Risk Of Asthma Research Articles

Moving beyond species: fungal function in house dust provides novel targets for potential indicators of mold growth in homes

BackgroundIncreased risk of asthma and other respiratory diseases is associated with exposures to microbial communities growing in damp and moldy indoor environments. The exact causal mechanisms remain unknown, and occupant health effects have not been consistently associated with any species-based mold measurement methods. We need new quantitative methods to identify homes with potentially harmful fungal growth that are not dependent upon species. The goal of this study was to identify genes consistently associated with fungal growth and associated function under damp conditions for use as potential indicators of mold in homes regardless of fungal species present. A de novo metatranscriptomic analysis was performed using house dust from across the US, incubated at 50%, 85%, or 100% equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) for 1 week.ResultsGene expression was a function of moisture (adonis2 p < 0.001), with fungal metabolic activity increasing with an increase in moisture condition (Kruskal–Wallis p = 0.003). Genes associated with fungal growth such as sporulation (n = 264), hyphal growth (n = 62), and secondary metabolism (n = 124) were significantly upregulated at elevated ERH conditions when compared to the low 50% ERH (FDR-adjusted p ≤ 0.001, log2FC ≥ 2), indicating that fungal function is influenced by damp conditions. A total of 67 genes were identified as consistently associated with the elevated 85% or 100% ERH conditions and included fungal developmental regulators and secondary metabolite genes such as brlA (log2FC = 7.39, upregulated at 100% compared to 85%) and stcC (log2FC = 8.78, upregulated at 85% compared to 50%).ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that moisture conditions more strongly influence gene expression of indoor fungal communities compared to species presence. Identifying genes indicative of microbial growth under damp conditions will help develop robust monitoring techniques for indoor microbial exposures and improve understanding of how dampness and mold are linked to disease.-X5AkW-U2mftBzktcaxDSrVideo

Breastfeeding, genetic susceptibility, and the risk of asthma and allergic diseases in children and adolescents: a retrospective national population-based cohort study.

Asthma and allergic diseases (such as allergic rhinitis) are multifactorial chronic respiratory diseases, and have many common pathogenic mechanisms. This study aimed to assess the joint effects of breastfeeding and genetic susceptibility on asthma, allergic disease in children and adolescents and sought to examine whether the effect of breastfeeding was consistent under distinct levels of genetic risk. A total of 351,931 UK Biobank participants were analyzed. Firstly, Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the relation between breastfeeding and asthma, allergic disease and their comorbidity. Next, we incorporated the polygenic risk score as an additional covariate into the model. Then, we explored the role of breastfeeding at each stage of asthma and allergic disease through a multi-state model. Meanwhile, several sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the robustness of our results. Finally, we calculated the attributable protection and population attributable protection of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding was related to a reduced risk of occurring asthma (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86 ~ 0.93), allergic disease (HR = 0.89, 95%CI 0.87 ~ 0.91) and comorbidity (HR = 0.89, 95%CI 0.83 ~ 0.94). The effect of breastfeeding was almost unchanged after considering PRS and did not substantially differ across distinct genetic risk levels. Breastfeeding showed a stronger risk-decreased impact on individuals who developed from allergic rhinitis to comorbidity (HR = 0.83, 95%CI 0.73 ~ 0.93). Further, the influence of breastfeeding was robust against covariates considered and the confounding influence of adolescent smoking. Finally, due to breastfeeding, 12.0%, 13.0% or 13.0% of the exposed population would not suffer from asthma, allergic diseases and the comorbidity, while 7.1%, 7.6% or 7.6% of the general population would not suffer from these diseases. This study provided supportive evidence for the risk-reduced effect of breastfeeding on asthma, allergic diseases, and the comorbidity in children and adolescents, and further revealed that such an influence was consistent across distinct genetic risk levels.

Accelerated biological age mediates the associations between sleep patterns and chronic respiratory diseases: Findings from the UK Biobank Cohort

BackgroundUnhealthy sleep patterns and accelerated biological age are frequently associated with multiple chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), including COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease (ILD). However, few studies have explored the role of biological age in the relationship between sleep patterns and CRDs. ObjectivesTo explore the association between sleep patterns and CRD, and the extent to which biological age mediates the relationship between sleep patterns and CRD. MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study based on UK Biobank. The sleep score was derived from five self-reported sleep traits: sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, chronotype, snoring, and insomnia. The score ranged from 0 (least healthy) to 5 (healthiest). Biological age was represented by PhenoAgeAccel. ResultsAmong 303,588 participants, 11,105 (3.7 %), 9,380 (3.1 %), and 1,667 (0.5 %) were diagnosed with asthma, COPD, and ILD, respectively. Each 1-point increase in the sleep score was associated with a 0.156-year reduction in PhenoAgeAccel, and 14.3 %, 12.4 %, and 6.7 % reduction in asthma, COPD, and ILD, respectively. For each 1-year increase in PhenoAgeAccel, the risk of asthma, COPD, and ILD increased by 2.8 %, 4.3 %, and 5.7 %, respectively. PhenoAgeAccel mediated the associations between the sleep score and asthma, COPD, and ILD, with a mediated proportion (95 % CI) of 2.81 % (2.35 % to 3.27 %), 4.94 % (4.23 % to 5.66 %), and 12.48 % (10.43 % to 14.53 %), respectively. ConclusionA better sleep score was significantly associated with younger biological age and decreased risk of CRDs, with biological age playing a mediating role in the association between sleep score and CRDs.

Investigating the causal association between heme oxygenase-1 and asthma: A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis in a European population

BackgroundThe association between heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and asthma has been a subject of debate in both observational and experimental studies. We aimed to evaluate the potential causal relationship between HO-1 and asthma. Materials and methodsA bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) study was conducted to examine the causal relationship between HO-1 and asthma. In the forward Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses, HO-1 was considered as the exposure, while asthma as the outcome. Conversely, in the reverse MR analyses, asthma was regarded as the exposure, and HO-1 as the outcome. Data for HO-1 and asthma were obtained from publicly accessible genome-wide association studies (GWAS). These causal relationships were identified through 5 MR methods, namely MR-Egger, weighted median, inverse-variance weighted (IVW), simple mode, and weighted mode. Additionally, sensitivity tests were conducted to assess the robustness of MR study. Finally, additional asthma datasets and childhood asthma were selected to validate the findings. ResultsIn the forward MR analyses, according to the IVW method, genetically predicted HO-1 displays a negative correlation with the risk of asthma (OR 0.947, 95% CI 0.905–0.990). It was not found any SNP overly sensitive or disproportionately responsible for the outcome. No evidence of heterogeneity and pleiotropy between SNPs was observed. Genetically predicted asthma was not associated with HO-1 in reverse MR analyses using the IVW method. The same results were validated in additional asthma datasets and in childhood asthma. ConclusionThe results of MR analysis revealed heme oxygenase-1 as a protective factor for asthma.

Editorial comments on “Risk and protective factors of asthma and mental health condition multimorbidity in a national sample of Canadian children”

Editorial comments on “Risk and protective factors of asthma and mental health condition multimorbidity in a national sample of Canadian children”

The association between age at natural menopause and risk of asthma among postmenopausal women from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

This study aimed to investigate the association between age at natural menopause and incidence of asthma among postmenopausal Canadian women. Women between the ages of 45-85 yr were followed for a 10-yr period. Analysis was restricted to naturally postmenopausal women who are nonsmokers and did not have asthma prior to menopause. Age at natural menopause was examined using the following categories: 40-44, 45-49, 50-54 (reference), and ≥55. Survival analysis was utilized to determine time to onset of asthma. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between age at natural menopause and asthma after adjusting for covariates. The multivariable Cox regression analysis showed a 30% decreased risk of asthma in women with age at natural menopause of 40-44 yr compared with age at natural menopause of 50-54 yr with a hazard ratio of 0.7 (95% confidence interval: 0.49-0.95). Women with later ages at natural menopause may be at increased risk for asthma.

Low glycaemic index diet in pregnancy and child asthma: follow-up of the ROLO trial.

Epidemiological evidence suggests that a higher intake of sugar during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of childhood asthma and atopy. However, randomised trial evidence supporting such a link is lacking. This study aimed to examine whether a low glycaemic index (GI) dietary intervention during pregnancy decreases the risk of childhood asthma and eczema. This is a secondary analysis of 514 children from the ROLO trial. Healthy women were randomised to receive an intervention of low GI dietary advice or routine care from early pregnancy. Mothers reported current doctor-diagnosed eczema in their children at 2 years (n 271) and current doctor-diagnosed asthma and eczema in their children at 5 (n 357) and 9-11 years (n 391) of age. Multivariable logistic regression models were used test the effect of the intervention on child outcomes overall and stratified by maternal education. There was a suggestion of a reduction in asthma at 5 years of age in children whose mothers received the low GI dietary intervention during pregnancy compared with usual care (adjusted OR 0·46 (95 % CI 0·19, 1·09); P = 0·08). In stratified adjusted analyses, the intervention was associated with a reduced risk of asthma at 5 years of age in children born to mothers with incomplete tertiary level education but not in those with complete tertiary level education (OR 0·14 (95 % CI 0·02, 0·69); P = 0·010 and OR 1·03 (95 % CI 0·34, 3·13); P = 0·94, respectively). A low GI diet in pregnancy may reduce the risk of developing asthma in childhood, particularly amongst children born to mothers with lower educational attainment.

β-Blockers and Asthma: Surprising findings from the FAERS database

Introductionβ-Blockers are essential for cardiovascular disease management but can induce respiratory issues, particularly with non-selective β-blockers. Their safety in asthmatic patients is debated. ObjectiveThis study investigates the link between different classes of β-blockers and the risk of asthma and asthma-like adverse events (AEs) using data from the Food and Drug Administration's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Methodsβ-Blockers were first reviewed according to European Society of Cardiology classification and then using the Vashistha and Kumar classification. The risk associated with different β-blocker classes was evaluated through disproportionality analysis using the reporting odds ratio (ROR). ResultsAmong 251,145 AEs reported for β-blockers, 4104 were asthma-related. Selective β1-blockers had a higher asthma risk signal (ROR: 1.15) compared to non-selective β-blockers (ROR: 0.90). α- and β-Blockers showed the lowest risk (ROR: 0.51). The Vashistha and Kumar classification detailed risk profiles for various β-blockers, highlighting differences even within the same class. Dual α- and β-blockers, hydrophilic, and lipophilic β-blockers posed lower asthma risks, while selective β1-blockers had higher risks regardless of intrinsic sympathomimetic activity. ConclusionAlthough the signals detected by disproportionality analysis are only candidate risks, the risk stratification resulting from our analysis highlights the need for cautious β-blocker selection in asthmatic patients or those predisposed to asthma. Furthermore, despite the limitations associated with the FAERS data, the study reveals significant variability in risk among different β-blocker classes, crucial for clinical decisions and patient management. Drugs like esmolol, metoprolol, nebivolol, and nadolol may be safer for asthmatic patients, whereas betaxolol, bisoprolol, timolol, and propranolol should be avoided.

Are early emotional and behavioral problems related to subsequent asthma in preschool children?

Abstract Background The most common mental health problems in preschool children are emotional and behavioral problems, and one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases in children is asthma. Most research on the relationship between emotional and behavioral problems and asthma includes school-aged children. The current study aimed to explore the association between emotional and behavioral problems during preschool years and the risk of asthma in a Swedish context. Methods The study was a longitudinal cohort study, with 6954 children aged 3-5 years for which data on emotional and behavioral problems through the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were collected in Uppsala Region, Sweden, between 2013 and 2017. The cohort was followed with data from the National Patient Register from 2013 to 2022. Asthma was defined as having at least three diagnoses (ICD-10 codes: J45-J46) during follow-up. Unadjusted and adjusted cox regression models were used to analyze data. Results A total of 269 children (3.9%) had diagnosed asthma during follow-up. Preliminary results show that children with emotional symptoms, rated separately by mothers (HR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.20-2.20), fathers (HR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.10-2.03), and preschool teachers (HR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.08-2.16) had increased risk of being diagnosed with asthma according to unadjusted cox-regression models. In addition, children with total emotional and behavioural problems, rated by fathers (HR: 1.51 95% CI: 1.10-2.07) were also at higher risk of being diagnosed with asthma. These associations remained significant when adjusting for background and sociodemographic factors. Conclusions Our findings point to the significance of a clinical awareness of the relation between emotional and behavioral problems and asthma in young children. Our findings highlight the importance of also considering somatic problems, including asthma, in children with early signs of emotional and behavioral problems. Key messages • Emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children is related to being diagnosed with asthma. • Somatic problems, as asthma, needs to be considered in children with emotional and behavioral problems.

Relationships between oxidative balance score and asthma, COPD, with asthma-COPD overlap in American adults: findings from NHANES 2013–2018

Background Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of multiple chronic respiratory diseases. Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) composing of 16 dietary factors and 4 lifestyle factors has been developed to evaluate the effect of oxidants/antioxidants produced by dietary intake and lifestyle habits on the overall oxidative balance. However, the relationships between OBS with asthma, COPD, and asthma-COPD overlap (ACO) are still unclear. Methods A total of 10,942 adults aged 20 years and older from the 2013–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included in the analyses. ANOVA and chi-square tests were used to compare characteristics between different OBS subgroups. Multiple multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the associations between OBS and asthma, COPD, and ACO.RCS curves were used to describe the dose-response effect of the associations. Subgroup analyses and interaction effects were employed to reflect the stability of the associations. Results In the fully adjusted models, OBS was found to be negatively associated with asthma, COPD, and ACO. OBS at Q2, Q3, and Q4 (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.46–0.97) were negatively associated with the risk of asthma. OBS at Q2 and Q4 were negatively associated with the risk of COPD. OBS at Q2 and Q4 were negatively associated with the risk of ACO. The RCS curves reflected the negative dose-response trend of association. Moreover, the associations were stable in various subgroups. Conclusion The negative associations between OBS and asthma, COPD, and ACO were found in American adults, providing evidence for dietary and lifestyle prevention.

Indicators of the cytokine profile and standard immunogram in the controlled and uncontrolled course of bronchial asthma in children

Bronchial asthma in children is a multifactorial disease, but it is based on atopic inflammation, which is the focus of the main methods of research and therapy of this pathology. However, if we evaluate not only the fact of the appearance of bronchial asthma in a particular patient, but also consider its course in more detail, and especially the possibility of achieving control over the disease, then indicators of not only atopic inflammation, but also local inflammation in general, acquire great influence, which is one of the reasons for the continuing high percentage of uncontrolled and partially controlled course bronchial asthma in children. The purpose of this work is to identify changes in cytokine status indicators and immunograms – markers of the risk of uncontrolled bronchial asthma. 167 patients with bronchial asthma were examined, who, based on a standard clinical and instrumental examination, according to the criteria of clinical recommendations, were divided into two groups – controlled (70 people) and partially controlled and uncontrolled (97 children). All of them had their cytokines and IgA, IgM, IgG, IgE levels determined, in blood serum by ELISA, subpopulations of lymphocytes by flow cytometry, indicators of neutrophilic phagocytosis by light microscopy. In the group with uncontrolled asthma, the following significant differences were noted: a decrease in the level of IL-7, IL-9 and an increase in IL-8, there is also a higher level of B lymphocytes, IgE and IgM, and a lower level of IgA, similar changes, but less pronounced, were previously detected in other studies when comparing patients with bronchial asthma and conditionally healthy, as well as mild and severe course diseases. There were no significant differences in the other studied indicators. It is noteworthy that the greater influence on the control of the disease in bronchial asthma is not exerted by atopic cytokines responsible for the very fact of atopic inflammation, but by cytokines of general inflammation, such as IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, regulating the severity of inflammation in general, the role of IL-8 as a cytokine of granulocyte chemotaxis regulating local inflammation is especially interesting.

Elevated circulating group-2 innate lymphoid cells expressing activation markers and correlated tryptase AB1 levels in active ascariasis

IntroductionAscaris lumbricoides infection is one of the most common soil-transmitted helminthiasis and IgE response to this helminth may increase the risk of asthma, bronchial hyperreactivity and atopy. There is not enough evidence showing the role of group-2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) in the pathogenesis of helminth infections in humans. Here, we aimed to investigate and characterize the influence of Ascaris lumbricoides infection on circulating ILCs in endemically exposed subjects.MethodsNon-infected (NI; n=16) and Ascaris-infected (AI; n=16) subjects from an endemic area were included. Two consecutive stool samples from each subject were examined by Kato-Katz to define parasite infection. Antibodies to the ABA-1 antigen of Ascaris and Ascaris extract were measured by ELISA. ILC subsets and their activation markers (CD25, CD69, thymic stromal lymphopoietin receptor (TSLPR) were evaluated in its PBMC by flow cytometry. Proximity extension assay (PEA) was performed to explore plasma proteins associated to infection.ResultsNo significant differences in the relative or absolute frequencies of total ILCs, ILC1, ILC2 and ILC3 cells were observed regarding the infection status. However, within AI group, IgE-sensitized subjects to ABA-1 had higher frequencies and counts of ILC2 (p&amp;lt;0.05). Frequencies of CD25+, CD69+ and TSLPR+ ILC2 were higher in AI compared to the NI (p&amp;lt;0.01). Additionally, egg burden was positively correlated with CD69+ ILC2 frequencies (r=0.67; p=0.005). Tryptase alpha/beta 1 (TPSAB1), GP6 and several plasma proteins associated with cell growth and granulocyte chemotaxis were highly expressed in the AI group (p&amp;lt;0.05). Interestingly, TPSAB1 levels were positively correlated with ILC2 expressing activation markers frequencies, egg burden and IgE levels against Ascaris.DiscussionAscaris infection is associated with increased expression of ILC2 activation markers and TPSAB1, which may contribute to the type-2 response.

Ambient air pollution and risk of allergic respiratory diseases in European and East Asian populations: A Mendelian randomization study

BackgroundAmbient air pollution has become a challenging global health issue since industrialization, especially affecting respiratory diseases. However, the causal link between air pollution and allergic respiratory diseases (ARDs) remains unclear due to confounding factors in conventional epidemiological studies across different populations. Thus, we aimed to clarify the causal associations between air pollution and ARDs in European and East Asian populations using Mendelian randomization (MR). MethodsMR utilizes genetic variants and provides a satisfactory level of causal evidence. Genetic data for exposures (PM2.5, PM2.5 absorbance, PM10, PMcoarse, NO2 and NOx) and outcomes (allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma, and obesity related asthma) were obtained from genome-wide association studies. Instrumental variables were strictly filtered based on core assumptions. Two-sample MR and sensitivity analyses were conducted separately for European and East Asian populations. ResultsPMcoarse was causally associated with an increased risk of chronic rhinosinusitis (OR = 1.588 [1.002–2.518]; p = 0.049) and obesity related asthma (OR = 1.956 [1.012–3.780]; p = 0.046) in European population, and PM10 was associated with a decreased risk of allergic rhinitis in East Asian population (OR = 0.882 [0.798–0.974]; p = 0.013). No heterogeneity or pleiotropy was detected in any significant causal association. ConclusionOur findings indicate that ambient air pollution has opposite impacts on the etiology of ARDs in European and East Asian populations, which provides evidence for decisions on public policies and suggests that different responses to environmental factors such as air pollution may contribute to racial heterogeneity of ARDs.

Early-life exposure to residential greenness and risk of asthma in a U.S. bronchiolitis cohort.

Severe bronchiolitis (i.e., bronchiolitis requiring hospitalization) is linked to childhood asthma development. Despite a growing understanding of risk factors for developing post-bronchiolitis asthma, protective factors remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether exposure to residential greenness between birth and bronchiolitis hospitalization is associated with asthma and atopic asthma development by age 6 years. We analyzed a US severe bronchiolitis cohort from hospitalization to age 6 years, investigating how the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and chlorophyll index green (CI green), measured in small (100 m) and large (500 m) radiuses around homes, relate to asthma and atopic asthma by age 6 years. We also explored whether maternal antibiotic use, daycare attendance, and respiratory virus type during hospitalization act as effect modifiers. The study cohort included 861 infants, with 239 (28%) developing asthma by age 6 years-152 atopic, 17 nonatopic, and 70 unclassified. Early life residential exposure to high NDVI and CI green levels was associated with lower odds of asthma (ORAdj for NDVI within a 100 m radius, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.05-0.78; and ORAdj for CI green levels within a 100 m radius, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.31-0.90). Associations also were significant for the development of atopic asthma (ORAdj 0.16; 95% CI, 0.03-0.96; and ORAdj 0.46; 95% CI, 0.25-0.92; respectively). Results were similar for the 500 m radius exposures. No effect modification was noted. In a U.S. bronchiolitis cohort, exposure to residential greenness between birth and bronchiolitis hospitalization is linked to lower asthma and atopic asthma risk by age 6 years.

Correlation of dietary flavonoid intake with chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma in U.S. adults: A large, national, cross-sectional study.

To explore the relationship between dietary flavonoids and bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. A total of 11743 United States adults were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2007-2008, 2009-2010 and 2017-2018. Of these, 47.7% were male and 52.3% female. Dietary flavonoid intake assessed using FDNNS and 24-hour dietary recall data. Inclusion of demographics (gender, age, education, family income), behavioral factors (BMI, smoking, drinking status, diet), chronic disease information (diabetes, hypertension) as covariates to eliminate confounding. Stepwise logistic regression was used to analyze the association between total dietary flavonoid intake and the risk of chronic respiratory disease. Weighted quantile sum regression (WQS) was used to analyze the association between 29 dietary flavonoids and the risk of chronic respiratory disease. Restricted cubic spline was used to analyze the dose-response relationship between dietary flavonoid intake and risk of chronic respiratory disease. Stepwise logistic regression results showed that higher flavonoid intake in men was associated with a lower risk of CB and asthma (OR of CB: 0.55(0.31-0.97); OR of asthma: 0.72(0.52-0.99)), and WQS results showed a mixed health effect for total flavonoids and chronic respiratory tract in response to the 29 flavonoid fractions (OR of asthma: 0.97(0.94-0.99); OR of emphysema: 0.95(0.90-0.99)). Glycitein had the highest health contribution of 26.2% for emphysema; Eriodictyol had the highest health contribution of 32.13% for asthma, respectively. The RCS showed a dose-response relationship between flavonoids and respiratory tract health. The maximum dose for ingesting flavonoids to gain respiratory health benefits is 1500 mg/d. Higher dietary flavonoid intake was associated with lower chronic respiratory risk in adult U.S. men. Also 29 dietary flavonoid components have an overall health effect on respiratory health. Glycitein and Eriodictyol may have potential health effects on the respiratory system. 1500 mg/day may be the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of dietary flavonoids for respiratory health in U.S. adults.

Association of anthropogenic heat with asthma and related symptoms among children in China: A novel index reflecting climate change

BackgroundAnthropogenic heat (AH) is defined as the significant release of waste heat into the environment due to human activities, serving as a controllable heat source contributing to global climate change. However, epidemiological evidence establishing a clear association between AH and childhood asthma is currently lacking. ObjectivesTo explore the relationship between children's exposure to AH and asthma, as well as its related symptoms. MethodsThis population-based cross-sectional study, part of the National Chinese Children Health Study from 2012 to 2018, involved 188,145 children aged 6 to 18 years. We used multisource remote sensing images and ancillary data to estimate AH exposure. Data on asthma symptoms were collected through validated self-reported questionnaires. A generalized linear mixed model was applied to determine the associations. ResultsOur findings indicate a positive correlation between AH exposure and asthma risk in children. An interquartile range (IQR) increase in total AH was linked to higher odds of current asthma (OR: 1.15, 95 % CI: 1.10, 1.20) after adjusting for covariates. Categorizing AH by source, industrial AH exhibited the strongest effect, with an increased risk of current asthma (OR: 1.16, 95 % CI: 1.11, 1.22). Notably, younger children exhibited stronger associations between AH exposure and asthma-related symptoms, with boys showing heightened susceptibility, particularly for persistent cough. ConclusionThis study suggests that exposure to AH may elevate the risk of asthma and related symptoms, particularly in boys and younger children. Providing a foundation for developing practical strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of global warming on respiratory health, while also guiding the formulation and evaluation of climate action and public health policies, and supporting sustainable urban development.

Polymorphism Of Orosomucoid-Like 3 ORMDL3 Rs4795405 C&gt;T In Iraqi Patients with Asthma

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of polymorphism of Orosomucoid-like 3 ORMDL3 rs4795405 C/T gene to the susceptibility of asthma among Iraqi asthmatic patients. Forty-five asthmatic patients (23 males and 22 females), their age 19-70 years and 35 healthy controls( 18 males and 17 females) ,their age 18-71years were selected from Wasit Province using a convenient sampling method. Genetic polymorphism of Orosomucoid-like 3 ORMDL3 rs4795405 C&gt;T was carried out using TaqMan -PCR. both patients and control groups, the distribution frequencies of genotypes and alleles of the rs4795405 C/T gene were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P&lt;0.05) .The most common genotype in both control and asthma patients was the heterozygous genotype CT with a percentage of 67% and 66% respectively. The genotype CC was higher in the asthmatic group (20%) compared to the control group (14%). In contrast, genotype TT, the less predominant genotype, was less in the asthmatic group were less in asthmatic group (13%) compared control group (20%).The C allele was more frequent in asthma patients than in healthy controls (53.33%vs47.14%), whereas the T allele was frequent in healthy controls than in asthma patients (52.86% vs 46.67%) with no significant differences. The association analysis displayed that the individuals carrying the homozygous CC genotype were more likely to have a increased risk of asthma with OR=1.5(CI95% 0.4537to4.9593) ,P=0.5063.The heterozygous genotypes CT was not associated with asthma with OR=1.0 (CI95%0.4103 to2.6538 ),P=0.9288 . The TT genotype decreases the association with asthma OR=0.6 (CI950.1865 to2.0302), P =0.4253. These results suggested that the T allele might play a protective role against asthma whereas the C allele might consider a risk factor in asthma. The subgroup analysis revealed that the asthma risk of females with ORMDL3 CC genotype was 2.4 fold increases the risk of asthma OR=2.4889 (CI95% 0.5478to11.3081), P= 0.2377 The TC and TT genotype decreases the association with the disease with with OR = 0.8485 (CI 95% 0.2312to3.1142), P = 0.8044 and OR= 0.2121(CI95% 0.02 to2.2473)P =0.1979 respectively. Among males, ORMDL3 CT genotype ncreased asthmatic risk among patients’ males 1.3 fold, OR= 1.3333 (CI95%0.3433 to 5.1781), P=0.6777. The genotype CC decreases the association with the disease OR=0.3810 (CI95%0.0317to 4.5813), P=0.4469. While, the homozygous TT genotype was not associated with the disease OR=1.0294 (CI95% 0,2313 to4.5814), P=0.9696. The analysis of genetic model for Orosomucoid-lik 3 ORMDL3 rs4795405 showed the recessive model (CC+CT/ TT ) increased the association with the asthma OR=1.6250 P=0.4253.The Over-dominant model(CT+TT/ CC) and the dominant model(CT+TT/ CC) decreased the association with asthma OR=0.9583,P=0.9288and OR= 0.6667 ,P=0.5063 respectively.

Association between preterm birth and asthma and atopic dermatitis in preschool children: a nationwide population-based study

Asthma and atopic dermatitis (AD) are representative chronic diseases in childhood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of preterm birth on the incidence and severity of asthma and AD in children, as well as to identify neonatal risk factors for asthma and AD. We used health claims data recorded between 2007 and 2014 in the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. We recruited 2,224,476 infants born between 2007 and 2014 and divided them into three groups: 3518 of extremely preterm (EP) infants (< 28 weeks of gestational age (GA)), 82,579 of other preterm (OP) infants (28–36 weeks of GA), and 2,138,379 of full-term (FT) infants (> 37 weeks of GA). We defined asthma as > 3 episodes of clinical visits in a year before 6 years of age, early asthma as onset at < 2 years of age, and severe asthma as > 1 event of status asthmaticus or admission to a hospital via an emergency room. AD was defined as ≥ 3 diagnoses in a year before 6 years of age, early AD as onset at < 2 years of age, and severe AD as prescription of high-potency topical steroids or immunosuppressants. An association of preterm birth with asthma and AD was assessed using inverse probability of treatment-weighted multivariable Cox regression analysis. Cardiorespiratory conditions, such as respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, patent ductus arteriosus, and pulmonary hypertension, significantly increased the risk of asthma. Specifically, bronchopulmonary dysplasia emerged as a significant risk factor for both severe and early-onset asthma (odds ratio (OR) 1.36, 95% CI 1.21–1.37 for severe asthma; OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.30–1.85 for early asthma), while it was associated with a decreased risk of AD (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80–0.92). Neonatal sepsis, jaundice, and retinopathy of prematurity were also identified as significant risk factors for later asthma. A stepwise increase in the risk of asthma with an increasing degree of prematurity was observed, with the OP group showing an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.24 (95% CI: 1.22–1.26) and the EP group showing an aHR of 1.51 (95% CI: 1.41–1.63). Conversely, preterm birth was inversely associated with the risk of AD, with aHRs of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.67–0.79) for the OP group and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.87–0.89) for the EP group. Conclusion Preterm children have a significantly higher risk of asthma and lower risk of AD, with cardiorespiratory conditions significantly increasing the risk of asthma. Thus, we highlight the need for targeted respiratory management strategies for this high-risk population.What is Known:•Asthma and atopic dermatitis are prevalent chronic diseases in childhood, reducing the quality of life of children.•Preterm birth was associated with an increased risk of asthma, but few large nationwide studies.•Research on the relationship between preterm birth and pediatric atopic dermatitis is controversial, with few large nationwide studies.What is New:• Preterm children, especially born before 28 weeks of gestational age, had a significantly higher risk of asthma and lower risk of atopic dermatitis.• Cardiorespiratory comorbidities such as RDS, BPD, PDA, and pulmonary hypertension in neonatal period are prominent risk factors for asthma.• Preterm children are vulnerable to both early-onset and severe asthma.

Long-Run Impacts of an Early-life Nutrition Program: Evidence from the Introduction of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

To study how access to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during the prenatal and early childhood periods affects long-term health outcomes of the affected cohorts. In order to identify the effects of the WIC program, we exploit variations in the timing of its introduction in different counties and analyze future health indicators of affected cohorts. We use the restricted version of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, which includes county-level identifiers through the interview year 2019. Our findings suggest that extending WIC access by one month correlates with a 0.2-0.3% point decrease in asthma incidence (p < 0.1 to p < 0.01) of affected cohorts. Although the connection between WIC and asthma is not fully understood, existing studies suggest potential pathways. Micronutrient deficiencies during early life can impact immune function and inflammation, both relevant to asthma. Moreover, adopting healthier dietary habits may improve microbiome composition, lowering asthma risk. Other indirect benefits of WIC, such as increased use of preventive healthcare services, may also contribute to the prevention of asthma. Despite uncertainties, these estimates remain robust across various model specifications. Our study implies that early-life nutritional support programs such as WIC may alleviate the burden of asthma, although the specific mechanisms and effect sizes remain unclear. Given the substantial impact of asthma in the U.S., our findings underscore the potential long-term benefits of early-life nutritional support programs for lifelong health.

Association between asthma and visceral adipose tissue in adults, a cross-sectional study from NHANES 2011-2018.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Obesity, particularly visceral adipose tissue (VAT), is known to secrete adipokines and pro-inflammatory factors, which are closely associated with various metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Research indicates that these metabolic disturbances can exacerbate inflammatory conditions, contributing to both cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including asthma. Despite these associations, studies on the specific relationship between VAT and asthma remain limited and warrant further investigation. Utilizing the NHANES database from 2011 to 2018, we included a total of 11,137 participants. Multivariable regression analysis was performed, stratifying subjects based on VAT levels and adjusting for various confounders. Subgroup interaction analysis and nonlinear analysis were conducted to explore potential effect modifiers and nonlinear associations. In this study, 11,137 participants were included, with 49.74% being female. Among the 509 asthma patients, 69.35% were female. The number of asthma patients among Non-Hispanic Whites was 212, representing 41.65% of the total, the highest proportion among the studied groups. The VAT for asthma patients was 529g, significantly higher than the 455g in the non-asthma group (P < 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis showed that for every 200g increase in VAT, the risk of asthma increased by 10.4% (P = 0.032), 20.8% (P < 0.001), and 20.3% (P = 0.004) across three models (unadjusted, adjusted for demographic factors, and fully adjusted). Subgroup analysis indicated a stronger association between VAT and asthma risk in females and individuals over 40 years old. Nonlinear analysis uncovers a J-shaped relationship between VAT and asthma, with the lowest risk observed at 464.57g (P < 0.001). The study findings suggest that increased VAT is associated with elevated asthma risk, particularly among females and older individuals. These results underscore the importance of considering VAT in asthma risk assessment and highlight potential targeted interventions to reduce asthma risk associated with excess visceral adiposity.