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The Journal of Allergy and Clinical... Nov 2022Several studies conducted in Europe have suggested a protective association between early-life farming exposures and childhood eczema or atopic dermatitis; few studies...
BACKGROUND
Several studies conducted in Europe have suggested a protective association between early-life farming exposures and childhood eczema or atopic dermatitis; few studies have examined associations in adults.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate associations between early-life exposures and eczema among 3217 adult farmers and farm spouses (mean age 62.8 years) in a case-control study nested within an US agricultural cohort.
METHODS
We used sampling-weighted logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for associations between early-life exposures and self-reported doctor-diagnosed eczema (273 cases) and polytomous logistic regression to estimate ORs (95%CIs) for a 4-level outcome combining information on eczema and atopy (specific IgE≥0.35). Additionally, we explored genetic and gene-environment associations with eczema.
RESULTS
Although early-life farming exposures were not associated with eczema overall, several early-life exposures were associated with a reduced risk of having both eczema and atopy. Notably, results suggest stronger protective associations among individuals with both eczema and atopy than among those with either atopy alone or eczema alone. For example, ORs (95%CIs) for having a mother who did farm work while pregnant were 1.01 (0.60-1.69) for eczema alone and 0.80 (0.65-0.99) for atopy alone, but 0.54 (0.33-0.80) for having both eczema and atopy. A genetic risk score based on previously identified atopic dermatitis variants was strongly positively associated with eczema, and interaction testing suggested protective effects of several early-life farming exposures only in individuals at lower genetic risk.
CONCLUSIONS
and childhood farming exposures are associated with decreased odds of having eczema with atopy in adults.
PubMed: 36569583
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacig.2022.06.002 -
Archives of Disease in Childhood Jul 2003Clear sex differences exist in asthma and atopy with a preponderance of boys before puberty. There is a reversal of this sex ratio during puberty with girls having more... (Review)
Review
Clear sex differences exist in asthma and atopy with a preponderance of boys before puberty. There is a reversal of this sex ratio during puberty with girls having more asthma and atopy throughout the reproductive years. Elucidating the reasons for the switch in the sex ratio should provide fresh insights into asthma and atopy with a real prospect of novel therapies for these troublesome diseases. The challenge is to match the epidemiology and physiology with the accumulating scientific knowledge on gender differences in immune responses. Hormonal changes have been implicated in the reversal of the sex ratio. Testosterone is an immunosuppressant and is likely to be protective, while female sex steroids are proinflammatory and will increase the susceptibility to atopy. Modified so as to be non-virilising/feminising, sex steroids could therefore play a useful part in modulating the immunological and inflammatory processes that underlie asthma and other allergic disorders, complementing the currently used glucocorticoid derived steroids.
Topics: Anti-Allergic Agents; Asthma; Autoimmunity; Female; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Humans; Hypersensitivity, Immediate; Male; Sex Factors; Sex Ratio
PubMed: 12818904
DOI: 10.1136/adc.88.7.587 -
Current Opinion in Immunology Dec 1996Several immunological disorders including allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergies, urticaria, nonhereditary angioedema, systemic... (Review)
Review
Several immunological disorders including allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergies, urticaria, nonhereditary angioedema, systemic anaphylaxis, and allergic conjunctivitis are associated with a positive family history, and share a positive response in the Prausnitz-Kuster (wheal and flare) reaction. Studies have shown that 20-30% of the population has a strong genetic predisposition for this condition, termed atopy, whose hallmark is a greatly elevated serum IgE concentration. A great deal is known about the cellular interactions that mediate the sensitization, immediate and late-phase reactions that follow encounters with allergen, as well as about the cell surface and signaling events that result in mediator release from inflammatory cells. Less is known of the genes that confer genetic predisposition for atopy; however, a worldwide effort to identify atopy genes is making significant progress.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Hypersensitivity, Immediate
PubMed: 8994858
DOI: 10.1016/s0952-7915(96)80007-0 -
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia :... 2007In many populations, the prevalence of asthma and atopy has increased in recent years. As a result, both conditions have become major public health problems. The... (Review)
Review
In many populations, the prevalence of asthma and atopy has increased in recent years. As a result, both conditions have become major public health problems. The possible influence of nutrition-related factors has been demonstrated in an increasing number of studies. Information regarding the role of breastfeeding, diet, nutritional status (obesity in particular), as well as regarding the immunologic responses triggered, helps to improve our understanding of the correlation between oxidative stress, bronchial inflammation, and the development of atopic and asthma symptoms. The article presents a review of the published literature on the relationships established between and among nutrition, asthma, and atopy over the last two decades.
Topics: Asthma; Breast Feeding; Contraindications; Diet; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Life Style; Maternal Behavior; Milk, Human; Nutritional Status; Obesity; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 17982539
DOI: 10.1590/s1806-37132007000400016 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Jul 2021This study assessed vitamin D status in asymptomatic children and adolescents in Greece, with and without atopy, and possible changes during the coronavirus disease 2019...
This study assessed vitamin D status in asymptomatic children and adolescents in Greece, with and without atopy, and possible changes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Serum levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) and total immunoglobulin E (IgE), and eosinophil count were measured in 340 asymptomatic children and adolescents (155 males, 185 females), mean age 8.6 ± 4.6 years, recruited over a period of 24 months (February 2019-January 2021). Atopy, defined by high level of IgE for age, was associated with vitamin D deficient status ( = 0.041). Subjects with and without atopy showed similar rates of insufficient and normal levels of 25(OH)D. The median level of 25(OH)D was significantly higher in subjects recruited during the pandemic, when home confinement rules were observed, than before the pandemic, and significantly more children had normal levels of 25(OH)D ( < 0.001), but no differences were noticed for IgE levels or eosinophil count. These results support a link between vitamin D and allergic and infectious inflammations, and specifically the association of vitamin D deficiency with asymptomatic atopy, defined as increased IgE level for age.
PubMed: 34442356
DOI: 10.3390/jpm11080712 -
Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences Apr 2017We aimed to evaluate wheezing, bronchial asthma (BA), and atopy in premature infants at 2 years of age via a cross-sectional study.
BACKGROUND/AIM
We aimed to evaluate wheezing, bronchial asthma (BA), and atopy in premature infants at 2 years of age via a cross-sectional study.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Premature infants at <37 weeks of gestational age (GA) were assessed for atopy by skin-prick test and serum immunoglobulin E level at 2 years of age. The family's and infant's histories of allergy, BA, atopy, and wheezing were obtained by questionnaire and from hospital records.
RESULTS
There were 98 infants, with mean birth weight (BW) 1517.4 ± 486.5 g and GA 30.8 ± 2.9 weeks. The frequencies of wheezing, asthma, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) were 32.7%, 16.3%, and 14.3%, respectively. Skin-prick tests were positive for 11 subjects, with allergy to cereals for 7 infants, egg for 3, and peanut for 1. Wheezing was related to GA, BW, respiratory distress syndrome, mechanical ventilation, sepsis, asphyxia, smoking, antenatal steroid, BA, palivizumab prophylaxis, number of people in the household, and duration of hospitalization (P < 0.05). Wheezing was negatively correlated to GA. Family history of BA, smoking, and number of people in the household were linked to BA (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Wheezing was related to degree of premature birth, but BA was linked to BA in the family and smoking. Increased gestation should improve the infant's respiratory health up to 2 years of age.
Topics: Asthma; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Infant, Premature; Male; Respiratory Sounds
PubMed: 28425254
DOI: 10.3906/sag-1511-37 -
Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil) 2011To assess pulmonary function and the prevalence of atopy in school-age children who were very low birth weight as infants and to compare those who had bronchopulmonary...
OBJECTIVE
To assess pulmonary function and the prevalence of atopy in school-age children who were very low birth weight as infants and to compare those who had bronchopulmonary dysplasia to those who did not.
METHOD
We studied 85 (39 male and 46 female) at a mean age of 84 (range, 62 to 107) months who were very low birth weight infants. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia was defined as oxygen dependency at 36 weeks gestational age. We excluded 8 patients (4 for cerebral palsy and 4 for no collaboration). Detailed perinatal and clinical data were collected. Lung function was evaluated using conventional spirometry. Atopy (assessed by the allergy skin-prick test) was considered when at least one positive skin test occurred in a panel of the most common environmental allergens in the local region. Comparisons between the bronchopulmonary dysplasia and no bronchopulmonary dysplasia groups were performed using the Mann-Whitney, x2 and Fisher's exact tests.
RESULTS
We compared the bronchopulmonary dysplasia (n = 13) and no bronchopulmonary dysplasia (n = 64) groups. Atopy was observed in 4 (30.8%) of the bronchopulmonary dysplasia patients and in 17 (26.6%) of the no bronchopulmonary dysplasia patients (p = 0.742). Two (15.4%) patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia had a family history of atopy vs. 17 (26.6%) in the no bronchopulmonary dysplasia group (p = 0.5). Lung function tests showed airway obstruction in 2 (15.4%) of the bronchopulmonary dysplasia patients and in 10 (15.6%) of the no bronchopulmonary dysplasia patients (p = 1.0). Four (33.3%) of the bronchopulmonary dysplasia patients had small airway obstruction vs. 14 (22.2%) of the no bronchopulmonary dysplasia patients (p = 0.466).
CONCLUSION
Our data showed no significant differences in lung function between bronchopulmonary dysplasia and no bronchopulmonary dysplasia patients at school age and no evidence of an association between atopy and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Topics: Age Factors; Body Mass Index; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia; Child, Preschool; Epidemiologic Methods; Female; Health Status; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Lung; Male; Portugal; Premature Birth; Respiration; Sex Factors; Spirometry
PubMed: 21552667
DOI: 10.1590/s1807-59322011000300011 -
Lung Oct 2010Glutathione-S-transferases (GSTM1 and GSTP1) and nicotinamide quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) genes play an important role in cellular protection against oxidative stress...
Glutathione-S-transferases (GSTM1 and GSTP1) and nicotinamide quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) genes play an important role in cellular protection against oxidative stress which has been linked to asthma pathogenesis. We investigated whether common, functional polymorphisms in GSTM1, GSTP1 and NQO1 influence airway hyperreactivity (AHR) and atopy among schoolchildren in South Africa. Genomic DNA was extracted from 317 primary schoolchildren, aged 9-11 years, from urban, low socioeconomic communities of Durban, South Africa. GSTM1 (null vs. present genotype), GSTP1 (Ile105Val; AA → AG + GG), and NQO1 (Pro/187Ser; CC → CT/TT) genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. Atopy was defined as a positive skin-prick test to any of several common allergens. Airway hyperreactivity (AHR) was evaluated by pulmonary function testing before and after methacholine challenge. Among the children, 30% were GSTM1 null, 65% carried the G allele for GSTP1, and 36% carried the C allele for NQO1. The frequency of GSTM1, GSTP1, and NQO1 variants among our South African sample was similar to frequencies found in similar ethnic groups worldwide. Marked airway reactivity (PC(20) ≤ 2 mg/ml) was found in 10.3% of children and approximately 40% of them were atopic. No significant associations for GSTM1 and NQO1 with either AHR or atopy were identified. A significant protective effect against atopy was found among children with one or two copies of the GSTP1 G allele.
Topics: Asthma; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Child; Female; Gene Frequency; Genetic Association Studies; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Glutathione S-Transferase pi; Glutathione Transferase; Humans; Male; NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone); Polymorphism, Genetic; South Africa
PubMed: 20526719
DOI: 10.1007/s00408-010-9246-3 -
Folia Medica Cracoviensia Jul 2023Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory dermatosis. The most characteristic symptoms of the disease include itch, eczematous eruptions and excessive... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory dermatosis. The most characteristic symptoms of the disease include itch, eczematous eruptions and excessive dryness of the skin. Elderly patients with AD represent a poorly characterized population because the physiological ageing, possible comorbidity and polypharmacy modify the clinical presentation typically observed in the younger age groups. The aim of the study is to comprehensively assess the clinical characteristics of elderly patients (>60 years old) with AD. Data were collected from 26 AD patients treated in the Department of Dermatology of the University Hospital in Krakow. Late-onset AD with generalized/prurigo lesions was the most predominant phenotype. Skin biopsy was required in 15 (58%) patients in the differential diagnosis process. Allergic rhinitis, a positive family history of atopy and xerosis were associated with a higher number of hospitalizations during the year prior to the last admission (p = 0.034, p = 0.046 and p = 0.036, respectively). Xerosis was more prevalent among subjects with polypharmacy (p = 0.046) and higher serum total IgE concentration (p = 0.048). AD in elderly patients is a new phenotype of the disease that requires careful differential diagnosis. Aged patients with an individual or family history of atopy, due to the increased incidence of severe exacerbations of AD, may benefit from the introduction of proactive therapy.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Middle Aged; Dermatitis, Atopic; Retrospective Studies; Comorbidity; Diagnosis, Differential
PubMed: 37903377
DOI: 10.24425/fmc.2023.145911 -
Cureus Jan 2021Introduction Respiratory allergies represent an important public health problem, with increasing prevalence and severity in Europe during the last decades. The rise of...
Introduction Respiratory allergies represent an important public health problem, with increasing prevalence and severity in Europe during the last decades. The rise of pollen allergies is an issue that continues to negatively impact people's daily lives across the globe and has become more important in the light of global warming and increasing air pollution. The aim of our paper is to evaluate the prevalence of declared atopy and the influence of lifestyle on allergic diseases, particularly on pollen allergies, in the urban environment from Romania. Methods The study is based on the cooperation Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP) called "Pollen Allergies in Romania: Optimizing Data Analysis in Raising Awareness", agreed and carried on between a group of North-American students and teachers from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a hospital-based allergy team from Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy and Colentina Clinical Hospital from Bucharest. The project aimed to evaluate the prevalence of atopy and lifestyle practices of allergic patients and to develop a data analysis tool to determine correlations between pollen counts and other environmental factors in the city of Bucharest. Results The lifestyle survey revealed that about one-third of allergic patients declared history of atopy. Some of the declared lifestyle practices can be considered environmental risk factors for allergies. This IQP can be considered a model of international, interdisciplinary and intercultural collaboration. Conclusion We concluded that Romania is facing an increasing pollen allergies trend and some actual lifestyle aspects can significantly influence the risk of pollen allergies in the big city environment.
PubMed: 33614319
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.12714