Air pollutants contribute to epithelial barrier dysfunction and allergic diseases

PM2.5 exacerbates nasal epithelial barrier dysfunction in allergic rhinitis by inducing NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis via the AhR/CYP1A1/ROS axis

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a major air pollutant, plays a critical role in exacerbating respiratory diseases such as allergic rhinitis (AR) by inducing inflammation. While its association with AR is well established, the precise mechanisms by which PM2.5 triggers pyroptosis and compromises nasal epithelial barrier integrity remain unclear. This study investigates the role of PM2.5 in promoting pyroptosis in nasal epithelial cells and its contribution to AR pathogenesis. Clinical analysis revealed significantly elevated levels of NLRP3 inflammasomes and pyroptosis-related proteins in the nasal mucosa of patients with AR compared with the control group. In vitro and in vivo experiments further demonstrated that PM2.5 exposure led to a dose-dependent increase in these markers in nasal epithelial cells and AR mouse models. Functional studies using NLRP3 agonists and inhibitors confirmed that PM2.5 induces NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis, resulting in tight junction protein degradation and compromised epithelial barrier integrity. Mechanistic investigations showed that PM2.5 activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway, driving the transcription of cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) and increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Notably, AhR downregulation alleviated PM2.5-induced pyroptosis and epithelial barrier dysfunction, whereas CYP1A1 overexpression reversed these protective effects, highlighting the pivotal role of the AhR/CYP1A1/ROS axis in mediating PM2.5-induced epithelial damage. In conclusion, this study uncovers a novel mechanism by which PM2.5 promotes NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis through the AhR/CYP1A1/ROS signaling pathway, ultimately leading to epithelial barrier disruption and AR exacerbation. These findings highlight the urgent need for strategies to minimize PM2.5 exposure and mitigate its detrimental effects on respiratory health.

The application of microfluidic technology in allergen detection: A review

The escalating prevalence of allergic diseases has intensified the need for rapid and precise allergen detection, prompting the exploration of microfluidic technology in this domain. This review delves into the utility of microfluidics in enhancing allergen detection, underscoring its high sensitivity, throughput, and miniaturization advantages. We survey the spectrum of microfluidic chip materials, from silicon wafers to paper-based substrates, and discuss various fabrication techniques. The integration of microfluidics with detection methods like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and biosensors has transformed allergen diagnostics, offering more efficient, sensitive, and user-friendly platforms. These advancements facilitate point-of-care testing and hold significant potential for personalized medicine. Our review highlights the novel applications of microfluidics in allergen detection, contributing valuable insights for the development of future diagnostic tools and clinical research in allergy treatment. The innovative convergence of microfluidics with existing diagnostic methods presents a paradigm shift in the field of allergen detection, promising enhanced prevention and management of allergic diseases.

Trends in Allergic Sensitization and Diseases in the Korean General Population Over a 9-Year Period

OBJECTIVES

The prevalence of allergic sensitization and diseases varies over time due to changes in climate, environment, and lifestyle. This study analyzed changes in sensitization to house dust mites (HDM) and dogs, as well as the prevalence of allergic diseases in the Korean general population over a 9-year period and identified contributing factors.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2010 and 2019. Participants were aged ≥10 years, with the analysis stratified by adolescents (10-18 years) and adults (≥19 years). We evaluated the prevalence of allergic sensitization and diseases and examined links to clinicodemographic factors across the two survey years. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between sensitization and clinicopathological factors.

RESULTS

In total, 4,084 participants (2010: n=2,019, 2019: n=2,065) were enrolled. In 2010, HDM sensitization was 36.9%, declining to 36.6% in 2019. Dog sensitization decreased from 6.1% in 2010 to 5.8% in 2019. There were no significant differences between the two years among total participants; however, dog sensitization increased significantly among adolescents (2010: 8.7% vs. 2019: 15.3%; P=0.027). In 2010, HDM sensitization was negatively associated with urban residence (odds ratio [OR], 0.76; 95% CI, 0.60-0.96) and apartment dwelling (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.64-0.95) but was without significance in 2019. In adolescents, dog sensitization was strongly correlated with urban residence (OR, 8.06; 95% CI, 1.53-42.49) in 2010, whereas HDM sensitization was associated with obesity (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.04-3.91) in 2019. In adults, heavy drinking was linked to dog sensitization (OR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.20-4.62) in 2010 and HDM sensitization in 2019 (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.03-2.02).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of HDM sensitization remained stable over 9 years, while dog sensitization increased in adolescents. The factors associated with sensitization differed between age groups and years. Understanding these trends and related factors in the general population can help healthcare providers develop new strategies to reduce allergic sensitization and diseases.

Exploring the Mechanism of Bufei Decoction in the Treatment of Bronchial Asthma Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

BACKGROUND

Bufei decoction (BFD) is used in clinical practice to treat bronchial asthma (BA), although its molecular mechanism of action remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of BFD for treating BA.

METHODS

Network pharmacology and molecular docking predicted the molecular mechanism and the analysis results were verified using the ELISA kit and RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

There were 58 main active components and 121 potential targets in the BFD from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform( TCMSP), and 11 core targets were obtained from the protein-protein interactions(PPI) network. The gene ontology (GO) analysis found that the treatment of BA with BFD was mainly related to inflammatory reaction, membrane raft, cytokine activity, etc. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that it was mainly related to interleukin (IL)-17 signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, PI3KAkt signaling pathway, etc. The molecular docking results showed that the main active ingredients had strong binding ability with core targets. BFD significantly reduced the TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β and increased the level of IL-10 in rats with BA. BFD also significantly reduced the mRNA level of PI3K, AKT1, and VEGFA while increasing the mRNA level of TP53 in rats.

CONCLUSION

This study used network pharmacology methods to predict the potential active ingredients, targets, and pathways of BFD in treating BA and explore its possible molecular mechanism, which provided a theoretical basis for further study.

Persistent organic pollutants among seafood processing workers in West Greenland

The Greenlandic population is highly exposed to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) through the consumption of traditional marine food, including marine mammals. Central to Greenland's economy and cultural identity, the fishing industry employes about 15% of the working population. This study investigated POP exposure, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), among seafood processing workers at the Greenlandic west coast. We examined determinants for the POPs including age, smoking habits, ethnicity, and working place. Additionally, we explored the association between POPs and the prevalence of asthma, allergy, and lung function. With samples taken during 2016-2018, the study encompassed 382 workers, primarily of Inuit descent (93%), employed across three large factories located in Nuuk, Sisimiut, and Ilulissat, four smaller factories in settlements (Kangaatsiaq, Ikerasaarsuk, Sarfannguaq, Qeqertarsuaq), and four factory trawlers. Data collected include clinical examinations, questionnaires on ethnicity, occupational exposure status, health indicators, and smoking habits, and serum selenium and POP analyses. We used ANCOVA with adjustment for relevant confounders to assess differences in POPs between groups (e.g. ethnic groups and working place), and multiple linear and logistic regressions were used to assess associations between POPs and lung function, allergy and asthma. Significant differences in POPs were observed among ethnic groups; Faroese workers had the highest concentrations of lipophilic POPs (lipPOPs; PCBs and OCPs), while Inuit workers exhibited highest PFASs. All subsequent analyses were focused on the Inuit workers (n = 337). The PFASs were significantly higher in workers at small factories, followed by large factories and trawlers, whereas no differences were seen for lipPOPs. The differences between the working places were most likely due to differences in lifestyle and diet, but occupational exposures cannot be excluded. LipPOP and PFAS concentrations associated positively with selenium, and PFASs positively associated with lung function. However, upon adjustment of selenium, the associations between PFASs and lung function became non-significant and attenuated towards null. No significant associations were found between POPs and the prevalence of asthma or allergy. Compared to the general population in the same area and period, the seafood processing workers exhibited 2-6 times higher POP levels. The higher exposure level among seafood processing workers, as well as the difference across workplaces, underscore the need for further investigation of environmental and occupational sources of POPs in this population. These findings may contribute to future public health strategies and regulatory measures to reduce POP exposure in Arctic populations.

Epithelial-immune interactions govern type 2 immunity at barrier surfaces

Allergic diseases are acute and chronic inflammatory conditions resulting from disproportionate responses to environmental stimuli. Affecting approximately 40% of the global population, these diseases significantly contribute to morbidity and increasing health care costs. Allergic reactions are triggered by pollen, house dust mites, animal dander, mold, food antigens, venoms, toxins, and drugs. This review explores the pivotal role of the epithelium in the skin, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract in regulating the allergic response and delves into the mechanisms of tissue-specific epithelial-immune interactions in this context, with recent advances highlighting their roles in the initiation, elicitation, and resolution phases of allergy. Understanding these intricate interactions at epithelial barriers is essential for developing targeted therapies to manage and treat allergic diseases.