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International Archives of Allergy and... 2024Sexual dysfunction (SD) and allergic disease are common health concerns worldwide and bear a potential relationship. This scoping review is conducted to analyze the...
INTRODUCTION
Sexual dysfunction (SD) and allergic disease are common health concerns worldwide and bear a potential relationship. This scoping review is conducted to analyze the currently available data regarding the associations between these two health issues.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was performed in the databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Science to retrieve studies that were published before January 2023. A narrative synthesis was conducted to analyze the effects of allergic diseases on SD based on the evaluation of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF).
RESULTS
Twelve observational studies were included after the selection process. The results generally suggested lower FSFI or IIEF scores in patients with asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and urticaria compared to the healthy control groups. The underlying factors of this relationship could be inflammation, psychological factors, hormonal changes, sleep disorders, sexual behavior-related allergic reactions, social economic status, and the use of medications.
CONCLUSION
SD and allergic disease are interrelated based on the extant literature. This scoping review provides insights into the clinical implications of both entities, while more research studies are warranted to further elucidate this complex relationship.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Rhinitis, Allergic; Asthma; Inflammation
PubMed: 37729893
DOI: 10.1159/000533403 -
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology May 2024Prior studies have found associations between atopic dermatitis (AD) and comorbidities, including depression, obesity, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. Although...
Prior studies have found associations between atopic dermatitis (AD) and comorbidities, including depression, obesity, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. Although observational studies often cannot establish robust causality between potential risk factors and AD, Mendelian randomization minimizes confounding when exploring causality by relying on random allelic assortment at birth. In this study, we systematically reviewed 30 Mendelian randomization studies in AD. Body mass index, gut microbial flora, the IL-18 signaling pathway, and gastroesophageal reflux disease were among the causal factors for AD, whereas AD was causal for several medical conditions, including heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis, and conjunctivitis. These insights may improve preventive counseling in AD.
Topics: Humans; Dermatitis, Atopic; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Risk Factors; Comorbidity; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Body Mass Index; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Interleukin-18; Genetic Predisposition to Disease
PubMed: 37977498
DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.10.016 -
Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology... Apr 2024Air pollution is a global problem associated with various health conditions, causing elevated rates of morbidity and mortality. Major sources of air pollutants include... (Review)
Review
Air pollution is a global problem associated with various health conditions, causing elevated rates of morbidity and mortality. Major sources of air pollutants include industrial emissions, traffic-related pollutants, and household biomass combustion, in addition to indoor pollutants from chemicals and tobacco. Various types of air pollutants originate from both human activities and natural sources. These include particulate matter, pollen, greenhouse gases, and other harmful gases. Air pollution is linked to allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, food allergy, and bronchial asthma. These pollutants lead to epithelial barrier dysfunction, dysbiosis, and immune dysregulation. In addition, climate change and global warming may contribute to the exacerbation and the development of allergic diseases related to air pollutants. Epigenetic changes associated with air pollutants have also been connected to the onset of allergic diseases. Furthermore, these changes can be passed down through subsequent generations, causing a higher prevalence of allergic diseases in offspring. Modulation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor could be a valuable strategy for alleviating air pollutant-induced epidermal barrier dysfunction and atopic dermatitis. A more effective approach to preventing allergic diseases triggered by air pollutants is to reduce exposure to them. Implementing public policies aimed at safeguarding individuals from air pollutant exposure may prove to be the most efficient solution. A pressing need exists for global policy initiatives that prioritize efforts to reduce the production of air pollutants.
Topics: Humans; Air Pollutants; Dermatitis, Atopic; Air Pollution; Asthma; Rhinitis, Allergic
PubMed: 38006973
DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.11.014 -
Molecular Immunology Dec 2023Mosquito allergy has been conceived as the cutaneous reactions that appears during and after mosquito biting process; a perception that is supported by several...
Mosquito allergy has been conceived as the cutaneous reactions that appears during and after mosquito biting process; a perception that is supported by several scientific research. Additional data have led to conceive that other manifestations of allergic responses may occur as a cause of the exposure to somatic mosquito allergens. Two main phenotypes of mosquito allergy are identifiable: the cutaneous allergic reactions, induced by salivary allergens, and other manifestations of the allergic responses such as asthma and allergic rhino conjunctivitis that are caused by somatic allergens. The cutaneous reactions have kept the focus of attention of the scientific community. It appears as skin lesions that resembles the phenotype of papular urticaria with a defined natural history of the disease. Although these two phenotypes of mosquito allergy seem to be well differentiated in terms of the allergens that are involved and the routes of exposures, other factors such as geographical distribution, may participate. Mosquitoes have adapted to the host immune response against bites, producing immunomodulatory molecules that counteract such defensive response. The role that the immunomodulatory molecules have on the allergic immune response has not been studied yet and it is still not known if affects all mosquito allergy phenotypes. Only a few studies of allergen specific immunotherapy for cutaneous allergic reactions induced by mosquito bites have been done, and none for respiratory allergic responses. The clinical practice focuses on symptom management and avoiding mosquito bites as much as possible. Avoiding mosquitoes, using different well described methods, is still the best option to limit contact with these insects. The lack of knowledge of mosquito allergy have raised several questions that affects the clinical management of this allergic disease, from its diagnosis, prevention and immunotherapy.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Insect Bites and Stings; Aedes; Hypersensitivity; Allergens; Desensitization, Immunologic; Urticaria; Dermatitis, Atopic
PubMed: 38039596
DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.11.009 -
Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical... Oct 2023The potential of allergen challenges using environmental exposure facilities in allergic conjunctivitis drug development and more recently its implication on the... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
The potential of allergen challenges using environmental exposure facilities in allergic conjunctivitis drug development and more recently its implication on the diagnosis of the united airways concept have been emphasized in the recent literature. This study aims to present an overview of new and important data in this field.
RECENT FINDINGS
Standardized methodologies for ocular surface assessment during allergen challenges were described. The Total Ocular Symptom Score (TOSS) is the main validated questionnaire used for the assessment of ocular surface during allergen challenges. It combines patient and investigator assessments for more accurate conjunctival response and was extensively used in clinical research and daily practice. Environmental Exposure Chambers (EECs) studies aim to conduct tight-controlled challenges to a stable and well defined allergen airborne concentration, closer to natural exposure to evaluate the efficacy of nonpharmaceutical and antiallergic treatments. Recent studies showed a good correlation between ocular symptoms elicited by EEC and those assessed during natural exposure. These validated methods allow to investigate the efficacy of novel pharmacotherapies for allergic conjunctivitis and allergen immunotherapy (AIT) in a real-world model of allergen exposure.
SUMMARY
This study aims to summarize novel data regarding the impact of EECs in studying pathophysiology and drug efficacy in the context of existing clinical protocols related to ocular surface effects. In this regard, studies comparing conjunctival response during natural and EEC exposures in patients with pollen-induced conjunctivitis aimed to demonstrate better outcomes in tight-controlled exposures mimicking natural exposure. Because allergen challenges are widely implemented in allergy treatment, this article will focus on the most important outcomes and the evolution of treatments for allergic conjunctivitis.
Topics: Humans; Conjunctivitis, Allergic; Allergens; Pollen; Conjunctiva; Environmental Exposure
PubMed: 37459277
DOI: 10.1097/ACI.0000000000000929 -
JCI Insight Nov 2023The penetration of allergens through the epithelial layer is the initial step in the development of allergic conjunctivitis. Although pollinosis patients manifest...
The penetration of allergens through the epithelial layer is the initial step in the development of allergic conjunctivitis. Although pollinosis patients manifest symptoms within minutes after pollen exposure, the mechanisms of the rapid transport of the allergens remain unclear. In the present study, we found that the instillation of pollen shells rapidly induces a large number of goblet cell-associated antigen passages (GAPs) in the conjunctiva. Antigen acquisition by stromal cells, including macrophages and CD11b+ dendritic cells, correlated with surface GAP formation. Furthermore, a substantial amount of antigen was transported to the stroma during the first 10 minutes of pollen exposure, which was sufficient for the full induction of an allergic conjunctivitis mouse model. This inducible, rapid GAP formation and antigen acquisition were suppressed by topical lidocaine or trigeminal nerve ablation, indicating that the sensory nervous system plays an essential role. Interestingly, pollen shell-stimulated GAP formation was not suppressed by topical atropine, suggesting that the conjunctival GAPs and intestinal GAPs are differentially regulated. These results identify pollen shell-induced GAP as a therapeutic target for allergic conjunctivitis.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Humans; Conjunctivitis, Allergic; Goblet Cells; Allergens; Pollen; Conjunctiva
PubMed: 37819721
DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.168596 -
Ocular Immunology and Inflammation Jul 2023To assess the effect of anti-allergic therapy on sleep quality of children with allergic conjunctivitis (AC) and their parents.
PURPOSE
To assess the effect of anti-allergic therapy on sleep quality of children with allergic conjunctivitis (AC) and their parents.
METHODS
This prospective single-arm intervention study included 54 AC child-parent dyads. Chinese versions of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to assess the sleep quality of children and their parents, respectively.
RESULTS
CSHQ and PSQI total scores were significantly decreased after treatment, with fewer children and parents reporting poor sleep quality. Part impaired sleep behaviors of children and parents can recover to the normal levels. Sleep quality improved greater in children with a severe type of AC, those with worse baseline signs, and without other allergic diseases. For both children and parents, greater improvements in sleep quality were associated with longer treatment duration and with worse baseline sleep quality.
CONCLUSION
Successful management of AC improves sleep quality for both children and their parents.
PubMed: 37505511
DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2023.2238214 -
The Laryngoscope Jun 2024The existing epidemiological evidence regarding the intricate relationship between allergic diseases and chronic adenotonsillar diseases (CATD) remains inconclusive....
OBJECTIVE
The existing epidemiological evidence regarding the intricate relationship between allergic diseases and chronic adenotonsillar diseases (CATD) remains inconclusive. Herein, the objective of our study is to explore the causal association using Mendelian randomization (MR).
METHODS
Employing data from large genome-wide association studies, a comprehensive two-sample bidirectional MR study was conducted. The studied traits encompassed allergic rhinitis (cases n = 9707, controls n = 331173), allergic asthma (cases n = 8525, controls n = 193857), allergic conjunctivitis (cases n = 18321, controls n = 324178), atopic dermatitis (cases n = 11964, controls n = 306909), and CATD (cases n = 38983, controls n = 258553). All the patients were of European descent and participants in cohort studies. The primary analysis was executed using inverse-variance-weighted MR. Furthermore, six additional MR methods (MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, weighted mode, MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier, MR robust adjusted profile score) were employed to ensure the reliability and detect potential horizontal pleiotropy within the results. The estimates obtained from the MR analysis were factored into the overall effect calculation.
RESULTS
Genetically anticipated outcomes demonstrated a significant association between CATD risk and allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.141, p = 6.30E-06), allergic asthma (OR = 1.115, p = 8.31E-05), allergic conjunctivitis (OR = 1.197, p = 8.69E-07), and a suggestive association with atopic dermatitis (OR = 1.053, p = 0.040). However, no substantial correlation was observed in the reverse direction.
CONCLUSIONS
Findings of our study provide evidence supporting a causal role of allergic diseases in the development of CATD, whereas the converse relationship does not appear to hold true.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
3 Laryngoscope, 134:2653-2658, 2024.
Topics: Humans; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Genome-Wide Association Study; Rhinitis, Allergic; Chronic Disease; Dermatitis, Atopic; Conjunctivitis, Allergic; Asthma; Hypersensitivity; Male; Female; Tonsillitis
PubMed: 38193619
DOI: 10.1002/lary.31275 -
Allergy Apr 2024The efficacy and safety of preventive allergen immunotherapy (pAIT) in children are currently under investigation. Here, we provide an overview of pAIT with respiratory... (Review)
Review
The efficacy and safety of preventive allergen immunotherapy (pAIT) in children are currently under investigation. Here, we provide an overview of pAIT with respiratory allergens concerning the prevention of new sensitizations, allergic disease onset and progression as well as further immunomodulatory effects. Three databases were searched for clinical pAIT studies in children. Selected publications were reviewed for preventive outcomes according to prevention level (primary, secondary, and tertiary), allergen type, administration route, dose, and treatment duration. The primary prevention approach appears safe but showed no allergen-specific effect on new sensitizations. Secondary prevention seems feasible and may induce regulatory T cell-mediated immunotolerance. The number of studies at these prevention levels is limited. Tertiary prevention with grass and/or tree pollen-based pAIT has shown efficacy in preventing disease progression from allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis to asthma. Data on tertiary pAIT with house dust mites and other allergen types are inconclusive. Subcutaneous and sublingual routes appear similarly effective, but head-to-head comparative paediatric studies are scarce. Additionally, there are fewer placebo-controlled studies. Nevertheless, immunomodulatory outcomes of pAIT are encouraging. Currently, limited but favourably suggestive evidence is available for preventing respiratory allergic diseases in children by pAIT. Primary and secondary prevention have potential and warrant further investigation through well-designed studies.
PubMed: 38588176
DOI: 10.1111/all.16115 -
Current Eye Research Sep 2023Punctal occlusion using punctal plugs has been successfully used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. However, the effects of punctal occlusion on the...
PURPOSE
Punctal occlusion using punctal plugs has been successfully used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. However, the effects of punctal occlusion on the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis (AC) have been less well documented. There is some concern among clinicians that punctal occlusion may make signs/symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis worse by trapping allergens on the eye. The objective of this analysis was to address this question and thus assess the effect of punctal occlusion alone on ocular itching and conjunctival redness associated with AC.
METHODS
This was a pooled analysis of three randomized, double-blind, placebo insert-controlled clinical trials in subjects with AC. Enrolled subjects were generally healthy adults with ocular allergies and a positive skin test reaction to perennial and/or seasonal allergens. The study used a modified version of the traditional conjunctival allergen challenge (CAC) model, which included multiple, repeated allergen challenges following placement of the intracanalicular insert. Subjects were rechallenged on Days 6, 7 and 8; Days 13, 14 and 15; and Days 26, 27 and 28.
RESULTS
The data set included 128 subjects that were administered placebo. Baseline mean (SD) ocular itching and conjunctival redness scores were 3.52 (0.44) and 2.97 (0.39), respectively. On post-insertion Days 7, 14 and 28, mean itching scores were 2.62, 2.26 and 1.91, respectively, representing 26%, 36% and 46% itching reductions, respectively ( < 0.001). On Days 7, 14 and 28, mean conjunctival redness scores were 1.98, 1.90, and 2.08, respectively, representing 33%, 36%, and 30% redness reductions, respectively ( < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Based on this pooled analysis, punctal occlusion with a resorbable hydrogel intracanalicular insert did not worsen ocular itching or conjunctival redness in this patient population.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Allergens; Conjunctivitis, Allergic; Double-Blind Method; Eye; Ophthalmic Solutions; Pruritus; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37199292
DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2023.2211247