inflammatory potential of these environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A. Hoppe Parr
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Suzana Hađina
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Brita Kilburg-Basnyat
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Yifang Wang
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Dulce Chavez
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Peter S. Thorne
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jerrold P. Weiss
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Microbiology and Inflammation Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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33
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Casas L, Espinosa A, Pekkanen J, Asikainen A, Borràs-Santos A, Jacobs J, Krop EJM, Täubel M, Hyvärinen A, Heederik D, Zock JP. School attendance and daily respiratory symptoms in children: influence of moisture damage. INDOOR AIR 2017; 27:303-310. [PMID: 27224645 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the effect of weekends and school holidays on the daily frequency and severity of respiratory and other symptoms among children attending schools with (index) or without (reference) moisture damage in Spain, the Netherlands, and Finland. Throughout 1 year, parents of 419 children with a respiratory condition attending index (n=15) or reference (n=10) primary schools completed three symptom diaries. We assessed associations between lower respiratory tract, upper respiratory tract or allergy, and other symptom scores and school day, weekend, or summer holiday using mixed regression models stratified by country and moisture damage. We evaluated interactions between moisture damage and type of day. We combined country-specific estimates (incidence rate ratios [IRRs] and 95% confidence interval [CI]) in meta-analyses. Symptom scores were lower during weekends and holiday. Lower respiratory tract symptoms were statistically significantly less common during holiday with strongest effect in index schools (IRR=0.7; CI=0.6-0.8). Reporting of other symptoms was more reduced during holiday in index (IRR=0.6; CI=0.4-0.9) than in reference (IRR=0.95; CI=0.8-1.2) schools (interaction P<.01). In conclusion, symptoms were less frequent and/or severe during summer holiday and weekends. This pattern was stronger among children attending moisture-damaged schools, suggesting potential improvement in moisture damage-related symptoms during school breaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Casas
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care-Centre for Environment and Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain
- University Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - A Espinosa
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain
- University Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Pekkanen
- Department Health Protection, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Asikainen
- Department Health Protection, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - A Borràs-Santos
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain
- University Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Respiratorio (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - J Jacobs
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - E J M Krop
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M Täubel
- Department Health Protection, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - A Hyvärinen
- Department Health Protection, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - D Heederik
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J-P Zock
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain
- University Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
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34
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Lai KM. Are Cockroaches an Important Source of Indoor Endotoxins? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E91. [PMID: 28106812 PMCID: PMC5295341 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14010091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Endotoxins are common indoor biocontaminants. Their levels have been shown to link to many sources and factors. One of them is cockroach infestation but the role of cockroaches and contamination mechanisms are unclear. We hypothesized that not only is cockroach infestation a sign of poor hygiene, but it also contributes to indoor endotoxins via fecal contamination. In this study, different cockroach species were caught in homes. The endotoxin and allergen levels and their ratios in cockroach feces were determined. To estimate the amount of indoor endotoxins that originated from cockroaches, a new approach of using these new cockroach endotoxin and allergen ratios to compare with environmental data was employed. We found that Supella (S.) longipalpa, Periplaneta (P.) australasiae, and Blattella (B.) germanica were dominant in homes. On average, P. australasiae feces had a higher level but greater variation of endotoxins. B. germanica feces had the highest levels of allergens measured. Depending on environmental bacterial load and the type of cockroaches present, cockroach endotoxins in the environment may vary greatly. Cockroaches directly contribute to indoor endotoxins rather than just being a sign of poor hygiene. The type and extent of cockroach infestation should be taken into consideration when assessing and remediating indoor endotoxin contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Man Lai
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China.
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35
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Kilburg-Basnyat B, Peters TM, Perry SS, Thorne PS. Electrostatic dust collectors compared to inhalable samplers for measuring endotoxin concentrations in farm homes. INDOOR AIR 2016; 26:724-33. [PMID: 26296624 PMCID: PMC4850132 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Paired electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs) and daily, inhalable button samplers (BS) were used concurrently to sample endotoxin in 10 farm homes during 7-day periods in summer and winter. Winter sampling included an optical particle counter (OPC) to measure PM2.5 and PM2.5-10 . Electrostatic dust collectors and BS filters were analyzed for endotoxin using the kinetic chromogenic Limulus amebocyte lysate assay. Optical particle counter particulate matter (PM) data were divided into two PM categories. In summer, geometric mean (geometric standard deviation) endotoxin concentrations were 0.82 EU/m(3) (2.7) measured with the BS and 737 EU/m(2) (1.9) measured with the EDC. Winter values were 0.52 EU/m(3) (3.1) for BS and 538 EU/m(2) (3.0) for EDCs. Seven-day endotoxin values of EDCs were highly correlated with the 7-day BS sampling averages (r = 0.70; P < 0.001). Analysis of variance indicated a 2.4-fold increase in EDC endotoxin concentrations for each unit increase of the ratio of PM2.5 to PM2.5-10 . There was also a significant correlation between BS and EDCs endotoxin concentrations for winter (r = 0.67; P < 0.05) and summer (r = 0.75; P < 0.05). Thus, EDCs sample comparable endotoxin concentrations to BS, making EDCs a feasible, easy to use alternative to BS for endotoxin sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Kilburg-Basnyat
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - T M Peters
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - S S Perry
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - P S Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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36
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Bose S, Rivera-Mariani F, Chen R, Williams D, Belli A, Aloe C, McCormack MC, Breysse PN, Hansel NN. Domestic exposure to endotoxin and respiratory morbidity in former smokers with COPD. INDOOR AIR 2016; 26:734-42. [PMID: 26547489 PMCID: PMC5324735 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air pollution has been linked to adverse chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) health, but specific causative agents have not yet been identified. We evaluated the role of indoor endotoxin exposure upon respiratory health in former smokers with COPD. Eighty-four adults with moderate to severe COPD were followed longitudinally and indoor air and dust samples collected at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Respiratory outcomes were repeatedly assessed at each time point. The associations between endotoxin exposure in air and settled dust and health outcomes were explored using generalizing estimating equations in multivariate models accounting for confounders. Dust endotoxin concentrations in the main living area were highest in spring and lowest in fall, while airborne endotoxins remained steady across seasons. Airborne and dust endotoxin concentrations were weakly correlated with one another (rs = +0.24, P = 0.005). Endotoxin concentrations were not significantly associated with respiratory symptoms, rescue medication use, quality of life, or severe exacerbations. In vitro whole-blood assays of the pro-inflammatory capacity of PM10 filters with and without endotoxin depletion demonstrated that the endotoxin component of indoor air pollution was not the primary trigger for interleukin-1β release. Our findings support that endotoxin is not the major driver in the adverse effects of indoor PM upon COPD morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bose
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - F Rivera-Mariani
- Department of Biology, Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus, Miami, FL, USA
| | - R Chen
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - D Williams
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - A Belli
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - C Aloe
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - M C McCormack
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - P N Breysse
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - N N Hansel
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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37
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Barraza F, Jorquera H, Heyer J, Palma W, Edwards AM, Muñoz M, Valdivia G, Montoya LD. Short-term dynamics of indoor and outdoor endotoxin exposure: Case of Santiago, Chile, 2012. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 92-93:97-105. [PMID: 27065310 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Indoor and outdoor endotoxin in PM2.5 was measured for the very first time in Santiago, Chile, in spring 2012. Average endotoxin concentrations were 0.099 and 0.094 [EU/m(3)] for indoor (N=44) and outdoor (N=41) samples, respectively; the indoor-outdoor correlation (log-transformed concentrations) was low: R=-0.06, 95% CI: (-0.35 to 0.24), likely owing to outdoor spatial variability. A linear regression model explained 68% of variability in outdoor endotoxins, using as predictors elemental carbon (a proxy of traffic emissions), chlorine (a tracer of marine air masses reaching the city) and relative humidity (a modulator of surface emissions of dust, vegetation and garbage debris). In this study, for the first time a potential source contribution function (PSCF) was applied to outdoor endotoxin measurements. Wind trajectory analysis identified upwind agricultural sources as contributors to the short-term, outdoor endotoxin variability. Our results confirm an association between combustion particles from traffic and outdoor endotoxin concentrations. For indoor endotoxins, a predictive model was developed but it only explained 44% of endotoxin variability; the significant predictors were tracers of indoor PM2.5 dust (Si, Ca), number of external windows and number of hours with internal doors open. Results suggest that short-term indoor endotoxin variability may be driven by household dust/garbage production and handling. This would explain the modest predictive performance of published models that use answers to household surveys as predictors. One feasible alternative is to increase the sampling period so that household features would arise as significant predictors of long-term airborne endotoxin levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Barraza
- Departmento de Ingeniería Química y Bioprocesos, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Avda. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 7820436, Chile
| | - Héctor Jorquera
- Departmento de Ingeniería Química y Bioprocesos, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Avda. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 7820436, Chile; Centro de Investigación en Nanotecnología y Materiales Avanzados, CIEN-UC, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Avda. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 7820436, Chile.
| | - Johanna Heyer
- Departmento de Ingeniería Química y Bioprocesos, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Avda. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 7820436, Chile
| | - Wilfredo Palma
- Departamento de Estadística, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 7820436, Chile
| | - Ana María Edwards
- Facultad de Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Avda. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 7820436, Chile
| | - Marcelo Muñoz
- Facultad de Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Avda. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 7820436, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Valdivia
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Marcoleta 340, Santiago 8330033, Chile
| | - Lupita D Montoya
- Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering Department, University of Colorado Boulder, UCB 428, Boulder, Colorado, United States
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38
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Balmes JR. Exposure to Endotoxin in Household Dust. To Wheeze or Not to Wheeze. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2016; 192:1265-6. [PMID: 26623680 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201508-1664ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- John R Balmes
- 1 Department of Medicine University of California, San Francisco San Francisco, California and.,2 School of Public Health University of California Berkeley, California
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39
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Mendy A, Cohn RD, Thorne PS. Endotoxin exposure, serum vitamin D, asthma and wheeze outcomes. Respir Med 2016; 114:61-6. [PMID: 27109812 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endotoxin has been shown to induce neutrophilic asthma and wheeze after binding toll-like receptor 4 to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines. Animal models have demonstrated that vitamin D might inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokines. However, whether endotoxin exposure and serum vitamin D deficiency interact to affect asthma and wheeze in humans has never been investigated in an epidemiological study. METHODS Joint associations of house dust endotoxin and vitamin D with asthma and wheeze were examined using logistic regression adjusted for covariates in 5924 US participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Interactions were assessed on the multiplicative as well as additive scale using the relative excess risk, the attributable portion due to additive interaction, and the synergy index. RESULTS The median endotoxin concentration was 19.1 EU/mg. Prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy (20-30 ng/ml) and deficiency (<20 ng/ml) were respectively 42.9 and 33.4%. The combination of high endotoxin and low vitamin D was associated with current asthma (OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.23), wheeze in the past 12 months (OR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.10, 3.71), recurrent wheeze (OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.00, 4.00), asthma diagnosis or recurrent wheeze (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.33, 2.66), and current asthma or recurrent wheeze (OR:1.81, 95% CI: 1.23, 2.68) when compared to low endotoxin and normal vitamin D. The interactions between the exposures were not significant on the multiplicative or additive scale for any of the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Combination of high endotoxin exposure and low vitamin D increases the odds of asthma and wheeze, but the exposures do not interact or modify each other's effect in the NHANES cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelico Mendy
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Peter S Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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40
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Kilburg-Basnyat B, Metwali N, Thorne PS. Performance of electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs) for endotoxin assessment in homes: Effect of mailing, placement, heating, and electrostatic charge. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2016; 13:85-93. [PMID: 26325020 PMCID: PMC4766868 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2015.1078468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Electrostatic Dust Collectors (EDCs) are in use for passive sampling of bioaerosols, but particular aspects of their performance have not yet been evaluated. This study investigated the effect of mailing EDCs on endotoxin loading and the effect of EDC deployment in front of, and away from, heated ventilation on endotoxin sampling. Endotoxin sampling efficiency of heated and unheated EDC cloths was also evaluated. Cross-country express mailing of dust-spiked EDCs yielded no significant changes in endotoxin concentrations compared to dust-only samples for both high-spiked EDCs (p = 0.30) and low-spiked EDCs (p = 0.36). EDCs were also deployed in 20 identical apartments with one EDC placed in front of the univent heater in each apartment and contemporaneous EDC placed on the built-in bookshelf in each apartment. The endotoxin concentrations were significantly different (p = 0.049) indicating that the placement of EDC does impact endotoxin sampling. Heated and unheated EDCs were deployed for 7 days in pairs in farm homes. There was a significant difference between endotoxin concentrations (p = 0.027) indicating that heating EDCs may diminish their electrostatic capabilities and impact endotoxin sampling. The last study investigated the electrostatic charge of 12 heated and 12 unheated EDC cloths. There was a significant difference in charge (p = 0.009) which suggests that heating EDC cloths may make them less effective for sampling. In conclusion, EDCs can be mailed to and from deployment sites, EDC placement in relationship to ventilation is crucial, and heating EDCs reduces their electrostatic charge which may diminish their endotoxin sampling capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brita Kilburg-Basnyat
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
| | - Nervana Metwali
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
| | - Peter S. Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
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41
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Thorne PS, Mendy A, Metwali N, Salo P, Co C, Jaramillo R, Rose KM, Zeldin DC. Endotoxin Exposure: Predictors and Prevalence of Associated Asthma Outcomes in the United States. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2015; 192:1287-97. [PMID: 26258643 PMCID: PMC4731700 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201502-0251oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Inhaled endotoxin induces airway inflammation and is an established risk factor for asthma. The 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey included measures of endotoxin and allergens in homes as well as specific IgE to inhalant allergens. OBJECTIVES To understand the relationships between endotoxin exposure, asthma outcomes, and sensitization status for 15 aeroallergens in a nationally representative sample. METHODS Participants were administered questionnaires in their homes. Reservoir dust was vacuum sampled to generate composite bedding and bedroom floor samples. We analyzed 7,450 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey dust and quality assurance samples for their endotoxin content using extreme quality assurance measures. Data for 6,963 subjects were available, making this the largest study of endotoxin exposure to date. Log-transformed endotoxin concentrations were analyzed using logistic models and forward stepwise linear regression. Analyses were weighted to provide national prevalence estimates and unbiased variances. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Endotoxin exposure was significantly associated with wheeze in the past 12 months, wheeze during exercise, doctor and/or emergency room visits for wheeze, and use of prescription medications for wheeze. Models adjusted for age, sex, race and/or ethnicity, and poverty-to-income ratio and stratified by allergy status showed that these relationships were not dependent upon sensitization status but were worsened among those living in poverty. Significant predictors of higher endotoxin exposures were lower family income; Hispanic ethnicity; participant age; dog(s), cat(s), cockroaches, and/or smoker(s) in the home; and carpeted floors. CONCLUSIONS In this U.S. nationwide representative sample, higher endotoxin exposure was significantly associated with measures of wheeze, with no observed protective effect regardless of sensitization status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S. Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Angelico Mendy
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Nervana Metwali
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Päivi Salo
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; and
| | - Caroll Co
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., Durham, North Carolina
| | | | | | - Darryl C. Zeldin
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; and
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Holst G, Høst A, Doekes G, Meyer HW, Madsen AM, Sigsgaard T. Determinants of house dust, endotoxin, and β-(1→3)-D-glucan in homes of Danish children. INDOOR AIR 2015; 25:245-59. [PMID: 25039673 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/06/2014] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the geographic variation and determinants of bacterial endotoxin and β-(1,3)-D-glucan in Danish house dust. In a population of 317 children, we: (i) described loads and concentrations of floor dust, endotoxin, and β-(1→3)-D-glucan and (ii) their correlations and (iii) assessed their determinants; (iv) Finally, we compared our findings with previous European studies. Bedroom floor dust was analyzed for endotoxin content by the kinetic limulus amoebocyte lysate assay and for β-(1→3)-D-glucan by the inhibition enzyme immunoassay. The parents answered questions regarding potential determinants. We found: geometric means (geometric standard deviations) 186 mg/m(2) (4.3) for dust; 5.46 × 10(3) EU/m(2) (8.0) and 31.1 × 10(3) EU/g (2.6) for endotoxin; and 142 μg/m(2) (14.3) and 0.71 × 10(3) μg/g (7.3) for β-(1→3)-D-glucan. High correlations (r > 0.75) were found between floor dust and endotoxin and β-(1→3)-D-glucan loads, while endotoxin and β-(1→3)-D-glucan concentrations were moderately correlated (r = 0.36-0.41) with the dust load. Having a carpet was positively associated with dust load and with endotoxin and β-(1→3)-D-glucan concentrations. Pet keeping, dwelling type, and dwelling location were determinants of endotoxin concentrations. No other determinants were associated with β-(1→3)-D-glucan concentrations. Compared with other European studies, we found lower β-(1→3)-D-glucan loads and concentrations but higher endotoxin loads and concentrations suggesting a geographically determined different composition of Danish floor dust compared with other European regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Holst
- Section of Environment, Occupation and Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Adar SD, D'Souza J, Mendelsohn-Victor K, Jacobs DR, Cushman M, Sheppard L, Thorne PS, Burke GL, Daviglus ML, Szpiro AA, Diez Roux AV, Kaufman JD, Larson TV. Markers of inflammation and coagulation after long-term exposure to coarse particulate matter: a cross-sectional analysis from the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2015; 123:541-8. [PMID: 25616153 PMCID: PMC4455582 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1308069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxicological research suggests that coarse particles (PM10-2.5) are inflammatory, but responses are complex and may be best summarized by multiple inflammatory markers. Few human studies have investigated associations with PM10-2.5 and, of those, none have explored long-term exposures. Here we examine long-term associations with inflammation and coagulation in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. METHODS Participants included 3,295 adults (45-84 years of age) from three metropolitan areas. Site-specific spatial models were used to estimate 5-year concentrations of PM10-2.5 mass and copper, zinc, phosphorus, silicon, and endotoxin found in PM10-2.5. Outcomes included interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, total homocysteine, D-dimer, factor VIII, plasmin-antiplasmin complex, and inflammation and coagulation scores. We used multivariable regression with multiply imputed data to estimate associations while controlling for potential confounders, including co-pollutants such as fine particulate matter. RESULTS Some limited evidence was found of relationships between inflammation and coagulation and PM10-2.5. Endotoxin was the PM10-2.5 component most strongly associated with inflammation, with an interquartile range (IQR) increase (0.08 EU/m3) associated with 0.15 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.28; p = 0.03) and 0.08 (95% CI: -0.07, 0.23; p = 0.28) higher inflammation scores before and after control for city, respectively. Copper was the component with the strongest association with coagulation, with a 4-ng/m3 increase associated with 0.19 (95% CI: 0.08, 0.30; p = 0.0008) and 0.12 (95% CI: -0.05, 0.30; p = 0.16) unit higher coagulation scores before and after city adjustment, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our cross-sectional analysis provided some evidence that long-term PM10-2.5 exposure was associated with inflammation and coagulation, but associations were modest and depended on particle composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara D Adar
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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44
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Weber J, Illi S, Nowak D, Schierl R, Holst O, von Mutius E, Ege MJ. Asthma and the hygiene hypothesis. Does cleanliness matter? Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2015; 191:522-9. [PMID: 25584716 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201410-1899oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE The early hygiene hypothesis explained the development of allergies by a lack of infections; nowadays, the aspect of excessive cleanliness in affluent populations seems to have replaced this concept. Yet, no investigation has shown that home or personal cleanliness relate to allergic diseases. OBJECTIVES To relate personal and home cleanliness to risk of asthma and allergies. METHODS Comprehensive questionnaire information on home or personal cleanliness and allergic health conditions at school age was collected in 399 participants of the urban Perinatale Asthma Umwelt Langzeit Allergie Studie (PAULA) birth cohort. Bacterial markers were assessed in floor and mattress dust and were related to cleanliness and allergic diseases. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Personal cleanliness was inversely related to bacterial compounds on floors and mattresses, whereas home cleanliness effectively reduced dust amount but not microbial markers. Exposure to muramic acid related to a lower prevalence of school-age asthma (adjusted odds ratio, 0.59 [95% confidence interval, 0.39; 0.90]). Mattress endotoxin in the first year of life was inversely associated with atopic sensitization (0.73 [0.56-0.96]) and asthma at school age (0.72 [0.55-0.95]). Despite the associations of dust parameters both with cleanliness and allergic health conditions, the development of allergies was not related to home and personal cleanliness. CONCLUSIONS Bacterial exposure in house dust determined childhood asthma and allergies. Personal cleanliness, such as washing hands, and home cleanliness were objectively reflected by dust parameters in homes. However, neither personal nor home cleanliness was associated with a risk for asthma and allergies. Other microbial components in house dust not affected by personal hygiene are likely to play a role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Weber
- 1 Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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45
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Caballero MT, Serra ME, Acosta PL, Marzec J, Gibbons L, Salim M, Rodriguez A, Reynaldi A, Garcia A, Bado D, Buchholz UJ, Hijano DR, Coviello S, Newcomb D, Bellabarba M, Ferolla FM, Libster R, Berenstein A, Siniawaski S, Blumetti V, Echavarria M, Pinto L, Lawrence A, Ossorio MF, Grosman A, Mateu CG, Bayle C, Dericco A, Pellegrini M, Igarza I, Repetto HA, Grimaldi LA, Gudapati P, Polack NR, Althabe F, Shi M, Ferrero F, Bergel E, Stein RT, Peebles RS, Boothby M, Kleeberger SR, Polack FP. TLR4 genotype and environmental LPS mediate RSV bronchiolitis through Th2 polarization. J Clin Invest 2015; 125:571-82. [PMID: 25555213 DOI: 10.1172/jci75183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
While 30%-70% of RSV-infected infants develop bronchiolitis, 2% require hospitalization. It is not clear why disease severity differs among healthy, full-term infants; however, virus titers, inflammation, and Th2 bias are proposed explanations. While TLR4 is associated with these disease phenotypes, the role of this receptor in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pathogenesis is controversial. Here, we evaluated the interaction between TLR4 and environmental factors in RSV disease and defined the immune mediators associated with severe illness. Two independent populations of infants with RSV bronchiolitis revealed that the severity of RSV infection is determined by the TLR4 genotype of the individual and by environmental exposure to LPS. RSV-infected infants with severe disease exhibited a high GATA3/T-bet ratio, which manifested as a high IL-4/IFN-γ ratio in respiratory secretions. The IL-4/IFN-γ ratio present in infants with severe RSV is indicative of Th2 polarization. Murine models of RSV infection confirmed that LPS exposure, Tlr4 genotype, and Th2 polarization influence disease phenotypes. Together, the results of this study identify environmental and genetic factors that influence RSV pathogenesis and reveal that a high IL-4/IFN-γ ratio is associated with severe disease. Moreover, these molecules should be explored as potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
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46
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Kilburg-Basnyat B, Metwali N, Thorne PS. Effect of deployment time on endotoxin and allergen exposure assessment using electrostatic dust collectors. THE ANNALS OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE 2015; 59:104-15. [PMID: 25187036 PMCID: PMC4303768 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/meu063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Revised: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The electrostatic dust collector (EDC) is a passive dust sampling device for exposure assessment of airborne endotoxin and possibly allergens. EDCs consist of a non-conducting plastic folder holding two or four electrostatic cloths of defined area. The sampling time needed to achieve detectable and reproducible loading for bioaerosols has not been systematically evaluated. Thus, in 15 Iowa farm homes EDCs were deployed for 7-, 14-, and 28-day sampling periods to determine if endotoxin and allergens could be quantified and if loading rates were uniform over time, i.e. if loads doubled from 7 to 14 days or 14 to 28 days and quadrupled from 7 to 28 days. Loadings between left and right paired EDC cloths were not significantly different and were highly correlated for endotoxin, total protein, and cat (Fel d1), dog (Can f1), and mouse (Mus m1) allergens (P < 0.001). EDCs performed especially well for endotoxin sampling with close agreement between paired samples (Pearson r = 0.96, P < 0.001). Endotoxin loading of the EDCs doubled from 7- to 14-day deployments as hypothesized although the loading rate decreased from 14 to 28 days of sampling with only a 1.38-fold increase. Allergen exposure assessment using EDCs was overall less satisfactory. Although there was reasonable agreement between paired samples, only exposures to cat, dog, and mouse allergens were reliable and these only at the longer deployment times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brita Kilburg-Basnyat
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, 100 CPHB, S341A, 145 N. Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242-2007, USA
| | - Nervana Metwali
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, 100 CPHB, S341A, 145 N. Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242-2007, USA
| | - Peter S Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, 100 CPHB, S341A, 145 N. Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242-2007, USA
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47
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Rosenbaum PF, Crawford JA, Hunt A, Vesper SJ, Abraham JL. Environmental relative moldiness index and associations with home characteristics and infant wheeze. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2015; 12:29-36. [PMID: 25068535 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2014.933958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Possible relationships between mold contamination, as described by the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI), home characteristics, and the development of wheeze in the first year of life were evaluated among a cohort of urban infants (n = 103) in Syracuse, New York. Pregnant women with a history of asthma were recruited in 2001-2002 for the "Assessment of Urban Dwellings for Indoor Toxics" (AUDIT) study. When the infants were approximately 3 months of age, a home inspection was carried out and indoor environmental samples collected, including vacuumed house dust. ERMI levels in the Syracuse cohort homes were higher than the U.S. average, with an overall mean of 11.4. ERMI levels were significantly higher in homes with visible water problems (p = 0.023) and visible mold (p = 0.023). ERMI levels in apartments were significantly lower than the values measured in houses (p = 0.0003). While infants experiencing wheeze (38%) tended to live in homes with higher ERMI values than those without wheeze (ERMI values of 12.3 and 10.9, respectively), the differences did not reach statistical significance. A subset analysis limited to infants with living room samples who remained in the same home during the study (n = 25) was suggestive of an association between higher ERMI values and wheeze (p = 0.10). In summary, the ERMI is a standardized metric which allows for comparison of moldiness levels in homes across studies and regions in the United States. ERMI levels in Syracuse homes were skewed to the high end of the national scale. Higher ERMI levels were indicators of water problems, mold, and type of housing.
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Affiliation(s)
- P F Rosenbaum
- a Department of Public Health & Preventive Medicine , State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University , Syracuse , New York
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48
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McSharry C, Spears M, Chaudhuri R, Cameron EJ, Husi H, Thomson NC. Increased sputum endotoxin levels are associated with an impaired lung function response to oral steroids in asthmatic patients. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2014; 134:1068-75. [PMID: 25262463 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2014.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airway endotoxin might contribute to corticosteroid insensitivity in asthmatic patients. OBJECTIVE Because cigarette smoke contains endotoxin, we tested the hypothesis that sputum endotoxin concentrations are increased in cigarette smokers and that endotoxin concentrations are associated with corticosteroid insensitivity in asthmatic patients. METHODS Sixty-nine asthmatic patients (never smokers, smokers, and exsmokers) and 20 healthy subjects (never smokers and smokers) were recruited. Fifty-three asthmatic patients received a 2-week course of oral dexamethasone. Serum and induced sputum endotoxin and cytokine concentrations were quantified by using an enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS Median (interquartile range [IQR]) sputum endotoxin concentration were not significantly different between asthmatic never smokers (184 endotoxin units [EU]/mL; IQR, 91-310 EU/mL), exsmokers (123 EU/mL; IQR, 39-207 EU/mL), and smokers (177 EU/mL; IQR, 41-772 EU/mL; P = .703) and healthy subjects (164 EU/mL; IQR, 106-373 EU/mL). The lung function response to oral corticosteroids decreased with increasing sputum endotoxin concentrations in the never smokers (linear regression α = .05, Spearman r = -0.503, P = .009) but not in smokers (α = .587, r = -0.282, P = .257), as confirmed by using multiple regression analysis. Asthmatic smokers had higher concentrations of serum endotoxin than asthmatic nonsmokers (0.25 EU/mL [IQR, 0.09-0.39 EU/mL] vs 0.08 EU/mL [IQR, 0.05-0.19 EU/mL], P = .042) unrelated to steroid insensitivity or serum cytokine concentrations. In the asthmatic group sputum endotoxin concentrations correlated with sputum IL-1 receptor antagonist concentrations (r = 0.510, P < .001), and serum endotoxin concentrations significantly correlated with sputum IL-6, IL-8, and chemokine motif ligand 2 concentrations. CONCLUSION Asthmatic smokers have similar sputum endotoxin concentrations compared with those of asthmatic never smokers. The association between higher sputum endotoxin levels and an impaired lung function response to oral corticosteroids, particularly in asthmatic never smokers, suggests that airway endotoxin might contribute to corticosteroid insensitivity in asthmatic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles McSharry
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
| | - Mark Spears
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Rekha Chaudhuri
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Euan J Cameron
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Holger Husi
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Neil C Thomson
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Tischer C, Casas L, Wouters IM, Doekes G, Garcia-Esteban R, Gehring U, Hyvärinen A, Oldenwening M, Kerkhof M, Sunyer J, Standl M, Thiering E, Torrent M, Heinrich J. Early exposure to bio-contaminants and asthma up to 10 years of age: results of the HITEA study. Eur Respir J 2014; 45:328-37. [PMID: 25186271 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00060214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Inverse associations have been found between exposure to bio-contaminants and asthma and allergies. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess whether early exposure to bio-contaminants in dust is associated with asthma and allergy later in childhood among children from (sub)-urban areas. In subsets of three European birth cohorts (PIAMA: n=553; INMA: n=481; and LISAplus: n=395), endotoxin, (1,3,)-β-d-glucan and extracellular polysaccharide were measured in dust from living rooms shortly after birth. Current asthma at 6 years and 10 years of age and ever asthma up to 10 years of age were assessed by parental questionnaires. Specific IgE levels at 8 years (PIAMA) and 10 years (LISAplus) were available. Adjusted, cohort-specific logistic regression analyses were performed. Higher endotoxin concentrations were positively associated with current asthma at 6 years of age in PIAMA (adjusted OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.07-3.58), but were inversely related with ever asthma up to 10 years of age in INMA (adjusted OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.16-0.94). No associations with asthma were found for LISAplus. No associations were observed with atopic sensitisation in all cohorts. All associations with (1,3)-β-d-glucan and extracellular polysaccharide were statistically nonsignificant. The suggested immunological mechanisms of early exposure to bio-contaminants with regards to asthma and allergy might be different for children growing up in (sub)-urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Tischer
- Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Lidia Casas
- Dept of Public Health and Primary Care - Centre for Environment and Health KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inge M Wouters
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Division Environmental Epidemiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Doekes
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Division Environmental Epidemiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Raquel Garcia-Esteban
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ulrike Gehring
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Division Environmental Epidemiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Hyvärinen
- Dept Environmental Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marieke Oldenwening
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Division Environmental Epidemiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marjan Kerkhof
- University Medical Center Groningen, Dept of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marie Standl
- Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Thiering
- Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany Division of Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Medicine, Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Joachim Heinrich
- Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
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50
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Jacobs JH, Krop EJM, Borras-Santos A, Zock JP, Taubel M, Hyvarinnen A, Pekkanen J, Doekes G, Heederik DJJ. Endotoxin levels in settled airborne dust in European schools: the HITEA school study. INDOOR AIR 2014; 24:148-157. [PMID: 23927557 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Indoor exposure to microbial agents is known to influence respiratory health. Besides home exposure, exposure in schools can affect respiratory health. In this study, we measured endotoxin in settled dust in primary schools in three European countries from three different geographical regions with different climates. Our aim was to characterize endotoxin levels in primary schools and evaluate associations with potential determinants. Endotoxin levels were repeatedly assessed in 23 schools in Spain (n = 7), the Netherlands (n = 10), and Finland (n = 6) using electrostatic dustfall collectors. In total, 645 measurements were taken in 237 classrooms. Endotoxin levels differed significantly between countries; Dutch schools had the highest levels, while Finnish schools showed the lowest levels. In each country, differences in endotoxin levels were observed between schools and over the sampling periods. Estimates improved after adjustment for sampling period. Factors affecting endotoxin levels in a school differed per country. In general, endotoxin levels were higher in lower grades and in classrooms with higher occupancy. School endotoxin levels may contribute significantly to total endotoxin exposure in children and teachers. As the correlation between the repeated measurements is reasonable, single endotoxin measurements form a reasonable basis for estimating annual endotoxin levels in schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Jacobs
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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