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Lee YZ, Kow ASF, Jacquet A, Lee MT, Tham CL. House dust mite allergy in Malaysia: review of research gaps in the current scenario and the way forward. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 91:509-539. [PMID: 37995026 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00857-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of house dust mite (HDM) allergy, especially in Asian countries with rapid urbanization, has been increasing. House dust mites thrive in places with relatively high humidity. With the combination of climate change, naturally high humidity, and urbanization, tropical countries like Malaysia are becoming a hotspot for HDM allergy fast. With a previously reported sensitization rate of between 60 and 80%, it is a worrying trend for Malaysia. However, due to incomplete and out-of-date data, as seen by the limited study coverage in the past, these numbers do not paint a complete picture of the true HDM allergy scene in Malaysia. This review briefly discusses the HDM fauna, the HDM sensitization rate, the common diagnosis and therapeutic tools for HDM allergy in Malaysia, and makes suggestions for possible improvements in the future. This review also highlights the need of more comprehensive population-based prevalence studies to be done in Malaysia, encompassing the three main HDMs-Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, and Blomia tropicalis-as the lack of up-to-date studies failed to give a clearer picture on the current scenario of HDM allergy in Malaysia. Future studies will be beneficial to the nation in preparing a better blueprint for the management and treatment of HDM allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhao Lee
- Office of Postgraduate Studies, UCSI University, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Alain Jacquet
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Ming Tatt Lee
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
- Centre of Research for Mental Health and Wellbeing, UCSI University, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chau Ling Tham
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Malaysia.
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Hong G, Han YK, Yeo MK, Lee BG, Na YC. Development of analytical methods for the determination of 3-hydroxy fatty acids and muramic acid as bacterial markers in airborne particles and settled dust. J Chromatogr A 2023; 1688:463708. [PMID: 36528898 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2022.463708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Inhalation of airborne bacteria in indoor environments is known to be associated with respiratory diseases. Analytical methods for the determination of 3-hydroxy fatty acids (3-OHFAs) and muramic acid (MA) as chemical markers of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, respectively, were developed for airborne particle and dust samples in this study. 3-OHFAs as markers of endotoxin were released and esterified during the hydrolysis process under methanolic acid conditions, and their hydrolysates, i.e., 3-OHFA methyl esters, were cleaned up by solid-phase extraction using silica sorbent that provided more effective separation from interferents than polymeric sorbent through elution pattern. The SPE eluent was analyzed by GC-MS/MS measurement after the trimethylsilylation reaction. The recovery of the method ranged from 82.1 % to 103.2 %, with a limit of detection ranging from 0.5 to 1.1 ng/filter and good linearity (R2 > 0.991). For the analysis of MA, muramic acid methyl ester (MAME), a product formed during methanolic hydrolysis, was selected as a specific marker of peptidoglycan. It was the first proposed compound identified and confirmed with MS and MS/MS spectra using high-resolution measurement. In particular, the measurement of MAME providing 12.5 times greater sensitivity than MA with the application of the LC-MS/MS method is one of the notable findings of this study. The recovery by simple liquid extraction was 99.4 % following the removal of the hydrophobic matrix and neutralization with solvent reconstruction. The method displayed a LOD of 0.7 ng/filter and linearity (R2) of 0.997 through a simple pretreatment process. Both developed methods were applied and evaluated by determining 3-OHFAs and MA in airborne particles collected from multipurpose facilities and settled dust in the laboratory and office.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gieun Hong
- Western Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, 150 Bugahyeon-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03759, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Kyung Han
- Western Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, 150 Bugahyeon-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03759, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Kyeong Yeo
- Department of Applied Environmental Science, Graduate School Kyung Hee University, 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Republic of Korea; Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Kyung Hee University, 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong Gu Lee
- Department of Applied Environmental Science, Graduate School Kyung Hee University, 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Cheol Na
- Western Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, 150 Bugahyeon-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03759, Republic of Korea.
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Isa KNM, Jalaludin J, Hashim Z, Than LTL, Hashim JH, Norbäck D. Fungi composition in settled dust associated with fractional exhaled nitric oxide in school children with asthma. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 853:158639. [PMID: 36089033 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158639] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fungi exposure has been significantly linked to respiratory illness. However, numerous fungi taxa that are potentially allergenic still undocumented and leave a barrier to establishing a clear connection between exposure and health risks. This study aimed to evaluate the association of fungi composition in settled dust with fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels among school children with doctor-diagnosed asthma. A cross-sectional study was undertaken among secondary school students in eight schools in the urban area of Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 470 school children (aged 14 years old) were randomly selected and their FeNO levels were measured and allergic skin prick tests were conducted. The settled dust samples were collected and analysed by using metagenomic technique to determine the fungi composition. The general linear regression with complex sampling was employed to determine the interrelationship. In total, 2645 fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were characterised from the sequencing process which belongs to Ascomycota (60.7 %), Basidiomycota (36.4 %), Glomeromycota (2.9 %) and Chytridiomycota (0.04 %). The top five mostly abundance in all dust samples were Aspergillus clavatus (27.2 %), followed by Hyphoderma multicystidium (12.2 %), Verrucoconiothyrium prosopidis (9.4 %), Ganoderma tuberculosum (9.2 %), and Heterochaete shearii (7.2 %). The regression results indicated that A. clavatus, Brycekendrickomyces acaciae, Candida parapsilosis, Hazslinszkyomyces aloes, H. multicystidium, H. shearii, Starmerella meliponinorum, V. prosopidis were associated in increased of FeNO levels among the asthmatic group at 0.992 ppb (95 % CI = 0.34-1.68), 2.887 ppb (95 % CI = 2.09-3.76), 0.809 ppb (95 % CI = 0.14-1.49), 0.647 ppb (95 % CI = 0.36-0.94), 1.442 ppb (95 % CI = 0.29-2.61), 1.757 ppb (95 % CI = 0.59-2.87), 1.092 ppb (95 % CI = 0.43-1.75) and 1.088 ppb (95 % CI = 0.51-1.62), respectively. To our knowledge, this is a new finding. The findings pointed out that metagenomics profiling of fungi could enhance our understanding of a complex interrelation between rare and unculturable fungi with airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khairul Nizam Mohd Isa
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Environmental Health Research Cluster (EHRc), Environmental Healthcare Section, Institute of Medical Science Technology, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Juliana Jalaludin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Zailina Hashim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Jamal Hisham Hashim
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Life Science, Universiti Selangor, Shah Alam Campus, Seksyen 7, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Science, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
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Fu X, Ou Z, Sun Y. Indoor microbiome and allergic diseases: From theoretical advances to prevention strategies. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH (ONLINE) 2022; 1:133-146. [PMID: 38075599 PMCID: PMC10702906 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of allergic diseases, such as asthma, rhinitis, eczema, and sick building syndrome (SBS), has increased drastically in the past few decades. Current medications can only relieve the symptoms but not cure these diseases whose development is suggested to be greatly impacted by the indoor microbiome. However, no study comprehensively summarizes the progress and general rules in the field, impeding subsequent translational application. To close knowledge gaps between theoretical research and practical application, we conducted a comprehensive literature review to summarize the epidemiological, environmental, and molecular evidence of indoor microbiome studies. Epidemiological evidence shows that the potential protective indoor microorganisms for asthma are mainly from the phyla Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria, and the risk microorganisms are mainly from Bacilli, Clostridia, and Bacteroidia. Due to extremely high microbial diversity and geographic variation, different health-associated species/genera are detected in different regions. Compared with indoor microbial composition, indoor metabolites show more consistent associations with health, including microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), indole derivatives, and flavonoids. Therefore, indoor metabolites could be a better indicator than indoor microbial taxa for environmental assessments and health outcome prediction. The interaction between the indoor microbiome and environmental characteristics (surrounding greenness, relative humidity, building confinement, and CO2 concentration) and immunology effects of indoor microorganisms (inflammatory cytokines and pattern recognition receptors) are briefly reviewed to provide new insights for disease prevention and treatment. Widely used tools in indoor microbiome studies are introduced to facilitate standard practice and the precise identification of health-related targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Fu
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Public Health Detection and Assessment, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zheyuan Ou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
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Sio YY, Chew FT. Risk factors of asthma in the Asian population: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Physiol Anthropol 2021; 40:22. [PMID: 34886907 PMCID: PMC8662898 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-021-00273-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objective An increasing trend of asthma prevalence was observed in Asia; however, contributions of environmental and host-related risk factors to the development of this disease remain uncertain. This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis for asthma-associated risk factors reported in Asia. Methods We systematically searched three public databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) in Feb 2021. We only included articles that reported environmental and host-related risk factors associated with asthma in the Asian population. Random-effect meta-analyses were conducted for frequently reported asthma-associated risk factors to provide an overall risk estimate of asthma development. Results Of 4030 records obtained from public databases, 289 articles were selected for review. The most frequently reported asthma-associated risk factor was the family history of allergy-related conditions. The random-effect asthma risk estimates (pooled odds ratio, OR) were 4.66 (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.73–5.82) for the family history of asthma, 3.50 (95% CI: 2.62–4.67) for the family history of atopy, 3.57 (95% CI: 3.03–4.22) for the family history of any allergic diseases, 1.96 (95% CI: 1.47–2.61) for the family history of allergic rhinitis, and 2.75 (95% CI: 1.12–6.76) for the family history of atopic dermatitis. For housing-related factors, including the presence of mold, mold spots, mold odor, cockroach, water damage, and incense burning, the random-effect pooled OR ranged from 1.43 to 1.73. Other risk factors with significant pooled OR for asthma development included male gender (1.30, 95% CI: 1.23–1.38), cigarette smoke exposure (1.44, 95% CI: 1.30–1.60), cigarette smoking (1.66, 95% CI: 1.44–1.90), body mass index (BMI)–related parameters (pooled OR ranged from 1.06 to 2.02), various types of air pollution (NO2, PM10, and O3; pooled OR ranged from 1.03 to 1.22), and pre- and perinatal factors (low birth weight, preterm birth, and cesarean section; pooled OR ranged from 1.14 to 1.32). Conclusions The family history of asthma was the most frequently reported risk factor for asthma development in Asia with the highest risk estimate for asthma development. This suggests a major role of the genetic component in asthma pathogenesis. Further study on asthma genetics is required to improve the current understanding of asthma etiology. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40101-021-00273-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yie Sio
- Allergy and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Lee Hiok Kwee Functional Genomics Laboratories, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Block S2, Level 5, 14 Science Drive 4, off Lower Kent Ridge Road, 117543, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fook Tim Chew
- Allergy and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Lee Hiok Kwee Functional Genomics Laboratories, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Block S2, Level 5, 14 Science Drive 4, off Lower Kent Ridge Road, 117543, Singapore, Singapore.
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Isa KNM, Jalaludin J, Elias SM, Than LTL, Jabbar MA, Saudi ASM, Norbäck D, Hashim JH, Hashim Z. Metagenomic characterization of indoor dust fungal associated with allergy and lung inflammation among school children. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 221:112430. [PMID: 34147866 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The exposure of school children to indoor air pollutants has increased allergy and respiratory diseases. The objective of this study were to determine the toxicodynamic interaction of indoor pollutants exposure, biological and chemical with expression of adhesion molecules on eosinophil and neutrophil. A self-administered questionnaire, allergy skin test, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) analyser were used to collect information on health status, sensitization to allergens and respiratory inflammation, respectively among school children at age of 14 years. The sputum induced were analysed to determine the expression of CD11b, CD35, CD63 and CD66b on eosinophil and neutrophil by using flow cytometry technique. The particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), NO2, CO2, and formaldehyde, temperature, and relative humidity were measured inside the classrooms. The fungal DNA were extracted from settled dust collected from classrooms and evaluated using metagenomic techniques. We applied chemometric and regression in statistical analysis. A total of 1869 unique of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of fungi were identified with dominated at genus level by Aspergillus (15.8%), Verrucoconiothyrium (5.5%), and Ganoderma (4.6%). Chemometric and regression results revealed that relative abundance of T. asahii were associated with down regulation of CD66b expressed on eosinophil, and elevation of FeNO levels in predicting asthmatic children with model accuracy of 63.6%. Meanwhile, upregulation of CD11b expressed on eosinophil were associated with relative abundance of A. clavatus and regulated by PM2.5. There were significant association of P. bandonii with upregulation of CD63 expressed on neutrophil and exposure to NO2. Our findings indicate that exposure to PM2.5, NO2, T. asahii, P.bandonii and A.clavatus are likely interrelated with upregulation of activation and degranulation markers on both eosinophil and neutrophil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khairul Nizam Mohd Isa
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Environmental Health Research Cluster (EHRc), Environmental Healthcare Section, Institute of Medical Science Technology, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Juliana Jalaludin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Saliza Mohd Elias
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohammed Abdulrazzaq Jabbar
- Department of Population Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Sungai Long, Bandar Sungai Long, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Shakir Mohd Saudi
- Environmental Health Research Cluster (EHRc), Environmental Healthcare Section, Institute of Medical Science Technology, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Science, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jamal Hisham Hashim
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Life Science, Universiti Selangor, Shah Alam Campus, Seksyen 7, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zailina Hashim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Fu X, Norbäck D, Yuan Q, Li Y, Zhu X, Hashim JH, Hashim Z, Ali F, Hu Q, Deng Y, Sun Y. Association between indoor microbiome exposure and sick building syndrome (SBS) in junior high schools of Johor Bahru, Malaysia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 753:141904. [PMID: 32890872 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a collection of nonspecific syndromes linked with the built environment. The occurrence of SBS is associated with humidity, ventilation, moulds and microbial compounds exposure. However, no study has reported the association between indoor microbiome and SBS. In this study, 308 students were surveyed for SBS symptoms from 21 classrooms of 7 junior high schools from Johor Bahru, Malaysia, and vacuum dust from floor, desks and chairs was collected. High throughput amplicon sequencing (16S rRNA gene and ITS region) and quantitative PCR were conducted to characterize the absolute concentration of bacteria and fungi taxa. In total, 326 bacterial and 255 fungal genera were detected in dust with large compositional variation among classrooms. Also, half of these samples showed low compositional similarity to microbiome data deposited in the public database. The number of observed OTUs in Gammaproteobacteria was positively associated with SBS (p = 0.004). Eight microbial genera were associated with SBS (p < 0.01). Bacterial genera, Rhodomicrobium, Scytonema and Microcoleus, were protectively (negatively) associated with ocular and throat symptoms and tiredness, and Izhakiella and an unclassified genus from Euzebyaceae were positively associated with the throat and ocular symptoms. Three fungal genera, Polychaeton, Gympopus and an unclassified genus from Microbotryaceae, were mainly positively associated with tiredness. The associations differed with our previous study in microbial compounds (endotoxin and ergosterol) and SBS in the same population, in which nasal and dermal symptoms were affected. A higher indoor relative humidity and visible dampness or mould in classrooms were associated with a higher concentration of potential risk bacteria and a lower concentration of potential protective bacteria (p < 0.01). This is the first study to characterize the SBS-associated microorganisms in the indoor environment, revealing complex interactions between microbiome, SBS symptoms and environmental characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Fu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, PR China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dept. of Medical Science, University Hospital, Uppsala University, 75237 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Qianqian Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Yanling Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Xunhua Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | | | - Zailina Hashim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Faridah Ali
- Primary Care Unit, Johor State Health Department, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Qiansheng Hu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yiqun Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China.
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Diversity of Airborne Fungi at Pepper Plantation Lembah Bidong, Kuala Terengganu. BORNEO JOURNAL OF RESOURCE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.33736/bjrst.2683.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Piper nigrum L. is well-known as the king of spices and widely used in various field such as food and medicines. In Malaysia, 98% of pepper production comes from the state of Sarawak. The National Commodity Policy (2011-2020) targets to increase the pepper plantation area from the current 16,331 ha to 20,110 ha by year 2020. However, pepper diseases remain as a major challenge in the pepper industry. A great number of airborne fungi pathogen may contribute to a significant economic loss in pepper production. Therefore, this study aims to morphologically identify the diversity of fungi obtained from air-borne samples in a pepper planation that are capable of causing pepper plant diseases. This experiment was conducted at a pepper plantation near Lembah Bidong, Kuala Terengganu. An Andersen spore sampler was used to collect the fungi spores. Culture based identification were then made. The study resulted in the identification of four genus of fungi such as Fusarium sp, Fusarium semictectum Fusarium oxysporum, Curvularia sp., Penicillium sp. and Trichoderma sp. (Ascomycetes). Further molecular identification will confirm the species of fungal pathogens and more understanding of their population as well as severity.
Keywords: Pepper, Piper nigrum L., air-borne, fungi, Andersen spore sampler
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Mohd Isa KN, Hashim Z, Jalaludin J, Lung Than LT, Hashim JH. The Effects of Indoor Pollutants Exposure on Allergy and Lung Inflammation: An Activation State of Neutrophils and Eosinophils in Sputum. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E5413. [PMID: 32731346 PMCID: PMC7432088 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the inflammation phenotypes following indoor pollutants exposure based on marker expression on eosinophils and neutrophils with the application of chemometric analysis approaches. METHODS A cross-sectional study was undertaken among secondary school students in eight suburban and urban schools in the district of Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia. The survey was completed by 96 students at the age of 14 by using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC) and European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) questionnaires. The fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) was measured, and an allergic skin prick test and sputum induction were performed for all students. Induced sputum samples were analysed for the expression of CD11b, CD35, CD63, and CD66b on eosinophils and neutrophils by flow cytometry. The particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), NO2, CO2, and formaldehyde were measured inside the classrooms. RESULTS Chemometric and regression results have clustered the expression of CD63 with PM2.5, CD11b with NO2, CD66b with FeNO levels, and CO2 with eosinophils, with the prediction accuracy of the models being 71.88%, 76.04%, and 76.04%, respectively. Meanwhile, for neutrophils, the CD63 and CD66b clustering with PM2.5 and CD11b with FeNO levels showed a model prediction accuracy of 72.92% and 71.88%, respectively. CONCLUSION The findings indicated that the exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 was likely associated with the degranulation of eosinophils and neutrophils, following the activation mechanisms that led to the inflammatory reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khairul Nizam Mohd Isa
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (K.N.M.I.); (J.J.)
- Environmental Health Research Cluster (EHRc), Environmental Healthcare Section, Institute of Medical Science Technology, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zailina Hashim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (K.N.M.I.); (J.J.)
| | - Juliana Jalaludin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (K.N.M.I.); (J.J.)
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Jamal Hisham Hashim
- IIGH United Nations University, UKM Medical Centre, Cheras 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia;
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Fu X, Norbäck D, Yuan Q, Li Y, Zhu X, Hashim JH, Hashim Z, Ali F, Zheng YW, Lai XX, Spangfort MD, Deng Y, Sun Y. Indoor microbiome, environmental characteristics and asthma among junior high school students in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 138:105664. [PMID: 32200316 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Indoor microbial diversity and composition are suggested to affect the prevalence and severity of asthma by previous home microbiome studies, but no microbiome-health association study has been conducted in a school environment, especially in tropical countries. In this study, we collected floor dust and environmental characteristics from 21 classrooms, and health data related to asthma symptoms from 309 students, in junior high schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The bacterial and fungal composition was characterized by sequencing 16s rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and the absolute microbial concentration was quantified by qPCR. In total, 326 bacterial and 255 fungal genera were characterized. Five bacterial (Sphingobium, Rhodomicrobium, Shimwellia, Solirubrobacter, Pleurocapsa) and two fungal (Torulaspora and Leptosphaeriaceae) taxa were protective for asthma severity. Two bacterial taxa, Izhakiella and Robinsoniella, were positively associated with asthma severity. Several protective bacterial taxa including Rhodomicrobium, Shimwellia and Sphingobium have been reported as protective microbes in previous studies, whereas other taxa were first time reported. Environmental characteristics, such as age of building, size of textile curtain per room volume, occurrence of cockroaches, concentration of house dust mite allergens transferred from homes by the occupants, were involved in shaping the overall microbial community but not asthma-associated taxa; whereas visible dampness and mold, which did not change the overall microbial community for floor dust, was negatively associated with the concentration of protective bacteria Rhodomicrobium (β = -2.86, p = 0.021) of asthma. The result indicates complex interactions between microbes, environmental characteristics and asthma symptoms. Overall, this is the first indoor microbiome study to characterize the asthma-associated microbes and their environmental determinant in the tropical area, promoting the understanding of microbial exposure and respiratory health in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Fu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dept. of Medical Science, University Hospital, Uppsala University, 75237 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Qianqian Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Yanling Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Xunhua Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Jamal Hisham Hashim
- United Nations University-International Institute for Global Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Community Health, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zailina Hashim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Faridah Ali
- Primary Care Unit, Johor State Health Department, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Yi-Wu Zheng
- Asia Pacific Research, ALK-Abello A/S, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu-Xin Lai
- Asia Pacific Research, ALK-Abello A/S, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Yiqun Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China.
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11
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Abdullah R. Malaysia: country report on children's environmental health. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2020; 35:49-52. [PMID: 31926104 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2019-0077] [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: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Children's environmental health (CEH) has become a main agenda in the National Environmental Health Action Plan (NEHAP) 2019 in Malaysia. Children are affected by exposure to many environmental hazards because they are uniquely vulnerable due to their immature immune systems and organs. This country report aims to review the environmental threats to CEH in Malaysia. There are a few key issues that have been identified, including air pollution, pesticides in food and water pollution. However, air pollution has been recognized as one of the major concerns in CEH, coming from both localized and transboundary sources. The localized sources include traffic-related air pollutants, industrial waste incinerators, land clearing and open burning. In addition, due to the tropical climate, children are exposed to fungal toxins, mycotoxins, endotoxins and allergens from classroom dust. Transboundary pollutants from neighboring countries result in recurring haze episodes in Malaysia, causing a negative impact on public health, especially in children. All in all, improving CEH in Malaysia requires all stakeholders and related agencies to recognize the issue as a problem, to develop a harmonized action plan and to work together to promote the protection of human health, specifically of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozaini Abdullah
- Universiti Putra Malaysia, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Serdang, Malaysia
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12
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Yen YC, Yang CY, Ho CK, Yen PC, Cheng YT, Mena KD, Lee TC, Chen PS. Indoor ozone and particulate matter modify the association between airborne endotoxin and schoolchildren's lung function. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 705:135810. [PMID: 31972944 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, the effect of household airborne pollutants on the association between airborne endotoxin and lung function of schoolchildren is unknown. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to evaluate whether indoor air pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <10 and 2.5 μm (PM10, PM2.5) can modify the association between airborne endotoxin and school children's lung function in a heavy industrial city in Taiwan. METHODS We recruited 120 elementary school-age children in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. Aerosol samples were collected on a filter membrane for 24 h period and then analyzed for endotoxin. Air pollutants were measured for 24 h in living rooms while school children's lung function was measured. The modification of air pollutants on the relationship between airborne endotoxin and children's lung function was estimated after adjusting the gender, age, height, weight, and case-control status. RESULTS We found that both O3 and PM10 concentrations significantly modified the relationships between airborne endotoxin and school children's lung function. Among children living in homes with O3 ≥ 0.01 ppm or PM10 ≥ 62 μg/m3, airborne endotoxin was negatively associated with lung functions, whereas among those living in homes with O3 < 0.01 ppm or PM10 < 62 μg/m3, airborne endotoxin was positively associated with lung functions. CONCLUSIONS The indoor air pollutant concentration of O3 and PM10 modifies the association between airborne endotoxin and school children's lung function.
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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
| | - Chi-Kung Ho
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chun Yen
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Cheng
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Kristina D Mena
- Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, United States
| | - Tzu-Chi Lee
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan; Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, National Taiwan Normal University, 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; Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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13
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Moghtaderi M, Ashraf MA, Teshnizi SH, Nabavizadeh H, Farjadian S, Fereidouni M. The level of allergens in dust samples collected from selected schools in Shiraz, Iran and its asthma-risk implications. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2020; 48:90-94. [PMID: 31477397 DOI: 10.1016/j.aller.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both home and school are important places where children are exposed to various indoor allergens. This study aimed to identify the profile of indoor allergens in schools and its impact on asthma development. METHODS A total of 104 classrooms from 52 schools were selected for dust collection during the fall of 2017. The levels of indoor allergens including dust mite (Der f1, Der p1), cat (Fel d1), cockroach (Bla g1) and mouse (Mus m1) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The diagnosis of asthma was made in all students of the selected classes by the allergist. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. RESULTS Out of 2816 students in the selected classes, 180 students were involved with asthma. Students were mostly exposed to Bla g1 (83.1%), followed by Der f1 (51.5%), Mus m 1 (45.5%), Der p1 (8.9%) and Fel d1 (7.9%) in the dust collected from 101 classrooms. Although levels of all studied allergens in the settled dust of the classrooms were low, there was a relationship between Fel d1 in the classroom dust and development of asthma. CONCLUSION This study showed considerable levels of cockroach allergens in schools. Exposure to cat allergen in our schools played an important role in asthma development; further school-based investigations require evaluating the role of classroom allergen on asthma development.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Moghtaderi
- Allergy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - M A Ashraf
- Allergy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - S H Teshnizi
- Clinical Research Development Center of Children Hospital, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - H Nabavizadeh
- Allergy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - S Farjadian
- Allergy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - M Fereidouni
- Allergy and Immunology Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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Waldron R, McGowan J, Gordon N, McCarthy C, Mitchell EB, Fitzpatrick DA. Proteome and allergenome of the European house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216171. [PMID: 31042761 PMCID: PMC6493757 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The European house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is of significant medical importance as it is a major elicitor of allergic illnesses. In this analysis we have undertaken comprehensive bioinformatic and proteomic examination of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus airmid, identified 12,530 predicted proteins and validated the expression of 4,002 proteins. Examination of homology between predicted proteins and allergens from other species revealed as much as 2.6% of the D. pteronyssinus airmid proteins may cause an allergenic response. Many of the potential allergens have evidence for expression (n = 259) and excretion (n = 161) making them interesting targets for future allergen studies. Comparative proteomic analysis of mite body and spent growth medium facilitated qualitative assessment of mite group allergen localisation. Protein extracts from house dust contain a substantial number of uncharacterised D. pteronyssinus proteins in addition to known and putative allergens. Novel D. pteronyssinus proteins were identified to be highly abundant both in house dust and laboratory cultures and included numerous carbohydrate active enzymes that may be involved in cuticle remodelling, bacteriophagy or mycophagy. These data may have clinical applications in the development of allergen-specific immunotherapy that mimic natural exposure. Using a phylogenomic approach utilising a supermatrix and supertree methodologies we also show that D. pteronyssinus is more closely related to Euroglyphus maynei than Dermatophagoides farinae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Waldron
- Department of Biology, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
- Airmid Healthgroup Ltd., Trinity Enterprise Campus, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jamie McGowan
- Department of Biology, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
- Human Health Research Institute, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Natasha Gordon
- Airmid Healthgroup Ltd., Trinity Enterprise Campus, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Charley McCarthy
- Department of Biology, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
- Human Health Research Institute, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | | | - David A. Fitzpatrick
- Department of Biology, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
- Human Health Research Institute, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
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15
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Segura-Medina P, Vargas MH, Aguilar-Romero JM, Arreola-Ramírez JL, Miguel-Reyes JL, Salas-Hernández J. Mold burden in house dust and its relationship with asthma control. Respir Med 2019; 150:74-80. [PMID: 30961954 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2019.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Some evidences indicate that exposure to molds or their products can be relevant for the loss of asthma control. Thus, we measured the mold burden present inside houses of subjects with asthma, and evaluated its relationship with asthma control. METHODS Markers of asthma control in adult patients residing in Mexico City were evaluated through questionnaires and spirometry. Dust was collected from the patients' houses and its fungal content was determined by mold specific quantitative PCR (MSQPCR) for 36 fungal species. RESULTS Forty-two patients with asthma (12 males, 30 females) with a mean age of 45 years (18-76 years) were included in the study. The level of asthma control measured through the Asthma Control Test ranged from 9 to 25 (mean 20.9). The FEV1/FVC ratio fluctuated from 38 to 106 %predicted (mean, 87.4 %predicted). Associations between mold burden and asthma control differed between males and females. Thus, concentrations of some molds, particularly Aspergillus fumigatus, Aureobasidium pullulans, Stachybotrys chartarum, Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporioides 2, Cladosporium herbarum, and Epicoccum nigrum, were negatively associated with parameters of asthma control in male subjects, but not in female patients. CONCLUSION Our results showed that potential indoor exposure to some molds is associated with less asthma control in male subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Segura-Medina
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, CP 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mario H Vargas
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, CP 14080, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - José Manuel Aguilar-Romero
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, CP 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Luis Arreola-Ramírez
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, CP 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Luis Miguel-Reyes
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, CP 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jorge Salas-Hernández
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, CP 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
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16
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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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17
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Norbäck D, Hashim JH, Hashim Z, Ali F. Volatile organic compounds (VOC), formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) in schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia: Associations with rhinitis, ocular, throat and dermal symptoms, headache and fatigue. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 592:153-160. [PMID: 28319702 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.02.215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This paper studied associations between volatile organic compounds (VOC), formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in schools in Malaysia and rhinitis, ocular, nasal and dermal symptoms, headache and fatigue among students. Pupils from eight randomly selected junior high schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia (N=462), participated (96%). VOC, formaldehyde and NO2 were measured by diffusion sampling (one week) and VOC also by pumped air sampling during class. Associations were calculated by multi-level logistic regression adjusting for personal factors, the home environment and microbial compounds in the school dust. The prevalence of weekly rhinitis, ocular, throat and dermal symptoms were 18.8%, 11.6%, 15.6%, and 11.1%, respectively. Totally 20.6% had weekly headache and 22.1% fatigue. Indoor CO2 were low (range 380-690 ppm). Indoor median NO2 and formaldehyde concentrations over one week were 23μg/m3 and 2.0μg/m3, respectively. Median indoor concentration of toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and limonene over one week were 12.3, 1.6, 78.4 and 3.4μg/m3, respectively. For benzaldehyde, the mean indoor concentration was 2.0μg/m3 (median<1μg/m3). Median indoor levels during class of benzene and cyclohexane were 4.6 and 3.7μg/m3, respectively. NO2 was associated with ocular symptoms (p<0.001) and fatigue (p=0.01). Formaldehyde was associated with ocular (p=0.004), throat symptoms (p=0.006) and fatigue (p=0.001). Xylene was associated with fatigue (p<0.001) and benzaldehyde was associated with headache (p=0.03). In conclusion, xylene, benzaldehyde, formaldehyde and NO2 in schools can be risk factors for ocular and throat symptoms and fatigue among students in Malaysia. The indoor and outdoor levels of benzene were often higher than the EU standard of 5μg/m3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Norbäck
- Uppsala University, Dept. of Medical Science, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Jamal Hisham Hashim
- United Nations University-International Institute for Global Health, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Community Health, National University of Malaysia, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zailina Hashim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400 Serdang, Selagor, Malaysia
| | - Faridah Ali
- Johor State Health Department, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
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18
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Zahradnik E, Raulf M. Respiratory Allergens from Furred Mammals: Environmental and Occupational Exposure. Vet Sci 2017; 4:vetsci4030038. [PMID: 29056697 PMCID: PMC5644656 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci4030038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Furry mammals kept as pets, farm and laboratory animals are important allergen sources. The prevalence of sensitization to furred mammals appears to be increasing worldwide. Several mammalian allergens from diverse species are well characterized with regard to their molecular structure and immunogenicity, and some are already available for component-resolved allergy diagnostics. The distribution of various mammalian allergens has been extensively studied during the past few decades. Animal allergens were found to be ubiquitous in the human environment, even in places where no animals reside, with concentrations differing considerably between locations and geographical regions. This review presents an overview of identified mammalian respiratory allergens classified according to protein families, and compiles the results of allergen exposure assessment studies conducted in different public and occupational environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Zahradnik
- Center of Allergology/Immunology, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Monika Raulf
- Center of Allergology/Immunology, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany.
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Abstract
Furry mammals kept as pets, farm and laboratory animals are important allergen sources. The prevalence of sensitization to furred mammals appears to be increasing worldwide. Several mammalian allergens from diverse species are well characterized with regard to their molecular structure and immunogenicity, and some are already available for component-resolved allergy diagnostics. The distribution of various mammalian allergens has been extensively studied during the past few decades. Animal allergens were found to be ubiquitous in the human environment, even in places where no animals reside, with concentrations differing considerably between locations and geographical regions. This review presents an overview of identified mammalian respiratory allergens classified according to protein families, and compiles the results of allergen exposure assessment studies conducted in different public and occupational environments.
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20
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Padhi BK, Adhikari A, Satapathy P, Patra AK, Chandel D, Panigrahi P. Predictors and respiratory depositions of airborne endotoxin in homes using biomass fuels and LPG gas for cooking. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2017; 27:112-117. [PMID: 26956936 PMCID: PMC5017895 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2016.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have highlighted the presence of endotoxin in indoor air and its role in respiratory morbidities. Burning of household fuels including unprocessed wood and dried animal dung could be a major source of endotoxin in homes. We measured endotoxin levels in different size fractions of airborne particles (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1), and estimated the deposition of particle-bound endotoxin in the respiratory tract. The study was carried out in homes burning solid biomass fuel (n=35) and LPG (n=35). Sample filters were analyzed for endotoxin and organic carbon (OC) content. Household characteristics including temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide levels were also recorded. Multivariate regression models were used to estimate the contributing factors for airborne endotoxin. Respiratory deposition doses were calculated using a computer-based model. We found a higher endotoxin concentration in PM2.5 fractions of the particle in both LPG (median: 110, interquartile range (IQR) 100-120 EU/m3) and biomass (median: 350, IQR: 315-430 EU/m3) burning homes. In the multivariate-adjusted model, burning of solid biomass fuel (β: 67; 95% CI: 10.5-124) emerged as the most significant predictor followed by OC (β: 4.7; 95% CI: 2.7-6.8), RH (β: 1.6; 95% CI: 0.76-2.4), and PM2.5 (β: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.11-0.78) for airborne endotoxin (P<0.05). We also observed an interaction between PM organic carbon content and household fuel in predicting the endotoxin levels. The model calculations showed that in biomass burning homes, total endotoxin deposition was higher among infants (59%) than in adult males (47%), of which at least 10% of inhaled endotoxin is deposited in the alveolar region of the lung. These results indicate that fine particles are significant contributors to the deposition of endotoxin in the alveolar region of the lung. Considering the paramount role of endotoxin exposure, and the source and timing of exposure on respiratory health, additional studies are warranted to guide evidence-based public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijaya Kumar Padhi
- Center for Environmental and Occupational Health, Asian Institute of Public Health, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Atin Adhikari
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, PO Box 8015, Statesboro, Georgia 30460, USA
| | - Prakasini Satapathy
- Department of Biotechnology, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, India
- Regional Medical Research Center, Bhubaneswar, Indian Council of Medical Research, Odisha, India
| | - Alok Kumar Patra
- Center for Global Health and Development, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, USA
| | - Dinesh Chandel
- Center for Global Health and Development, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, USA
| | - Pinaki Panigrahi
- Center for Global Health and Development, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, USA
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Hanson B, Zhou Y, Bautista EJ, Urch B, Speck M, Silverman F, Muilenberg M, Phipatanakul W, Weinstock G, Sodergren E, Gold DR, Sordillo JE. Characterization of the bacterial and fungal microbiome in indoor dust and outdoor air samples: a pilot study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2016; 18:713-24. [PMID: 27213188 PMCID: PMC5015483 DOI: 10.1039/c5em00639b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Environmental microbes have been associated with both protective and adverse health effects in children and adults. Epidemiological studies often rely on broad biomarkers of microbial exposure (i.e. endotoxin, 1 → 3-beta-d-glucan), but fail to identify the taxonomic composition of the microbial community. Our aim was to characterize the bacterial and fungal microbiome in different types of environmental samples collected in studies of human health effects. We determined the composition of microbial communities present in home, school and outdoor air samples by amplifying and sequencing regions of rRNA genes from bacteria (16S) and fungi (18S and ITS). Samples for this pilot study included indoor settled dust (from both a Boston area birth cohort study on Home Allergens and Asthma (HAA) (n = 12) and a study of school exposures and asthma symptoms (SICAS) (n = 1)), as well as fine and coarse concentrated outdoor ambient particulate (CAP) samples (n = 9). Sequencing of amplified 16S, 18S, and ITS regions was performed on the Roche-454 Life Sciences Titanium pyrosequencing platform. Indoor dust samples were dominated by Gram-positive bacteria (Firmicutes and Actinobacteria); the most abundant bacterial genera were those related to human flora (Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium and Lactobacillus). Outdoor CAPs were dominated by Gram-negative Proteobacteria from water and soil sources, in particular the genera Acidovorax, and Brevundimonas (which were present at very low levels or entirely absent in indoor dust). Phylum-level fungal distributions identified by 18S or ITS regions showed very similar findings: a predominance of Ascomycota in indoor dust and Basidiomycota in outdoor CAPs. ITS sequencing of fungal genera in indoor dust showed significant proportions of Aureobasidium and Leptosphaerulina along with some contribution from Cryptococcus, Epicoccum, Aspergillus and the human commensal Malassezia. ITS sequencing detected more than 70 fungal genera in indoor dust not observed by culture. Microbiome sequencing is feasible for different types of archived environmental samples (indoor dust, and low biomass air particulate samples), and offers the potential to study how whole communities of microbes (including unculturable taxa) influence human health.
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Norbäck D, Hashim JH, Markowicz P, Cai GH, Hashim Z, Ali F, Larsson L. Endotoxin, ergosterol, muramic acid and fungal DNA in dust from schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia--Associations with rhinitis and sick building syndrome (SBS) in junior high school students. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 545-546:95-103. [PMID: 26745297 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.12.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This paper studied associations between ocular symptoms, rhinitis, throat and dermal symptoms, headache and fatigue in students by ethnicity and in relation to exposure to chemical microbial markers and fungal DNA in vacuumed dust in schools in Malaysia. A total of 462 students from 8 randomly selected secondary schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, participated (96% response rate). Dust was vacuumed from 32 classrooms and analysed for levels of five types of endotoxin as 3-hydroxy fatty acids (C10, C12, C14, C16 and C18 3-OH), muramic acid, ergosterol and five sequences of fungal DNA. Multiple logistic regression was applied. Totally 11.9% reported weekly ocular symptoms, 18.8% rhinitis, 15.6% throat and 11.1% dermal symptoms, 20.6% headache and 22.1% tiredness. Totally 21.1% reported pollen or furry pet allergy (atopy) and 22.0% parental asthma or allergy. Chinese students had less headache than Malay and Indian had less rhinitis and less tiredness than Malay. Parental asthma/allergy was a risk factor for ocular (odds ratio=3.79) and rhinitis symptoms (OR=3.48). Atopy was a risk factor for throat symptoms (OR=2.66), headache (OR=2.13) and tiredness (OR=2.02). There were positive associations between amount of fine dust in the dust samples and ocular symptoms (p<0.001) and rhinitis (p=0.006). There were positive associations between C14 3-OH and rhinitis (p<0.001) and between C18 3-OH and dermal symptoms (p=0.007). There were negative (protective) associations between levels of total endotoxin (LPS) (p=0.004) and levels of ergosterol (p=0.03) and rhinitis and between C12 3-OH and throat symptoms (p=0.004). In conclusion, the amount of fine dust in the classroom was associated with rhinitis and other SBS symptoms and improved cleaning of the schools is important. Endotoxin in the school dust seems to be mainly protective for rhinitis and throat symptoms but different types of endotoxin could have different effects. The ethnic differences in symptoms among the students deserve further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Science, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Jamal Hisham Hashim
- United Nations University-International Institute for Global Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Community Health, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pawel Markowicz
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gui-Hong Cai
- Department of Medical Science, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Zailina Hashim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Faridah Ali
- Primary Care Unit, Johor State Health Department, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Lennart Larsson
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
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Sircar G, Saha B, Mandal RS, Pandey N, Saha S, Gupta Bhattacharya S. Purification, Cloning and Immuno-Biochemical Characterization of a Fungal Aspartic Protease Allergen Rhi o 1 from the Airborne Mold Rhizopus oryzae. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0144547. [PMID: 26672984 PMCID: PMC4682942 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fungal allergy is considered as serious health problem worldwide and is increasing at an alarming rate in the industrialized areas. Rhizopus oyzae is a ubiquitously present airborne pathogenic mold and an important source of inhalant allergens for the atopic population of India. Here, we report the biochemical and immunological features of its 44 kDa sero-reactive aspartic protease allergen, which is given the official designation 'Rhi o 1'. METHOD The natural Rhi o 1 was purified by sequential column chromatography and its amino acid sequence was determined by mass spectrometry and N-terminal sequencing. Based on its amino acid sequence, the cDNA sequence was identified, cloned and expressed to produce recombinant Rhi o 1. The allergenic activity of rRhi o 1 was assessed by means of its IgE reactivity and histamine release ability. The biochemical property of Rhi o 1 was studied by enzyme assay. IgE-inhibition experiments were performed to identify its cross-reactivity with the German cockroach aspartic protease allergen Bla g 2. For precise characterization of the cross-reactive epitope, we used anti-Bla g 2 monoclonal antibodies for their antigenic specificity towards Rhi o 1. A homology based model of Rhi o 1 was built and mapping of the cross-reactive conformational epitope was done using certain in silico structural studies. RESULTS The purified natural nRhi o 1 was identified as an endopeptidase. The full length allergen cDNA was expressed and purified as recombinant rRhi o 1. Purified rRhi o 1 displayed complete allergenicity similar to the native nRhi o 1. It was recognized by the serum IgE of the selected mold allergy patients and efficiently induced histamine release from the sensitized PBMC cells. This allergen was identified as an active aspartic protease functional in low pH. The Rhi o 1 showed cross reactivity with the cockroach allergen Bla g 2, as it can inhibit IgE binding to rBla g 2 up to certain level. The rBla g 2 was also found to cross-stimulate histamine release from the effector cells sensitized with anti-Rhi o 1 serum IgE. This cross-reactivity was found to be mediated by a common mAb4C3 recognizable conformational epitope. Bioinformatic studies revealed high degree of structural resemblances between the 4C3 binding sites of both the allergens. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE The present study reports for the first time anew fungal aspartic protease allergen designated as Rhi o 1, which triggers IgE-mediated sensitization leading to various allergic diseases. Here we have characterized the recombinant Rhi o 1 and its immunological features including cross-reactive epitope information that will facilitate the component-resolved diagnosis of mold allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurab Sircar
- Division of Plant Biology, Bose Institute (Main campus), 93/1 Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata– 700009, West Bengal, India
| | - Bodhisattwa Saha
- Division of Plant Biology, Bose Institute (Main campus), 93/1 Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata– 700009, West Bengal, India
| | - Rahul Shubhra Mandal
- Biomedical Informatics Center, National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata-700010, West Bengal, India
| | - Naren Pandey
- Department of Allergy and Asthma, Belle Vue Clinic, 9, Dr. U. N. Brahmachari Street, Kolkata—700001, West Bengal, India
| | - Sudipto Saha
- Bioinformatics Centre, Bose Institute (Centenary Building), P 1/12, C. I. T. Road, Scheme–VIIM, Kolkata– 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Swati Gupta Bhattacharya
- Division of Plant Biology, Bose Institute (Main campus), 93/1 Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata– 700009, West Bengal, India
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Norbäck D, Cai G. Dampness, indoor mould, fungal DNA and respiratory health - molecular methods in indoor epidemiology. Clin Exp Allergy 2015; 45:840-843. [PMID: 25881855 PMCID: PMC7162140 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Norbäck
- Department of Medical Science, Occupational and Environmental MedicineUppsala University and Uppsala University HospitalUppsalaSweden
| | - G.‐H. Cai
- Department of Medical Science, Occupational and Environmental MedicineUppsala University and Uppsala University HospitalUppsalaSweden
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Lim FL, Hashim Z, Than LTL, Md Said S, Hisham Hashim J, Norbäck D. Asthma, Airway Symptoms and Rhinitis in Office Workers in Malaysia: Associations with House Dust Mite (HDM) Allergy, Cat Allergy and Levels of House Dust Mite Allergens in Office Dust. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124905. [PMID: 25923543 PMCID: PMC4414577 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A prevalence study was conducted among office workers in Malaysia (N= 695). The aim of this study was to examine associations between asthma, airway symptoms, rhinitis and house dust mites (HDM) and cat allergy and HDM levels in office dust. Medical data was collected by a questionnaire. Skin prick tests were performed for HDM allergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae) and cat allergen Felis domesticus. Indoor temperature and relative air humidity (RH) were measured in the offices and vacuumed dust samples were analyzed for HDM allergens. The prevalence of D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae and cat allergy were 50.3%, 49.0% and 25.5% respectively. Totally 9.6% had doctor-diagnosed asthma, 15.5% had current wheeze and 53.0% had current rhinitis. The Der p 1 (from D. pteronyssinus) and Der f 1 (from D. farinae) allergens levels in dust were 556 ng/g and 658 ng/g respectively. Statistical analysis was conducted by multilevel logistic regression, adjusting for age, gender, current smoking, HDM or cat allergy, home dampness and recent indoor painting at home. Office workers with HDM allergy had more wheeze (p= 0.035), any airway symptoms (p= 0.032), doctor-diagnosed asthma (p= 0.005), current asthma (p= 0.007), current rhinitis (p= 0.021) and rhinoconjuctivitis (p< 0.001). Cat allergy was associated with wheeze (p= 0.021), wheeze when not having a cold (p= 0.033), any airway symptoms (p= 0.034), doctor-diagnosed asthma (p= 0.010), current asthma (p= 0.020) and nasal allergy medication (p= 0.042). Der f 1 level in dust was associated with daytime breathlessness (p= 0.033) especially among those with HDM allergy. Der f 1 levels were correlated with indoor temperature (p< 0.001) and inversely correlated with RH (p< 0.001). In conclusion, HDM and cat allergies were common and independently associated with asthma, airway symptoms and rhinitis. Der f 1 allergen can be a risk factor for daytime breathlessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Lee Lim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zailina Hashim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Salmiah Md Said
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Jamal Hisham Hashim
- United Nations University-International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Community Health, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Uppsala University, Department of Medical Science, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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Scheepers PTJ, de Hartog JJ, Reijnaerts J, Beckmann G, Anzion R, Poels K, Godderis L. Influence of combined dust reducing carpet and compact air filtration unit on the indoor air quality of a classroom. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2015; 17:316-325. [PMID: 25380291 DOI: 10.1039/c4em00506f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Primary schools mostly rely on natural ventilation but also have an interest in affordable technology to improve indoor air quality (IAQ). Laboratory tests show promising results for dust reducing carpets and compact air filtration systems but there is no information available on the performance of these interventions in actual operating classrooms. An exploratory study was performed to evaluate a combination of the two systems in a primary school. Measurements of PM-10 and PM-2.5 were performed by filter sampling and aerosol spectrometry. Other IAQ parameters included black smoke (BS), volatile organic compounds (VOC), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and formaldehyde. Both interventions were introduced in one classroom during one week, using another classroom as a reference. In a second week the interventions were moved to the other classroom, using the first as a reference (cross-over design). In three remaining weeks the classrooms were compared without interventions. Indoor IAQ parameters were compared to the corresponding outdoor parameters using the indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratio. When the classrooms were occupied (teaching hours) interventions resulted in 27-43% reductions of PM-10, PM-2.5 and BS values. During the weekends the systems reduced these levels by 51-87%. Evaluations using the change in I/O ratios gave comparable results. Levels of VOC, NO2 and formaldehyde were rather low and a contribution of the interventions to the improvement of these gas phase IAQ parameters was inconclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul T J Scheepers
- Dept. for Health Evidence, Radboudumc, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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