1
|
Rook GAW. Evolution and the critical role of the microbiota in the reduced mental and physical health associated with low socioeconomic status (SES). Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105653. [PMID: 38582194 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105653] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The evolution of the gut-microbiota-brain axis in animals reveals that microbial inputs influence metabolism, the regulation of inflammation and the development of organs, including the brain. Inflammatory, neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders are more prevalent in people of low socioeconomic status (SES). Many aspects of low SES reduce exposure to the microbial inputs on which we are in a state of evolved dependence, whereas the lifestyle of wealthy citizens maintains these exposures. This partially explains the health deficit of low SES, so focussing on our evolutionary history and on environmental and lifestyle factors that distort microbial exposures might help to mitigate that deficit. But the human microbiota is complex and we have poor understanding of its functions at the microbial and mechanistic levels, and in the brain. Perhaps its composition is more flexible than the microbiota of animals that have restricted habitats and less diverse diets? These uncertainties are discussed in relation to the encouraging but frustrating results of attempts to treat psychiatric disorders by modulating the microbiota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graham A W Rook
- Centre for Clinical Microbiology, Department of infection, UCL (University College London), London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Matthews K, Cavagnaro T, Weinstein P, Stanhope J. Health by design; optimising our urban environmental microbiomes for human health. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024:119226. [PMID: 38797467 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Humans have evolved in direct and intimate contact with their environment and the microbes that it contains, over a period of 2 million years. As a result, human physiology has become intrinsically linked to environmental microbiota. Urbanisation has reduced our exposure to harmful pathogens, however there is now increasing evidence that these same health-protective improvements in our environment may also be contributing to a hidden disease burden: immune dysregulation. Thoughtful and purposeful design has the potential to ameliorate these health concerns by providing sources of microbial diversity for human exposure. In this narrative review, we highlight the role of environmental microbiota in human health and provide insights into how we can optimise human health through well-designed cities, urban landscapes and buildings. The World Health Organization recommends there should be at least one public green space of least 0.5 hectare in size within 300m of a place of residence. We argue that these larger green spaces are more likely to permit functioning ecosystems that deliver ecosystem services, including the provision of diverse aerobiomes. Urban planning must consider the conservation and addition of large public green spaces, while landscape design needs to consider how to maximise environmental, social and public health outcomes, which may include rewilding. Landscape designers need to consider how people use these spaces, and how to optimise utilisation, including for those who may experience challenges in access (e.g. those living with disabilities, people in residential care). There are also opportunities to improve health via building design that improves access to diverse environmental microbiota. Considerations include having windows that open, indoor plants, and the relationship between function, form and organisation. We emphasise possibilities for re-introducing potentially health-giving microbial exposures into urban environments, particularly where the benefits of exposure to biodiverse environments may have been lost.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Matthews
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia; School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Timothy Cavagnaro
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia; School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Philip Weinstein
- Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; South Australian Museum, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jessica Stanhope
- Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; School of Allied Health Science and Practice, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guerrieri F, Libert C. The invisible life. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1401487. [PMID: 38832115 PMCID: PMC11144902 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1401487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Guerrieri
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), UMR Inserm 1052 - CNRS 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Cédric Libert
- Ecole Nationale Superieure d'Architecture de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Saarenpää M, Roslund MI, Nurminen N, Puhakka R, Kummola L, Laitinen OH, Hyöty H, Sinkkonen A. Urban indoor gardening enhances immune regulation and diversifies skin microbiota - A placebo-controlled double-blinded intervention study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 187:108705. [PMID: 38688234 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
According to the hygiene and biodiversity hypotheses, frequent exposure to environmental microbiota, especially through soil contact, diversifies commensal microbiota, enhances immune modulation, and ultimately lowers the risk of immune-mediated diseases. Here we test the underlying assumption of the hygiene and biodiversity hypotheses by instructing volunteers to grow edible plants indoors during the winter season when natural exposure to environmental microbiota is low. The one-month randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind trial consisted of two treatments: participants received either microbially diverse growing medium or visually similar but microbially poor growing medium. Skin microbiota and a panel of seven immune markers were analyzed in the beginning of the trial and after one month. The diversity of five bacterial phyla (Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes, Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia) and one class (Bacteroidia) increased on the skin of participants in the intervention group while no changes were observed in the placebo group. The number of nodes and edges in the co-occurrence networks of the skin bacteria increased on average three times more in the intervention group than in the placebo group. The plasma levels of the immunomodulatory cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10) increased in the intervention group when compared with the placebo group. A similar trend was observed in the interleukin 17A (IL-17A) levels and in the IL-10:IL-17A ratios. Participants in both groups reported high satisfaction and adherence to the trial. The current study provides evidence in support of the core assumption of the hygiene and biodiversity hypotheses of immune-mediated diseases. Indoor urban gardening offers a meaningful and convenient approach for increasing year-round exposure to environmental microbiota, paving the way for other prophylactic practices that might help prevent immune-mediated diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mika Saarenpää
- Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Niemenkatu 73, 15140 Lahti, Finland; Natural Resources Institute Finland, Turku and Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Marja I Roslund
- Natural Resources Institute Finland, Turku and Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Noora Nurminen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön Katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland.
| | - Riikka Puhakka
- Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Niemenkatu 73, 15140 Lahti, Finland.
| | - Laura Kummola
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön Katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland.
| | - Olli H Laitinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön Katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland.
| | - Heikki Hyöty
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön Katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland.
| | - Aki Sinkkonen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland, Turku and Helsinki, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xiaoxue S, Huang X. Promoting stress and anxiety recovery in older adults: assessing the therapeutic influence of biophilic green walls and outdoor view. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1352611. [PMID: 38686034 PMCID: PMC11057236 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1352611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous research has already provided evidence regarding the favorable impact of green walls and outdoor views on stress reduction and anxiety alleviation. However, there has been limited exploration into the combined effects of green walls and outdoor views on older adults. In this study, a between-subjects experiment was conducted using virtual reality (VR) technology with 23 participants. Following exposure to stressors, each participant underwent four randomized sessions, each lasting 5 min, in various virtual reality (VR) environments, encompassing non-biophilic and biophilic environments (including green walls, outdoor views, and their combination). Throughout the process, we measured physiological indicators of stress responses, including heart rate, heart rate variability, skin conductance levels, and blood pressure, using biometric sensors. Psychological changes in participants, including anxiety levels, were evaluated through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, recovery scales, and self-reported emotional assessments. In conclusion, in comparison to non-biophilic environments, older adults consistently exhibited lower stress levels, experienced superior anxiety relief, and demonstrated improved recovery in nature connectedness environments, with a notably faster recovery rate. These findings suggest that the incorporation of nature connectedness principles into the indoor environments of public activity spaces within older adults care facilities can significantly contribute to stress reduction and anxiety alleviation among older adults. Furthermore, these effects appear to be contingent on the specific types of nature connectedness environments. These results can provide substantial evidence to support the design of indoor common activity spaces within older adults care facilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Xuan Huang
- School of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Carrascosa-Carrillo JM, Aterido A, Li T, Guillén Y, Martinez S, Marsal S, Julià A. Toward Precision Medicine in Atopic Dermatitis Using Molecular-Based Approaches. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2024; 115:66-75. [PMID: 37652096 DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2023.08.003] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disorder, affecting up to 20% of children and 10% of adults in developed countries. The pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis is complex and involves a strong genetic predisposition and T-cell driven inflammation. Although our understanding of the pathology and drivers of this disease has improved in recent years, there are still knowledge gaps in the immune pathways involved. Therefore, advances in new omics technologies in atopic dermatitis will play a key role in understanding the pathogenesis of this burden disease and could develop preventive strategies and personalized treatment strategies. In this review, we discuss the latest developments in genetics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and metagenomics and understand how integrating multiple omics datasets will identify potential biomarkers and uncover nets of associations between several molecular levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J M Carrascosa-Carrillo
- Dermatology Department, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, UAB, IGTP, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Aterido
- IMIDomics, Inc., Barcelona, Spain; Rheumatology Research Group, Vall Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - T Li
- IMIDomics, Inc., Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - S Marsal
- IMIDomics, Inc., Barcelona, Spain; Rheumatology Research Group, Vall Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - A Julià
- IMIDomics, Inc., Barcelona, Spain; Rheumatology Research Group, Vall Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Carrascosa-Carrillo JM, Aterido A, Li T, Guillén Y, Martinez S, Marsal S, Julià A. Toward Precision Medicine in Atopic Dermatitis Using Molecular-Based Approaches. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2024; 115:T66-T75. [PMID: 37923065 DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2023.10.032] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disorder, affecting up to 20% of children and 10% of adults in developed countries. The pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis is complex and involves a strong genetic predisposition and T-cell driven inflammation. Although our understanding of the pathology and drivers of this disease has improved in recent years, there are still knowledge gaps in the immune pathways involved. Therefore, advances in new omics technologies in atopic dermatitis will play a key role in understanding the pathogenesis of this burden disease and could develop preventive strategies and personalized treatment strategies. In this review, we discuss the latest developments in genetics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and metagenomics and understand how integrating multiple omics datasets will identify potential biomarkers and uncover nets of associations between several molecular levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J M Carrascosa-Carrillo
- Dermatology Department, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, UAB, IGTP, Badalona, Barcelona, España
| | - A Aterido
- IMIDomics, Inc., Barcelona, España; Rheumatology Research Group, Vall Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, España
| | - T Li
- IMIDomics, Inc., Barcelona, España
| | | | | | - S Marsal
- IMIDomics, Inc., Barcelona, España; Rheumatology Research Group, Vall Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, España.
| | - A Julià
- IMIDomics, Inc., Barcelona, España; Rheumatology Research Group, Vall Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, España
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Haahtela T, Bousquet J, Antó JM. From biodiversity to nature deficiency in human health and disease. Porto Biomed J 2024; 9:245. [PMID: 38344457 PMCID: PMC10857682 DOI: 10.1097/j.pbj.0000000000000245] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Nature (biodiversity) loss is the loss or decline of the state of nature taking place in the wider environment. We present a novel concept, nature deficiency, referring to nature loss in the human body influencing health. Humans are connected with the natural environment and its microbes and biogenic chemicals through eating (drinking), breathing, and touching. The mental and sociocultural links to the environment are also strong. With medical and ecological research and guidelines, the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of nature deficiency may become part of the clinical practice. Nature prescription is likely to find plausible forms in patient care and inspire preventive actions at the society level. Health professionals are in a key position to integrate public health promotion and environmental care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tari Haahtela
- Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jean Bousquet
- Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
- Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA), Montpellier, France
| | - Josep M. Antó
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kummola L, González-Rodríguez MI, Marnila P, Nurminen N, Salomaa T, Hiihtola L, Mäkelä I, Laitinen OH, Hyöty H, Sinkkonen A, Junttila IS. Comparison of the effect of autoclaved and non-autoclaved live soil exposure on the mouse immune system : Effect of soil exposure on immune system. BMC Immunol 2023; 24:29. [PMID: 37689649 PMCID: PMC10492337 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-023-00565-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND . Lack of exposure to the natural microbial diversity of the environment has been linked to dysregulation of the immune system and numerous noncommunicable diseases, such as allergies and autoimmune disorders. Our previous studies suggest that contact with soil material, rich in naturally occurring microbes, could have a beneficial immunoregulatory impact on the immune system in mice and humans. However, differences in the immunomodulatory properties of autoclaved, sterile soil material and non-autoclaved, live soil material have not been compared earlier. RESULTS . In this study, we exposed C57BL/6 mice to autoclaved and live soil powders that had the same rich microbiota before autoclaving. We studied the effect of the soil powders on the mouse immune system by analyzing different immune cell populations, gene expression in the gut, mesenteric lymph nodes and lung, and serum cytokines. Both autoclaved and live soil exposure were associated with changes in the immune system. The exposure to autoclaved soil resulted in higher levels of Rorγt, Inos and Foxp3 expression in the colon. The exposure to live soil was associated with elevated IFN-γ concentration in the serum. In the mesenteric lymph node, exposure to live soil reduced Gata3 and Foxp3 expression, increased the percentage of CD8 + T cells and the expression of activation marker CD80 in XCR1+SIRPα- migratory conventional dendritic cell 1 subset. CONCLUSIONS . Our results indicate that exposure to the live and autoclaved soil powders is not toxic for mice. Exposure to live soil powder slightly skews the immune system towards type 1 direction which might be beneficial for inhibiting type 2-related inflammation. Further studies are warranted to quantify the impact of this exposure in experimental type 2 inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kummola
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, 33014, Finland
| | | | - Pertti Marnila
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Jokioinen, Finland
| | - Noora Nurminen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, 33014, Finland
| | - Tanja Salomaa
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, 33014, Finland
- Fimlab Laboratories, Arvo-Building, Rm F326, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, Tampere, 33520, Finland
| | - Lotta Hiihtola
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, 33014, Finland
- Fimlab Laboratories, Arvo-Building, Rm F326, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, Tampere, 33520, Finland
| | - Iida Mäkelä
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Jokioinen, Finland
| | - Olli H Laitinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, 33014, Finland
| | - Heikki Hyöty
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, 33014, Finland
| | - Aki Sinkkonen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Jokioinen, Finland
| | - Ilkka S Junttila
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, 33014, Finland.
- Fimlab Laboratories, Arvo-Building, Rm F326, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, Tampere, 33520, Finland.
- Northern Finland Laboratory Centre (NordLab), Oulu, 90220, Finland.
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, 90570, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
La Puma J. What is Nature-Based Medicine and What Does It Do? Am J Lifestyle Med 2023; 17:466-469. [PMID: 37426731 PMCID: PMC10328203 DOI: 10.1177/15598276221148395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2024] Open
Abstract
One's personal health and well-being can improve with activity in natural environments or decline without it. Many chronic illnesses to which personal nature deficiency contributes-including anxiety, depression, attention deficit, diabetes, hypertension, myopia, and obesity-have been exacerbated with the pandemic. That those illnesses may be preventable, treatable, and even reversible with an added nature-based approach may seem novel, but it is not. Though the field of nature-based medicine is just emerging in the U.S., it has been taught and practiced in Asia and the EU for decades. As the prescriptive, evidence-based use of natural settings and nature-based interventions, it aims to prevent and treat disease and improve well-being. Nature-based medicine blends particular activity in nature with the science of medicine to attempt to empower self-care safely, effectively, and happily. Its vision is to be readily available to all, regardless of proximity to blue (water-related) or green (land-related) space. The common sense of nature-based medicine belies its scientific evidence base, which is growing but not well-known, so it may seem unfamiliar to prescribe nature to patients. It will take education, training and practice to help patients access nature-based medicine and to help clinicians prescribe it.
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhou JC, Wang YF, Zhu D, Zhu YG. Deciphering the distribution of microbial communities and potential pathogens in the household dust. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 872:162250. [PMID: 36804982 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The reliance of modern society on indoor environments increasing has made them crucial sites for human exposure to microbes. Extensive research has identified ecological drivers that influence indoor microbial assemblages. However, few studies have examined the dispersion of microbes in different locations of identical indoor environments. In this study, we employed PacBio Sequel full-length amplicon sequencing to examine the distribution of microbes at distinct locations in a single home and to identify the potential pathogens and microbial functions. Microbial communities differed considerably among the indoor sampling sites (P < 0.05). In addition, bacterial diversity was influenced by human activities and contact with the external environment at different sites, whereas fungal diversity did not significantly differ among the sites. Potential pathogens, including bacteria and fungi, were significantly enriched on the door handle (P < 0.05), suggesting that door handles may be hotpots for potential pathogens in the household. A high proportion of fungal allergens (34.37 %-56.50 %), which can cause skin diseases and asthma, were observed. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed the essential ecological role of microbial interactions in the development of a healthy immune system. Overall, we revealed the differences in microbial communities at different sampling sites within a single indoor environment, highlighting the distribution of potential pathogens and ecological functions of microbes, and providing a new perspective and information for assessing indoor health from a microbiological viewpoint.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Cheng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; International School of Beijing, Beijing 101318, China
| | - Yi-Fei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China.
| | - Dong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China
| | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Stanhope J, Weinstein P. Exposure to environmental microbiota may modulate gut microbial ecology and the immune system. Mucosal Immunol 2023; 16:99-103. [PMID: 36906178 DOI: 10.1016/j.mucimm.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Stanhope
- School of Allied Health Science and Practice, The University of Adelaide.
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Manus MB, Watson E, Kuthyar S, Carba D, Belarmino NM, McDade TW, Kuzawa CW, Amato KR. Prenatal household size and composition are associated with infant fecal bacterial diversity in Cebu, Philippines. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2023; 181:45-58. [PMID: 36847111 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The gut microbiome (GM) connects physical and social environments to infant health. Since the infant GM affects immune system development, there is interest in understanding how infants acquire microbes from mothers and other household members. MATERIALS AND METHODS As a part of the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey (CLHNS), we paired fecal samples (proxy for the GM) collected from infants living in Metro Cebu, Philippines at 2 weeks (N = 39) and 6 months (N = 36) with maternal interviews about prenatal household composition. We hypothesized that relationships between prenatal household size and composition and infant GM bacterial diversity (as measured in fecal samples) would vary by infant age, as well as by household member age and sex. We also hypothesized that infant GM bacterial abundances would differ by prenatal household size and composition. RESULTS Data from 16 S rRNA bacterial gene sequencing show that prenatal household size was the most precise estimator of infant GM bacterial diversity, and that the direction of the association between this variable and infant GM bacterial diversity changed between the two time points. The abundances of bacterial families in the infant GM varied by prenatal household variables. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight the contributions of various household sources to the bacterial diversity of the infant GM, and suggest that prenatal household size is a useful measure for estimating infant GM bacterial diversity in this cohort. Future research should measure the effect of specific sources of household bacterial exposures, including social interactions with caregivers, on the infant GM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa B Manus
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Elijah Watson
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Sahana Kuthyar
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Delia Carba
- Office of Population Studies, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines
| | - Nikola M Belarmino
- Office of Population Studies, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines
| | - Thomas W McDade
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA.,Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Christopher W Kuzawa
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA.,Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Katherine R Amato
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Andersson M(A, Vornanen-Winqvist C, Koivisto T, Varga A, Mikkola R, Kredics L, Salonen H. Composition of Culturable Microorganisms in Dusts Collected from Sport Facilities in Finland during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020339. [PMID: 36839611 PMCID: PMC9963892 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Sport facilities represent extreme indoor environments due to intense cleaning and disinfection. The aim of this study was to describe the composition of the cultivated microbiota in dust samples collected in sport facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. A dust sample is defined as the airborne dust sedimented on 0.02 m2 within 28 d. The results show that the microbial viable counts in samples of airborne dust (n = 9) collected from seven Finnish sport facilities during the pandemic contained a high proportion of pathogenic filamentous fungi and a low proportion of bacteria. The microbial viable counts were between 14 CFU and 189 CFU per dust sample. In seven samples from sport facilities, 20-85% of the microbial viable counts were fungi. Out of 123 fungal colonies, 47 colonies belonged to the potentially pathogenic sections of Aspergillus (Sections Fumigati, Nigri, and Flavi). Representatives of each section were identified as Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger and A. tubingensis. Six colonies belonged to the genus Paecilomyces. In six samples of dust, a high proportion (50-100%) of the total fungal viable counts consisted of these potentially pathogenic fungi. A total of 70 isolates were considered less likely to be pathogenic, and were identified as Aspergillus section Nidulantes, Chaetomium cochliodes and Penicillium sp. In the rural (n = 2) and urban (n = 7) control dust samples, the microbial viable counts were >2000 CFU and between 44 CFU and 215 CFU, respectively, and consisted mainly of bacteria. The low proportion of bacteria and the high proportion of stress tolerant, potentially pathogenic fungi in the dust samples from sport facilities may reflect the influence of disinfection on microbial communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria (Aino) Andersson
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +358-405-508-934
| | - Camilla Vornanen-Winqvist
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Tuomas Koivisto
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - András Varga
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép Fasor 52, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Raimo Mikkola
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - László Kredics
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép Fasor 52, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Heidi Salonen
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Faculty of Science, School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Prescott SL, Logan AC, Bristow J, Rozzi R, Moodie R, Redvers N, Haahtela T, Warber S, Poland B, Hancock T, Berman B. Exiting the Anthropocene: Achieving personal and planetary health in the 21st century. Allergy 2022; 77:3498-3512. [PMID: 35748742 PMCID: PMC10083953 DOI: 10.1111/all.15419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Planetary health provides a perspective of ecological interdependence that connects the health and vitality of individuals, communities, and Earth's natural systems. It includes the social, political, and economic ecosystems that influence both individuals and whole societies. In an era of interconnected grand challenges threatening health of all systems at all scales, planetary health provides a framework for cross-sectoral collaboration and unified systems approaches to solutions. The field of allergy is at the forefront of these efforts. Allergic conditions are a sentinel measure of environmental impact on human health in early life-illuminating how ecological changes affect immune development and predispose to a wider range of inflammatory noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This shows how adverse macroscale ecology in the Anthropocene penetrates to the molecular level of personal and microscale ecology, including the microbial systems at the foundations of all ecosystems. It provides the basis for more integrated efforts to address widespread environmental degradation and adverse effects of maladaptive urbanization, food systems, lifestyle behaviors, and socioeconomic disadvantage. Nature-based solutions and efforts to improve nature-relatedness are crucial for restoring symbiosis, balance, and mutualism in every sense, recognizing that both personal lifestyle choices and collective structural actions are needed in tandem. Ultimately, meaningful ecological approaches will depend on placing greater emphasis on psychological and cultural dimensions such as mindfulness, values, and moral wisdom to ensure a sustainable and resilient future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Prescott
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,ORIGINS Project, Telethon Kids Institute at Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Alan C Logan
- Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Ricardo Rozzi
- Cape Horn International Center (CHIC), University of Magallanes, Puerto Williams, Chile.,Philosophy and Religion, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Rob Moodie
- School of Population and Global Health (MSPGH), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Nicole Redvers
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
| | - Tari Haahtela
- Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sara Warber
- Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Blake Poland
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Trevor Hancock
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Brian Berman
- Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
The Microbiome of the Built Environment: The Nexus for Urban Regeneration for the Cities of Tomorrow. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122311. [PMID: 36557564 PMCID: PMC9783557 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Built environments are, for most of us, our natural habitat. In the last 50 years, the built-up area has more than doubled, with a massive biodiversity loss. The undeniable benefits of a city providing all the basic needs to a growing population showed longer-term and less obvious costs to human health: autoimmune and non-communicable diseases, as well as antimicrobial resistance, have reached unprecedented and alarming levels. Humans coevolved with microbes, and this long-lasting alliance is affected by the loss of connection with natural environments, misuse of antibiotics, and highly sanitized environments. Our aim is to direct the focus onto the microbial communities harbored by the built environments we live in. They represent the nexus for urban regeneration, which starts from a healthy environment. Planning a city means considering, in a two-fold way, the ecosystem health and the multidimensional aspects of wellbeing, including social, cultural, and aesthetic values. The significance of this perspective is inspiring guidelines and strategies for the urban regeneration of the cities of tomorrow, exploiting the invaluable role of microbial biodiversity and the ecosystem services that it could provide to create the robust scientific knowledge that is necessary for a bioinformed design of buildings and cities for healthy and sustainable living.
Collapse
|
17
|
Nature Positive: Interrogating Sustainable Design Frameworks for Their Potential to Deliver Eco-Positive Outcomes. URBAN SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/urbansci6020035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Built environment design is implicated in virtually all socio-ecological sustainability problems. Nonetheless, paradoxically, construction will be essential to creating sustainability by increasing social and natural life-support systems. Given the rates of land, resource, water, and biodiversity depletion, urban development must do more than restore nature. It must increase nature and environmental justice in real, not relative, terms. The necessary technologies and design concepts for nature-positive development already exist. However, most sustainable building regulations, design criteria, and performance standards only aim to regenerate landscapes and integrate more nature into cities. This cannot sustain nature or society. This paper canvasses contemporary sustainable design and development thinking and finds that a progression toward ‘nature positive’ is occurring. However, so-called ‘sustainable buildings’ still do not compensate for past inequities or nature degradation, let alone the material flows, pollution, or biodiversity losses they themselves cause. This is partly because current standards and measurements are based on existing conditions, not sustainability standards, and do not distinguish net-positive from regenerative outcomes. Positive Development (PD) theory provides a comprehensive alternative to conventional sustainability frameworks, planning analyses, decision-making structures, design paradigms, and assessment tools. This paper provides criteria for evaluating the potential of conventional and alternative methods for achieving nature-positive outcomes.
Collapse
|
18
|
Haahtela T. Biodiversity for resilience-What is needed for allergic children. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2022; 33:e13779. [PMID: 35616890 DOI: 10.1111/pai.13779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
What is needed for our children facing unprecedented challenges of modern time? Biodiversity, both for immunological and psychological well-being and resilience. That is also the keyword for the children with allergies and asthma. The cultural evolution with advanced technology and medicine along with major move to urban environment has profoundly changed our lifestyle and surroundings. We are increasingly disconnected from our evolutionary home, soil, natural waters, and air we used to breathe. The ecosystem of human body and mind has been tested, survived, and evolved closely in relation with other ecosystems. For balance and tolerance, immune regulatory circuits need training by microbes, biogenic chemicals, and close relation to natural environment throughout life. This is addressed by the biodiversity hypothesis of tolerance/resilience for health, supported by the pioneering real-world interventions and a few controlled studies. No need to go "back to nature," but we must take natural elements back to our everyday life to breathe, eat, drink, and touch. The change for better is plausible and cost-effective, as shown by the Finnish and other European initiatives, but needs contribution of the whole society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tari Haahtela
- Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|