Associations between subjective symptoms during Asian dust events and serum immunoglobulin E levels

Abstract

Background: Asian dust events result from the displacement of atmospheric pollutants from the Chinese and Mongolian deserts. These events are considered as an environmental problem arising from human activities rather than a naturally occurring seasonal phenomenon. Although Asian dust event frequencies and atmospheric dust levels have steadily increased in the eastern Asia region, the effects of Asian dust on human health are not well known. Aims: To evaluate the effects of Asian dust on human health in terms of allergic reaction, we investigated the relationship between the subjective symptoms during Asian dust events and the serum immunoglobulin E levels. Methods: Our subjects were 25 healthy volunteers from Yonago, Japan who provided informed consent. They were provided with questionnaires on nasal, pharyngeal, ocular, respiratory, and skin symptoms. Daily symptoms were recorded by self-checking visual analogue scale during the spring of 2012. We also measured serum levels of non-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and 33 allergen-specific IgE molecules. Furthermore, patch testing was performed for six metals and the collected dust samples to determine the total suspended particles during Asian dust days. Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the relationships between symptom scores and these allergy indicators. Results: In total, 3 Asian dust days were identified during the observation period. Symptom scores during Asian dust days were higher than during non-Asian dust days. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the nasal symptom scores were significantly associated with two specific IgE levels (cheddar cheese and milk). Skin symptom scores were significantly associated with skin reactions to the dust samples. Conclusions:Dairy products are a known cause of food allergy, a typical type I hypersensitivity reaction. Type IV hypersensitivity is associated with contact dermatitis. Some symptoms during Asian dust days may be associated with various allergic reaction types.