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de Weger LA, Verbeek C, Markey E, O'Connor DJ, Gosling WD. Greater difference between airborne and flower pollen chemistry, than between pollen collected across a pollution gradient in the Netherlands. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:172963. [PMID: 38705300 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172963] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence in allergic diseases has increased considerably in the past decades. An important trigger of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is the pollen of wind-pollinating plants. This pollen is developed by plants and is released into the air where it gets exposed to environmental influences and air pollution. We investigated the chemical changes to pollen that occur after release from the flower in a rural (Veluwe) and an urban (Amsterdam) site in the Netherlands using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. During the spring/summer of 2020 (during the COVID pandemic) the pollen of nine taxa (Alnus, Betula, Fagus, Fraxinus, Pinus, Plantago, Poaceae, Quercus and Salix) were collected directly from flowers and the air (using a mobile sampler). FTIR spectra were obtained for multiple individual pollen grains for each taxa. The spectra obtained from airborne pollen collected at the rural vs. urban sites did not show any statistical difference. This is possibly a result of a reduced difference in pollutant concentrations between the two sites due to the COVID-19-lockdown measures were in place. However, consistent differences in the FTIR spectra recovered from airborne vs. flower pollen were recorded for all pollen taxa. After the release from the flower the chemical composition of the pollen changed: (i) polysaccharides are converted to monosaccharides; (ii) protein concentration and/or nitration/oxidation level is altered; (iii) lipids are modified and/or reduced in concentration. These changes may alter the allergenicity of the pollen and suggest that further work on the allergenic nature of airborne pollen is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letty A de Weger
- Leiden University Medical Center Department of Pulmonology and Department of Pulmonology and Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Cas Verbeek
- Institute for Biodiversity & Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Emma Markey
- School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David J O'Connor
- School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - William D Gosling
- Institute for Biodiversity & Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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2
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Zettl I, Bauernfeind C, Kollárová J, Flicker S. Single-Domain Antibodies-Novel Tools to Study and Treat Allergies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7602. [PMID: 39062843 PMCID: PMC11277559 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
IgE-mediated allergies represent a major health problem in the modern world. Apart from allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), the only disease-modifying treatment, researchers focus on biologics that target different key molecules such as allergens, IgE, or type 2 cytokines to ameliorate allergic symptoms. Single-domain antibodies, or nanobodies, are the newcomers in biotherapeutics, and their huge potential is being investigated in various research fields since their discovery 30 years ago. While they are dominantly applied for theranostics of cancer and treatment of infectious diseases, nanobodies have become increasingly substantial in allergology over the last decade. In this review, we discuss the prerequisites that we consider to be important for generating useful nanobody-based drug candidates for treating allergies. We further summarize the available research data on nanobodies used as allergen monitoring and detection probes and for therapeutic approaches. We reflect on the limitations that have to be addressed during the development process, such as in vivo half-life and immunogenicity. Finally, we speculate about novel application formats for allergy treatment that might be available in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Zettl
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Clarissa Bauernfeind
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jessica Kollárová
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabine Flicker
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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3
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Venkatesan S, Zare A, Stevanovic S. Pollen and sub-pollen particles: External interactions shaping the allergic potential of pollen. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171593. [PMID: 38479525 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171593] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Pollen allergies, such as allergic rhinitis, are triggered by exposure to airborne pollen. They are a considerable global health burden, with their numbers expected to rise in the coming decades due to the advent of climate change and air pollution. The relationships that exist between pollens, meteorological, and environmental conditions are complex due to a lack of clarity on the nature and conditions associated with these interactions; therefore, it is challenging to describe their direct impacts on allergenic potential clearly. This article attempts to review evidence pertaining to the possible influence of meteorological factors and air pollutants on the allergic potential of pollen by studying the interactions that pollen undergoes, from its inception to atmospheric traversal to human exposure. This study classifies the evidence based on the nature of these interactions as physical, chemical, source, and biological, thereby simplifying the complexities in describing these interactions. Physical conditions facilitating pollen rupturing for tree, grass, and weed pollen, along with their mechanisms, are studied. The effects of pollen exposure to air pollutants and their impact on pollen allergenic potential are presented along with the possible outcomes following these interactions, such as pollen fragmentation (SPP generation), deposition of particulate matter on pollen exine, and modification of protein levels in-situ of pollen. This study also delves into evidence on plant-based (source and biological) interactions, which could indirectly influence the allergic potential of pollen. The current state of knowledge, open questions, and a brief overview of future research directions are outlined and discussed. We suggest that future studies should utilise a multi-disciplinary approach to better understand this complex system of pollen interactions that occur in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Zare
- School of Engineering, Deakin University, VIC 3216, Australia
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Grewling Ł, Ribeiro H, Antunes C, Apangu GP, Çelenk S, Costa A, Eguiluz-Gracia I, Galveias A, Gonzalez Roldan N, Lika M, Magyar D, Martinez-Bracero M, Ørby P, O'Connor D, Penha AM, Pereira S, Pérez-Badia R, Rodinkova V, Xhetani M, Šauliene I, Skjøth CA. Outdoor airborne allergens: Characterization, behavior and monitoring in Europe. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167042. [PMID: 37709071 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167042] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Aeroallergens or inhalant allergens, are proteins dispersed through the air and have the potential to induce allergic conditions such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. Outdoor aeroallergens are found predominantly in pollen grains and fungal spores, which are allergen carriers. Aeroallergens from pollen and fungi have seasonal emission patterns that correlate with plant pollination and fungal sporulation and are strongly associated with atmospheric weather conditions. They are released when allergen carriers come in contact with the respiratory system, e.g. the nasal mucosa. In addition, due to the rupture of allergen carriers, airborne allergen molecules may be released directly into the air in the form of micronic and submicronic particles (cytoplasmic debris, cell wall fragments, droplets etc.) or adhered onto other airborne particulate matter. Therefore, aeroallergen detection strategies must consider, in addition to the allergen carriers, the allergen molecules themselves. This review article aims to present the current knowledge on inhalant allergens in the outdoor environment, their structure, localization, and factors affecting their production, transformation, release or degradation. In addition, methods for collecting and quantifying aeroallergens are listed and thoroughly discussed. Finally, the knowledge gaps, challenges and implications associated with aeroallergen analysis are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Grewling
- Laboratory of Aerobiology, Department of Systematic and Environmental Botany, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Helena Ribeiro
- Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto and Earth Sciences Institute (ICT), Portugal
| | - Celia Antunes
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Health and Human Development & ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | | | - Sevcan Çelenk
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Ana Costa
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Health and Human Development & ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | - Ibon Eguiluz-Gracia
- Allergy Unit, Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Malaga 29010, Spain
| | - Ana Galveias
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Health and Human Development & ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | - Nestor Gonzalez Roldan
- Group of Biofunctional Metabolites and Structures, Priority Research Area Chronic Lung Diseases, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Borstel, Germany; Pollen Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mirela Lika
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Donát Magyar
- National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Pia Ørby
- Department of Environmental Science, Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA) Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - David O'Connor
- School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin D09 E432, Ireland
| | - Alexandra Marchã Penha
- Water Laboratory, School of Sciences and Technology, ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora. 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | - Sónia Pereira
- Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto and Earth Sciences Institute (ICT), Portugal
| | - Rosa Pérez-Badia
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | | | - Merita Xhetani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
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Wu W, Du Z, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Chen S, Ju X, Wu G, Li Z, Sun J, Jiang J, Hu W, Lin Z, Qu Y, Xiao J, Zhang W, Hao Y. The complex role of air pollution on the association between greenness and respiratory mortality: Insight from a large cohort, 2009-2020. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165588. [PMID: 37474059 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165588] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although emerging studies have illuminated the protective association between greenness and respiratory mortality, efforts to quantify the potentially complex role of air pollution in the causal pathway are still limited. We aimed to examine the potential roles of air pollution in the causal pathway between greenness and respiratory mortality in China. METHODS We used data from a community-based prospective cohort of 654,115 participants in southern China (Jan 2009-Dec 2020). We evaluated the greenness exposure as a three-year moving average Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) within the 500 m buffer around the residence. Cox proportional hazards model was applied to estimate the association between greenness and respiratory mortality. Causal mediation analysis combined with a four-way dimensional decomposition method was utilized to simultaneously quantify the interaction and mediation role of air pollution including PM2.5, PM10, or NO2 on the greenness-respiratory mortality relationship. FINDINGS We observed 6954 respiratory deaths during 12 years of follow-up. Increasing NDVI level from the lowest to the highest quartile is associated with a 19 % (95%CI: 13-25 %) reduction in the respiratory mortality risk. For the total protective effect, the proportion attributable to the overall negative interaction between greenness and air pollution (PM2.5, PM10, or NO2) was 2.2 % (1.7-3.2 %), 3.5 % (0.4-3.7 %), or 25.0 % (22.8-27.1 %), respectively. Simultaneously, we estimated 25.5 % (20.1-32.0 %), 49.5 % (32.5-71.9 %), or 1.0 % (0.8-1.2 %) of the total protective association was mediated through a reduction in PM2.5, PM10, or NO2, respectively. INTERPRETATION Increased greenness exposure mitigated respiratory mortality through both the antagonistic interaction and mediation pathway of air pollution (PM2.5, PM10, or NO2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Wu
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health & Center for Health Information Research &Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhicheng Du
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health & Center for Health Information Research &Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health & Center for Health Information Research &Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuqin Zhang
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health & Center for Health Information Research &Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shirui Chen
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health & Center for Health Information Research &Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu Ju
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health & Center for Health Information Research &Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gonghua Wu
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health & Center for Health Information Research &Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqaing Li
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health & Center for Health Information Research &Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health & Center for Health Information Research &Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Peking University Center for Public Health and Epidemic Preparedness & Response, Peking, China
| | - Weihua Hu
- Peking University Center for Public Health and Epidemic Preparedness & Response, Peking, China
| | - Ziqiang Lin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Public Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanji Qu
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianpeng Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wangjian Zhang
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health & Center for Health Information Research &Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yuantao Hao
- Peking University Center for Public Health and Epidemic Preparedness & Response, Peking, China; Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Peking, China.
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6
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Fluhr JW, Stevanovic K, Joshi P, Bergmann KC, Herzog LS, Alwaheed Y, Al Sowaidi S, Zuberbier T. Skin Physiology, Mucosal Functions, and Symptoms Are Modulated by Grass Pollen and Ozone Double Exposure in Allergic Patients. Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2023; 36:195-204. [PMID: 36927995 DOI: 10.1159/000530115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Along with climate changes, we see an increase in allergic symptoms and the number of pollen-allergic patients in many countries. Increased allergic symptoms are associated with an elevated ozone exposure which may be linked by impaired epithelial barrier function. This study aimed to quantify the clinical effect of ozone and pollen double exposure (DE). We tested whether ozone impairs barrier-related skin physiology and mucosal functions under DE with pollen in grass pollen-allergic patients versus healthy controls. METHODS This case-control study included 8 grass pollen-allergic patients and 8 non-allergic healthy subjects exposed to grass pollen and ozone in the GA2LEN pollen chamber, comparing shorter and longer DE duration. Non-invasive skin physiological parameters were assessed, including stratum corneum hydration, skin redness, surface pH, and basal transepidermal water loss as a parameter for epidermal barrier function. The subjects' general well-being, bronchial, nasal, and ocular symptoms were documented. RESULTS Skin physiology tests revealed that DE in allergic patients deteriorates the epidermal barrier function and increases the surface pH and skin redness. DE significantly induced nasal secretion in pollen-allergic versus healthy subjects, which was more pronounced with longer DE. The general well-being was significantly impaired under DE versus pollen or ozone alone, with a negative influence of DE duration. No relevant bronchial symptoms were recorded. CONCLUSION Skin physiology and nasal mucosal symptoms are negatively affected by ozone and grass pollen DE in allergic patients. The negative effects showed, in some parameters, a dose (time)-response relationship. The pH can be regarded as a possible modulatory mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim W Fluhr
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Allergology, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katarina Stevanovic
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Allergology, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Priyanka Joshi
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Allergology, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karl-Christian Bergmann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Allergology, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Leonie S Herzog
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Allergology, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yasmeen Alwaheed
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Allergology, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Shirina Al Sowaidi
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Allergology, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Torsten Zuberbier
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Allergology, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
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Xu F, Tian J, Yang F. House dust mite allergens and nitrated products: Identification and risk assessment in indoor dust. J Environ Sci (China) 2023; 124:198-204. [PMID: 36182131 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Air pollutants can potentially lead to nitration of allergic proteins, thus promoting sensitization of these allergens. However, little is currently known about the nitration status of house dust mite (HDM) allergens. We identified the occurrence of nitrated products of two major HDM allergens Der f 1 and Der p 1 in dust samples collected from college dormitories in eastern China and assessed their associated health risk. The results showed that both non-nitrated and nitrated forms of the two allergens were detected in the dust in the range of non-detected (ND)-10.6, 1.44-15.4, ND-22.4, ND-7.28 µg/g for non-nitrated Der f 1, nitrated Der f 1, non-nitrated Der p 1 and nitrated Der p 1, respectively. The median rates of nitration were determined as 74.0% for Der f 1 and 20.4% for Der p 1 at consideration of one nitration site. Further analysis reveals that the levels of HDM allergens and their nitrated products were found to be generally higher during winter, in dormitories of lower altitude and with female occupants. Furthermore, the calculated risk indexes were at considerably high levels. Our findings suggest that nitrated HDM allergens have already accumulated in the environment at such significant levels and their associated health risk calls for our immediate attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jingyi Tian
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Fangxing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Stawoska I, Myszkowska D, Oliwa J, Skoczowski A, Wesełucha-Birczyńska A, Saja-Garbarz D, Ziemianin M. Air pollution in the places of Betula pendula growth and development changes the physicochemical properties and the main allergen content of its pollen. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279826. [PMID: 36696393 PMCID: PMC9876359 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pollen allergy becomes an increasing problem for humans, especially in the regions, where the air pollution level increases due to the traffic and urbanization. These factors may also affect the physiological activity of plants, causing changes in pollen allergenicity. The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of air pollutants on the chemical composition of birch pollen and the secondary structures of the Bet v1 protein. The research was conducted in seven locations in Malopolska region, South of Poland of a different pollution level. We have found slight fluctuations in the values of parameters describing the photosynthetic light reactions, similar spectra of leaf reflectance and the negligible differences in the discrimination values of the δ13C carbon isotope were found. The obtained results show a minor effect of a degree of pollution on the physiological condition B. pendula specimen. On the other hand, mean Bet v1 concentration measured in pollen samples collected in Kraków was significantly higher than in less polluted places (p = .03886), while FT-Raman spectra showed the most distinct variations in the wavenumbers characteristic of proteins. Pollen collected at sites of the increased NOx and PM concentration, show the highest percentage values of potential aggregated forms and antiparallel β-sheets in the expense of α-helix, presenting a substantial impact on chemical compounds of pollen, Bet v1 concentration and on formation of the secondary structure of proteins, what can influence their functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Stawoska
- Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Krakow, Kraków, Poland
| | - Dorota Myszkowska
- Department of Clinical and Environmental Allergology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jakub Oliwa
- Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Krakow, Kraków, Poland
| | | | | | - Diana Saja-Garbarz
- The Franciszek Górski Institute of Plant Physiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Monika Ziemianin
- Department of Clinical and Environmental Allergology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
- * E-mail:
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Fernández-González M, Ribeiro H, Rodríguez-Rajo FJ, Cruz A, Abreu I. Short-Term Exposure of Dactylis glomerata Pollen to Atmospheric Gaseous Pollutants Is Related to an Increase in IgE Binding in Patients with Grass Pollen Allergies. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:76. [PMID: 36616204 PMCID: PMC9823458 DOI: 10.3390/plants12010076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and tropospheric ozone (O3) in urban and industrial site atmospheres are considered key factors associated with pollen-related respiratory allergies. This work studies the effects of NO2 and O3 on the protein expression profile and IgE binding in patients with grass allergies to Dactylis glomerata pollen extracts. Pollens were collected during the flowering season and were exposed to NO2 and O3 in a controlled environmental chamber. The amount of soluble protein was examined using the Bradford method, and the protein expression profile and antigenic properties were analysed using the immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Our results showed apparent inter-sera differences concerning the number and intensity of IgE reactivity, with the most prominent at bands of 55 kDa, 35, 33, and 13 kDa. In the 13 kDa band, both gases tend to induce an increase in IgE binding, the band at 33 kDa showed a tendency towards a reduction, particularly pollen exposed to O3. Reactive bands at 55 and 35 kDa presented an increase in the IgE binding pattern for all the patient sera samples exposed to NO2, but the samples exposed to O3 showed an increase in some sera and in others a decrease. Regarding the ELISA results, out of the 21 tested samples, only 9 showed a statistically significant increase in total IgE reactivity after pollen exposure to the pollutants. Our study revealed that although airborne pollen allergens might be affected by air pollution, the possible impacts on allergy symptoms might vary depending on the type of pollutant and the patient's sensitisation profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Fernández-González
- Department of Plant Biology and Soil Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain
| | - Helena Ribeiro
- Earth Sciences Institute (ICT), Pole of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fco. Javier Rodríguez-Rajo
- Department of Plant Biology and Soil Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain
| | - Ana Cruz
- Clinical Pathology Service, Immunology Laboratory Vila Nova de Gaia Hospitalar Centre, 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Ilda Abreu
- Earth Sciences Institute (ICT), Pole of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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10
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Davey RL, Mattson EJ, Huffman JA. Heterogeneous nitration reaction of BSA protein with urban air: improvements in experimental methodology. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:4347-4358. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03820-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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11
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The influence of air pollution on pollen allergy sufferers. Allergol Select 2021; 5:345-348. [PMID: 34870078 PMCID: PMC8638356 DOI: 10.5414/alx02284e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A multitude of consequences from global warming and environmental pollution can already be seen for nature and humans. The continuous burning of fossil fuels leads to rising temperatures and rising water levels causing extreme weather phenomena like heat waves and flooding. Increasing levels of air pollution also cause adverse health effects. This is especially important for pollen allergy sufferers because air pollution plays a central role in the interactions between pollen and humans. Today, pollen allergy sufferers are confronted with longer pollen seasons and pollen with potentially increased allergenicity. The effects for pollen allergy sufferers are an increased duration and severity of symptoms. New research results from the Medical University of Vienna prove that out of the most important air pollution parameters (particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone) especially ozone causes increased symptom severity in pollen allergy sufferers during the birch, grass, and ragweed pollen seasons.
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Ščevková J, Vašková Z, Sepšiová R, Kováč J. Seasonal variation in the allergenic potency of airborne grass pollen in Bratislava (Slovakia) urban environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:62583-62592. [PMID: 34212332 PMCID: PMC8248954 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15179-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The Phl p 5 allergen of the plant species Phleum pratense is considered one of the most crucial grass pollen allergenic molecules inducing respiratory allergies. In this study, we evaluated seasonal variation in the concentration of both grass pollen and Phl p 5 allergens as well as the ratio allergen/pollen (pollen potency) in the air of Bratislava during two consecutive years, 2019-2020. These 2 years differed in terms of air pollution, as COVID-19 lockdown in spring 2020 considerably improved air quality in the study area. Air samples were collected using a Hirst-type sampler for pollen detection and the cyclone sampler for aeroallergen detection. In 2020, we observed 80.3% higher seasonal pollen integral, probably associated with the longer pollen season duration, however, 43.6% lower mean daily pollen potency than in 2019. The mean daily pollen value was 37.5% higher in 2020 than in the previous year, while the mean daily allergen value was 14.9% lower in 2020. To evaluate the relationship between the amount of pollen or allergen in the air and selected meteorological factors and air pollution parameters, we used multiple regression analysis. Regarding weather factors, precipitation and relative humidity were significantly associated with pollen and/or allergen concentration, though these associations were negative. Atmospheric pollutants, especially CO, NO2 and O3 were significantly associated with pollen and/or allergen levels. The associations with CO and O3 were positive, while the association with NO2 was negative. Our results indicate that for grasses, an air pollutant that has a significant positive relationship to the ratio of allergen/pollen is nitrogen dioxide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Ščevková
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Botany, Comenius University, Révová 39, 811 02, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Zuzana Vašková
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Botany, Comenius University, Révová 39, 811 02, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Regina Sepšiová
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Genetics, Comenius University, Ilkovičova 6, 842 48, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jozef Kováč
- Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Comenius University, Mlynská dolina, 842 48, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Zhou S, Wang X, Lu S, Yao C, Zhang L, Rao L, Liu X, Zhang W, Li S, Wang W, Wang Q. Characterization of allergenicity of Platanus pollen allergen a 3 (Pla a 3) after exposure to NO 2 and O 3. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 278:116913. [PMID: 33735791 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pollen allergens, widely present in the atmosphere, are the main cause of seasonal respiratory diseases that affect millions of people worldwide. Although previous studies have reported that nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) promote pollen allergy, the specific biological processes and underlying mechanisms remain less understood. In this study, Platanus pollen grains were exposed to gaseous pollutants (NO2 and O3). We employed environmental electron microscopy, flow cytometry, western blot assay, enzyme-linked immunoassay, ultraviolet absorption spectrometry, circular dichroism, and protein mass spectrometry to characterise the subpollen particles (SPPs) released from pollen grains. Furthermore, we determined the immunogenicity and pathogenicity induced by Platanus pollen allergen a 3 (Pla a 3). Our results demonstrated that NO2 and O3 could damage the pollen cell membranes in SPPs and increase the amount of Pla a 3 allergen released into the atmosphere. Additionally, NO2 and O3 altered the structure of Pla a3 protein through nitrification and oxidation, which not only enhanced the immunogenicity of allergens but also increased the stability of the protein. In vivo analysis using an animal model indicated that NO2 and O3 greatly aggravated pollen-induced pneumonia. Thus, our study provides guidance for the prevention of pollen allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Zhou
- School of environmental and chemical engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China; Lab of Plant Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Xingzi Wang
- School of environmental and chemical engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Senlin Lu
- School of environmental and chemical engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
| | - Chuanhe Yao
- School of environmental and chemical engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Luying Zhang
- School of environmental and chemical engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Lanfang Rao
- School of environmental and chemical engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Xinchun Liu
- Institute of Desert Meterorology, China Meteorological Administration, Urumqi, 83002, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Lab of Plant Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Shuijun Li
- Shanghai Xuhui Center Hospital, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Weiqian Wang
- School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, 338-8570, Japan
| | - Qingyue Wang
- School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, 338-8570, Japan
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Idrose NS, Tham RCA, Lodge CJ, Lowe AJ, Bui D, Perret JL, Vicendese D, Newbigin EJ, Tang MLK, Aldakheel FM, Waidyatillake NT, Douglass JA, Abramson MJ, Walters EH, Erbas B, Dharmage SC. Is short-term exposure to grass pollen adversely associated with lung function and airway inflammation in the community? Allergy 2021; 76:1136-1146. [PMID: 32815173 DOI: 10.1111/all.14566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between grass pollen exposure and early markers of asthma exacerbations such as lung function changes and increase in airway inflammation is limited. We investigated the associations between short-term grass pollen exposure and lung function and airway inflammation in a community-based sample, and whether any such associations were modified by current asthma, current hay fever, pollen sensitization, age, and other environmental factors. METHODS Cross-sectional and short-term analyses of data from the Melbourne Atopy Cohort Study (MACS) participants (n = 936). Lung function was assessed using spirometry. Airway inflammation was assessed by fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and exhaled breath condensate pH and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Daily pollen counts were collected using a volumetric spore trap. The associations were examined by linear regression. RESULTS Higher ambient levels of grass pollen 2 days before (lag 2) were associated with lower mid-forced expiratory flow (FEF25%-75% ) and FEV1 /FVC ratio (Coef. [95% CI] = -119 [-226, -11] mL/s and -1.0 [-3.0, -0.03] %, respectively) and also 3 days before (lag 3). Increased levels of grass pollen a day before (lag 1) were associated with increased FeNO (4.35 [-0.1, 8.7] ppb) and also at lag 2. Adverse associations between pollen and multiple outcomes were greater in adults with current asthma, hay fever, and pollen sensitization. CONCLUSION Grass pollen exposure was associated with eosinophilic airway inflammation 1-2 days after exposure and airway obstruction 2-3 days after exposure. Adults and individuals with asthma, hay fever, and pollen sensitization may be at higher risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Sabrina Idrose
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Carlton Vic. Australia
| | - Rachel C. A. Tham
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research Australian Catholic University Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Caroline J. Lodge
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Carlton Vic. Australia
| | - Adrian J. Lowe
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Carlton Vic. Australia
| | - Dinh Bui
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Carlton Vic. Australia
| | - Jennifer L. Perret
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Carlton Vic. Australia
| | - Don Vicendese
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Carlton Vic. Australia
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics La Trobe University Bundoora Vic. Australia
| | - Edward J. Newbigin
- School of BioSciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Vic. Australia
| | - Mimi L. K. Tang
- Allergy and Immunology Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne Vic Australia
- Department of Pediatrics University of Melbourne Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Fahad M. Aldakheel
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences College of Applied Medical Sciences King Saud University Riyadh Saudi Arabia
| | - Nilakshi T. Waidyatillake
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Carlton Vic. Australia
| | - Jo A. Douglass
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy Royal Melbourne Hospital Parkville Vic. Australia
- Department of Medicine University of Melbourne Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Michael J. Abramson
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine Monash University Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Eugene Haydn Walters
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Carlton Vic. Australia
- School of Medicine University of Tasmania Hobart Tas Australia
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Psychology and Public Health La Trobe University Bundoora Vic. Australia
| | - Shyamali C. Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Carlton Vic. Australia
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Cariñanos P, Foyo-Moreno I, Alados I, Guerrero-Rascado JL, Ruiz-Peñuela S, Titos G, Cazorla A, Alados-Arboledas L, Díaz de la Guardia C. Bioaerosols in urban environments: Trends and interactions with pollutants and meteorological variables based on quasi-climatological series. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 282:111963. [PMID: 33465718 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.111963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pollen grains emitted by urban vegetation are the main primary biological airborne particles (PBAPs) which alter the biological quality of urban air and have a significant impact on human health. This work analyses the interactions which exist between pollen-type PBAPs, meteorological variables, and air pollutants in the urban atmosphere so that the complex relationships and trends in future scenarios of changing environmental conditions can be assessed. For this study, the 1992-2018 pollen data series from the city of Granada (southeast Spain) was used, in which the dynamics of the total pollen as well as the 8 main pollen types (Cupressaceae, Olea, Pinus, Platanus, Poaceae, Populus, Quercus and Urticaceae) were analysed. The trend analysis showed that all except Urticaceae trended upward throughout the series. Spearman's correlations with meteorological variables showed that, in general, the most influential variables on the pollen concentrations were the daily maximum temperature, relative humidity, water vapor pressure, global radiation, and insolation, with different effects on different pollen types. Parallel analysis by neural networks (ANN) confirmed these variables as the predominant ones, especially global radiation. The correlation with atmospheric pollutants revealed that ozone was the pollutant with the highest influence, although some pollen types also showed correlation with NO2, SO2, CO and PM10. The Generalized Linear Models (GLM) between pollen and pollutants also indicated O3 as the most prominent variable. These results highlight the active role that pollen-type PBAPs have on urban air quality by establishing their interactions with meteorological variables and pollutants, thereby providing information on the behaviour of pollen emissions under changing environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Cariñanos
- Department of Botany. University of Granada, Spain; Andalusian Institute for Earth System Research (IISTA-CEAMA). University of Granada, Spain.
| | - Inmaculada Foyo-Moreno
- Andalusian Institute for Earth System Research (IISTA-CEAMA). University of Granada, Spain; Department of Applied Physics. University of Granada, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Alados
- Andalusian Institute for Earth System Research (IISTA-CEAMA). University of Granada, Spain; Department of Applied Physics II, University of Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Guerrero-Rascado
- Andalusian Institute for Earth System Research (IISTA-CEAMA). University of Granada, Spain; Department of Applied Physics. University of Granada, Spain
| | - Soledad Ruiz-Peñuela
- Department of Botany. University of Granada, Spain; Department of Applied Physics. University of Granada, Spain
| | - Gloria Titos
- Andalusian Institute for Earth System Research (IISTA-CEAMA). University of Granada, Spain; Department of Applied Physics. University of Granada, Spain
| | - Alberto Cazorla
- Andalusian Institute for Earth System Research (IISTA-CEAMA). University of Granada, Spain; Department of Applied Physics. University of Granada, Spain
| | - Lucas Alados-Arboledas
- Andalusian Institute for Earth System Research (IISTA-CEAMA). University of Granada, Spain; Department of Applied Physics. University of Granada, Spain
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Rowney FM, Brennan GL, Skjøth CA, Griffith GW, McInnes RN, Clewlow Y, Adams-Groom B, Barber A, de Vere N, Economou T, Hegarty M, Hanlon HM, Jones L, Kurganskiy A, Petch GM, Potter C, Rafiq AM, Warner A, Wheeler B, Osborne NJ, Creer S. Environmental DNA reveals links between abundance and composition of airborne grass pollen and respiratory health. Curr Biol 2021; 31:1995-2003.e4. [PMID: 33711254 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Grass (Poaceae) pollen is the most important outdoor aeroallergen,1 exacerbating a range of respiratory conditions, including allergic asthma and rhinitis ("hay fever").2-5 Understanding the relationships between respiratory diseases and airborne grass pollen with a view to improving forecasting has broad public health and socioeconomic relevance. It is estimated that there are over 400 million people with allergic rhinitis6 and over 300 million with asthma, globally,7 often comorbidly.8 In the UK, allergic asthma has an annual cost of around US$ 2.8 billion (2017).9 The relative contributions of the >11,000 (worldwide) grass species (C. Osborne et al., 2011, Botany Conference, abstract) to respiratory health have been unresolved,10 as grass pollen cannot be readily discriminated using standard microscopy.11 Instead, here we used novel environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling and qPCR12-15 to measure the relative abundances of airborne pollen from common grass species during two grass pollen seasons (2016 and 2017) across the UK. We quantitatively demonstrate discrete spatiotemporal patterns in airborne grass pollen assemblages. Using a series of generalized additive models (GAMs), we explore the relationship between the incidences of airborne pollen and severe asthma exacerbations (sub-weekly) and prescribing rates of drugs for respiratory allergies (monthly). Our results indicate that a subset of grass species may have disproportionate influence on these population-scale respiratory health responses during peak grass pollen concentrations. The work demonstrates the need for sensitive and detailed biomonitoring of harmful aeroallergens in order to investigate and mitigate their impacts on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis M Rowney
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro TR1 3HD, UK; School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - Georgina L Brennan
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK; Centre for Environmental and Climate Science/Aquatic Ecology, Department of Biology, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden.
| | - Carsten A Skjøth
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester WR2 6AJ, UK
| | | | | | | | - Beverley Adams-Groom
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester WR2 6AJ, UK
| | - Adam Barber
- Met Office, Fitzroy Road, Exeter EX1 3PB, UK
| | - Natasha de Vere
- IBERS, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3FL, UK; National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne SA32 8HN, UK
| | - Theo Economou
- Met Office, Fitzroy Road, Exeter EX1 3PB, UK; Department of Mathematics, University of Exeter, North Park Road, Exeter EX4 4QF, UK
| | | | | | - Laura Jones
- National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne SA32 8HN, UK
| | - Alexander Kurganskiy
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester WR2 6AJ, UK; Department of Geography, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Treliever Road, Penryn TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Geoffrey M Petch
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester WR2 6AJ, UK
| | | | - Abdullah M Rafiq
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
| | | | | | - Benedict Wheeler
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro TR1 3HD, UK.
| | - Nicholas J Osborne
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro TR1 3HD, UK; School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston Road, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia.
| | - Simon Creer
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK.
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Markevych I, Ludwig R, Baumbach C, Standl M, Heinrich J, Herberth G, de Hoogh K, Pritsch K, Weikl F. Residing near allergenic trees can increase risk of allergies later in life: LISA Leipzig study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 191:110132. [PMID: 32853665 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated whether residing in places with higher greenness, more trees and more allergenic trees early in life increases the risk of allergic outcomes, and whether these associations differ depending on the concentration of air pollutants. METHODS The analytic sample included 631 children from the German birth cohort LISA Leipzig. Asthma and allergic rhinitis, sensitization to aeroallergens and food allergens, as well as confounders, were collected prospectively up to 15 years. Greenness was assessed by Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). A tree registry was used to derive information on trees, which were classified into allergenic and non-allergenic. Annual average concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone were also used. Geographic exposures were assigned to home addresses at birth. Longitudinal associations were analysed using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS Medium and high numbers (tertiles) of trees and allergenic trees in a 500 m buffer around birth addresses were associated with increased odds of allergic rhinitis up to 15 years regardless of NDVI. These exposures were also related to higher odds of sensitization to aeroallergens. Associations with asthma and sensitization to food allergens were less consistent. Effect estimates for allergic rhinitis were stronger in the high tertile of NO2 compared to the low tertile, while an opposite tendency was observed for ozone. CONCLUSION We observed that early life residence in places with many trees, and allergenic trees specifically, may increase the prevalence of allergic rhinitis later in life. This association and its modification by air pollution should be pursued in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iana Markevych
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Romina Ludwig
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Faculty of Biology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Allergens in Ecosystems, Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | | | - Marie Standl
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Joachim Heinrich
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gunda Herberth
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kees de Hoogh
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karin Pritsch
- Allergens in Ecosystems, Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Weikl
- Allergens in Ecosystems, Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
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Search for New Allergens in Lolium perenne Pollen Growing under Different Air Pollution Conditions by Comparative Transcriptome Study. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9111507. [PMID: 33172209 PMCID: PMC7694982 DOI: 10.3390/plants9111507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between air pollution and the allergenic capacity of pollen is widely accepted, with allergenicity being directly related to air pollution. To our knowledge, this is the first study comparing the differential expression of Lolium perenne pollen genes by RNAseq, in two wild populations with different levels of air pollution. The objective is to search for proteins that are expressed differentially in both situations and to establish a relationship with increased allergenic capacity. Two populations of L. perenne (Madrid and Ciudad Real) have been studied in two consecutive years, under the rationale that overexpressed genes in Madrid, with higher levels of NO2 and SO2, could be a cause for their greater allergenic capacity. Heat shock proteins (HSP), glycoside hydrolases, proteins with leucin-rich repeat motifs, and proteins with EF-HAND motifs were consistently overexpressed in Madrid pollen in the two years studied. Interestingly, some genes were overexpressed only in one of the years studied, such as pectinesterases in the first year, and lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) and thaumatin in the second. Despite the fact that the potential of all these proteins in relation to possible allergies has been reported, this is the first time they are cited as possible allergens of L. perenne. The results found can contribute decisively to the knowledge of the allergens of L. perenne and their relationship with atmospheric pollution, and to the development of much more effective vaccines.
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Berger M, Bastl K, Bastl M, Dirr L, Hutter HP, Moshammer H, Gstöttner W. Impact of air pollution on symptom severity during the birch, grass and ragweed pollen period in Vienna, Austria: Importance of O 3 in 2010-2018. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 263:114526. [PMID: 32283467 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution is a threat to the general population, especially to pollen allergy sufferers in urban environments. Different air quality parameters have hitherto been examined which add to the burden of pollen allergy sufferers. Parameters such as NO2, SO2, PM10, PM2.5, and O3 are supposed to have additional impact, not only on health in general (increase in asthma, allergy sensitization frequency), but also on pollen grains (increase of allergenicity). However, it remains unknown if those air quality parameters increase symptom severity during the pollen season. We selected the birch, grass, and ragweed pollen seasons as different time periods throughout the year and analyzed the relationship of symptom data to pollen, air quality, and meteorological data (temperature, relative humidity) for the metropolis of Vienna (Austria). A linear regression model was computed based on different symptom data, and both pollen and air quality data were tested simultaneously. Ozone was positively and significantly associated with symptom scores in all three seasons, whereas this was only rarely the case with other pollutants. Therefore, only ozone was selected for further analysis in a model including meteorological parameters. In this model, effect estimates of ozone were attenuated but remained significant for the grass pollen season. The lack of significance in the other seasons may be attributed to the less numerous symptom data entries and the shorter duration of the pollen seasons for birch and ragweed. All other air quality parameters usually showed lower concentrations during the pollen seasons and displayed little variation. This might explain the lack of a clear signal. Our results suggest that today's allergic population is already affected by air quality (rising O3 levels). Air quality should be considered as well in pollen information and pollen allergy studies in general because of its increasing importance in the light of global warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Berger
- Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität, Strubergasse 21, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; Research Group Aerobiology and Pollen Information, Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Katharina Bastl
- Research Group Aerobiology and Pollen Information, Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Maximilian Bastl
- Research Group Aerobiology and Pollen Information, Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Lukas Dirr
- Research Group Aerobiology and Pollen Information, Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Hans-Peter Hutter
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Hanns Moshammer
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Wolfgang Gstöttner
- Research Group Aerobiology and Pollen Information, Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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20
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[Combined effects of different environmental factors on health: air pollution, temperature, green spaces, pollen, and noise]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2020; 63:962-971. [PMID: 32661561 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-020-03186-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Environmental factors affect the health and wellbeing of urban residents. However, they do not act individually on humans, but instead show potential synergistic or antagonistic effects. Questions that arise from this are: How does a combination of air pollutants with other environmental factors impact health? How well are these associations evidenced? What methods can we use to look at them? In this article, methodical approaches regarding the effects of a combination of various environmental factors are first described. Environmental factors are then examined, which together with different air pollutants, have an impact on human health such as ambient temperature, noise, and pollen as well as the effect of green spaces. Physical activity and nutrition are addressed regarding the attenuation of health effects from air pollution.While there is often clear evidence of health effects of single environmental stressors, there are still open questions in terms of their interaction. The research methods required for this still need to be further developed. The interrelationship between the different environmental factors make it clear that (intervention) measures for reducing single indicators are also interlinked. Regarding traffic, switching from passive to active transport (e.g., due to safe cycle paths and other measures) leads to less air pollutants, smaller increases in temperature in the long term, and at the same time improved health of the individual. As a result, sensible planning of the built environment has great potential to reduce environmental stressors and improve people's health and wellbeing.
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Chen Y, Han L, Zhou Y, Yang L, Guo YS. Artemisia Pollen Extracts Exposed to Diesel Exhaust Enhance Airway Inflammation and Immunological Imbalance in Asthmatic Mice Model. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2020; 181:342-352. [PMID: 32062653 DOI: 10.1159/000505747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vehicle-induced air pollution may increase the prevalence and severity of asthma. Pollens are important sources of outdoor allergens associated with asthma. Outdoor pollution may influence the structure of pollen grains, resulting in enhanced immune reactions. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the impact that artemisia pollen extracts exposed to diesel emissions (APEDE) may induce - allergic airway inflammation, pulmonary pathology and immune imbalance - in mice. METHODS Sixty male Balb/c mice were equally randomized into 5 groups, sensitized with 30 μL artemisia pollen extracts (APE) or APEDE adsorbed on 2 mg aluminum hydroxide gel by intraperitoneal injection on day 0, 7, 14, and 22, and challenged intranasally once per day with 30 μL APE or APEDE from day 29 to 36. The controlling group used phosphate-buffered saline as control. RESULTS In mice immunized and challenged by APEDE, the clinical phenotype of eosinophils, neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), tracheal wall thickness, airway smooth muscle thickness and airway resistance increased significantly. Pathophysiological parameters such as interleukin (IL)-17A and tumour necrosis factor-α production in BALF and serum, and the ratio of Th17/Treg cells in CD4+ cells increased significantly, while IL-10 in BALF and serum and the ratio of Treg cells decreased significantly. It was further found that the expression of oxidative stress marker 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) and the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were significantly increased. The correlation analysis showed that the expression of 3-NT was positively correlated with the activation of NF-κB. CONCLUSION Our findings suggested that pollens exposed to diesel exhaust enhance allergic responses, which may contribute to an increased prevalence of allergic diseases in urban environments with serious exhaust emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Han
- Department of Geriatrics, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Respiratory, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Geriatrics, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,
| | - Yin-Shi Guo
- Department of Allergy, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Land-Use and Height of Pollen Sampling Affect Pollen Exposure in Munich, Germany. ATMOSPHERE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos11020145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Airborne pollen concentrations vary depending on the location of the pollen trap with respect to the pollen sources. Two Hirst-type pollen traps were analyzed within the city of Munich (Germany): one trap was located 2 m above ground level (AGL) and the other one at rooftop (35 m AGL), 4.2 km apart. In general, 1.4 ± 0.5 times higher pollen amounts were measured by the trap located at ground level, but this effect was less than expected considering the height difference between the traps. Pollen from woody trees such as Alnus, Betula, Corylus, Fraxinus, Picea, Pinus and Quercus showed a good agreement between the traps in terms of timing and intensity. Similar amounts of pollen were recorded in the two traps when pollen sources were more abundant outside of the city. In contrast, pollen concentrations from Cupressaceae/Taxaceae, Carpinus and Tilia were influenced by nearby pollen sources. The representativeness of both traps for herbaceous pollen depended on the dispersal capacity of the pollen grains, and in the case of Poaceae pollen, nearby pollen sources may influence the pollen content in the air. The timing of the pollen season was similar for both sites; however, the season for some pollen types ended later at ground level probably due to resuspension processes that would favor recirculation of pollen closer to ground level. We believe measurements from the higher station provides a picture of background pollen levels representative of a large area, to which local sources add additional and more variable pollen amounts.
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Sauliene I, Sukiene L, Kazlauskiene V. The assessment of atmospheric conditions and constituents on allergenic pollen loads in Lithuania. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 250:109469. [PMID: 31487603 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- I Sauliene
- Siauliai University, P. Visinskio str. 38, 76352, Siauliai, Lithuania.
| | - L Sukiene
- Siauliai University, P. Visinskio str. 38, 76352, Siauliai, Lithuania.
| | - V Kazlauskiene
- Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service, Rudnios str. 6, 09300, Vilnius, Lithuania.
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Buters J, Behrendt H, Raulf M. Allergien und Umwelteinflüsse. ALLERGO JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s15007-019-1835-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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25
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Lucas JA, Gutierrez-Albanchez E, Alfaya T, Feo-Brito F, Gutiérrez-Mañero FJ. Oxidative stress in ryegrass growing under different air pollution levels and its likely effects on pollen allergenicity. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2019; 135:331-340. [PMID: 30599310 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2018.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In the present work, for the first time in the literature, the relationship between the degree of air pollution, the physiological state of the plants and the allergenic capacity of the pollen they produce has been studied. The physiological state of Lolium perenne plants growing in two cities with a high degree of traffic, but with different levels of air pollution, Madrid and Ciudad Real, have been explored. The photosynthetic efficiency of the plants through the emission of fluorescence of PSII, the degree of oxidative stress (enzymatic activities related to the ascorbate-glutathione cycle), the redox state (reduced and oxidized forms of ascorbate and glutathione) and the concentration of malondialdehyde have been evaluated. During the development period of the plants, Madrid had higher levels of NO2 and SO2 than Ciudad Real. The greater degree of air pollution suffered by Madrid plants was reflected on a lower photosynthetic efficiency and a greater degree of oxidative stress. In addition, NADPH oxidase activity and H2O2 levels in pollen from Madrid were significantly higher, suggesting a likely higher allergenic capacity of this pollen associated to a higher air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Antonio Lucas
- Plant Physiology, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad San Pablo-CEU Universities, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain.
| | - Enrique Gutierrez-Albanchez
- Plant Physiology, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad San Pablo-CEU Universities, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain.
| | - Teresa Alfaya
- Allergy Section, General Hospital, Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | | | - Francisco Javier Gutiérrez-Mañero
- Plant Physiology, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad San Pablo-CEU Universities, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Spain.
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Liu F, Lakey PSJ, Berkemeier T, Tong H, Kunert AT, Meusel H, Cheng Y, Su H, Fröhlich-Nowoisky J, Lai S, Weller MG, Shiraiwa M, Pöschl U, Kampf CJ. Atmospheric protein chemistry influenced by anthropogenic air pollutants: nitration and oligomerization upon exposure to ozone and nitrogen dioxide. Faraday Discuss 2019; 200:413-427. [PMID: 28574569 DOI: 10.1039/c7fd00005g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The allergenic potential of airborne proteins may be enhanced via post-translational modification induced by air pollutants like ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The molecular mechanisms and kinetics of the chemical modifications that enhance the allergenicity of proteins, however, are still not fully understood. Here, protein tyrosine nitration and oligomerization upon simultaneous exposure of O3 and NO2 were studied in coated-wall flow-tube and bulk solution experiments under varying atmospherically relevant conditions (5-200 ppb O3, 5-200 ppb NO2, 45-96% RH), using bovine serum albumin as a model protein. Generally, more tyrosine residues were found to react via the nitration pathway than via the oligomerization pathway. Depending on reaction conditions, oligomer mass fractions and nitration degrees were in the ranges of 2.5-25% and 0.5-7%, respectively. The experimental results were well reproduced by the kinetic multilayer model of aerosol surface and bulk chemistry (KM-SUB). The extent of nitration and oligomerization strongly depends on relative humidity (RH) due to moisture-induced phase transition of proteins, highlighting the importance of cloud processing conditions for accelerated protein chemistry. Dimeric and nitrated species were major products in the liquid phase, while protein oligomerization was observed to a greater extent for the solid and semi-solid phase states of proteins. Our results show that the rate of both processes was sensitive towards ambient ozone concentration, but rather insensitive towards different NO2 levels. An increase of tropospheric ozone concentrations in the Anthropocene may thus promote pro-allergic protein modifications and contribute to the observed increase of allergies over the past decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fobang Liu
- Multiphase Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Hahn-Meitner-Weg 1, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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Zhu C, Farah J, Choël M, Gosselin S, Baroudi M, Petitprez D, Visez N. Uptake of ozone and modification of lipids in Betula Pendula pollen. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 242:880-886. [PMID: 30041161 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Pollen allergy risk is modified by air pollutants, including ozone, but the chemical modifications induced on pollen grains are poorly understood. Pollen lipidic extract has been shown to act as an adjuvant to the allergenic reaction and therefore, the modification of lipids by air pollutants could have health implications. Birch pollen was exposed in vitro to ozone to explore the reactivity of O3 on its surface and on its lipidic fraction. Uptake coefficients of ozone were determined for ozone concentration of 117 ppb on the surface of native birch pollen (8.6 ± 0.8 × 10-6), defatted pollen (9.9 ± 0.9 × 10-6), and for crushed pollen grains (34±3 × 10-6). The mass of ozone uptaken was increased by a factor of four for crushed pollen compared to native pollen showing a higher susceptibility to ozone of cytoplasmic granules and broken pollen grains. A total mass of extractible lipids of 27 mg per gram of birch pollen was found and a fraction of these lipids was identified and quantified (fatty acids, alkanes, alkenes and aldehydes). The distribution of lipids was modified by ozone exposure of 115 and 1000 ppb for 16 h with the following reactivity: consumption of alkene, formation of aldehydes and formation of nonanoic acid and octadecanoic acid. The quantity of ozone trapped in the lipidic fraction during 15 min at 115 ppb is enough to contribute to the reactivity of one-third of the alkenes demonstrating that pollen could be susceptible to an atmospheric increase of ozone concentration even for a very short duration complicating the understanding of the link between pollen allergy and pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhu
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8522 - PC2A - Physicochimie des Processus de Combustion et de l'Atmosphère, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Jinane Farah
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8522 - PC2A - Physicochimie des Processus de Combustion et de l'Atmosphère, F-59000 Lille, France; Lebanese University, Faculty of Public Health (FSP III), Water & Environment Science, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Marie Choël
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8516 - LASIR - Laboratoire de Spectrochimie Infrarouge et Raman, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Sylvie Gosselin
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8522 - PC2A - Physicochimie des Processus de Combustion et de l'Atmosphère, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Moomen Baroudi
- Lebanese University, Faculty of Public Health (FSP III), Water & Environment Science, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Denis Petitprez
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8522 - PC2A - Physicochimie des Processus de Combustion et de l'Atmosphère, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Nicolas Visez
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8522 - PC2A - Physicochimie des Processus de Combustion et de l'Atmosphère, F-59000 Lille, France.
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Beyond Climate Change and Health: Integrating Broader Environmental Change and Natural Environments for Public Health Protection and Promotion in the UK. ATMOSPHERE 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos9070245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Increasingly, the potential short and long-term impacts of climate change on human health and wellbeing are being demonstrated. However, other environmental change factors, particularly relating to the natural environment, need to be taken into account to understand the totality of these interactions and impacts. This paper provides an overview of ongoing research in the Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) on Environmental Change and Health, particularly around the positive and negative effects of the natural environment on human health and well-being and primarily within a UK context. In addition to exploring the potential increasing risks to human health from water-borne and vector-borne diseases and from exposure to aeroallergens such as pollen, this paper also demonstrates the potential opportunities and co-benefits to human physical and mental health from interacting with the natural environment. The involvement of a Health and Environment Public Engagement (HEPE) group as a public forum of “critical friends” has proven useful for prioritising and exploring some of this research; such public involvement is essential to minimise public health risks and maximise the benefits which are identified from this research into environmental change and human health. Research gaps are identified and recommendations made for future research into the risks, benefits and potential opportunities of climate and other environmental change on human and planetary health.
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Shahali Y, Dadar M. Plant food allergy: Influence of chemicals on plant allergens. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 115:365-374. [PMID: 29580820 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Plant-derived foods are the most common allergenic sources in adulthood. Owing to the rapidly increasing prevalence of plant food allergies in industrialized countries, the environmental factors are suspected to play a key role in development of allergic sensitization. The present article provides an overview of ways by which chemicals may influence the development and severity of allergic reactions to plant foods, with especial focus on plant allergens up-regulated under chemical stress. In plants, a substantial part of allergens have defense-related function and their expression is highly influenced by environmental stress and diseases. Pathogenesis-related proteins (PR) account for about 25% of plant food allergens and some are responsible for extensive cross-reactions between plant-derived foods, pollen and latex allergens. Chemicals released by anthropogenic sources such as agriculture, industrial activities and traffic-related air pollutants are potential drivers of the increasing sensitization to allergenic PRs by elevating their expression and by altering their immunogenicity through post-translational modifications. In addition, some orally-taken chemicals may act as immune adjuvants or directly trigger non-IgE mediated food allergy. Taken together, the current literature provides an overwhelming body of evidence supporting the fact that plant chemical exposure and chemicals in diet may enhance the allergenic properties of certain plant-derived foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youcef Shahali
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.
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Hong Q, Zhou S, Zhao H, Peng J, Li Y, Shang Y, Wu M, Zhang W, Lu S, Li S, Yu S, Wang W, Wang Q. Allergenicity of recombinant Humulus japonicus pollen allergen 1 after combined exposure to ozone and nitrogen dioxide. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 234:707-715. [PMID: 29241157 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.11.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are thought to play primary roles in aggravating air pollution-induced health problems. However, the effects of joint O3/NO2 on the allergenicity of pollen allergens are unclear. Humulus japonicus pollen allergen 1 (Hum j1) is a profilin protein that causes widespread pollinosis in eastern Asia. In order to study the effects of combined O3/NO2 on the allergenicity of Hum j1, tandem six-histidine peptide tag (His6)-fused recombinant Hum j1 (rHum j1) was expressed in a prokaryotic system and purified through His6 affinity chromatography. The purified rHum j1 was used to immunize SD rats. Rat sera with high titers of IgG and IgE antibodies against rHum j1 were used for allergenicity quantification. The rHum j1 was exposed to O3/NO2, and changes in allergenicity of the exposed rHum j1 were assayed using the immunized rat antibodies. Tandem LC-MS/LC (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer/liquid chromatography spectrometer) chromatography and UV and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy were used to study the structural changes in rHum j1. Our data demonstrated that a novel disulfide bond between the sulfhydryl groups of two neighboring cysteine molecules was formed after the rHum j1 exposure to joint O3/NO2, and therefore IgE-binding affinity was increased and the allergenicity was reinforced. Our results provided clues to elucidate the mechanism behind air pollution-induced increase in pollinosis prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Hong
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Shumin Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Jiaxian Peng
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yu Shang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Minghong Wu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - Senlin Lu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - Shuijun Li
- Shanghai Xuhui Center Hospital, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Shen Yu
- Shanghai Xuhui Center Hospital, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Weiqian Wang
- School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Qingyue Wang
- School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan.
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Ribeiro H, Costa C, Abreu I, Esteves da Silva JCG. Effect of O 3 and NO 2 atmospheric pollutants on Platanus x acerifolia pollen: Immunochemical and spectroscopic analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 599-600:291-297. [PMID: 28477486 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.04.206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, the effects of two important oxidizing atmospheric pollutants (O3 and NO2) on the allergenic properties and chemical composition of Platanus x acerifolia pollen were studied. Pollen samples were subjected to O3 and/or NO2 under in vitro conditions for 6h at atmospheric concentration levels (O3: 0.061ppm; NO2: 0.025ppm and the mixture of O3 and NO2: 0.060 and 0.031ppm respectively). Immunoblotting (using Pla a 1 and Pla a 2 antibodies), infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques were used. Immunochemical analysis showed that pollen allergenicity changes were different according to the pollutant tested (gas or mixture of gasses) and that the same pollutant gas may interact in a different manner with each specific allergen. The spectroscopy results showed modifications in the FTIR spectral features of bands assigned to proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides of the pollen exposed to the pollutants, as well as in the XPS spectra high-resolution components C 1s, N 1s, and O 1s. This indicates that while airborne, the pollen wall suffers further modifications of its components induced by air pollution, which can compromise the pollen function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Ribeiro
- Earth Sciences Institute, Pole of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Célia Costa
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ilda Abreu
- Earth Sciences Institute, Pole of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joaquim C G Esteves da Silva
- Earth Sciences Institute, Pole of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; Centre of Investigation in Chemistry (CIQ-UP), University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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Alcock I, White M, Cherrie M, Wheeler B, Taylor J, McInnes R, Otte Im Kampe E, Vardoulakis S, Sarran C, Soyiri I, Fleming L. Land cover and air pollution are associated with asthma hospitalisations: A cross-sectional study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 109:29-41. [PMID: 28926750 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing policy interest in the potential for vegetation in urban areas to mitigate harmful effects of air pollution on respiratory health. We aimed to quantify relationships between tree and green space density and asthma-related hospitalisations, and explore how these varied with exposure to background air pollution concentrations. METHODS Population standardised asthma hospitalisation rates (1997-2012) for 26,455 urban residential areas of England were merged with area-level data on vegetation and background air pollutant concentrations. We fitted negative binomial regression models using maximum likelihood estimation to obtain estimates of asthma-vegetation relationships at different levels of pollutant exposure. RESULTS Green space and gardens were associated with reductions in asthma hospitalisation when pollutant exposures were lower but had no significant association when pollutant exposures were higher. In contrast, tree density was associated with reduced asthma hospitalisation when pollutant exposures were higher but had no significant association when pollutant exposures were lower. CONCLUSIONS We found differential effects of natural environments at high and low background pollutant concentrations. These findings can provide evidence for urban planning decisions which aim to leverage health co-benefits from environmental improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mark Cherrie
- University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom; University of Exeter, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Rachel McInnes
- MetOffice, United Kingdom; University of Exeter, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sotiris Vardoulakis
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, United Kingdom; Public Health England, United Kingdom; University of Exeter, United Kingdom
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Reinmuth-Selzle K, Kampf CJ, Lucas K, Lang-Yona N, Fröhlich-Nowoisky J, Shiraiwa M, Lakey PSJ, Lai S, Liu F, Kunert AT, Ziegler K, Shen F, Sgarbanti R, Weber B, Bellinghausen I, Saloga J, Weller MG, Duschl A, Schuppan D, Pöschl U. Air Pollution and Climate Change Effects on Allergies in the Anthropocene: Abundance, Interaction, and Modification of Allergens and Adjuvants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:4119-4141. [PMID: 28326768 PMCID: PMC5453620 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b04908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution and climate change are potential drivers for the increasing burden of allergic diseases. The molecular mechanisms by which air pollutants and climate parameters may influence allergic diseases, however, are complex and elusive. This article provides an overview of physical, chemical and biological interactions between air pollution, climate change, allergens, adjuvants and the immune system, addressing how these interactions may promote the development of allergies. We reviewed and synthesized key findings from atmospheric, climate, and biomedical research. The current state of knowledge, open questions, and future research perspectives are outlined and discussed. The Anthropocene, as the present era of globally pervasive anthropogenic influence on planet Earth and, thus, on the human environment, is characterized by a strong increase of carbon dioxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and combustion- or traffic-related particulate matter in the atmosphere. These environmental factors can enhance the abundance and induce chemical modifications of allergens, increase oxidative stress in the human body, and skew the immune system toward allergic reactions. In particular, air pollutants can act as adjuvants and alter the immunogenicity of allergenic proteins, while climate change affects the atmospheric abundance and human exposure to bioaerosols and aeroallergens. To fully understand and effectively mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution and climate change on allergic diseases, several challenges remain to be resolved. Among these are the identification and quantification of immunochemical reaction pathways involving allergens and adjuvants under relevant environmental and physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher J. Kampf
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz, 55128, Germany
- Institute
of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Johannes
Gutenberg University, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Kurt Lucas
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Naama Lang-Yona
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | | | - Manabu Shiraiwa
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz, 55128, Germany
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
| | - Pascale S. J. Lakey
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Senchao Lai
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz, 55128, Germany
- South
China University of Technology, School of
Environment and Energy, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Fobang Liu
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Anna T. Kunert
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Kira Ziegler
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Fangxia Shen
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Rossella Sgarbanti
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Bettina Weber
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Iris Bellinghausen
- Department
of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Joachim Saloga
- Department
of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Michael G. Weller
- Division
1.5 Protein Analysis, Federal Institute
for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Berlin, 12489, Germany
| | - Albert Duschl
- Department
of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute
of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immunotherapy,
Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, 55131 Germany
- Division
of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess
Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Ulrich Pöschl
- Multiphase
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| |
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