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Bray R, Wang Y, Argiropoulos N, Robins S, Molot J, Pigeon MA, Gaudet M, Auger P, Bélanger E, Peris R. The Impact of COVID-19 Health Measures on Adults With Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e48434. [PMID: 39018551 DOI: 10.2196/48434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) develops in response to repeated small-level chemical exposures or a major exposure in a subset of people, who then experience symptoms that can range from mild to debilitating when exposed to chemicals. The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic and the stringent health measures put in place may have increased the burden for those living with MCS, as it became more challenging to avoid chemicals that trigger their condition. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to better understand the lived experience of Canadians living with MCS during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS An online questionnaire was created to ask participants to compare daily living during the pandemic to before March 11, 2020. Data were collected in January and February 2021. Three areas were investigated: (1) environmental exposures to chemical triggers from ambient air (pollution from industry, farming, and traffic) and indoor air (the smell of cleaning products, cooking odors, and smoke); (2) access to, and satisfaction with, health care visits; and (3) how people experiencing MCS rated contact with their social network. RESULTS In all, 119 Canadians who had lived with MCS for more than a year completed the questionnaire. The participant sample was mostly female (86.6%, n=103) and highly educated, with 57.1% (n=68) having a university degree. Slightly more than half (57.1%, n=68) were older than 55 years. McNemar chi-square and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to evaluate if there were statistically significant changes before ("prepandemic period") and after ("postpandemic period") March 11, 2020. Perceived exposure to pollution from a highway or a road was significantly decreased from the prepandemic to postpandemic period (z=-3.347; P<.001). Analysis of industry or power plants also suggested a significant decrease in the perceived exposure from the prepandemic to postpandemic period (z=-2.152; P=.04). Participants reported an increase in exposure to odors from disinfectants or sanitizers that entered their living environment (P<.001). There was a significant decrease between prepandemic and postpandemic levels of satisfaction when attending in-person meetings with a physician (z=-2.048; P=.04), yet there were no significant differences between prepandemic and postpandemic levels of satisfaction for online or telephone meetings with a physician. Although people with MCS experienced increased social isolation (P<.001), they also reported an increase in understanding from family (P=.03) and a decrease in stigma for wearing personal protective equipment (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, people with MCS were impacted by inaccessibility, loss of social support, and barriers to accessing health care. This study highlights unique challenges and possible benefits associated with the COVID-19 pandemic public health measures for individuals living with MCS. These findings can guide decision makers to improve policies on accessibility through appropriate accommodation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riina Bray
- Environmental Health Clinic, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yifan Wang
- Association pour la santé environnementale du Québec - Environmental Health Association of Québec, Saint Sauveur, QC, Canada
| | - Nikolas Argiropoulos
- Association pour la santé environnementale du Québec - Environmental Health Association of Québec, Saint Sauveur, QC, Canada
| | - Stephanie Robins
- Association pour la santé environnementale du Québec - Environmental Health Association of Québec, Saint Sauveur, QC, Canada
| | - John Molot
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Marie-Andrée Pigeon
- Association pour la santé environnementale du Québec - Environmental Health Association of Québec, Saint Sauveur, QC, Canada
| | - Michel Gaudet
- Association pour la santé environnementale du Québec - Environmental Health Association of Québec, Saint Sauveur, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Auger
- Association pour la santé environnementale du Québec - Environmental Health Association of Québec, Saint Sauveur, QC, Canada
| | - Emilie Bélanger
- Association pour la santé environnementale du Québec - Environmental Health Association of Québec, Saint Sauveur, QC, Canada
| | - Rohini Peris
- Association pour la santé environnementale du Québec - Environmental Health Association of Québec, Saint Sauveur, QC, Canada
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2
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Micarelli A, Malacrida S, Vezzoli A, Micarelli B, Misici I, Carbini V, Caputo S, Mrakic-Sposta S, Alessandrini M. Smell, taste and food habits changes along body mass index increase: an observational study. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 280:5595-5606. [PMID: 37642711 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-08204-5] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the changes in gustatory and olfactory sensitivity and dietary habits between healthy lean subjects (LS) and participants affected by overweight (OW), stage I and II obesity and to estimate possible impact of these factors on body mass index (BMI). METHODS After a general and ear-nose-throat evaluation, taste and olfactory function testing by means of taste strips and sniffin' stick tests, respectively, and food habits analysis by means of food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), 221 participants (68 LS [33 female; mean age = 53.01 ± 7.54 years]; 51 OW [26 female; mean age = 51.5 ± 12.16 years]; 50 stage I obesity [24 female; mean age = 50.78 ± 13.71 years] and 52 stage II obesity [24 female; mean age = 52.21 ± 13.35 years]) were enrolled in the study. RESULTS Significant (p < 0.008) reductions in total and subtest taste and smell scores were found in stage I and II obesity when compared to LS and OW participants. FFQ depicted a progressive intake increase of nutrients along the BMI stages. Significant associations were found between BMI and taste/smell subtests sugar taste carbs, saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrated for the first time a parallel impairment in smell and taste in a large sample size of participants from lean to stage II obesity and could reinforce those previous theories claiming that the greater the ability in taste or smell qualities perception, the lower the preference for them, resulting in a lower intake of specific foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Micarelli
- Unit of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation and Sensory Organs, UNITER ONLUS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Sandro Malacrida
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Vezzoli
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice Micarelli
- Unit of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation and Sensory Organs, UNITER ONLUS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Misici
- Unit of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation and Sensory Organs, UNITER ONLUS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Carbini
- Unit of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation and Sensory Organs, UNITER ONLUS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Marco Alessandrini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, ENT Unit, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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3
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Palmer RF, Dempsey TT, Afrin LB. Chemical Intolerance and Mast Cell Activation: A Suspicious Synchronicity. J Xenobiot 2023; 13:704-718. [PMID: 37987446 PMCID: PMC10660865 DOI: 10.3390/jox13040045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Chemical Intolerance (CI) is characterized by intolerances for chemicals, foods, and drugs with multi-system symptoms. As yet, the biomechanism remains unclear. One study reported converging lines of evidence supporting a substantive association between mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and CI. The purpose of this study is to (1) confirm a previous report demonstrating that 60% of MCAS patients report CI and (2) examine the parallels between symptoms and intolerances in CI and MCAS. Methods: Five hundred forty-four MCAS patients were assigned a clinical MCAS score using a validated assessment instrument and were assessed for CI using the validated Quick Environmental Exposure Sensitivity Index. Results: Our outcomes confirm the previously published study where the majority of MCAS patients also have CI. There was a clear overlap between various ICD-10 diagnostic categories and CI symptoms, providing further support for a potential shared mechanism. Conclusions: Exposures to pesticides, volatile organic compounds, combustion products, and mold have previously been reported as initiators of CI. However, until recently, little was known about the biological mechanism involved that could explain the multisystem symptoms associated with CI. This paper addresses a newly identified biomechanism for disease, which may underlie a host of "medically unexplained symptoms" triggered by xenobiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond F Palmer
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
| | - Tania T Dempsey
- AIM Center for Personalized Medicine, Purchase, NY 10577, USA
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4
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Molot J, Sears M, Anisman H. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: It's time to catch up to the science. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 151:105227. [PMID: 37172924 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a complex medical condition associated with low dose chemical exposures. MCS is characterized by diverse features and common comorbidities, including fibromyalgia, cough hypersensitivity, asthma, and migraine, and stress/anxiety, with which the syndrome shares numerous neurobiological processes and altered functioning within diverse brain regions. Predictive factors linked to MCS comprise genetic influences, gene-environment interactions, oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, cell dysfunction, and psychosocial influences. The development of MCS may be attributed to the sensitization of transient receptor potential (TRP) receptors, notably TRPV1 and TRPA1. Capsaicin inhalation challenge studies demonstrated that TRPV1 sensitization is manifested in MCS, and functional brain imaging studies revealed that TRPV1 and TRPA1 agonists promote brain-region specific neuronal variations. Unfortunately, MCS has often been inappropriately viewed as stemming exclusively from psychological disturbances, which has fostered patients being stigmatized and ostracized, and often being denied accommodation for their disability. Evidence-based education is essential to provide appropriate support and advocacy. Greater recognition of receptor-mediated biological mechanisms should be incorporated in laws, and regulation of environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Molot
- Family Medicine, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa ON Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa Canada.
| | - Margaret Sears
- Family Medicine, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa ON Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa Canada.
| | - Hymie Anisman
- Family Medicine, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa ON Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa Canada.
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5
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Micarelli A, Vezzoli A, Malacrida S, Micarelli B, Misici I, Carbini V, Iennaco I, Caputo S, Mrakic-Sposta S, Alessandrini M. Taste Function in Adult Humans from Lean Condition to Stage II Obesity: Interactions with Biochemical Regulators, Dietary Habits, and Clinical Aspects. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15051114. [PMID: 36904115 PMCID: PMC10005537 DOI: 10.3390/nu15051114] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Differences in gustatory sensitivity, nutritional habits, circulating levels of modulators, anthropometric measures, and metabolic assays may be involved in overweight (OW) development. The present study aimed at evaluating the differences in these aspects between 39 OW (19 female; mean age = 53.51 ± 11.17), 18 stage I (11 female; mean age = 54.3 ± 13.1 years), and 20 II (10 female; mean age = 54.5 ± 11.9) obesity participants when compared with 60 lean subjects (LS; 29 female; mean age = 54.04 ± 10.27). Participants were evaluated based on taste function scores, nutritional habits, levels of modulators (leptin, insulin, ghrelin, and glucose), and bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements. Significant reductions in total and subtests taste scores were found between LS and stage I and II obesity participants. Significant reductions in total and all subtests taste scores were found between OW and stage II obesity participants. Together with the progressive increase in plasmatic leptin levels, insulin, and serum glucose, decrease in plasmatic ghrelin levels, and changes in anthropometric measures and nutritional habits along with body mass index, these data for the first time demonstrated that taste sensitivity, biochemical regulators, and food habits play a parallel, concurring role along the stages evolving to obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Micarelli
- Unit of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation and Sensory Organs, UNITER ONLUS, 02032 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Alessandra Vezzoli
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council (CNR), 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Sandro Malacrida
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Beatrice Micarelli
- Unit of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation and Sensory Organs, UNITER ONLUS, 02032 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Misici
- Unit of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation and Sensory Organs, UNITER ONLUS, 02032 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Carbini
- Unit of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation and Sensory Organs, UNITER ONLUS, 02032 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Iennaco
- Unit of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation and Sensory Organs, UNITER ONLUS, 02032 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Simona Mrakic-Sposta
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council (CNR), 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Alessandrini
- ENT Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
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6
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Molot J, Sears M, Marshall LM, Bray RI. Neurological susceptibility to environmental exposures: pathophysiological mechanisms in neurodegeneration and multiple chemical sensitivity. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2022; 37:509-530. [PMID: 34529912 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The World Health Organization lists air pollution as one of the top five risks for developing chronic non-communicable disease, joining tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity. This review focuses on how host defense mechanisms against adverse airborne exposures relate to the probable interacting and overlapping pathophysiological features of neurodegeneration and multiple chemical sensitivity. Significant long-term airborne exposures can contribute to oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, transient receptor subfamily vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and subfamily ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) upregulation and sensitization, with impacts on olfactory and trigeminal nerve function, and eventual loss of brain mass. The potential for neurologic dysfunction, including decreased cognition, chronic pain and central sensitization related to airborne contaminants, can be magnified by genetic polymorphisms that result in less effective detoxification. Onset of neurodegenerative disorders is subtle, with early loss of brain mass and loss of sense of smell. Onset of MCS may be gradual following long-term low dose airborne exposures, or acute following a recognizable exposure. Upregulation of chemosensitive TRPV1 and TRPA1 polymodal receptors has been observed in patients with neurodegeneration, and chemically sensitive individuals with asthma, migraine and MCS. In people with chemical sensitivity, these receptors are also sensitized, which is defined as a reduction in the threshold and an increase in the magnitude of a response to noxious stimulation. There is likely damage to the olfactory system in neurodegeneration and trigeminal nerve hypersensitivity in MCS, with different effects on olfactory processing. The associations of low vitamin D levels and protein kinase activity seen in neurodegeneration have not been studied in MCS. Table 2 presents a summary of neurodegeneration and MCS, comparing 16 distinctive genetic, pathophysiological and clinical features associated with air pollution exposures. There is significant overlap, suggesting potential comorbidity. Canadian Health Measures Survey data indicates an overlap between neurodegeneration and MCS (p < 0.05) that suggests comorbidity, but the extent of increased susceptibility to the other condition is not established. Nevertheless, the pathways to the development of these conditions likely involve TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors, and so it is hypothesized that manifestation of neurodegeneration and/or MCS and possibly why there is divergence may be influenced by polymorphisms of these receptors, among other factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Molot
- Family Medicine, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, North York, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Riina I Bray
- Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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7
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Liu DT, Prem B, Sharma G, Kaiser J, Besser G, Mueller CA. Depression Symptoms and Olfactory-related Quality of Life. Laryngoscope 2022; 132:1829-1834. [PMID: 35353380 PMCID: PMC9544892 DOI: 10.1002/lary.30122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Patients with olfactory dysfunction (OD) frequently report symptoms of depression. The objective of this study was to determine how clinical characteristics and olfactory‐related quality of life (QoL) measures associate with the likelihood for major depressive disorders (MDDs). Methods A total of 192 OD patients were included. Olfactory function was measured using all three subtests of the Sniffn' Sticks test. Olfactory‐related quality of life (QoL) was evaluated using the Questionnaires of Olfactory Dysfunction (QOD)‐negative (NS) and ‐positive statement (PS). The likelihood for MDD was assessed using the Patients Health Questionnaire‐2 (PHQ‐2). Demographics and disease‐specific variables (etiology and duration of OD) were collected. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to associate disease‐specific variables and the QOD with the outcome of the PHQ‐2. Additionally, the predictive ability of the QOD‐NS to predict depressive symptoms was calculated. Results In univariate analysis, COVID‐19 related smell loss, the QOD‐NS, and the QOD‐PS were significantly associated with the PHQ‐2. In multivariable analyses adjusting for QoL measures, the QOD‐NS (ß = 0.532, p < 0.001) and sinonasal OD (compared with postinfectious OD) were significantly associated with the PHQ‐2 (ß = 0.146, p = 0.047). When omitting QoL measures from multivariable analyses, only COVID‐19 related OD (compared with postinfectious OD) was significantly associated with the PHQ‐2 (ß = 0.287, p = 0.009). A QOD‐NS score > 20.5 had 70.13% sensitivity and 76.32% specificity for detecting symptoms of depression. Conclusion Our results suggest that COVID‐19 related OD might be associated with a higher likelihood for MDD. Furthermore, we showed that the QOD‐NS score might be helpful to predict symptoms of depression in OD patients. Level of Evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 132:1829–1834, 2022
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Prem
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gunjan Sharma
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Kaiser
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerold Besser
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian A Mueller
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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8
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Onset and resolution failure of recurrent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: the role of cervical range of motion. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2022; 279:2183-2192. [DOI: 10.1007/s00405-021-07226-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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9
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Damiani G, Alessandrini M, Caccamo D, Cormano A, Guzzi G, Mazzatenta A, Micarelli A, Migliore A, Piroli A, Bianca M, Tapparo O, Pigatto PDM. Italian Expert Consensus on Clinical and Therapeutic Management of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111294. [PMID: 34769816 PMCID: PMC8582949 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a multisystem, recurrent, environmental disorder that flares in response to different exposures (i.e., pesticides, solvents, toxic metals and molds) under the threshold limit value (TLV) calculated for age and gender in the general population. MCS is a syndrome characterized by cutaneous, allergic, gastrointestinal, rheumatological, endocrinological, cardiological and neurological signs and symptoms. We performed a systematic review of the literature to summarize the current clinical and therapeutic evidence and then oriented an eDelphi consensus. Four main research domains were identified (diagnosis, treatment, hospitalization and emergency) and discussed by 10 experts and an MCS patient. Thus, the first Italian MCS consensus had the double aim: (a) to improve MCS knowledge among healthcare workers and patients by standardizing the clinical and therapeutic management to MCS patients; and (b) to improve and shed light on MCS misconceptions not supported by evidence-based medicine (EBM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Damiani
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
- Clinical Dermatology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20161 Milan, Italy
- PhD Degree Program in Pharmacological Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Alessandrini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Daniela Caccamo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences, & Morpho-Functional Imaging, Polyclinic Hospital University, 98124 Messina, Italy;
| | - Andrea Cormano
- International Society of Doctors for Environment, 82100 Benevento, Italy;
| | - Gianpaolo Guzzi
- Italian Association for Metals and Biocompatibility Research—A.I.R.M.E.B., 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Andrea Mazzatenta
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, ‘G. d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Micarelli
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, 39100 Bolzano, Italy;
- ITER Center for Balance and Rehabilitation Research (ICBRR), 02032 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Migliore
- Department of Internal Medicine, Unit of Rheumatology, San Pietro Fatebenefratelli Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alba Piroli
- Department of MeSVA, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | | | | | - Paolo Daniele Maria Pigatto
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
- Clinical Dermatology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20161 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-5031-9971
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10
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Cannata A, De Luca C, Andolina G, Caccamo D, Currò M, Ferlazzo N, Ientile R, Alibrandi A, Korkina L. Influence of the SOD2 A16V gene polymorphism on alterations of redox markers and erythrocyte membrane fatty acid profiles in patients with multiple chemical sensitivity. Biomed Rep 2021; 15:101. [PMID: 34667598 PMCID: PMC8517758 DOI: 10.3892/br.2021.1477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronically increased oxidative stress has been reported in patients with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). Recently, a single nucleotide polymorphism of the gene coding for mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD2), namely the missense substitution A16V (C47>T) resulting in alteration of SOD2 enzyme activity, has been reported to be associated with MCS. However, the influence of SOD2 A16V genetic background on redox status of patients with MCS has not yet been investigated. Here, the results of a retrospective analysis aimed to evaluate the role of the SOD2 A16V polymorphism in the alterations of antioxidant defense markers as well as fatty acid (FA) composition of erythrocyte membranes in 67 patients with MCS matched with 55 healthy controls is reported. The mutated SOD2 V16 variant was observed more frequently in the MCS group compared with the control group, and this difference was statistically significant. The most common genotype in both groups was the heterozygous SOD2 AV16 variant, whereas the mutated SOD2 VV16 variant was more frequently observed in the MCS group, although the difference was not significant. The MCS cohort showed significantly depleted levels of plasma total antioxidant activity, ubiquinol, erythrocyte reduced glutathione and membrane polyunsaturated FA levels, coupled with significant increases in glutathione peroxidase activity, likely accounting for sustained detoxification from lipoperoxides. Notably, the highest levels of oxidative stress were found in patients with MCS bearing the genotype SOD2 AA16, whereas intermediate levels were found in patients bearing the heterozygous AV16 genotype. Healthy subjects bearing the SOD2 AA16 genotype also showed increased oxidative stress compared with carriers of other SOD2 genotypes. Despite the need for further confirmations in larger cohorts, due to MCS population genetic heterogeneity, these preliminary findings suggest that SOD2 defective activity makes certain patients with MCS more susceptible to developing oxidative stress following a chronic daily exposure to pro-oxidant insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attilio Cannata
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences and Morpho-functional Imaging, University of Messina, Polyclinic Hospital University 'G. Martino', I-98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Chiara De Luca
- R&D Regulatory Affairs Department, Medena AG, CH-8910 Affoltern-am-Albis (ZH), Switzerland
| | - Giulia Andolina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences and Morpho-functional Imaging, University of Messina, Polyclinic Hospital University 'G. Martino', I-98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Daniela Caccamo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences and Morpho-functional Imaging, University of Messina, Polyclinic Hospital University 'G. Martino', I-98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Monica Currò
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences and Morpho-functional Imaging, University of Messina, Polyclinic Hospital University 'G. Martino', I-98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Nadia Ferlazzo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences and Morpho-functional Imaging, University of Messina, Polyclinic Hospital University 'G. Martino', I-98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Riccardo Ientile
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences and Morpho-functional Imaging, University of Messina, Polyclinic Hospital University 'G. Martino', I-98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Angela Alibrandi
- Department of Economics, Section of Statistical and Mathematical Sciences, University of Messina, I-98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Liudmila Korkina
- Centre of Innovative Biotechnological Investigations Nanolab (CIBI-NANOLAB), 119571 Moscow, Russian Federation
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11
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Food Implications in Central Sensitization Syndromes. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9124106. [PMID: 33352747 PMCID: PMC7766296 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9124106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) are some of the central sensitization syndromes (CSSs). The complexity of their diagnosis, the high interindividual heterogeneity and the existence of multi-syndromic patients requires a multifaceted treatment. The scientific literature is contradictory regarding the role of food in CSS, and evidence on the role of nutrition in MCS is particularly scarce. This review consists in gathering information about the current status of dietary recommendations (i.e., special dietary interventions, the role of additives, presence of micronutrient deficiencies, nutritional supplements and elimination of other nutrients and substances) and discussing the scientific evidence in depth to shed light on appropriate nutritional treatment managements for CSS patients. Current indications show that dietary modifications may vastly improve the patients’ quality of life at a low cost. We suggest personalized treatment, taking into consideration the severity of the disease symptoms, quality of life, coexistence with other diseases, pharmacological treatment, changing clinical characteristics, nutritional status, energy requirements and food tolerances, among others, as the best ways to tailor specific dietary interventions. These approaches will partially overcome the lack of scientific and clinical research on MSC. Patients should also be advised on the serious consequences of following dietary guidelines without a dietitian’s and clinician’s supervision.
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Cannata A, De Luca C, Korkina LG, Ferlazzo N, Ientile R, Currò M, Andolina G, Caccamo D. The SNP rs2298383 Reduces ADORA2A Gene Transcription and Positively Associates with Cytokine Production by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Patients with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051858. [PMID: 32182774 PMCID: PMC7084623 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic inflammation and immune activation are striking features of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). The rs2298383 SNP of ADORA2A gene, coding for adenosine receptor type 2A (A2AR), has been involved in aberrant immune activation. Here we aimed to assess the prevalence of this SNP in 279 MCS patients and 238 healthy subjects, and its influence on ADORA2A, IFNG and IL4 transcript amounts in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of randomly selected patients (n = 70) and controls (n = 66) having different ADORA2A genotypes. The ADORA2A rs2298383 TT mutated genotype, significantly more frequent in MCS patients than in controls, was associated with a three-fold increased risk for MCS (O.R. = 2.86; C.I. 95% 1.99–4.12, p < 0.0001), while the CT genotype, highly prevalent among controls, resulted to be protective (O.R. = 0.33; C.I. 95% 0.224–0.475, p < 0.0001). Notably, ADORA2A mRNA levels were significantly lower, while IFNG, but not IL4, mRNA levels were significantly higher in TT MCS patients compared with controls. A significant negative correlation was found between ADORA2A and both IFNG and IL4, while a significant positive correlation was found between IFNG and IL4. These findings suggest that A2AR defective signaling may play a relevant role in PBMC shift towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype in MCS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attilio Cannata
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences and Morpho-functional Imaging, Polyclinic Hospital University, Messina 989125, Italy; (A.C.); (N.F.); (R.I.); (M.C.); (G.A.)
| | - Chiara De Luca
- R & D Regulatory Affairs Department, Medena AG, Affoltern-am-Albis (ZH) CH-8910, Switzerland;
| | - Liudmila G. Korkina
- Centre of Innovative Biotechnological Investigations Nanolab (CIBI-NANOLAB), Moscow 119571, Russia;
| | - Nadia Ferlazzo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences and Morpho-functional Imaging, Polyclinic Hospital University, Messina 989125, Italy; (A.C.); (N.F.); (R.I.); (M.C.); (G.A.)
| | - Riccardo Ientile
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences and Morpho-functional Imaging, Polyclinic Hospital University, Messina 989125, Italy; (A.C.); (N.F.); (R.I.); (M.C.); (G.A.)
| | - Monica Currò
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences and Morpho-functional Imaging, Polyclinic Hospital University, Messina 989125, Italy; (A.C.); (N.F.); (R.I.); (M.C.); (G.A.)
| | - Giulia Andolina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences and Morpho-functional Imaging, Polyclinic Hospital University, Messina 989125, Italy; (A.C.); (N.F.); (R.I.); (M.C.); (G.A.)
| | - Daniela Caccamo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences and Morpho-functional Imaging, Polyclinic Hospital University, Messina 989125, Italy; (A.C.); (N.F.); (R.I.); (M.C.); (G.A.)
- Correspondence:
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