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Xu C, Chai D, Zheng P, Qiu R, Pan X, Zhang Y. The Sensitization Differences of Pollen Allergen Components in Patients with Asthma and/or Rhinitis in Southern China. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2024:1-6. [PMID: 38705139 DOI: 10.1159/000538403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aim to analyzed the main pollen allergen components that cause allergic asthma and/or rhinitis and the cross-reactions between the allergen components. METHODS Twenty one allergic rhinitis patients and 23 allergic asthma patients with pollen sensitization from the China Biological Information Repository of Respiratory Diseases were included. All the patients were detected serum pollen allergens components specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) including Betula verrucosa (Bet v 1, Bet v 2, Bet v 4), Quercus alba (Pla a 1, Pla a 2), Ambrosia elatior (Amb a 1), Artemisia vulgaris (Art v 1, Art v 3, Art v 4), Bermuda grass (Cyn d 1, Cyn d 12), Phleum pratense (Phl p 5, Phl p 1, Phl p 4, Phl p 7, Phl p 12), and cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants. RESULTS In patients with asthma, Phl p 4 had the highest positive rate (60.9%), followed by Phl p 1 (43.5%) and Pla a 2 (34.8%), while in patients with rhinitis, Amb a 1 had the highest positive rate (71.4%), followed by Phl p 4 (61.9%) and Pla a 2 (42.9%). Meanwhile, Phl p 1 (43.5%) in asthma patients was higher than that in rhinitis (4.7%, p = 0.03), while Amb a 1 (71.4%) in rhinitis patients was higher than that in asthma (26.1%, p = 0.03). Interestingly, optimal scale analysis show that the severity of both asthma and rhinitis is related to Bet v 4 (Cronbach's Alpha = 95.0%). CONCLUSIONS In general, Phl p 4 is the main allergenic component in pollen sensitized asthma patients, while Amb a 1 is the main allergenic component in pollen sensitized rhinitis patients. Sensitization to Bet v 4 may lead to more severe symptoms, and this result may be applied in future clinical precise diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Xu
- Jiangxi Medical College, Shangrao, China
- Department of Clinical laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi Medical College, Shangrao, China
| | - Dandan Chai
- Department of Clinical laboratory, ShangRao People's Hospital, Shangrao, China
| | - Ping Zheng
- Department of Urology, Shangrao Municipal Hospital, Shangrao, China
| | - Rongjun Qiu
- Department of Clinical laboratory, ShangRao People's Hospital, Shangrao, China
| | | | - Yaqiong Zhang
- Jiangxi Medical College, Shangrao, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi Medical College, Shangrao, China
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Tegart LJ, Schiro G, Dickinson JL, Green BJ, Barberán A, Marthick JR, Bissett A, Johnston FH, Jones PJ. Decrypting seasonal patterns of key pollen taxa in cool temperate Australia: A multi-barcode metabarcoding analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 243:117808. [PMID: 38043901 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117808] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Pollen allergies pose a considerable global public health concern. Allergy risk can vary significantly within plant families, yet some key pollen allergens can only be identified to family level by current optical methods. Pollen information with greater taxonomic resolution is therefore required to best support allergy prevention and self-management. We used environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to deepen taxonomic insights into the seasonal composition of airborne pollen in cool temperate Australia, a region with high rates of allergic respiratory disease. In Hobart, Tasmania, we collected routine weekly air samples from December 2018 until October 2020 and sequenced the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and chloroplastic tRNA-Leucine tRNA-Phenylalanine intergenic spacer (trnL-trnF) regions in order to address the following questions: a) What is the genus-level diversity of known and potential aeroallergens in Hobart, in particular, in the families Poaceae, Cupressaceae and Myrtaceae? b) How do the atmospheric concentrations of these taxa change over time, and c) Does trnL-trnF enhance resolution of biodiversity when used in addition to ITS2? Our results suggest that individuals in the region are exposed to temperate grasses including Poa and Bromus in the peak grass pollen season, however low levels of exposure to the subtropical grass Cynodon may occur in autumn and winter. Within Cupressaceae, both metabarcodes showed that exposure is predominantly to pollen from the introduced genera Cupressus and Juniperus. Only ITS2 detected the native genus, Callitris. Both metabarcodes detected Eucalyptus as the major Myrtaceae genus, with trnL-trnF exhibiting primer bias for this family. These findings help refine our understanding of allergy triggers in Tasmania and highlight the utility of multiple metabarcodes in aerobiome studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lachlan J Tegart
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Gabriele Schiro
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States.
| | - Joanne L Dickinson
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Brett J Green
- Office of the Director, Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, United States.
| | - Albert Barberán
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States.
| | - James R Marthick
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Andrew Bissett
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Hobart, TAS, Australia.
| | - Fay H Johnston
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia; Public Health Services, Department of Health, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Penelope J Jones
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
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Iddagoda J, Gunasekara P, Handunnetti S, Jeewandara C, Karunatilake C, Malavige GN, de Silva R, Dasanayake D. Identification of allergens in Artocarpus heterophyllus, Moringa oleifera, Trianthema portulacastrum and Syzygium samarangense. Clin Mol Allergy 2023; 21:6. [PMID: 37568224 PMCID: PMC10416484 DOI: 10.1186/s12948-023-00187-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is clinically important to identify allergens in Artocarpus heterophyllus (jackfruit), Moringa oleifera (moringa), Trianthema portulacastrum (horse purslane) and Syzygium samarangense (rose apple). This study included 7 patients who developed anaphylaxis to jackfruit (1), moringa (2), horse purslane (3) and rose apple (1). We sought to determine allergens in the edible ripening stages of jackfruit (tender, mature, and ripened jackfruit) and seeds, edible parts of moringa (seeds, seedpod, flesh inside seedpod, and leaves), horse purslane leaves and ripened rose apple fruit. The persistence of the allergens after cooking was also investigated. METHODS Allergens were identified by clinical history followed by a skin prick test. Protein profiles of plant/fruit crude protein extracts were determined by SDS-PAGE. Molecular weights of the allergens were determined by immunoblotting with patient sera. RESULTS A heat-stable allergen of 114 kDa in A. heterophyllus which is shared among different ripening stages and seeds was identified. Additionally, 101 kDa allergen in boiled tender jackfruit, 86 kDa allergen in boiled seeds and 80 kDa allergen in boiled mature jackfruit were identified. Five heat-stable allergens of 14, 23, 35, 43, and 48 kDa in M. oleifera, 1 heat-stable allergen of 97 kDa in T. portulacastrum, and 4 allergens of 26, 31. 60, and 82 kDa in S. samarangense were identified. CONCLUSION Novel IgE-sensitive proteins of A. heterophyllus, M. oleifera, T. portulacastrum and S. samarangense were identified which would be especially useful in the diagnosis of food allergies. The identified allergens can be used in Component Resolved Diagnostics (CRD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Janitha Iddagoda
- Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
| | - Peshala Gunasekara
- Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Shiroma Handunnetti
- Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Chandima Jeewandara
- Allergy, Immunology and Cell Biology Unit, Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Gathsaurie Neelika Malavige
- Allergy, Immunology and Cell Biology Unit, Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Rajiva de Silva
- Department of Immunology, Medical Research Institute, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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Guidi Nissim W, Castiglione S, Guarino F, Pastore MC, Labra M. Beyond Cleansing: Ecosystem Services Related to Phytoremediation. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1031. [PMID: 36903892 PMCID: PMC10005053 DOI: 10.3390/plants12051031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Phytotechnologies used for cleaning up urban and suburban polluted soils (i.e., brownfields) have shown some weakness in the excessive extent of the timeframe required for them to be effectively operating. This bottleneck is due to technical constraints, mainly related to both the nature of the pollutant itself (e.g., low bio-availability, high recalcitrance, etc.) and the plant (e.g., low pollution tolerance, low pollutant uptake rates, etc.). Despite the great efforts made in the last few decades to overcome these limitations, the technology is in many cases barely competitive compared with conventional remediation techniques. Here, we propose a new outlook on phytoremediation, where the main goal of decontaminating should be re-evaluated, considering additional ecosystem services (ESs) related to the establishment of a new vegetation cover on the site. The aim of this review is to raise awareness and stress the knowledge gap on the importance of ES associated with this technique, which can make phytoremediation a valuable tool to boost an actual green transition process in planning urban green spaces, thereby offering improved resilience to global climate change and a higher quality of life in cities. This review highlights that the reclamation of urban brownfields through phytoremediation may provide several regulating (i.e., urban hydrology, heat mitigation, noise reduction, biodiversity, and CO2 sequestration), provisional (i.e., bioenergy and added-value chemicals), and cultural (i.e., aesthetic, social cohesion, and health) ESs. Although future research should specifically be addressed to better support these findings, acknowledging ES is crucial for an exhaustive evaluation of phytoremediation as a sustainable and resilient technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werther Guidi Nissim
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Castiglione
- Department of Chemistry and Biology “A. Zambelli”, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II n◦ 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Guarino
- Department of Chemistry and Biology “A. Zambelli”, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II n◦ 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Pastore
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Architecture and Urban Studies, Via Bonardi 3, 20133 Milano, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimo Labra
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
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Jones PJ, Koolhof IS, Wheeler AJ, Williamson GJ, Lucani C, Campbell SL, Bowman DJMS, Cooling N, Gasparrini A, Johnston FH. Characterising non-linear associations between airborne pollen counts and respiratory symptoms from the AirRater smartphone app in Tasmania, Australia: A case time series approach. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 200:111484. [PMID: 34116012 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pollen is a well-established trigger of asthma and allergic rhinitis, yet concentration-response relationships, lagged effects, and interactions with other environmental factors remain poorly understood. Smartphone technology offers an opportunity to address these challenges using large, multi-year datasets that capture individual symptoms and exposures in real time. We aimed to characterise associations between six pollen types and respiratory symptoms logged by users of the AirRater smartphone app in Tasmania, Australia. We analyzed 44,820 symptom reports logged by 2272 AirRater app users in Tasmania over four years (2015-2019). With these data we evaluated associations between daily respiratory symptoms and atmospheric pollen concentrations. We implemented Poisson regression models, using the case time series approach designed for app-sourced data. We assessed potentially non-linear and lagged associations with (a) total pollen and (b) six individual pollen taxa. We adjusted for seasonality and meteorology and tested for interactions with particulate air pollution (PM2.5). We found evidence of non-linear associations between total pollen and respiratory symptoms for up to three days following exposure. For total pollen, the same-day relative risk (RR) increased to 1.31 (95% CI: 1.26-1.37) at a concentration of 50 grains/m3 before plateauing. Associations with individual pollen taxa were also non-linear with some diversity in shapes. For all pollen taxa the same-day RR was highest. The interaction between total pollen and PM2.5 was positive, with risks associated with pollen significantly higher in the presence of high concentrations of PM2.5. Our results support a non-linear response between airborne pollen and respiratory symptoms. The association was strongest on the day of exposure and synergistic with particulate air pollution. The associations found with Dodonaea and Myrtaceae highlight the need to further investigate the role of Australian native pollen types in allergic respiratory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope J Jones
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Iain S Koolhof
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Amanda J Wheeler
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia; Mary McKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
| | - Grant J Williamson
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia.
| | - Christopher Lucani
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia.
| | - Sharon L Campbell
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia; Public Health Services, Department of Health, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - David J M S Bowman
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia.
| | - Nick Cooling
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Antonio Gasparrini
- Department of Public Health Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, WC1H 9SH, London, UK; Centre for Statistical Methodology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, WC1H 9SH, London, UK; Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, WC1H 9SH, London, UK.
| | - Fay H Johnston
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia; Public Health Services, Department of Health, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
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Davies JM, Berman D, Beggs PJ, Ramón GD, Peter J, Katelaris CH, Ziska LH. Global Climate Change and Pollen Aeroallergens: A Southern Hemisphere Perspective. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am 2020; 41:1-16. [PMID: 33228867 DOI: 10.1016/j.iac.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Climatic change will have an impact on production and release of pollen, with consequences for the duration and magnitude of aeroallergen seasonal exposure and allergic diseases. Evaluations of pollen aerobiology in the southern hemisphere have been limited by resourcing and the density of monitoring sites. This review emphasizes inconsistencies in pollen monitoring methods and metrics used globally. Research should consider unique southern hemisphere biodiversity, climate, plant distributions, standardization of pollen aerobiology, automation, and environmental integration. For both hemispheres, there is a clear need for better understanding of likely influences of climate change and comprehending their impact on pollen-related health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet M Davies
- School of Biomedical Science, Queensland University of Technology, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia; Office of Research, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia.
| | - Dilys Berman
- Allergy and Immunology Unit, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
| | - Paul J Beggs
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Germán Darío Ramón
- Hospital Italiano Regional DelSur, Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jonny Peter
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, 7700
- PO Box 34560, 7937, South Africa; Allergy and Immunology Unit, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, George Street, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Lewis H Ziska
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Jones PJ, Koolhof IS, Wheeler AJ, Williamson GJ, Lucani C, Campbell SL, Bowman DMJS, Johnston FH. Can smartphone data identify the local environmental drivers of respiratory disease? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 182:109118. [PMID: 32069747 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Asthma and allergic rhinitis (or hay fever) are ubiquitous, chronic health conditions that seasonally affect a sizeable proportion of the population. Both are commonly triggered or exacerbated by environmental conditions including aeroallergens, air quality and weather. Smartphone technology offers new opportunities to identify environmental drivers by allowing large-scale, real-time collection of day-to-day symptoms. As yet, however, few studies have explored the potential of this technology to provide useful epidemiological data on environment-symptom relationships. Here, we use data from the smartphone app 'AirRater' to examine relationships between asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms and weather, air quality and pollen loads in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. We draw on symptom data logged by app users over a three-year period and use time-series analysis to assess the relationship between symptoms and environmental co-variates. Symptoms are associated with particulate matter (IRR 1.06, 95% CI: 1.04-1.08), maximum temperature (IRR 1.28, 95% CI: 1.13-1.44) and pollen taxa including Betula (IRR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02-1.07), Cupressaceae (IRR 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.04), Myrtaceae (IRR 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02-1.10) and Poaceae (IRR 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01-1.09). The importance of these pollen taxa varies seasonally and more taxa are associated with allergic rhinitis (eye/nose) than asthma (lung) symptoms. Our results are congruent with established epidemiological evidence, while providing important local insights including the association between symptoms and Myrtaceae pollen. We conclude that smartphone-sourced data can be a useful tool in environmental epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope J Jones
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Iain S Koolhof
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia; School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia.
| | - Amanda J Wheeler
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia; Mary McKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
| | - Grant J Williamson
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia.
| | - Christopher Lucani
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia.
| | - Sharon L Campbell
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia; Public Health Services, Department of Health, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - David M J S Bowman
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia.
| | - Fay H Johnston
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia; Public Health Services, Department of Health, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
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Gibbs JEM. Essential oils, asthma, thunderstorms, and plant gases: a prospective study of respiratory response to ambient biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). J Asthma Allergy 2019; 12:169-182. [PMID: 31417289 PMCID: PMC6593190 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s193211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Prevailing opinion is that wind-pollinated plants affect asthma negatively and that insect- pollinated ones do not. "Thunderstorm" asthma, too, is attributed to bursting grass pollens. Additional biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) are identified here. Essential oils' BVOCs are inhaled from plants, oil diffusers, candles, room "fresheners", perfumes, and hygiene products. Claims of BVOC "safety" for sensitive respiratory systems are questioned. Methods: Fourteen volunteers, of mixed-age and gender, with seasonal asthma recorded peak expiratory flow (PEF) and 11 symptom scores. BVOCs were collected on Tenax tubes from ambient air in autumn and spring, as were live flower emissions, before and after a thunderstorm. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified frequently occurring BVOCs. Air spora, meteorological, outdoor air pollution variables, and BVOCs predict respiratory symptoms in univariate linear regression models, seasonally. Results: Increased pinene, camphor, linalool, linalyl acetate, benzaldehyde, and benzoic acid predict respiratory symptoms, including reduced PEF, and increased nasal congestion; day length, atmospheric pressure and temperature predict symptoms in both seasons, differently; other variables predict a range of symptoms (0.0001≤p≤0.05). Thunder predicts different BVOC emissions in spring, compared to autumn (p≤0.05). An uncut Grevillea flower emitted linalool and hexenal before a storm; the latter is also emitted from cut grass. Increased nitrogen oxides and pinene in autumn may combine to form harmful oxidation products. Conclusion: This research supports BVOCs as contributors to seasonal asthma and allergic rhinitis, and "thunderstorm" asthma. Pinene emissions from Myrtaceae species (Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Leptospermum, Callistemon), Brassicaceae (canola), and conifers, worldwide, may induce respiratory inflammation and maintain it, by inhibiting eosinophilic apoptosis. Widely used essential oil products containing BVOCs, like linalool, are associated here with respiratory symptoms. Lagged responses suggest that users' cognitive associations between exposure and response are unlikely, increasing potential for impaired health for vulnerable children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane EM Gibbs
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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