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Aud-in S, Juprasong Y, Pinkaew B, Talek K, Tantilipikorn P, Songnuan W. Incidence of grass and weed sensitization in Bangkok, Thailand: a clinical study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1301095. [PMID: 38605873 PMCID: PMC11007029 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1301095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent public health concern globally, significantly impacting quality of life. In Thailand, the prevalence of AR is rising, with grass and weed pollen identified as primary outdoor triggers. Objectives This study aimed to (1) assess patterns of pollen sensitization in Thai AR patients and (2) investigate correlations between demographics/clinical data and SPT results. Methods A total of 121 individuals aged ≥18 years with clinically diagnosed AR were recruited. Skin prick testing (SPT) was performed using a panel of commonly encountered tropical grass and weed pollen extracts. SPT wheal sizes and clinical symptom scores were recorded. Correlations between SPT outcomes and symptom scores were analyzed. Results Among the participants, 104 (85.95%) exhibited positive SPT reactions to at least one pollen type. Nutsedge (76/121), para grass (57/121), and Bermuda grass (48/121) were the most frequently identified allergens. Hurricane grass elicited the strongest reaction, evidenced by the highest average wheal size (6.2 mm). Poly-sensitization was observed in 77 (63.6%) of the SPT-positive individuals, with most cases involving two different pollen extracts (35/77). Notably, AR severity positively correlated with both average wheal size and the number of positive SPT tests. Conclusion This study highlights nutsedge, para grass, and Bermuda grass as major allergenic pollen sources for Thai AR patients. Including nutsedge, hurricane grass, and careless weed in clinical SPT panels is recommended for improved diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, the positive correlation between AR severity and pollen reaction strength emphasizes the importance of implementing patient education and avoidance strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirirat Aud-in
- Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Systems Biology of Diseases Research Unit, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yotin Juprasong
- Systems Biology of Diseases Research Unit, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Graduate Program in Toxicology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), Office of the Permanent Secretary (OPS), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Bannapuch Pinkaew
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Division of Rhinology and Allergy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanokporn Talek
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Division of Rhinology and Allergy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pongsakorn Tantilipikorn
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Division of Rhinology and Allergy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Research Excellence in Allergy and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wisuwat Songnuan
- Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Systems Biology of Diseases Research Unit, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), Office of the Permanent Secretary (OPS), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Research Excellence in Allergy and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Jarupund P, Jantrakulroj P, Suwanphakdee C, Sinthuvanich C. A Pilot Study to Identify Grass Species That Mediate Pollen Allergy in Thailand. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2023; 184:875-881. [PMID: 37402353 DOI: 10.1159/000530976] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Some grass species that are either common or widely spread in Thailand have not been used for pollen allergy diagnosis. In order to improve diagnostic accuracy, the aim of this pilot study was to identify the grass species responsible for pollen allergy in Thailand. METHODS The skin sensitization of pollen extracts from six different grass species, including rice (Oryza sativa), corn (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), para grass (Urochloa mutica), ruzi grass (Urochloa eminii), and green panic grass (Megathyrsus maximus), was evaluated by skin prick test (SPT). Serum's IgE specific to each pollen extract was analyzed by Western blot (WB). The ImmunoCAPTM test for Johnson grass was also evaluated. RESULTS Of the thirty-six volunteers who participated in this study, eighteen tested positive for at least one of the diagnostic tests, namely SPT, WB analysis, or ImmunoCAPTM. Notably, skin reactivity to para grass, corn, sorghum, and rice was more commonly observed compared to ruzi grass and green panic grass. However, in the WB analysis, individuals with pollen-specific IgE were more frequently detected in sorghum, green panic grass, corn, rice, and ruzi grass than para grass. CONCLUSION In this pilot investigation, our findings indicate that the pollen extracts of rice, corn, sorghum, and para grass are associated with pollen allergy in Thailand. These results contribute to the current knowledge on the identification of grass species that are associated with pollen allergy in Thailand and Southeast Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pakawat Jarupund
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Chomdao Sinthuvanich
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Juprasong Y, Sirirakphaisarn S, Siriwattanakul U, Songnuan W. Exploring the effects of seasons, diurnal cycle, and heights on airborne pollen load in a Southeast Asian atmospheric condition. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1067034. [PMID: 36589963 PMCID: PMC9795065 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1067034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Aeropollen can induce detrimental effects, particularly in respiratory airways. Monitoring local aeropollen is essential for the management of pollen allergic patients in each area. However, without resources for constant monitoring, pollen counts are subjected to biases imposed by the choices of sampling season, time of collection, and location. Therefore, the effects of these factors must be better understood. This study investigated the dynamics of aeropollen types through seasonal variation, diurnal cycle and different heights from the ground in Bangkok, Thailand. Methods Aeropollen samples were collected for 12 months at the Faculty of Science, Mahidol University in Bangkok, using a RotoRod Sampler®. For the investigation of diurnal effect, pollen was collected at 7 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. For the study of height effect, data were collected at 2, 10, and 18 meters above ground. Results and discussion This is the first study of the effects of diurnal cycle and height variation on airborne pollen count in Southeast Asia. The results showed the highest concentration of aeropollen was observed in November, which was at the beginning of the northeast monsoon season in Bangkok, whereas the lowest concentration was recorded in July (rainy season). Interestingly, the lowest airborne pollen concentration recorded in July was greater than the high level of most standards. Grass pollen was found as the major aeropollen. The highest total pollen concentration was detected at 1 p.m. The maximum pollen quantity was detected at 10 meters from the ground. However, the total aeropollen concentration was extremely high (>130 grains/m3) at all elevated heights compared to other studies that mostly found at lower height (approximately 1-2 m above ground). The result suggested that pollen concentrations of most pollen types increased as height increased. This study also illustrated the correlation between aeropollen quantity and local meteorological factors. Conclusion This aeropollen survey reported that pollen concentration and diversity were affected by seasonal variation, diurnal cycle, and height from the ground. Understanding these relationships can help with predictions of aeropollen type and quantity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yotin Juprasong
- Graduate Program in Toxicology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), Office of the Permanent Secretary (OPS), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), Bangkok, Thailand
- Systems Biology of Diseases Research Unit, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirin Sirirakphaisarn
- Systems Biology of Diseases Research Unit, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Umaporn Siriwattanakul
- Systems Biology of Diseases Research Unit, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wisuwat Songnuan
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), Office of the Permanent Secretary (OPS), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), Bangkok, Thailand
- Systems Biology of Diseases Research Unit, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Niu Q, Zhou Q, Liu Y, Jiang H. Expression of CXCR4 on T-cell subsets and Plasma IL-17 Concentrations in Patients with Aplastic Anaemia. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9075. [PMID: 28831064 PMCID: PMC5567260 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08699-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Acquired aplastic anaemia (AA) is caused by T-cells migrating to and attacking bone marrow (BM) in response to chemokines (e.g., CXCR4). We investigated CXCR4 expressions on circulating T-cell subsets, plasma IL-17A concentrations, and their correlations with AA manifestations. We enrolled 71 patients with acquired AA (36 severe AA cases [SAA] and 35 non-severe AA cases [NSAA]) and 42 healthy volunteers. We used flow cytometry and ELISA to measure circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, their CXCR4 expressions, and plasma IL-17A concentrations. Compared to the healthy controls, SAA patients had fewer peripheral CD4+ T-cells, more CD8+ T-cells, and a significantly decreased CD4+/CD8+ ratio which was positively correlated with AA manifestations. Patients with SAA or NSAA had higher proportions of CD4+CXCR4+ and CD8+CXCR4+ T-cells, which were negatively correlated with haemoglobin concentrations and absolute neutrophil counts. Patients with SAA or NSAA had higher plasma IL-17A concentrations, which were negatively correlated with AA manifestations and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio. IL-17A concentrations showed a very week correlation with CD4+CXCR4+ T-cells frequencies, and no correlation with CD8+CXCR4+ T-cells frequencies. Aberrant CXCR4 expression may allow circulating T-cells, especially CD8+ T-cells, to infiltrate BM during AA progression. Elevated IL-17A concentrations may contribute to AA progression outside of the CXCR4-SDF-1α axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Niu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, The People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, The People's Republic of China
| | - Yumei Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, The People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, The People's Republic of China.
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