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van Meel ER, Mensink-Bout SM, den Dekker HT, Ahluwalia TS, Annesi-Maesano I, Arshad SH, Baïz N, Barros H, von Berg A, Bisgaard H, Bønnelykke K, Carlsson CJ, Casas M, Chatzi L, Chevrier C, Dalmeijer G, Dezateux C, Duchen K, Eggesbø M, van der Ent C, Fantini M, Flexeder C, Frey U, Forastiere F, Gehring U, Gori D, Granell R, Griffiths LJ, Inskip H, Jerzynska J, Karvonen AM, Keil T, Kelleher C, Kogevinas M, Koppen G, Kuehni CE, Lambrechts N, Lau S, Lehmann I, Ludvigsson J, Magnus MC, Mélen E, Mehegan J, Mommers M, Nybo Andersen AM, Nystad W, Pedersen ESL, Pekkanen J, Peltola V, Pike KC, Pinot de Moira A, Pizzi C, Polanska K, Popovic M, Porta D, Roberts G, Santos AC, Schultz ES, Standl M, Sunyer J, Thijs C, Toivonen L, Uphoff E, Usemann J, Vafeidi M, Wright J, de Jongste JC, Jaddoe VWV, Duijts L. Early-life respiratory tract infections and the risk of school-age lower lung function and asthma: a meta-analysis of 150 000 European children. Eur Respir J 2022; 60:2102395. [PMID: 35487537 PMCID: PMC9535116 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02395-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early-life respiratory tract infections might affect chronic obstructive respiratory diseases, but conclusive studies from general populations are lacking. Our objective was to examine if children with early-life respiratory tract infections had increased risks of lower lung function and asthma at school age. METHODS We used individual participant data of 150 090 children primarily from the EU Child Cohort Network to examine the associations of upper and lower respiratory tract infections from age 6 months to 5 years with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, forced expiratory flow at 75% of FVC (FEF75%) and asthma at a median (range) age of 7 (4-15) years. RESULTS Children with early-life lower, not upper, respiratory tract infections had a lower school-age FEV1, FEV1/FVC and FEF75% (z-score range: -0.09 (95% CI -0.14- -0.04) to -0.30 (95% CI -0.36- -0.24)). Children with early-life lower respiratory tract infections had a higher increased risk of school-age asthma than those with upper respiratory tract infections (OR range: 2.10 (95% CI 1.98-2.22) to 6.30 (95% CI 5.64-7.04) and 1.25 (95% CI 1.18-1.32) to 1.55 (95% CI 1.47-1.65), respectively). Adjustment for preceding respiratory tract infections slightly decreased the strength of the effects. Observed associations were similar for those with and without early-life wheezing as a proxy for early-life asthma. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that early-life respiratory tract infections affect development of chronic obstructive respiratory diseases in later life, with the strongest effects for lower respiratory tract infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien R van Meel
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Dept of Pediatrics, Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sara M Mensink-Bout
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Dept of Pediatrics, Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Herman T den Dekker
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Dept of Pediatrics, Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Dept of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tarunveer S Ahluwalia
- COPSAC (Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood), Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Isabella Annesi-Maesano
- Sorbonne Université and INSERM, Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases Dept (EPAR), Pierre Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health (IPLESP UMRS 1136), Saint-Antoine Medical School, Paris, France
| | - Syed Hasan Arshad
- The David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Newport, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- NIHR Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Nour Baïz
- Sorbonne Université and INSERM, Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases Dept (EPAR), Pierre Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health (IPLESP UMRS 1136), Saint-Antoine Medical School, Paris, France
| | - Henrique Barros
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde Pública e Forenses e Educação Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andrea von Berg
- Research Institute, Dept of Pediatrics, Marien-Hospital Wesel, Wesel, Germany
| | - Hans Bisgaard
- COPSAC (Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood), Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Klaus Bønnelykke
- COPSAC (Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood), Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian J Carlsson
- COPSAC (Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood), Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maribel Casas
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Leda Chatzi
- Dept of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Geertje Dalmeijer
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carol Dezateux
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Karel Duchen
- Crown Princess Victoria Children's Hospital and Division of Pediatrics, Dept of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Cornelis van der Ent
- Dept of Pediatric Pulmonology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Fantini
- Dept of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia Flexeder
- Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Urs Frey
- University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Ulrike Gehring
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Davide Gori
- Dept of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Raquel Granell
- MRC Intergrative Epidemiology Unit, Dept of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Lucy J Griffiths
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - Hazel Inskip
- NIHR Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Joanna Jerzynska
- Dept of Environmental Epidemiology, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anne M Karvonen
- Dept of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Thomas Keil
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry, University of Würzburg, Würzberg, Germany
- State Institute for Health, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | - Cecily Kelleher
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Manolis Kogevinas
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gudrun Koppen
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Environmental Risk and Health Unit, Mol, Belgium
| | - Claudia E Kuehni
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Children's University Hospital of Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Lambrechts
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Environmental Risk and Health Unit, Mol, Belgium
| | - Susanne Lau
- Dept of Pediatric Pulmonology, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Irina Lehmann
- Dept of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Johnny Ludvigsson
- Crown Princess Victoria Children's Hospital and Division of Pediatrics, Dept of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Maria Christine Magnus
- MRC Intergrative Epidemiology Unit, Dept of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erik Mélen
- Dept of Clinical Science and Education Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Sach's Children Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Mehegan
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Monique Mommers
- Dept of Epidemiology, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Wenche Nystad
- Domain for Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eva S L Pedersen
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Juha Pekkanen
- Dept of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
- Dept of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ville Peltola
- Dept of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | | | - Costanza Pizzi
- Dept of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Kinga Polanska
- Dept of Environmental Epidemiology, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - Maja Popovic
- Dept of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniela Porta
- Dept of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Graham Roberts
- The David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Newport, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- NIHR Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Ana Cristina Santos
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Erica S Schultz
- Dept of Clinical Science and Education Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Sach's Children Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Standl
- Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- German Research Center for Environmental Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carel Thijs
- Dept of Epidemiology, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Toivonen
- Dept of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eleonora Uphoff
- Born in Bradford, Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Jakob Usemann
- University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marina Vafeidi
- Dept of Social Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - John Wright
- Born in Bradford, Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Johan C de Jongste
- Dept of Pediatrics, Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent W V Jaddoe
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Dept of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Dept of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth Duijts
- Dept of Pediatrics, Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Dept of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Zhou H, Wang T, Zhou F, Liu Y, Zhao W, Wang X, Chen H, Cui Y. Ambient Air Pollution and Daily Hospital Admissions for Respiratory Disease in Children in Guiyang, China. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:400. [PMID: 31681705 PMCID: PMC6797835 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the association between ambient air pollutant exposure and daily hospital admissions for respiratory diseases in children in Guiyang. Methods: Clinical data of pediatric inpatients with respiratory disease from 2009 to 2016 in Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital and PM2.5, NO2, PM10, and SO2 concentration data were retrieved. A canonical correlation analysis (CCA) was applied to analyse the association between air pollutants and daily hospital admissions for respiratory diseases. A reproducibility analysis was applied to analyse the association between air pollution and the duration and direct cost of hospitalization. The support vector regression (SVR) method was applied to determine whether air pollution data could predict the daily hospital admissions for the upcoming day. Results: A total of 10,876 inpatients with respiratory diseases were included between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2016. The CCA showed significant correlations between air pollution and daily hospital admissions (r = 0.3564, p < 0.001), the duration of hospitalization (r = 0.2911, p < 0.001) and the economic cost of hospitalization (r = 0.2933, p < 0.001) for respiratory disease. PM10 contributed most to daily hospital admissions for respiratory disease; the concentration the day before hospitalization contributed most to the daily hospital admissions for respiratory disease. There was a slightly stronger correlation between air pollution and respiratory disease in children aged 2-18 years (R = 0.36 vs. R = 0.31 in those under 2 years old). No significant difference was found between male and female patients. The prediction analysis showed that air pollution could successfully predict daily pediatric inpatient hospital admissions (R = 0.378, permutation p < 0.001). Conclusions: Air pollution was significantly associated with hospital admissions, hospitalization duration and the economic cost of hospitalization in children with respiratory diseases. The maximum effect occurred on the day before hospitalization. The effect of PM10 on daily pediatric inpatient hospital admissions for respiratory disease was the greatest among the pollutants evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Medical College of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Tianqi Wang
- Neurology Department, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Medical College of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ye Liu
- Otolaryngological Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Medical College of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Weiqing Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Medical College of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xike Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Medical College of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Heng Chen
- Medical College of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yuxia Cui
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Medical College of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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3
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van Meel ER, den Dekker HT, Elbert NJ, Jansen PW, Moll HA, Reiss IK, de Jongste JC, Jaddoe VWV, Duijts L. A population-based prospective cohort study examining the influence of early-life respiratory tract infections on school-age lung function and asthma. Thorax 2017. [PMID: 29101282 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl‐2017‐210149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early-life respiratory tract infections could affect airway obstruction and increase asthma risk in later life. However, results from previous studies are inconsistent. OBJECTIVE We examined the associations of early-life respiratory tract infections with lung function and asthma in school-aged children. METHODS This study among 5197 children born between April 2002 and January 2006 was embedded in a population-based prospective cohort study. Information on physician-attended upper and lower respiratory tract infections until age 6 years (categorised into ≤ 3 and >3-6 years) was obtained by annual questionnaires. Spirometry measures and physician-diagnosed asthma were assessed at age 10 years. RESULTS Upper respiratory tract infections were not associated with adverse respiratory outcomes. Compared with children without lower respiratory tract infections ≤3 years, children with lower respiratory tract infections ≤3 years had a lower FEV1, FVC, FEV1:FVC and forced expiratory flow at 75% of FVC (FEF75) (Z-score (95% CI): ranging from -0.22 (-0.31 to -0.12) to -0.12 (-0.21 to -0.03)) and an increased risk of asthma (OR (95% CI): 1.79 (1.19 to 2.59)). Children with lower respiratory tract infections >3-6 years had an increased risk of asthma (3.53 (2.37 to 5.17)) only. Results were not mediated by antibiotic or paracetamol use and not modified by inhalant allergic sensitisation. Cross-lagged modelling showed that results were not bidirectional and independent of preschool wheezing patterns. CONCLUSION Early-life lower respiratory tract infections ≤3 years are most consistently associated with lower lung function and increased risk of asthma in school-aged children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien R van Meel
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Herman T den Dekker
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Niels J Elbert
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Pauline W Jansen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Institute of Psychology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Henriëtte A Moll
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Irwin K Reiss
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Johan C de Jongste
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Vincent W V Jaddoe
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth Duijts
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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4
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van Meel ER, den Dekker HT, Elbert NJ, Jansen PW, Moll HA, Reiss IK, de Jongste JC, Jaddoe VWV, Duijts L. A population-based prospective cohort study examining the influence of early-life respiratory tract infections on school-age lung function and asthma. Thorax 2017; 73:167-173. [PMID: 29101282 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2017-210149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early-life respiratory tract infections could affect airway obstruction and increase asthma risk in later life. However, results from previous studies are inconsistent. OBJECTIVE We examined the associations of early-life respiratory tract infections with lung function and asthma in school-aged children. METHODS This study among 5197 children born between April 2002 and January 2006 was embedded in a population-based prospective cohort study. Information on physician-attended upper and lower respiratory tract infections until age 6 years (categorised into ≤ 3 and >3-6 years) was obtained by annual questionnaires. Spirometry measures and physician-diagnosed asthma were assessed at age 10 years. RESULTS Upper respiratory tract infections were not associated with adverse respiratory outcomes. Compared with children without lower respiratory tract infections ≤3 years, children with lower respiratory tract infections ≤3 years had a lower FEV1, FVC, FEV1:FVC and forced expiratory flow at 75% of FVC (FEF75) (Z-score (95% CI): ranging from -0.22 (-0.31 to -0.12) to -0.12 (-0.21 to -0.03)) and an increased risk of asthma (OR (95% CI): 1.79 (1.19 to 2.59)). Children with lower respiratory tract infections >3-6 years had an increased risk of asthma (3.53 (2.37 to 5.17)) only. Results were not mediated by antibiotic or paracetamol use and not modified by inhalant allergic sensitisation. Cross-lagged modelling showed that results were not bidirectional and independent of preschool wheezing patterns. CONCLUSION Early-life lower respiratory tract infections ≤3 years are most consistently associated with lower lung function and increased risk of asthma in school-aged children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien R van Meel
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Herman T den Dekker
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Niels J Elbert
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Pauline W Jansen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Institute of Psychology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Henriëtte A Moll
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Irwin K Reiss
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Johan C de Jongste
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Vincent W V Jaddoe
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth Duijts
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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5
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van Meel ER, Jaddoe VWV, Bønnelykke K, de Jongste JC, Duijts L. The role of respiratory tract infections and the microbiome in the development of asthma: A narrative review. Pediatr Pulmonol 2017; 52:1363-1370. [PMID: 28869358 PMCID: PMC7168085 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.23795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a common disease in childhood, and might predispose for chronic obstructive respiratory morbidity in adolescence and adulthood. Various early-life risk factors might influence the risk of wheezing, asthma, and lower lung function in childhood. Cohort studies demonstrated that lower respiratory tract infections in the first years of life are associated with an increased risk of wheezing and asthma, while the association with lung function is less clear. Additionally, the gut and airway microbiome might influence the risk of wheezing and asthma. The interaction between respiratory tract infections and the microbiome complicates studies of their associations with wheezing, asthma, and lung function. Furthermore, the causality behind these observations is still unclear, and several other factors such as genetic susceptibility and the immune system might be of importance. This review is focused on the association of early-life respiratory tract infections and the microbiome with wheezing, asthma, and lung function, it is possible influencing factors and perspectives for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien R van Meel
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent W V Jaddoe
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Klaus Bønnelykke
- COPSAC (Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Danish Pediatric Asthma Center, Gentofte Hospital, The Capital Region, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johan C de Jongste
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth Duijts
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Tang S, Wang M, Germ KE, Du HM, Sun WJ, Gao WM, Mayer GD. Health implications of engineered nanoparticles in infants and children. World J Pediatr 2015; 11:197-206. [PMID: 26253410 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-015-0028-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nanotechnology boom and the ability to manufacture novel nanomaterials have led to increased production and use of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs). However, the increased use of various ENPs inevitably results in their release in or the contamination of the environment, which poses significant threats to human health. In recent years, extraordinary economic and societal benefits of nanoproducts as well as their potential risks have been observed and widely debated. To estimate whether ENPs are safe from the onset of their manufacturing to their disposal, evaluation of the toxicological effects of ENPs on human exposure, especially on more sensitive and vulnerable sectors of the population (infants and children) is essential. DATA SOURCES Papers were obtained from PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Literature search words included: "nanoparticles", "infants", "children", "exposure", "toxicity", and all relevant cross-references. RESULTS A brief overview was conducted to 1) characterize potential exposure routes of ENPs for infants and children; 2) describe the vulnerability and particular needs of infants and children about ENPs exposure; 3) investigate the current knowledge about the potential health hazards of ENPs; and 4) provide suggestions for future research and regulations in ENP applications. CONCLUSIONS As the manufacturing and use of ENPs become more widespread, directed and focused studies are necessary to measure actual exposure levels and to determine adverse health consequences in infants and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Tang
- The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, 79416, USA
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7
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Cahenzli J, Köller Y, Wyss M, Geuking M, McCoy K. Intestinal microbial diversity during early-life colonization shapes long-term IgE levels. Cell Host Microbe 2014; 14:559-70. [PMID: 24237701 PMCID: PMC4049278 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2013.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 399] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Revised: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Microbial exposure following birth profoundly impacts mammalian immune system development. Microbiota alterations are associated with increased incidence of allergic and autoimmune disorders with elevated serum IgE as a hallmark. The previously reported abnormally high serum IgE levels in germ-free mice suggests that immunoregulatory signals from microbiota are required to control basal IgE levels. We report that germ-free mice and those with low-diversity microbiota develop elevated serum IgE levels in early life. B cells in neonatal germ-free mice undergo isotype switching to IgE at mucosal sites in a CD4 T-cell- and IL-4-dependent manner. A critical level of microbial diversity following birth is required in order to inhibit IgE induction. Elevated IgE levels in germ-free mice lead to increased mast-cell-surface-bound IgE and exaggerated oral-induced systemic anaphylaxis. Thus, appropriate intestinal microbial stimuli during early life are critical for inducing an immunoregulatory network that protects from induction of IgE at mucosal sites. Germ-free and mice with low-diversity microbiota develop high serum IgE levels B cells in germ-free mice undergo IgE class switch recombination at mucosal sites A diverse microbiota early in life is required to inhibit IgE induction Hyper IgE in germ-free mice leads to exaggerated oral-induced systemic anaphylaxis
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Cahenzli
- Maurice Müller Laboratories (DKF), Universitätsklinik für Viszerale Chirurgie und Medizin Inselspital, Murtenstrasse 35, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yasmin Köller
- Maurice Müller Laboratories (DKF), Universitätsklinik für Viszerale Chirurgie und Medizin Inselspital, Murtenstrasse 35, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Madeleine Wyss
- Maurice Müller Laboratories (DKF), Universitätsklinik für Viszerale Chirurgie und Medizin Inselspital, Murtenstrasse 35, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Markus B. Geuking
- Maurice Müller Laboratories (DKF), Universitätsklinik für Viszerale Chirurgie und Medizin Inselspital, Murtenstrasse 35, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kathy D. McCoy
- Maurice Müller Laboratories (DKF), Universitätsklinik für Viszerale Chirurgie und Medizin Inselspital, Murtenstrasse 35, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Corresponding author
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Finkelman FD. Diesel exhaust particle exposure during pregnancy promotes development of asthma and atopy. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2014; 134:73-4. [PMID: 24835501 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fred D Finkelman
- Department of Medicine, Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio; Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.
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Heller MC, Lee-Fowler TM, Liu H, Cohn LA, Reinero CR. Neonatal aerosol exposure to Bermuda grass allergen prevents subsequent induction of experimental allergic feline asthma: evidence for establishing early immunologic tolerance. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2014; 160:20-5. [PMID: 24704287 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2014.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Allergic asthma is increasing in industrialized countries, especially in children. Rodent and human studies suggest an opportunity to "prevent" asthma in the perinatal period. The aims of this study were to create a more "natural" model of feline asthma by exposing offspring of asthmatic queens to Bermuda grass allergen (BGA) by inhalation only, and to investigate maternal-fetal-infant interactions in the development of asthma. Kittens from asthmatic queens were divided into four groups: maternal exposure to aerosolized BGA during the third trimester, neonatal exposure to aerosolized BGA in the first three months of life, both maternal and neonatal exposure, or saline control. Kittens failing to achieve an asthmatic phenotype based on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis by 6 months underwent traditional sensitization: adjuvanted allergen injection, intranasal allergen, and aerosol challenges. BALF was collected at 3, 4 and 6 months, and after sensitization at 8 months, and analyzed for eosinophil counts and BGA-specific IgG and IgA. Intradermal testing (IDT) was performed at 6 and 7 months. At six months none of the kittens had airway eosinophilia, BGA-specific IgG or IgA, and were non-responsive to IDT. After sensitization, kittens receiving neonatal aerosolization failed to develop airway eosinophilia as seen in the controls. Kittens exposed to BGA aerosols, either in-utero or neonatally, continued to lack IDT response. Chronic exposure to BGA aerosols failed to induce asthma in kittens, and instead tolerized the kittens to BGA. This is the first evidence that neonatal intervention could potentially "prevent" allergic asthma in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Heller
- Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.
| | - T M Lee-Fowler
- Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, United States.
| | - H Liu
- Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.
| | - L A Cohn
- Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.
| | - C R Reinero
- Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.
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Molecular and Physiological Determinants of Pulmonary Developmental Biology: a Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.12691/ajbr-1-1-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Choi WJ, Um IY, Hong S, Yum HY, Kim H, Kwon H. Association between Household Income and Asthma Symptoms among Elementary School Children in Seoul. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND TOXICOLOGY 2012; 27:e2012020. [PMID: 23256089 PMCID: PMC3524452 DOI: 10.5620/eht.2012.27.e2012020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examined the association between socioeconomic factors and asthma symptoms. METHODS A total of 6,919 elementary school children in Seoul were enrolled in the study. Data were obtained from a web-based questionnaire survey. The questionnaire was based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood core module. The prevalence of wheeze in the past 12 months and severe asthma symptoms were obtained. The potential risk factors for asthma symptoms included household income and the number of siblings. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the risk factors of asthma symptoms. RESULTS The prevalence of current wheeze (wheeze in the past 12 months) was 5.2%. Household income and asthma symptoms were inversely associated after adjusting for other potential risk factors (p for trend=0.03). This association was modified by the number of siblings. With two or more siblings, the effect of household income on asthma symptoms was not significant. However, low household income was still a significant variable for patients with fewer than two siblings (OR 1.41; 95% CI, 1.09-1.81). CONCLUSIONS It appears that childhood asthma disparity is dependent on household income. Therefore, policies to improve childhood health inequities should be emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Jun Choi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - In-Yong Um
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Soyoung Hong
- Atopy Research Institute, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Yung Yum
- Atopy Asthma Center, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyunjung Kim
- Atopy Research Institute, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
- Atopy Asthma Center, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hojang Kwon
- Atopy Research Institute, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
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12
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13
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Belderbos ME, Houben ML, van Bleek GM, Schuijff L, van Uden NOP, Bloemen-Carlier EM, Kimpen JLL, Eijkemans MJC, Rovers M, Bont LJ. Breastfeeding modulates neonatal innate immune responses: a prospective birth cohort study. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012; 23:65-74. [PMID: 22103307 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2011.01230.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal Toll-like receptor (TLR) responses are biased toward Th2-polarizing responses at birth and rapidly mature toward more balanced responses during the first month of life. Postnatal TLR maturation may be guided by environmental exposure. AIMS To determine the environmental determinants of neonatal TLR function. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective birth cohort study was performed in 291 healthy term neonates. Mode of delivery, breastfeeding, birth month, siblings, pets and parental smoking were analyzed in relation to neonatal innate immune parameters at the age of 1 month. Whole blood concentrations of innate immune cells were measured by flow cytometry. In vitro TLR-mediated cytokine production was determined by ELISA. RESULTS Breastfeeding was the major determinant of neonatal innate immunity, associated with 5 (31%) of neonatal innate immune parameters, of which the association with TLR7-mediated IL-10 production was most significant (76 pg/ml in breastfed neonates vs. 293 pg/ml in formula-fed neonates, p = 0.001). Of innate immune variables, TLR3-mediated IL-12p70 production was highly associated with environmental exposures (pets, breastfeeding and mode of delivery), whereas TLR9-mediated cytokine responses were not associated with any environmental factor. CONCLUSION Neonatal innate immune responses are differentially modulated by environmental exposure in the first month of life. The protective effect of breastfeeding against subsequent infections and atopy might be explained by its innate immune modulatory effects in the first month of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Belderbos
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Vargas C, Bustos P, Diaz PV, Amigo H, Rona RJ. Childhood environment and atopic conditions, with emphasis on asthma in a Chilean agricultural area. J Asthma 2008; 45:73-8. [PMID: 18259999 DOI: 10.1080/02770900701752540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An explanation of the etiology of atopic conditions based on the hygiene hypothesis remains controversial. OBJECTIVE To analyze exposure variables in childhood to assess their impact on hay fever, asthma, and sensitization. METHODS Data were collected on 1,232 young Chilean adults born between 1974 and 1978. Information was available on consultations for infections early in life, number of siblings, sharing a bedroom, nursery school attendance, and contact with animals in the first 5 years of life. Information on asthma symptoms and rhinitis were obtained from a standardized questionnaire. Sensitization to eight allergens and bronchial hyper responsiveness (BHR) to methacholine were assessed. The study design was non-concurrent longitudinal for infectious episodes and nutritional status in the first year and cross-sectional for the other outcomes. RESULTS Number of siblings was associated with sensitization only (p = 0.0048). Nursery school attendance was negatively associated with positive BHR (odds ratio (OR) 0.54, 95% CI 0.30-0.95). A severe respiratory infection early in life was protective of sensitization and wheeze combined (OR 0.29, 95%CI 0.12-0.74). Contact with dogs in the first year was a protective factor of rhinitis (OR 0.47, 95%CI 0.28-0.80), but contact with poultry and cats early in life increased the risk of rhinitis (OR 1.42, 95%CI 1.06-1.88; 1.82, 95%CI 1.06-3.14). CONCLUSION The pattern of associations between environmental exposure in early life and atopic conditions was inconsistent. The significant associations were evenly distributed as protective and risk factors of atopic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Vargas
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Chile
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Duramad P, Tager IB, Holland NT. Cytokines and other immunological biomarkers in children's environmental health studies. Toxicol Lett 2007; 172:48-59. [PMID: 17624696 PMCID: PMC2047341 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2007.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Environmental exposures (e.g. pesticides, air pollution, and environmental tobacco smoke) during prenatal and early postnatal development have been linked to a growing number of childhood diseases including allergic disorders and leukemia. Because the immune response plays a critical role in each of these diseases, it is important to study the effects of toxicants on the developing immune system. Children's unique susceptibility to environmental toxicants has become an important focus of the field of immunotoxicology and the use of immune biomarkers in molecular epidemiology of children's environmental health is a rapidly expanding field of research. In this review, we discuss how markers of immune status and immunotoxicity are being applied to pediatric studies, with a specific focus on the various methods used to analyze T-helper-1/2 (Th1/Th2) cytokine profiles. Furthermore, we review recent data on the effects of children's environmental exposures to volatile organic compounds, metals, and pesticides on Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles and the associations of Th1/Th2 profiles with adverse health outcomes such as pediatric respiratory diseases, allergies, cancer and diabetes. Although cytokine profiles are increasingly used in children's studies, there is still a need to acquire distribution data for different ages and ethnic groups of healthy children. These data will contribute to the validation and standardization of cytokine biomarkers for future studies. Application of immunological markers in epidemiological studies will improve the understanding of mechanisms that underlie associations between environmental exposures and immune-mediated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paurene Duramad
- Children's Environmental Health Center, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley CA 94720-7360
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston CA 02115
| | - Ira B. Tager
- Children's Environmental Health Center, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley CA 94720-7360
| | - Nina T. Holland
- Children's Environmental Health Center, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley CA 94720-7360
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Penn AL, Rouse RL, Horohov DW, Kearney MT, Paulsen DB, Lomax L. In utero exposure to environmental tobacco smoke potentiates adult responses to allergen in BALB/c mice. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2007; 115:548-55. [PMID: 17450223 PMCID: PMC1852677 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.9780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2006] [Accepted: 01/04/2007] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal stress has been linked to adult atherosclerosis, obesity, and diabetes. Epidemiology studies have associated fetal exposure to maternal smoking and postnatal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) with increased asthma risk. OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis, in a mouse model of asthma, that in utero ETS exposure alters airway function and respiratory immune responses in adults. METHODS Pregnant Balb/c mice were exposed daily to ETS or HEPA-filtered air (AIR). Offspring inhaled aerosolized ovalbumin (OVA) or saline in weeks 7-8. Regardless of whether they inhaled OVA or saline, mice were sensitized by OVA injections in weeks 11 and 13 followed by OVA aerosol challenge in weeks 14-15. At three time points, we assessed OVA-specific serum immunoglobins, bronchoalveolar lavage cells and cytokines, lung and nasal histopathology, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). RESULTS At 6 weeks, we found no significant differences between in utero ETS and AIR mice. At 10 weeks, following OVA aerosol, ETS mice displayed greater AHR than AIR mice (alpha = 0.05), unaccompanied by changes in histopathology, cytokine profile, or antibody levels. At 15 weeks, mice that had inhaled saline in weeks 7-8 developed airway inflammation: eosinophilia (alpha = 0.05), interleukin-5 (alpha = 0.05), and AHR (alpha = 0.05) were greater in ETS mice than in AIR mice. Mice that had inhaled OVA in weeks 7-8 demonstrated no airway inflammation after sensitization and challenge. CONCLUSION In utero ETS exposure exacerbates subsequent adult responses to initial allergen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur L Penn
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
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17
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Duramad P, Harley K, Lipsett M, Bradman A, Eskenazi B, Holland NT, Tager IB. Early environmental exposures and intracellular Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles in 24-month-old children living in an agricultural area. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2006; 114:1916-22. [PMID: 17185285 PMCID: PMC1764130 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.9306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children who reside in agricultural settings are potentially exposed to higher levels of organophosphate (OP) pesticides, endotoxin, and allergens than their urban counterparts. Endotoxin and allergens stimulate maturation of the immune response in early childhood, but little is known about the effect of exposures to OPs or to the three combined. OBJECTIVES In this study, we investigated the relationships between these exposures and T-helper 1 (Th1) and T-helper 2 (Th2) cytokines, biomarkers of allergic asthma, in the subjects of CHAMACOS (Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas), a longitudinal birth cohort in Salinas Valley, California. Exposures were ascertained by interviewer-administered questionnaires and by home visits, and clinical diagnoses were abstracted from medical records. Blood samples were collected at 12 and 24 months of age and analyzed for Th1/Th2 status by flow cytometric detection of intracellular interferon-gamma/interleukin-4 cytokine expression. FINDINGS Mean Th2 levels were significantly higher in children with doctor-diagnosed asthma and children with wheezing at 2 years of age. In a multiple linear regression model, exclusive breast-feeding at 1 month and pet ownership were associated with 35.3% (p < 0.01) and 34.5% (p = 0.01) increases in Th1, respectively. Maternal agricultural work and presence of gas stove in the home were associated with a 25.9% increase (p = 0.04) and 46.5% increase (p < 0.01) in Th2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Asthma and wheeze outcomes in children at 24 months of age are associated with elevated Th2 status in children at an early age. Our data further suggest that early exposures to an agricultural environment, breast-feeding, pets, and gas stoves affect the development of children's Th1/Th2 immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paurene Duramad
- Center for Children’s Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Kim Harley
- Center for Children’s Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Michael Lipsett
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Asa Bradman
- Center for Children’s Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Brenda Eskenazi
- Center for Children’s Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Nina T. Holland
- Center for Children’s Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
- Address correspondence to N.T. Holland, 759 University Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-7460 USA. Telelphone: (510) 643-5427. Fax: (510) 643-5426. E-mail:
| | - Ira B. Tager
- Center for Children’s Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
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Sun HL, Chou MC, Lue KH. The relationship of air pollution to ED visits for asthma differ between children and adults. Am J Emerg Med 2006; 24:709-13. [PMID: 16984840 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2006.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2005] [Revised: 03/03/2006] [Accepted: 03/04/2006] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between air pollution and asthma exacerbation in children and adults. Pearson analysis was used to establish correlations between air pollutants-sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, and particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 microm or less (PM(10))--and ED visits for asthma in 2004. Among children, there were significant positive correlations between nitrogen dioxide (r = 0.72), carbon monoxide (r = 0.65), and PM(10) (r = 0.63) and ED visits for asthma. Among adults, only weakly positive, non significant correlations between all air pollution measures and ED visits for asthma were found. This study suggests that air pollution plays a role in acute exacerbation of asthma in children but not in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Lun Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 402, Taiwan
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Abstract
Aerosols as end products of ambient indoor and outdoor pollution have some potential harmful effect. Children are especially at risk due to their developing organ systems. This is mainly true for the lungs, but may also be true for other organ systems, such as the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes H Wildhaber
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, University Children's Hospital, Steinwiesstrasse 75, CH-8032 Zürich, Switzerland.
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20
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Joseph CLM, Havstad S, Ownby DR, Peterson EL, Maliarik M, McCabe MJ, Barone C, Johnson CC. Blood lead level and risk of asthma. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2005; 113:900-4. [PMID: 16002380 PMCID: PMC1257653 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.7453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2004] [Accepted: 03/03/2005] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Asthma and lead poisoning are prevalent among urban children in the United States. Lead exposure may be associated with excessive production of immunoglobulin E, possibly increasing asthma risk and contributing to racial disparities. The objective of this study was to examine racial differences in the association of blood lead level (BLL) to risk of developing asthma. We established and followed a cohort prospectively to determine asthma onset, using patient encounters and drug claims obtained from hospital databases. Participants were managed care enrollees with BLL measured and documented at 1-3 years of age. We used multiple variable analysis techniques to determine the relationship of BLL to period prevalent and incident asthma. Of the 4,634 children screened for lead from 1995 through 1998, 69.5% were African American, 50.5% were male, and mean age was 1.2 years. Among African Americans, BLL > or = 5 and BLL > or = 10 microg/dL were not associated with asthma. The association of BLL > or = 5 microg/dL with asthma among Caucasians was slightly elevated, but not significant [adjusted hazard ratio (adjHR) = 1.4; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.7-2.9; p = 0.40]. Despite the small number of Caucasians with high BLL, the adjHR increased to 2.7 (95% CI, 0.9-8.1; p = 0.09) when more stringent criteria for asthma were used. When compared with Caucasians with BLL < 5 microg/dL, African Americans were at a significantly increased risk of asthma regardless of BLL (adjHR = 1.4-3.0). We conclude that an effect of BLL on risk of asthma for African Americans was not observed. These results demonstrate the need for further exploration of the complex interrelationships between race, asthma phenotype, genetic susceptibilities, and socioenvironmental exposures, including lead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine L M Joseph
- Department of Biostatistics and Research Epidemiology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA.
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Trasande L, Thurston GD. The role of air pollution in asthma and other pediatric morbidities. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2005; 115:689-99. [PMID: 15805986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2005.01.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A growing body of research supports the role of outdoor air pollutants in acutely aggravating chronic diseases in children, and suggests that the pollutants may have a role in the development of these diseases. This article reviews the biologic basis of children's unique vulnerability to highly prevalent outdoor air pollutants, with a special focus on ozone, respirable particulate matter (PM 2.5 [<2.5 microm in diameter] and PM 10 [<10 microm in diameter]), lead, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides. We also summarize understanding regarding health effects and molecular mechanisms of action. Practitioners can significantly reduce morbidity in children and other vulnerable populations by advising families to minimize pollutant exposures to children with asthma, or at a broader level by educating policymakers about the need to act to reduce pollutant emissions. Management of children with asthma must expand beyond preventing exposures to agents that directly cause allergic reactions (and therefore can be diagnosed by means of skin tests) and must focus more attention on agents that cause a broad spectrum of nonspecific, generalized inflammation, such as air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, Center for Children's Health and the Environment, New York, NY, USA
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Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are leukocytes that are emerging as chief orchestrators of immune responses. The crucial task of DCs is the continuous surveillance of antigen-exposed sites throughout the body, and their unique responsibility is to decide whether to present sampled antigen in an immunogenic or tolerogenic way. Any misstep can either lead to a flawed immune defense or to allergy, even autoimmunity. It comes as no surprise that the lungs become increasingly the subject of DC-related investigations, as they represent a vast interface between the body and the outer world. This constitutes an enormous challenge for the immune system: "firing up" immune responses inappropriately could have devastating results for the fragile gas exchange structures. Evidence accumulates that DCs play a pivotal role in maintaining the delicate balance between tolerance and active immune response in our respiratory system. The exponentially growing body of DC-related publications is a big challenge. This article aims to provide researchers and clinicians with an up-to-date view on DC biology and its relevance to pulmonary medicine. A developing trend in the field of DCs is the shift from fundamental immunologic research toward exciting clinical insights and applications. For the pulmonary clinician, this heralds the dawn of promising therapies in various domains such as infections, allergy, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Vermaelen
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Ghent University Hospital, 7K12ie, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent B-9000, Belgium.
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23
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Holsapple MP, Paustenbach DJ, Charnley G, West LJ, Luster MI, Dietert RR, Burns-Naas LA. Symposium summary: children's health risk--what's so special about the developing immune system? Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2004; 199:61-70. [PMID: 15289091 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2004.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2004] [Accepted: 03/02/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been increasing regulatory pressure to protect the health of children, with the basic tenet being that children differ significantly from adults in their biological or physiological responses to chemical exposures. In a regulatory context, this has been translated to mean a requirement for an additional 10-fold safety factor for environmental contaminants, specialized tests, or both. Much of the initial focus has been on the developing endocrine and nervous systems; but increasingly, the developing immune system has been identified as a potential target organ for chemically mediated toxicity. More recently, the question has been raised regarding whether the current state of science supports the creation of developmental immunotoxicology (DIT) test guidelines. What is needed is a risk-based evaluation of the biology associated with the proposed differential sensitivity between children and adults and the impact of that assessment on additional regulatory measures to protect children in risk assessment analyses. Additionally, an understanding of whether the developing immune system shows greater susceptibility, either qualitatively or quantitatively, to chemical perturbation is critical. To address the question "What's so special about the developing immune system?" a symposium was organized for the 2003 Society of Toxicology annual meeting that brought together risk assessors, clinicians, immunologists, and toxicologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Holsapple
- ILSI Health and Environmental Sciences Institute, Washington, DC 20005-5802, USA.
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24
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King C, Ilic A, Koelsch K, Sarvetnick N. Homeostatic expansion of T cells during immune insufficiency generates autoimmunity. Cell 2004; 117:265-77. [PMID: 15084263 DOI: 10.1016/s0092-8674(04)00335-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 508] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2003] [Revised: 02/10/2004] [Accepted: 02/13/2004] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
During illness and stress, the immune system can suffer a considerable loss of T cells (lymphopenia). The remaining T cells undergo vigorous compensatory expansion, known as homeostatic proliferation, to reconstitute the immune system. Interestingly, human diseases of autoimmune etiology often present with immune deficiencies such as lymphopenia. In this study, we show that reduced T cell numbers and the resulting exaggerated homeostatic-type proliferation of T cells generate autoimmunity. The cycling T cell population is short lived, and the depleted memory compartment fuels the generation of new effector T cells. A catalyst for these phenomena is the increased responses to the cytokine IL-21, a mediator that regulates T cell turnover. We conclude that poor T cell survival and lymphopenia precipitate autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecile King
- Department of Immunology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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25
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Abstract
Children’s exposure to air pollution is a special concern because their immune system and lungs are not fully developed when exposure begins, raising the possibility of different responses than seen in adults. In addition, children spend more time outside, where the concentrations of pollution from traffic, powerplants, and other combustion sources are generally higher. Although air pollution has long been thought to exacerbate minor acute illnesses, recent studies have suggested that air pollution, particularly traffic-related pollution, is associated with infant mortality and the development of asthma and atopy. Other studies have associated particulate air pollution with acute bronchitis in children and demonstrated that rates of bronchitis and chronic cough declined in areas where particle concentrations have fallen. More mixed results have been reported for lung function. Overall, evidence for effects of air pollution on children have been growing, and effects are seen at concentrations that are common today. Although many of these associations seem likely to be causal, others require and warrant additional investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, and Channing Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
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26
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Wegienka G, London SJ, Johnson CC, Ownby DR. Interpregnancy interval might affect the risk of childhood atopy. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2004; 113:169-71. [PMID: 14713924 PMCID: PMC1637040 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2003.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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27
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Abstract
The prevalence of asthma and atopic diseases continues to rise. Genetic factors alone cannot explain this rapid rise and the immunological mechanisms involved are insufficiently explained to allow direct intervention on a population-wide scale. Long-term observational birth cohort studies have provided data on which primary prevention studies are based. This review discusses the "who", "how", "when" and "what" of primary prevention and the experiences to date in prospective intervention cohort studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gore
- North West Lung Research Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Southmoor Road, Manchester M23 9LT, UK.
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28
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Kheradmand F, Rishi K, Corry DB. Environmental contributions to the allergic asthma epidemic. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2002; 110 Suppl 4:553-6. [PMID: 12194885 PMCID: PMC1241204 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.02110s4553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Current data overwhelmingly document the existence of a worldwide asthma epidemic, although individual studies remain controversial. The epidemic is thought to involve primarily persons with allergic asthma, and many diverse theories, based on an immunopathologic understanding of disease, have recently emerged to explain this involvement. In the context of recent insights into the immune basis of experimental asthma, we discuss in this review the leading asthma epidemic theories, including a new theory based on inhaled environmental proteases. Although no single theory may yet be fully embraced, there exists substantial hope that a unifying mechanism for the epidemic will be revealed through additional research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farrah Kheradmand
- Department of Medicine, The Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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29
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Karmaus W, Botezan C. Does a higher number of siblings protect against the development of allergy and asthma? A review. J Epidemiol Community Health 2002; 56:209-17. [PMID: 11854343 PMCID: PMC1732088 DOI: 10.1136/jech.56.3.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To review the "protective" effects of having a higher number of siblings for the risk of atopic eczema, asthma wheezing, hay fever, and allergic sensitisation. METHOD Review of the literature (Medline since 1965 and references). MAIN RESULTS 53 different studies were identified. For eczema, 9 of 11 studies reported an inverse relation with number of siblings; for asthma and wheezing, 21 of 31 reported the inverse association; for hay fever, all 17 studies showed the effect; for allergic sensitisation or immunoglobulin E reactivity 14 of 16 studies supported the "protective" effect of a higher number of siblings. The studies emphasise a "theory" that is based exclusively on epidemiological associations. CONCLUSIONS Research has not yet answered the question of which causal factors explain the sibling effect. Causal factors must meet two criteria; they must vary with sibship size and they must protect against atopic manifestations. The prevailing "hygiene hypothesis" failed to explain the findings adequately. Alternative explanations include in utero programming or endocrine explanatory models. The epidemiology research into siblings and atopic disorders has entered an intellectually challenging phase. Possessing sufficient knowledge about the causal factors might prevent at least 30% of all cases of asthma, eczema, and hay fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Karmaus
- Department of Epidemiology, Michigan State University 48823, USA.
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30
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Karmaus W, Kuehr J, Kruse H. Infections and atopic disorders in childhood and organochlorine exposure. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2001; 56:485-92. [PMID: 11958547 DOI: 10.1080/00039890109602896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The authors investigated whether organochlorine exposure is associated with prevalence of otitis media, pneumonia, pertussis, asthma, and increased immunoglobulin E levels in children. Organochlorine concentrations and histories of infection and atopic manifestation were available for 343 children, and immunoglobulin E levels were available for 340 children. The authors applied logistic and linear regressions and controlled for confounders. In general, the prevalence of infections in children was not related to organochlorine exposure. However, for the combined effect of dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene with polychlorinated biphenyls or hexachlorobenzene, a significantly increased relative risk (odds ratios = 3.70 and 2.38, respectively) was found for otitis media. Exposure to dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene resulted in a significantly higher odds ratio for asthma (odds ratio = 3.71; 95% confidence interval = 1.10, 12.56) and in immunoglobulin E concentrations above 200 kU/l (odds ratio = 2.28; 95% confidence interval = 1.20, 4.31). This is the first study in which dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene has been identified as a substantial risk factor for asthma and for increased immunoglobulin E blood levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Karmaus
- Department of Epidemiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823, USA
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Szépfalusi Z, Loibichler C, Pichler J, Reisenberger K, Ebner C, Urbanek R. Direct evidence for transplacental allergen transfer. Pediatr Res 2000; 48:404-7. [PMID: 10960510 DOI: 10.1203/00006450-200009000-00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Allergies are increasing, and despite deeper insights into the immunologic basis of these diseases, preventive measures are not yet efficient. As the induction of allergic diseases is often triggered in early childhood, perinatal or prenatal preventive strategies would be beneficial. We investigated the transfer of inhalant and nutritive allergens across the human placenta. For this purpose, the maternal side of a placental cotyledon was perfused in vitro with an allergen-containing medium, and a specific ELISA was used to detect the allergens on the fetal side. Both allergens evaluated, birch pollen major allergen Bet v1 and the milk allergen beta-lactoglobulin, could be shown to cross the placenta. The nutritive allergen beta-lactoglobulin was not only transferred across the placenta in all eight experiments, but was also detectable within the first minutes of perfusion. The peak allergen concentration on the fetal side could be increased by addition of human immunoglobulin. For the inhalant allergen Bet v1, transfer was observed in two of 10 placental experiments, and only if human immunoglobulin was added. A pulsatility wave with a frequency of 30-35 min suggested an active transfer mechanism. We conclude that allergens are actively and selectively transferred across the placenta. Therefore, controlled maternal allergen exposure might offer new ways to induce tolerance to specific allergens in the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Szépfalusi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Vienna, Austria
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