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Di Renzo L, Gualtieri P, Frank G, Cianci R, Caldarelli M, Leggeri G, Raffaelli G, Pizzocaro E, Cirillo M, De Lorenzo A. Exploring the Exposome Spectrum: Unveiling Endogenous and Exogenous Factors in Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases. Diseases 2024; 12:176. [PMID: 39195175 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12080176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The exposome encompasses all endogenous and exogenous exposure individuals encounter throughout their lives, including biological, chemical, physical, psychological, relational, and socioeconomic factors. It examines the duration and intensity of these types of exposure and their complex interactions over time. This interdisciplinary approach involves various scientific disciplines, particularly toxicology, to understand the long-term effects of toxic exposure on health. Factors like air pollution, racial background, and socioeconomic status significantly contribute to diseases such as metabolic, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative diseases, infertility, and cancer. Advanced analytical methods measure contaminants in biofluids, food, air, water, and soil, but often overlook the cumulative risk of multiple chemicals. An exposome analysis necessitates sophisticated tools and methodologies to understand health interactions and integrate findings into precision medicine for better disease diagnosis and treatment. Chronic exposure to environmental and biological stimuli can lead to persistent low-grade inflammation, which is a key factor in chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as obesity, cardiometabolic disorders, cancer, respiratory diseases, autoimmune conditions, and depression. These NCDs are influenced by smoking, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and alcohol abuse, all shaped by genetic, environmental, and social factors. Dietary patterns, especially ultra-processed foods, can exacerbate inflammation and alter gut microbiota. This study investigates the exposome's role in the prevention, development, and progression of NCDs, focusing on endogenous and exogenous factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Di Renzo
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomics, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Gualtieri
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomics, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Frank
- PhD School of Applied Medical-Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- School of Specialization in Food Science, University of Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Cianci
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Caldarelli
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Leggeri
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomics, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Glauco Raffaelli
- PhD School of Applied Medical-Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- School of Specialization in Food Science, University of Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Erica Pizzocaro
- PhD School of Applied Medical-Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- School of Specialization in Food Science, University of Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Cirillo
- School of Specialization in Food Science, University of Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonino De Lorenzo
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomics, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Rio P, Gasbarrini A, Gambassi G, Cianci R. Pollutants, microbiota and immune system: frenemies within the gut. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1285186. [PMID: 38799688 PMCID: PMC11116734 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1285186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Pollution is a critical concern of modern society for its heterogeneous effects on human health, despite a widespread lack of awareness. Environmental pollutants promote several pathologies through different molecular mechanisms. Pollutants can affect the immune system and related pathways, perturbing its regulation and triggering pro-inflammatory responses. The exposure to several pollutants also leads to alterations in gut microbiota with a decreasing abundance of beneficial microbes, such as short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, and an overgrowth of pro-inflammatory species. The subsequent intestinal barrier dysfunction, together with oxidative stress and increased inflammatory responses, plays a role in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases. Moreover, pollutants encourage the inflammation-dysplasia-carcinoma sequence through various mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, dysregulation of cellular signalling pathways, cell cycle impairment and genomic instability. In this narrative review, we will describe the interplay between pollutants, gut microbiota, and the immune system, focusing on their relationship with inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer. Understanding the biological mechanisms underlying the health-to-disease transition may allow the design of public health policies aimed at reducing the burden of disease related to pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rossella Cianci
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Porta M, Pumarega J, Gasull M, Aguilar R, Henríquez-Hernández LA, Basagaña X, Zumbado M, Villar-García J, Rius C, Mehta S, Vidal M, Jimenez A, Campi L, Lop J, Pérez Luzardo OL, Dobaño C, Moncunill G. Individual blood concentrations of persistent organic pollutants and chemical elements, and COVID-19: A prospective cohort study in Barcelona. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 223:115419. [PMID: 36740154 PMCID: PMC9898057 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is wide, largely unexplained heterogeneity in immunological and clinical responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Numerous environmental chemicals, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and chemical elements (including some metals, essential trace elements, rare earth elements, and minority elements), are immunomodulatory and cause a range of adverse clinical events. There are no prospective studies on the effects of such substances on the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19. OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of blood concentrations of POPs and elements measured several years before the pandemic on the development of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 in individuals from the general population. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study in 154 individuals from the general population of Barcelona. POPs and elements were measured in blood samples collected in 2016-2017. SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected by rRT-PCR in nasopharyngeal swabs and/or by antibody serology using eighteen isotype-antigen combinations measured in blood samples collected in 2020-2021. We analyzed the associations between concentrations of the contaminants and SARS-CoV-2 infection and development of COVID-19, taking into account personal habits and living conditions during the pandemic. RESULTS Several historically prevalent POPs, as well as arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and zinc, were not associated with COVID-19, nor with SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, DDE (adjusted OR = 5.0 [95% CI: 1.2-21]), lead (3.9 [1.0-15]), thallium (3.4 [1.0-11]), and ruthenium (5.0 [1.8-14]) were associated with COVID-19, as were tantalum, benzo(b)fluoranthene, DDD, and manganese. Thallium (3.8 [1.6-8.9]), and ruthenium (2.9 [1.3-6.7]) were associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, and so were lead, gold, and (protectively) iron and selenium. We identified mixtures of up to five substances from several chemical groups, with all substances independently associated to the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide the first prospective and population-based evidence of an association between individual concentrations of some contaminants and COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 infection. POPs and elements may contribute to explain the heterogeneity in the development of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 in the general population. If the associations are confirmed as causal, means are available to mitigate the corresponding risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miquel Porta
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM PSMar), Barcelona, Spain; School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - José Pumarega
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM PSMar), Barcelona, Spain; School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Magda Gasull
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM PSMar), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ruth Aguilar
- ISGlobal - Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis A Henríquez-Hernández
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain; CIBER de Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Xavier Basagaña
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; ISGlobal - PSMar - PRBB, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain; CIBER de Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Cristina Rius
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sneha Mehta
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM PSMar), Barcelona, Spain; Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, New York, USA
| | - Marta Vidal
- ISGlobal - Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alfons Jimenez
- ISGlobal - Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Campi
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM PSMar), Barcelona, Spain; School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Lop
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM PSMar), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Octavio L Pérez Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain; CIBER de Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlota Dobaño
- ISGlobal - Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Moncunill
- ISGlobal - Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Barcelona, Spain
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Kogevinas M, Karachaliou M, Espinosa A, Aguilar R, Castaño-Vinyals G, Garcia-Aymerich J, Carreras A, Cortés B, Pleguezuelos V, Papantoniou K, Rubio R, Jiménez A, Vidal M, Serra P, Parras D, Santamaría P, Izquierdo L, Cirach M, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Dadvand P, Straif K, Moncunill G, de Cid R, Dobaño C, Tonne C. Long-Term Exposure to Air Pollution and COVID-19 Vaccine Antibody Response in a General Population Cohort (COVICAT Study, Catalonia). ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:47001. [PMID: 37017430 PMCID: PMC10075082 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ambient air pollution has been associated with COVID-19 disease severity and antibody response induced by infection. OBJECTIVES We examined the association between long-term exposure to air pollution and vaccine-induced antibody response. METHODS This study was nested in an ongoing population-based cohort, COVICAT, the GCAT-Genomes for Life cohort, in Catalonia, Spain, with multiple follow-ups. We drew blood samples in 2021 from 1,090 participants of 2,404 who provided samples in 2020, and we included 927 participants in this analysis. We measured immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgG, and IgA antibodies against five viral-target antigens, including receptor-binding domain (RBD), spike-protein (S), and segment spike-protein (S2) triggered by vaccines available in Spain. We estimated prepandemic (2018-2019) exposure to fine particulate matter [PM ≤2.5μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5)], nitrogen dioxide (NO2), black carbon (BC), and ozone (O3) using Effects of Low-Level Air Pollution: A Study in Europe (ELAPSE) models. We adjusted estimates for individual- and area-level covariates, time since vaccination, and vaccine doses and type and stratified by infection status. We used generalized additive models to explore the relationship between air pollution and antibodies according to days since vaccination. RESULTS Among vaccinated persons not infected by SARS-CoV-2 (n=632), higher prepandemic air pollution levels were associated with a lower vaccine antibody response for IgM (1 month post vaccination) and IgG. Percentage change in geometric mean IgG levels per interquartile range of PM2.5 (1.7 μg/m3) were -8.1 (95% CI: -15.9, 0.4) for RBD, -9.9 (-16.2, -3.1) for S, and -8.4 (-13.5, -3.0) for S2. We observed a similar pattern for NO2 and BC and an inverse pattern for O3. Differences in IgG levels by air pollution levels persisted with time since vaccination. We did not observe an association of air pollution with vaccine antibody response among participants with prior infection (n=295). DISCUSSION Exposure to air pollution was associated with lower COVID-19 vaccine antibody response. The implications of this association on the risk of breakthrough infections require further investigation. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11989.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manolis Kogevinas
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Ana Espinosa
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ruth Aguilar
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Castaño-Vinyals
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judith Garcia-Aymerich
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Carreras
- Genomes for Life-GCAT lab Group, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, Badalona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Cortés
- Genomes for Life-GCAT lab Group, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, Badalona, Spain
| | | | - Kyriaki Papantoniou
- Department of Epidemiology, Center of Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rocío Rubio
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alfons Jiménez
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Vidal
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pau Serra
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Parras
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pere Santamaría
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Luis Izquierdo
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Cirach
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Payam Dadvand
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kurt Straif
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Moncunill
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael de Cid
- Genomes for Life-GCAT lab Group, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, Badalona, Spain
| | - Carlota Dobaño
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cathryn Tonne
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
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García-Niño WR, Ibarra-Lara L, Cuevas-Magaña MY, Sánchez-Mendoza A, Armada E. Protective activities of ellagic acid and urolithins against kidney toxicity of environmental pollutants: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 95:103960. [PMID: 35995378 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.103960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress and inflammation are two possible mechanisms related to nephrotoxicity caused by environmental pollutants. Ellagic acid, a powerful antioxidant phytochemical, may have great relevance in mitigating pollutant-induced nephrotoxicity and preventing the progression of kidney disease. This review discusses the latest findings on the protective effects of ellagic acid, its metabolic derivatives, the urolithins, against kidney toxicity caused by heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins, and organic air pollutants. We describe the chelating, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, antiautophagic, and antiapoptotic properties of ellagic acid to attenuate nephrotoxicity. Furthermore, we present the molecular targets and signaling pathways that are regulated by these antioxidants, and suggest some others that should be explored. Nevertheless, the number of reports is still limited to establish the efficacy of ellagic acid against kidney damage induced by environmental pollutants. Therefore, additional preclinical studies on this topic are required, as well as the development of well-designed clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wylly Ramsés García-Niño
- Department of Cardiovascular Biomedicine, National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez, Mexico City 14080, Mexico.
| | - Luz Ibarra-Lara
- Department of Pharmacology, National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Mayra Yael Cuevas-Magaña
- Department of Cardiovascular Biomedicine, National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Alicia Sánchez-Mendoza
- Department of Pharmacology, National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Elisabeth Armada
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico
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Aouissi HA, Kechebar MSA, Ababsa M, Roufayel R, Neji B, Petrisor AI, Hamimes A, Epelboin L, Ohmagari N. The Importance of Behavioral and Native Factors on COVID-19 Infection and Severity: Insights from a Preliminary Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:1341. [PMID: 35885867 PMCID: PMC9323463 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10071341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on a global scale. Understanding the innate and lifestyle-related factors influencing the rate and severity of COVID-19 is important for making evidence-based recommendations. This cross-sectional study aims at establishing a potential relationship between human characteristics and vulnerability/resistance to SARS-CoV-2. We hypothesize that the impact of the virus is not the same due to cultural and ethnic differences. A cross-sectional study was performed using an online questionnaire. The methodology included the development of a multi-language survey, expert evaluation, and data analysis. Data were collected using a 13-item pre-tested questionnaire based on a literature review between 9 December 2020 and 21 July 2021. Data were statistically analyzed using logistic regression. For a total of 1125 respondents, 332 (29.5%) were COVID-19 positive; among them, 130 (11.5%) required home-based treatment, and 14 (1.2%) intensive care. The significant and most influential factors on infection included age, physical activity, and health status (p < 0.05), i.e., better physical activity and better health status significantly reduced the possibility of infection, while older age significantly increased it. The severity of infection was negatively associated with the acceptance (adherence and respect) of preventive measures and positively associated with tobacco (p < 0.05), i.e., smoking regularly significantly increases the severity of COVID-19 infection. This suggests the importance of behavioral factors compared to innate ones. Apparently, individual behavior is mainly responsible for the spread of the virus. Therefore, adopting a healthy lifestyle and scrupulously observing preventive measures, including vaccination, would greatly limit the probability of infection and prevent the development of severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hani Amir Aouissi
- Scientific and Technical Research Center on Arid Regions (CRSTRA), Biskra 07000, Algeria; (M.S.A.K.); (M.A.)
- Laboratoire de Recherche et d’Etude en Aménagement et Urbanisme (LREAU), Université des Sciences et de la Technologie (USTHB), Algiers 16000, Algeria
- Environmental Research Center (CRE), Badji-Mokhtar Annaba University, Annaba 23000, Algeria
| | - Mohamed Seif Allah Kechebar
- Scientific and Technical Research Center on Arid Regions (CRSTRA), Biskra 07000, Algeria; (M.S.A.K.); (M.A.)
| | - Mostefa Ababsa
- Scientific and Technical Research Center on Arid Regions (CRSTRA), Biskra 07000, Algeria; (M.S.A.K.); (M.A.)
| | - Rabih Roufayel
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Kuwait;
| | - Bilel Neji
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Kuwait;
| | - Alexandru-Ionut Petrisor
- Doctoral School of Urban Planning, Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urbanism, 010014 Bucharest, Romania;
- National Institute for Research and Development in Tourism, 50741 Bucharest, Romania
- National Institute for Research and Development in Constructions, Urbanism and Sustainable Spatial Development URBAN-INCERC, 021652 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ahmed Hamimes
- Faculty of Medicine, University Salah Boubnider of Constantine 3, Constantine 25000, Algeria;
| | - Loïc Epelboin
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne Andrée Rosemon, 97306 Cayenne, France;
- Centre d’Investigation Clinique (CIC INSERM 1424), Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne Andrée Rosemon, 97306 Cayenne, France
| | - Norio Ohmagari
- Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan;
- AMR Clinical Reference Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
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Epigenetics at the Intersection of COVID-19 Risk and Environmental Chemical Exposures. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:477-489. [PMID: 35648356 PMCID: PMC9157479 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00353-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Several environmental contaminants have been implicated as contributors to COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. Immunomodulation and epigenetic regulation have been hypothesized as mediators of this relationship, but the precise underlying molecular mechanisms are not well-characterized. This review examines the evidence for epigenetic modification at the intersection of COVID-19 and environmental chemical exposures. RECENT FINDINGS Numerous environmental contaminants including air pollutants, toxic metal(loid)s, per- and polyfluorinated substances, and endocrine disrupting chemicals are hypothesized to increase susceptibility to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the risk of severe COVID-19, but few studies currently exist. Drawing on evidence that many environmental chemicals alter the epigenetic regulation of key immunity genes and pathways, we discuss how exposures likely perturb host antiviral responses. Specific mechanisms vary by contaminant but include general immunomodulation as well as regulation of viral entry and recognition, inflammation, and immunologic memory pathways, among others. Associations between environmental contaminants and COVID-19 are likely mediated, in part, by epigenetic regulation of key immune pathways involved in the host response to SARS-CoV-2.
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Recent Advances in Vaccine Technology and Design. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10040624. [PMID: 35455372 PMCID: PMC9032280 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10040624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
If up until three years ago, infectious diseases were a lesser concern when compared to non-communicable diseases in Western countries, the ongoing pandemic has reminded us that things are not so clean-cut [...].
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