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Buters JTM, Antunes C, Galveias A, Bergmann KC, Thibaudon M, Galán C, Schmidt-Weber C, Oteros J. Pollen and spore monitoring in the world. Clin Transl Allergy 2018; 8:9. [PMID: 29636895 PMCID: PMC5883412 DOI: 10.1186/s13601-018-0197-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ambient air quality monitoring is a governmental duty that is widely carried out in order to detect non-biological ("chemical") components in ambient air, such as particles of < 10 µm (PM10, PM2.5), ozone, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. These monitoring networks are publicly funded and air quality data are open to the public. The situation for biological particles that have detrimental effects on health, as is the case of pollen and fungal spores, is however very different. Most pollen and spore monitoring networks are not publicly funded and data are not freely available. The information regarding which biological particle is being monitored, where and by whom, is consequently often not known, even by aerobiologists themselves. This is a considerable problem, as local pollen data are an important tool for the prevention of allergic symptoms. Objective The aim of this study was to review pollen monitoring stations throughout the world and to create an interactive visualization of their distribution. Methods The method employed to collect information was based on: (a) a review of the recent and historical bibliography related to pollen and fungal spore monitoring, and (b) personal surveys of the managers of national and regional monitoring networks. The interactive application was developed using the R programming language. Results We have created an inventory of the active pollen and spore monitoring stations in the world. There are at least 879 active pollen monitoring stations in the world, most of which are in Europe (> 500). The prevalent monitoring method is based on the Hirst principle (> 600 stations). The inventory is visualised as an interactive and on-line map. It can be searched, its appearance can be adjusted to the users' needs and it is updated regularly, as new stations or changes to those that already exist can be submitted online. Conclusions The map shows the current situation of pollen and spore monitoring and facilitates collaboration among those individuals who are interested in pollen and spore counts. It might also help to improve the monitoring of biological particles up to the current level employed for non-biological components.
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Affiliation(s)
- J T M Buters
- 1Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Center, Biedersteinerstrasse 29, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - C Antunes
- 2ICAAM - Institute of Mediterranean Crop and Environmental Sciences, University of Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | - A Galveias
- 2ICAAM - Institute of Mediterranean Crop and Environmental Sciences, University of Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | - K C Bergmann
- 3Allergy-Center-Charité, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Thibaudon
- RNSA (Réseau National de Surveillance Aérobiologique), Brussieu, France
| | - C Galán
- 5Department of Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology, University of Córdoba, International Campus of Excellence on Agrifood (ceiA3), Córdoba, Spain
| | - C Schmidt-Weber
- 1Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Center, Biedersteinerstrasse 29, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - J Oteros
- 1Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Center, Biedersteinerstrasse 29, 80802 Munich, Germany
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Oeder S, Alessandrini F, Wirz OF, Braun A, Wimmer M, Frank U, Hauser M, Durner J, Ferreira F, Ernst D, Mempel M, Gilles S, Buters JTM, Behrendt H, Traidl-Hoffmann C, Schmidt-Weber C, Akdis M, Gutermuth J. Pollen-derived nonallergenic substances enhance Th2-induced IgE production in B cells. Allergy 2015. [PMID: 26214762 DOI: 10.1111/all.12707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND B cells play a central role in IgE-mediated allergies. In damaged airway epithelium, they are exposed directly to aeroallergens. We aimed to assess whether direct exposure of B cells to pollen constituents affects allergic sensitization. METHODS B cells from murine splenocytes and from blood samples of healthy donors were incubated for 8 days under Th2-like conditions with aqueous ragweed pollen extracts (Amb-APE) or its constituents. Secreted total IgM, IgG, and IgE was quantified by ELISA. Additionally, birch, grass, or pine-pollen extracts were tested. The number of viable cells was evaluated by ATP measurements. B-cell proliferation was measured by CFSE staining. IgE class switch was analyzed by quantitation of class switch transcripts. In an OVA/Alum i.p.-sensitization mouse model, Amb-APE was intranasally instilled for 11 consecutive days. RESULTS Upon Th2 priming of murine B cells, ragweed pollen extract caused a dose-dependent increase in IgE production, while IgG and IgM were not affected. The low-molecular-weight fraction and phytoprostane E1 (PPE1) increased IgE production, while Amb a 1 did not. PPE1 enhanced IgE also in human memory B cells. Under Th1 conditions, Amb-APE did not influence immunoglobulin secretion. The IgE elevation was not ragweed specific. It correlated with proliferation of viable B cells, but not with IgE class switch. In vivo, Amb-APE increased total IgE and showed adjuvant activity in allergic airway inflammation. CONCLUSIONS Aqueous pollen extracts, the protein-free fraction of Amb-APE, and the pollen-contained substance PPE1 specifically enhance IgE production in Th2-primed B cells. Thus, pollen-derived nonallergenic substances might be responsible for B-cell-dependent aggravation of IgE-mediated allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Oeder
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; CK-CARE; Davos Switzerland
| | - F. Alessandrini
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; CK-CARE; Davos Switzerland
| | - O. F. Wirz
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF); Davos Switzerland
| | - A. Braun
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology; University Medical Center; Georg August University; Göttingen Germany
| | - M. Wimmer
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; CK-CARE; Davos Switzerland
- Institute of Environmental Medicine; UNIKA-T; Technische Universität München; Munich Germany
| | - U. Frank
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; CK-CARE; Davos Switzerland
- Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology; Helmholtz Center Munich; Neuherberg Germany
| | - M. Hauser
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; CK-CARE; Davos Switzerland
- Department of Molecular Biology; University of Salzburg; Salzburg Austria
| | - J. Durner
- Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology; Helmholtz Center Munich; Neuherberg Germany
| | - F. Ferreira
- Department of Molecular Biology; University of Salzburg; Salzburg Austria
| | - D. Ernst
- Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology; Helmholtz Center Munich; Neuherberg Germany
| | - M. Mempel
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology; University Medical Center; Georg August University; Göttingen Germany
| | - S. Gilles
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; CK-CARE; Davos Switzerland
- Institute of Environmental Medicine; UNIKA-T; Technische Universität München; Munich Germany
| | - J. T. M. Buters
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; CK-CARE; Davos Switzerland
| | - H. Behrendt
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; CK-CARE; Davos Switzerland
| | - C. Traidl-Hoffmann
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; CK-CARE; Davos Switzerland
- Institute of Environmental Medicine; UNIKA-T; Technische Universität München; Munich Germany
| | - C. Schmidt-Weber
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
| | - M. Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF); Davos Switzerland
| | - J. Gutermuth
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Department of Dermatology; Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Brussels Belgium
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Galan C, Antunes C, Brandao R, Torres C, Garcia-Mozo H, Caeiro E, Ferro R, Prank M, Sofiev M, Albertini R, Berger U, Cecchi L, Celenk S, Grewling Ł, Jackowiak B, Jäger S, Kennedy R, Rantio-Lehtimäki A, Reese G, Sauliene I, Smith M, Thibaudon M, Weber B, Weichenmeier I, Pusch G, Buters JTM. Airborne olive pollen counts are not representative of exposure to the major olive allergen Ole e 1. Allergy 2013; 68:809-12. [PMID: 23647633 DOI: 10.1111/all.12144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2012] [Accepted: 02/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Pollen is routinely monitored, but it is unknown whether pollen counts represent allergen exposure. We therefore simultaneously determined olive pollen and Ole e 1 in ambient air in Córdoba, Spain, and Évora, Portugal, using Hirst-type traps for pollen and high-volume cascade impactors for allergen. Pollen from different days released 12-fold different amounts of Ole e 1 per pollen (both locations P < 0.001). Average allergen release from pollen (pollen potency) was much higher in Córdoba (3.9 pg Ole e 1/pollen) than in Évora (0.8 pg Ole e 1/pollen, P = 0.004). Indeed, yearly olive pollen counts in Córdoba were 2.4 times higher than in Évora, but Ole e 1 concentrations were 7.6 times higher. When modeling the origin of the pollen, >40% of Ole e 1 exposure in Évora was explained by high-potency pollen originating from the south of Spain. Thus, olive pollen can vary substantially in allergen release, even though they are morphologically identical.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Galan
- Department of Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology; University of Córdoba; CeiA3, Córdoba; Spain
| | | | - R. Brandao
- ICAAM - Institute of Mediterranean Crop and Environmental Sciences; University of Évora; Évora; Portugal
| | - C. Torres
- Department of Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology; University of Córdoba; CeiA3, Córdoba; Spain
| | - H. Garcia-Mozo
- Department of Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology; University of Córdoba; CeiA3, Córdoba; Spain
| | - E. Caeiro
- ICAAM - Institute of Mediterranean Crop and Environmental Sciences; University of Évora; Évora; Portugal
| | - R. Ferro
- ICAAM - Institute of Mediterranean Crop and Environmental Sciences; University of Évora; Évora; Portugal
| | - M. Prank
- Finnish Meteorological Institute; Helsinki; Finland
| | - M. Sofiev
- Finnish Meteorological Institute; Helsinki; Finland
| | - R. Albertini
- Laboratory of Allergology; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine; University of Parma; U.O. Medical Immunology; University Hospital of Parma; Parma; Italy
| | - U. Berger
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology; Research Unit Aerobiology and Pollen Information; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna; Austria
| | - L. Cecchi
- Interdepartmental Centre of Bioclimatology; University of Florence; Florence; Italy
| | - S. Celenk
- Aerobiology Laboratory; Biology Department, Science and Arts Faculty; Uludag University; Gorukle-Bursa; Turkey
| | - Ł. Grewling
- Laboratory of Aeropalynology; Faculty of Biology; Adam Mickiewicz University; Poznań; Poland
| | - B. Jackowiak
- Laboratory of Aeropalynology; Faculty of Biology; Adam Mickiewicz University; Poznań; Poland
| | - S. Jäger
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology; Research Unit Aerobiology and Pollen Information; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna; Austria
| | - R. Kennedy
- National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit; University of Worcester; Worcester; UK
| | | | - G. Reese
- Allergopharma Joachim Ganzer KG; Reinbek; Germany
| | - I. Sauliene
- Department of Environmental Research; Siauliai University; Siauliai; Lithuania
| | - M. Smith
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology; Research Unit Aerobiology and Pollen Information; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna; Austria
| | - M. Thibaudon
- RNSA (Réseau National de Surveillance Aérobiologique); Brussieu; France
| | - B. Weber
- Allergopharma Joachim Ganzer KG; Reinbek; Germany
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Oeder S, Dietrich S, Weichenmeier I, Schober W, Pusch G, Jörres RA, Schierl R, Nowak D, Fromme H, Behrendt H, Buters JTM. Toxicity and elemental composition of particulate matter from outdoor and indoor air of elementary schools in Munich, Germany. Indoor Air 2012; 22:148-58. [PMID: 21913995 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0668.2011.00743.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Outdoor particulate matter (PM(10)) is associated with detrimental health effects. However, individual PM(10) exposure occurs mostly indoors. We therefore compared the toxic effects of classroom, outdoor, and residential PM(10). Indoor and outdoor PM(10) was collected from six schools in Munich during teaching hours and in six homes. Particles were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Toxicity was evaluated in human primary keratinocytes, lung epithelial cells and after metabolic activation by several human cytochromes P450. We found that PM(10) concentrations during teaching hours were 5.6-times higher than outdoors (117 ± 48 μg/m(3) vs. 21 ± 15 μg/m(3), P < 0.001). Compared to outdoors, indoor PM contained more silicate (36% of particle number), organic (29%, probably originating from human skin), and Ca-carbonate particles (12%, probably originating from paper). Outdoor PM contained more Ca-sulfate particles (38%). Indoor PM at 6 μg/cm(2) (10 μg/ml) caused toxicity in keratinocytes and in cells expressing CYP2B6 and CYP3A4. Toxicity by CYP2B6 was abolished with the reactive oxygen species scavenger N-acetylcysteine. We concluded that outdoor PM(10) and indoor PM(10) from homes were devoid of toxicity. Indoor PM(10) was elevated, chemically different and toxicologically more active than outdoor PM(10). Whether the effects translate into a significant health risk needs to be determined. Until then, we suggest better ventilation as a sensible option. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Indoor air PM(10) on an equal weight base is toxicologically more active than outdoor PM(10). In addition, indoor PM(10) concentrations are about six times higher than outdoor air. Thus, ventilation of classrooms with outdoor air will improve air quality and is likely to provide a health benefit. It is also easier than cleaning PM(10) from indoor air, which has proven to be tedious.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Oeder
- ZAUM-Center of Allergy and Environment, Helmholtz Zentrum München/Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Zirbs M, Pürner C, Buters JTM, Effner R, Weidinger S, Ring J, Eberlein B. GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 gene polymorphism in polymorphous light eruption. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2012; 27:157-62. [PMID: 22225519 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2011.04431.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is the most common chronic and idiopathic photodermatosis. PLE is assumed to represent an immunological hypersensitivity reaction to a radiation-induced cutaneous antigen involving reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the basis of a genetic predisposition. Among others, cellular protection against ROS is provided by glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). Different variants of the GST enzymes may influence the activity and efficiency of detoxification and biotransformation of unknown UV-induced skin-antigens and other factors that may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PLE. METHODS In this study the relationship between isoenzymes of the GST genes GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 and possible protective or predisposing effects on PLE was examined in 29 patients and 144 controls. Diagnosis of PLE was based on the presence of characteristic clinical features. RESULTS No association between the functional polymorphisms of the GST gene family and PLE was found. Prevalence of certain GST isoenzymes or polymorphisms in patients with PLE did not differ from healthy controls. CONCLUSION Our data do not support prevalence of GST isoenzymes or polymorphisms as a protective effect against PLE. Especially a higher carrier frequency of GSTP1 Val(105) as a protective factor against PLE which has been published before could not be proved. The GST genotypes GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 (including SNPs) seem to have no relevant association with PLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zirbs
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie am Biederstein, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.
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Buters JTM, Weichenmeier I, Ochs S, Pusch G, Kreyling W, Boere AJF, Schober W, Behrendt H. The allergen Bet v 1 in fractions of ambient air deviates from birch pollen counts. Allergy 2010; 65:850-8. [PMID: 20132158 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02286.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proof is lacking that pollen count is representative for allergen exposure, also because allergens were found in nonpollen-bearing fractions of ambient air. OBJECTIVE We monitored simultaneously birch pollen and the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 in different size fractions of ambient air from 2004 till 2007 in Munich, Germany. METHODS Air was sampled with a ChemVol high-volume cascade impactor equipped with stages for particulate matter (PM)>10 microm, 10 microm>PM>2.5 microm, and 2.5 microm>PM>0.12 microm. Allergen was determined with a Bet v 1-specific ELISA. Pollen count was assessed with a Burkard pollen trap. We also measured the development of allergen in pollen during ripening. RESULTS About 93 +/- 3% of Bet v 1 was found in the PM > 10 microm fraction, the fraction containing birch pollen. We did not measure any Bet v 1 in 2.5 microm > PM > 0.12 microm. Either in Munich no allergen was in this fraction or the allergen was absorbed to diesel soot particles that also deposit in this fraction. Pollen released 115% more Bet v 1 in 2007 than in 2004. Also within 1 year, the release of allergen from the same amount of pollen varied more than 10-fold between different days. This difference was explained by a rapidly increasing expression of Bet v 1 in pollen in the week just before pollination. Depending on the day the pollen is released during ripening, its potency varies. CONCLUSION In general, pollen count and allergen in ambient air follow the same temporal trends. However, because a 10-fold difference can exist in allergen potency of birch pollen, symptoms might be difficult to correlate with pollen counts, but perhaps better with allergen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- J T M Buters
- Division of Environmental Dermatology and Allergy, Helmholtz Zentrum München/TUM, ZAUM - Center for Allergy and Environment, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.
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Willi R, Pfab F, Huss-Marp J, Buters JTM, Zilker T, Behrendt H, Ring J, Darsow U. Contact anaphylaxis and protein contact dermatitis in a cook handling chicory leaves. Contact Dermatitis 2009; 60:226-7. [PMID: 19338594 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0536.2008.01461.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Willi
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, Technische Universität München, Biedersteiner Strasse, Munich, Germany
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