Symptoms Of Allergic Rhinitis Research Articles

The Impact of Mask-Wearing on Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among the Saudi Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

The Impact of Mask-Wearing on Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among the Saudi Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Oral immunotherapy with enteric-coated capsules for allergic rhinitis caused by house dust mites

BackgroundOral immunotherapy (OIT) is a promising allergen-specific approach in the management of food allergy; however, studies on OIT for allergic rhinitis (AR) have rarely been reported. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of OIT using enteric-coated capsules for AR induced by house dust mites.MethodsA total of 49 patients with AR were enrolled, including 25 who received subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and 24 who received OIT. The clinical efficacy and safety in both groups were evaluated.ResultsAfter 1 year of treatment, both SCIT and OIT demonstrated significant therapeutic effects. OIT was found to be more effective than SCIT in reducing the total AR symptom score and improving the results of nasal provocation tests. Local and systemic adverse reactions were observed in the SCIT group, while none were reported in the OIT group.ConclusionOIT is an effective and safe treatment for mite-induced AR.

A Conceptual Review of Allergic Rhinitis According to Ayurveda

The study focuses on the global health concern of allergic rhinitis, a condition that affects approximately 400 million people worldwide. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis characterized by recurrent attacks of sneezing, nasal congestion and rhinorrhoea has increased over the years due to urbanization and environmental pollution. Although modern medicine has developed treatments for allergic rhinitis, it is still incurable. In Ayurveda, there is a concept of Sannipatik disorders, which involves the vitiation of all the three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) in the pathophysiology of the disease. Sannipatik diseases are known to be particularly challenging to treat. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis closely resemble the diseased condition called Sannipatik Pratishayaya in Ayurveda. While modern medicine offers anti-allergic, antihistaminic, corticosteroids, and other treatment options, these are not entirely effective in curing the disease or preventing its recurrence. Additionally, these treatments often come with their own side effects. In contrast, Ayurvedic classical texts provide detailed explanation of the pathophysiology, sign and symptoms and principles of treatment for effective management for Sannipatik Pratishayaya. Thus, the Ayurvedic concept of Sannipatik Pratishyaya and its understanding can be helpful in managing allergic rhinitis. Aim- The aim of the article is to correlate symptomatology of Sannipatik Pratishyaya with allergic rhinitis and discuss the role of various treatment modalities according to Ayurveda. Methods- Literary review of various Ayurvedic texts, electronic databases; online Journals in the field available at various search portals. Result-The final outcome of the study is to find out a permanent treatment measure for this problem that can be further tested by practical application.

Greater difference between airborne and flower pollen chemistry, then between pollen collected across a pollution gradient in the Netherlands

The prevalence in allergic diseases has increased considerably in the past decades. An important trigger of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is the pollen of wind-pollinating plants. This pollen develops in the flowers, and is released into the air where it gets exposed to environmental influences and air pollution. We investigated the chemical changes to pollen that occur after release from the flower in a rural (Veluwe) and an urban (Amsterdam) site in the Netherlands using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. During the spring/summer of 2020 (during the COVID pandemic) the pollen of nine taxa (Alnus, Betula, Fagus, Fraxinus, Pinus, Plantago, Poaceae, Quercus and Salix) were collected directly from flowers and the air (using a mobile sampler). FTIR spectra were obtained for multiple individual pollen grains for each taxa. The spectra obtained from airborne pollen collected at the rural vs. urban sites did not show any statistical difference. This is possibly a result of a reduced difference in pollutant concentrations between the two sites due to the COVID-19-lockdown measures were in place. However, consistent differences in the FTIR spectra recovered from airborne vs. flower pollen were recorded for all pollen taxa. After the release from the flower the chemical composition of the pollen changed: (i) polysaccharides are converted to monosaccharides; (ii) protein concentration and/or nitration/oxidation level is altered; (iii) lipids are modified and/or reduced in concentration. These changes may alter the allergenicity of the pollen and suggest that further work on the allergenic nature of airborne pollen is required.

Pilot study to determine asthma-like symptoms in the Sverdlovsk region

Introduction. Bronchial asthma (BA) occupies one of the leading places in the structure of chronic nonspecific lung diseases in children. At an early age it develops in a relationship between genetic and environmental factors and often does not have a characteristic clinical picture. Allergic rhinitis (AR) increases the risk of developing and severity of asthma. Assessing the risk of developing BA and AR in children is necessary for timely diagnosis. Purpose of the study. To identify the prevalence of symptoms of bronchial asthma in children in the Sverdlovsk region using the example of Yekaterinburg and Nizhny Tagil using Russian versions of the Asthma Prediction Tool and ISAAC questionnaires and analyze the data obtained. Materials and methods. 64 children aged 6-8 years who did not have chronic lung diseases were studied: 30 people - in the Children's Hospital No. 8 of Yekaterinburg and 34 - in kindergarten No. 201 of Nizhny Tagil using Russified versions of the “Asthma Prediction Tool” and ISAAC questionnaires, filled out official representatives of children after informed consent to conduct the study. 64 correctly completed questionnaires were analyzed. Results. The proportion of children with an average and high risk of developing asthma: in Yekaterinburg 26.67%, in Nizhny Tagil - 35.29%. Symptoms of AR were detected in 60% of children from Yekaterinburg and in 82.35% from Nizhny Tagil, which is 2.5 and 1.6 times more common than the established diagnosis of AR, respectively. In Yekaterinburg, a high risk of asthma is associated with an allergic phenotype based on the frequency of concomitant atopic dermatitis (16.67% compared with 10% in the low-risk group, p = 0.0159) or its absence (63.33% and 10%, respectively, p= 0.0159), in Nizhny Tagil this relationship was not confirmed when tested by a two-sided Fisher test. The frequency of cases of hereditary predisposition to allergic pathology does not have significant differences between high (medium) and low risk groups in both cities. Conclusion. In Russia, 4.8 additional cases of asthma and status asthmaticus per 100 thousand children are associated with air quality. In 2021, the Sverdlovsk region is noted as one of the priority subjects of the Russian Federation in terms of the number of asthma diseases associated with the aerogenic factor in the environment of children. Although the observed trend in the predominance of cumulative symptoms of asthma and AR in children in Nizhny Tagil, in comparison with Yekaterinburg, is not statistically significant, it correlates with a higher level of aerogenic air pollution, this indirectly confirms the absence of a statistically significant relationship with a family history of allergic pathology. However, the connection with man-made pollutants is not taken into account in the ISAAC questionnaires. To confirm that the prevalence of asthma and AR symptoms is higher than those obtained in multicenter studies among children of a similar age, a survey of at least 350 people will be required. In any case, it is necessary to study the role of priority pollutants in the formation of airway hyperresponsiveness, asthma and AR, in order to find effective preventive measures.

Senzibilizacija na inhalacijske alergene kod djece s alergijskim rinitisom

Introduction: Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa that most often occurs in children and it is a growing global health problem. Aim: Aim of the study was to examine the sensitization on inhalant allergens in children with allergic rhinitis and its association with asthma. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study using data from our hospital records (2018-2022). A total of 412 children with symptoms of allergic rhinitis participated in the study, aged from 4 to 17 years old. The presence of allergic rhinitis was evaluated by specialist of allergology, immunology and otorhinolaryngology. The diagnosis was made on personal and family history, physical examination of the patient, skin prick tests and laboratory parameters. Results: Out of 412 children enrolled in the study, 205 (55.1%) were male. All were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, while 168 (40.78%) were, in addition to allergic rhinitis, diagnosed with bronchial asthma 66.26% (N=273). Hypersensitivity to the inhalant allergens according to positive skin prick test was found as follows: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (67.96%; N=280 subjects), Ambrosia artemisiifolia (62.87%; N=259 subjects), Betula (54.13%; N=223 subjects) Corylus (52.91%; N=218) and grass pollen (52.91%; N=218 subjects).Hypersensitivity to the inhalant allergens according to higher levels of specific IgE was found as follows: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (66.26%; N=273), Ambrosia artemisiifolia (66.02%; N=272), Betula (57.52%; N=237), Corylus (55.34%; N=228), Poa pratensis (45.39%; N=187), Artemisia vulgaris (27.67%; N=114), Phelum pratense (25.46%; N=105), cat dander (28.64%; N=118) and dog dander (23.54%; N=87). Conclusion: Our data suggest that sensitization on house dust mite has important role in development of allergic rhinitis. Most children have allergic rhinitis linked to asthma.

Fluctuation of Disease Severity and Quality of Life Applying Intra-lymphatic Immunotherapy for Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only disease-modifying treatment for IgE-mediated allergic disorders. Intra lymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) is an efficacious and time-saving alternative to subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). This study aimed to evaluate the effects and safety of ILIT in patients with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis. 
 In this clinical trial, patients between 18 and 65 years old with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis were enrolled. They received monthly intra-lymphatic inguinal injections of an active allergen (1000 SQ-U Salsola kali pollen). Their clinical symptoms were assessed before and four weeks after treatments. The clinical signs were also evaluated during two consecutive pollination seasons and the following non-pollination season in April.
 No moderate or severe reactions were recorded following ILIT treatment. Lymph node enlargement, angioedema/urticaria, and local itching were seen instantly after injection. Patients who received ILIT experienced a significant clinical improvement in self-recorded seasonal allergic symptoms after the treatments, compared to themselves before ILIT. Furthermore, their quality of life significantly improved.
 This study suggests ILIT with Salsola-pollen extract may decrease symptoms of allergic rhinitis. It was safe and did not cause any crucial complications.
  

Evaluation of Urtica dioica Phytochemicals against Therapeutic Targets of Allergic Rhinitis Using Computational Studies.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent inflammatory condition affecting millions globally, with current treatments often associated with significant side effects. To seek safer and more effective alternatives, natural sources like Urtica dioica (UD) are being explored. However, UD's mechanism of action remains unknown. Therefore, to elucidate it, we conducted an in silico evaluation of UD phytochemicals' effects on known therapeutic targets of allergic rhinitis: histamine receptor 1 (HR1), neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R), cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CLR1), chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on type 2 helper T cells (CRTH2), and bradykinin receptor type 2 (BK2R). The docking analysis identified amentoflavone, alpha-tocotrienol, neoxanthin, and isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside as possessing a high affinity for all the receptors. Subsequently, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to analyze the key interactions; the free energy of binding was calculated through Generalized Born and Surface Area Solvation (MMGBSA), and the conformational changes were evaluated. Alpha-tocotrienol exhibited a high affinity while also inducing positive conformational changes across all targets. Amentoflavone primarily affected CRTH2, neoxanthin targeted NK1R, CRTH2, and BK2R, and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside acted on NK1R. These findings suggest UD's potential to treat AR symptoms by inhibiting these targets. Notably, alpha-tocotrienol emerges as a promising multi-target inhibitor. Further in vivo and in vitro studies are needed for validation.

Dimension reduction of microbiome data linked Bifidobacterium and Prevotella to allergic rhinitis

Dimension reduction has been used to visualise the distribution of multidimensional microbiome data, but the composite variables calculated by the dimension reduction methods have not been widely used to investigate the relationship of the human gut microbiome with lifestyle and disease. In the present study, we applied several dimension reduction methods, including principal component analysis, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), and non-negative matrix factorization, to a microbiome dataset from 186 subjects with symptoms of  allergic rhinitis (AR) and 106 controls. All the dimension reduction methods supported that the distribution of microbial data points appeared to be continuous rather than discrete. Comparison of the composite variables calculated from the different dimension reduction methods showed that the characteristics of the composite variables differed depending on the distance matrices and the dimension reduction methods. The first composite variables calculated from PCoA and NMDS with the UniFrac distance were strongly associated with AR (FDR adjusted P = 2.4 × 10–4 for PCoA and P = 2.8 × 10–4 for NMDS), and also with the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Prevotella. The abundance of Bifidobacterium was also linked to intake of several nutrients, including carbohydrate, saturated fat, and alcohol via composite variables. Notably, the association between the composite variables and AR was much stronger than the association between the relative abundance of individual genera and AR. Our results highlight the usefulness of the dimension reduction methods for investigating the association of microbial composition with lifestyle and disease in clinical research.

The Associations of Prenatal Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter and Its Chemical Components with Allergic Rhinitis in Children and the Modification Effect of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Birth Cohort Study.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been shown to protect against fine particulate matter in aerodynamic diameter ()-induced hazards. However, limited evidence is available for respiratory health, particularly in pregnant women and their offspring. We aimed to investigate the association of prenatal exposure to and its chemical components with allergic rhinitis (AR) in children and explore effect modification by maternal erythrocyte PUFAs. This prospective birth cohort study involved 657 mother-child pairs from Guangzhou, China. Prenatal exposure to residential mass and its components [black carbon (BC), organic matter (OM), sulfate (), nitrate (), and ammonium ()] were estimated by an established spatiotemporal model. Maternal erythrocyte PUFAs during pregnancy were measured using gas chromatography. The diagnosis of AR and report of AR symptoms in children were assessed up to 2 years of age. We used Cox regression with the quantile-based g-computation approach to assess the individual and joint effects of components and examine the modification effects of maternal PUFA levels. Approximately and 8.07% of children had AR and related symptoms, respectively. The average concentration of prenatal was . was positively associated with the risk of developing AR [hazard ratio ; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16, 2.96 per ] and its symptoms (; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.62 per ) after adjustment for confounders. Similar associations were observed between individual components and AR outcomes. Each quintile change in a mixture of components was associated with an adjusted HR of 3.73 (95% CI: 1.80, 7.73) and 2.69 (95% CI: 1.55, 4.67) for AR and AR symptoms, with BC accounting for the largest contribution. Higher levels of n-3 docosapentaenoic acid and lower levels of n-6 linoleic acid showed alleviating effects on AR symptoms risk associated with exposure to and its components. Prenatal exposure to and its chemical components, particularly BC, was associated with AR/symptoms in early childhood. We highlight that PUFA biomarkers could modify the adverse effects of on respiratory allergy. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13524.

A Review on Novel Therapeutic Modalities and Evidence-based Drug Treatments Against Allergic Rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an IgE-mediated atopic disease that occurs due to inhaled antigens in the immediate phase. Misdiagnosis, insufficient treatment, or no treatment at all are frequent problems associated with the widespread condition known as chronic allergic rhinitis. AR symptoms include runny, itchy, stuffy, and sneezing noses. Asthma and nasal polyps, for example, sometimes occur simultaneously in patients. In order for people living with AR to be as comfortable and productive as possible, treatment should center on reducing their symptoms. The online sources and literature, such as Pubmed, ScienceDirect, and Medline, were reviewed to gather information regarding therapeutic modalities of AR and evidence-based treatments for the disease as the objectives of the present study. An increasing number of people are suffering from AR, resulting in a heavy financial and medical burden on healthcare systems around the world. Undertreating AR frequently results in a decline in quality of life. Treatment compliance is a critical challenge in the administration of AR. Innovative therapies are needed for RA to provide patients with symptom alleviation that is less expensive, more effective, and longer duration of action. Evidence-based guidelines are helpful for managing AR illness. Treating AR according to evidence-based standards can help in disease management. AR treatment includes allergen avoidance, drug therapy, immunotherapy, patient education, and follow-up. However, AR treatment with intranasal corticosteroids is more popular. Hence, in this review article, treatment options for AR are discussed in depth. We also discussed the incidence, causes, and new treatments for this clinical condition.

Immunomodulation in allergic rhinitis: Insights from Th2 cells and NLRP3/IL-18pathway.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by nasal symptoms such as rubbing and sneezing, often triggered by allergen exposure. The purpose of this study is to dissect the roles of NLRP3-mediated immune modulation and macrophage pyroptosis in modulating T cell differentiation within the context of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR in mice. OVA-induced AR was established in mice, evaluating nasal symptoms, macrophage infiltration, cytokine levels, and T cell differentiation. Manipulations using NLRP3-/-, ASC-/- mice, clodronate liposome treatment, and NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 were performed to assess their impact on AR symptoms and immune responses. Following OVA stimulation, increased nasal symptoms were observed in the OVA group along with augmented GATA3 expression and elevated IL-4 and IL-1b levels, indicative of Th2 polarization and cellular pyroptosis involvement. NLRP3-/- and ASC-/- mice exhibited reduced CD3+ T cells post OVA induction, implicating cellular pyroptosis in AR. Macrophage depletion led to decreased IgE levels, highlighting their involvement in allergic responses. Further investigations revealed enhanced macrophage pyroptosis, influencing Th1/Th2 differentiation in AR models. IL-18 released through NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis induced Th2 differentiation, distinct from IL-1b. Additionally, MCC950 effectively mitigated AR symptoms by modulating Th2 responses and reducing macrophage infiltration. This comprehensive study unravels the pivotal role of NLRP3-mediated immune modulation and macrophage pyroptosis in Th1/Th2 balance regulation in OVA-induced AR. Targeting NLRP3 pathways with MCC950 emerged as a promising strategy to alleviate AR symptoms, providing insights for potential therapeutic interventions in AR management.

Patients' values and preferences for health states in allergic rhinitis-An artificial intelligence supported systematic review.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) impacts patients' physical and emotional well-being. Assessing patients' values and preferences (V&P) related to AR is an essential part of patient-centered care and of the guideline development process. We aimed to systematically summarize the information about patients' V&P on AR and its symptoms and impact on daily life. We conducted systematic review in a MEDLINE, Embase, PsychInfo, and CINAHL databases. We included studies which quantitatively assessed patients' V&P for specific outcomes in AR by assessing utilities, applying discrete choice approaches, or rating and ranking outcomes. We grouped outcomes as AR symptoms, functional status, and care-related patient experience. Study selection and data extraction were supported by the Laser AI tool. We rated the certainty of evidence (CoE) using the GRADE approach. Thirty-six studies (41 records) were included: nine utility studies, seven direct-choice studies and 21 studies of rating or ranking outcomes. Utilities were lower with increased AR severity and with the concomitant presence of asthma, but not with whether AR was seasonal or perennial (CoE = low-high). Patients rated AR symptom-related outcomes as more important than those related to care-related patient experience and functional status (CoE = very low-moderate). Nasal symptoms (mainly nasal congestion) followed by breathing disorders, general and ocular symptoms were rated as the symptoms with the highest impact. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of V&P of patients with AR. Patients generally considered nasal symptoms as the most important. Future studies with standardized methods are needed to provide more information on V&P in AR.

SQ sublingual immunotherapy tablets for children with allergic rhinitis: A review of phase three trials.

To provide paediatricians with a summary of efficacy and safety of SQ sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets from phase three, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in children and adolescents with allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis, with and without asthma. PubMed searches were conducted and unpublished data were included if necessary. Of the 93 publications, 12 were identified reporting 10 trials. One trial was excluded as paediatric-specific efficacy data were unavailable. The nine eligible trials evaluated grass, house dust mite, ragweed and tree SLIT tablets. Consistent reductions in allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms and medication use were observed with SQ SLIT tablets versus placebo. In a five-year trial, sustained reduction of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms, asthma symptoms and medication use were observed with SQ grass SLIT tablet versus placebo. The number-needed-to-treat to prevent asthma symptoms and medication use in one additional child during follow-up was lowest in younger children. SQ SLIT tablets were generally well tolerated across trials. Evidence supports use of SQ SLIT tablets in children and adolescents with allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis, with and without asthma. Long-term data demonstrate disease-modifying effects of SQ grass SLIT tablet and suggest the clinical relevance of initiating allergy immunotherapy earlier in the disease course.

The Efficacy of Elonide Nasal Corticosteroids in Managing Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Trial.

Background: Mometasone furoate nasal spray is efficacious in relieving allergic rhinitis symptoms. The objectives of this study were, firstly, to compare the efficacy of Elonide to Nasonex® and a placebo and secondly, to investigate the side effects of Elonide. Method: This was a prospective, single-centered, double blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, non-inferiority trial. A total of 163 participants from the Otorhinolaryngology Clinic, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), were randomized into three treatment groups receiving Elonide (n = 56), Nasonex® (n = 54), and placebo (n = 53) nasal sprays using an online randomizer (Random.org). Treatment was administered for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the Total Nasal Resistance (TNR), and the secondary outcomes were the Visual Analogue Score (VAS) and the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQOLQ) score. Side effects were recorded. Results: There were significant improvements for all groups from baseline. The Elonide group had the greatest mean difference for all primary and secondary outcomes compared to Nasonex® and the placebo (0.77 ± 2.44 vs. 0.35 ± 1.16, p = 1.00 vs. 0.17 ± 0.82, p = 0.01). Elonide is non-inferior to Nasonex (p = 1.00) and superior to the placebo (p < 0.05). The highest side effects reported were for Nasonex (n = 14, 26%), followed by the placebo (n = 8, 16%) and Elonide (n = 6, 12%); headaches (n = 9, 17%) and sore throat (n = 9, 17%) were the most common. Conclusions: Elonide has similar efficacy to Nasonex® when compared to a placebo in the treatment of AR in adults. Elonide is safe and tolerable, with fewer side effects and no adverse side effects.

Effectiveness of Air Filters in Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Previous studies have evaluated the effectiveness of air filters in mitigating the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR). However, these studies have yielded inconsistent results. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effectiveness of air filters for patients with AR. For this, we comprehensively searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant articles. The results are presented in terms of standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) values with the fixed-effects model (FEM) and random-effects model (REM). Eight randomized controlled trials were included in our meta-analysis. Of these, three had a parallel design and five had a crossover design. Regarding clinical outcomes, pooled analyses performed using patients’ nighttime and daytime symptom scores revealed SMD values of −0.21 (95% CI: −0.35 to −0.07 (FEM) and −0.35 to −0.08 (REM)) and −0.16 (95% CI: −0.30 to −0.03 (both FEM and REM)), respectively. However, no significant changes were noted in the SMD values when assessing medication use, quality of life (QoL), or peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). In conclusion, air filters may help alleviate symptoms associated with AR; however, their effects on medication use, QoL, and PEFR appear to be limited. This systemic review and meta-analysis is registered with CRD42022380560.

Greenness and its composition and configuration in association with allergic rhinitis in preschool children

BackgroundFew studies focus on the associations of green space composition and configuration with children's allergic rhinitis (AR). MethodsA multi-center population-based cross-sectional study was performed in 7 cities in mainland of China between 2019 and 2020, recruiting 36,867 preschool children. Information on the current AR symptoms and demographics were collected by questionnaire. Exposure to residential greenness was estimated by Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI, 1000 m buffer) around the residences. Greenness composition was estimated in 3 main categories: forest, grassland, shrubland. Configuration of each category and total greenness (a spatial resolution of 10 m × 10 m) was estimated by 6 landscape pattern metrics to quantify their area, shape complexity, aggregation, connectivity, and patch density. Exposure to daily ambient particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5 and PM10, a spatial resolution of 1 km × 1 km) was estimated. Multilevel logistic regression models were applied to analyze the associations of greenness and its composition and configuration with AR, and mediation effects by PMs were examined by mediation analysis models. ResultsThe prevalence of self-reported current AR in preschool children was 33.1%. Two indicators of forest, Aggregation Index of forest patches (AIforest) (odds ratio (OR):0.92, 95% Confidential Interval (CI): 0.88–0.97), and Patch Cohesion of forest (COHESIONforest) (OR: 0.93, 95% CI:0.89–0.98) showed significantly negative associations with AR symptoms. Mediation analyses found the associations were partially mediated by PMs. Age, exclusive breastfeed duration and season were the potential effect modifiers. The associations varied across seven cities. ConclusionOur findings suggest the inverse associations of the aggregation and connectivity of forest patches surrounding residence addresses with AR symptoms. Since the cross-sectional study only provides associations rather than causation, further studies are needed to confirm our results as well as the underlying mechanisms.

Sensitisation profile to pollen allergens of selected grass and tree species in Filipino communities

Pollen allergy remains insufficiently studied in the Philippines despite its global significance. This community-based, cross-sectional study thus determined the sensitisation profile of Filipino individuals to pollen allergens from selected grass species (Zea mays, Saccharum spontaneum, and Dichanthium spp.) and tree species (Mangifera indica, Delonix regia, and Peltophorum pterocarpum). Study subjects (n = 523), 2–70 years old, and residents of Bustos, Bulacan, Mayorga, Leyte, and Laoag, Ilocos Norte, were recruited from November 2018 to July 2019. Clinical history was evaluated through a self-directed questionnaire, while pollen sensitisation was assessed through skin prick test (SPT) and pollen-specific immunoglobulin E enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (sIgE ELISA). Correlation and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant relationships between pollen sensitisation and demographic characteristics. Of the 523 study subjects, 38.24% reported symptoms of allergic rhinitis, 32.70% reported atopic dermatitis, and 30.02% reported allergic asthma. Participants were mainly sensitised to M. indica (32.70%). More males were sensitised at earlier age groups than females. Alternatively, females had increased odds of reporting allergic rhinitis and more than one type of allergic disease. Sensitisation to tree pollen, age, smoking, and secondhand smoking status were also significant predictors (p ≥ 0.05). Smoking status, sex, age, family history, and sensitisation to tree pollen were significant risk factors associated with allergic diseases.

MiR-224-5p Attenuates Allergic Responses in Mice with Allergic Rhinitis by Modulating the Th1/Th2 Response.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common chronic respiratory disease that has become a global health problem. miRNAs play an important role in multiple immune and inflammatory diseases, including AR. In this work, the mechanism by which miR-224-5p regulates AR in vivo and in vitro was examined. Human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs) were used to establish an AR cell model induced by Der P1, and C57BL/6 mice were used to establish an AR animal model induced by OVA (ovalbumin). RT-qPCR was used to determine the level of miR-224-5p; western blot analysis was used to determine GATA3; ELISA was used to determine the levels of OVA-specific IgE, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13; flow cytometry was used to determine the differentiation of Th1 and Th2 cells; and HE and PAS staining was used to observe the histopathological alterations in the mouse nasal mucosa and spleen. miR-224-5p was downregulated in nasal mucosa from mice with AR and an AR cell model. Overexpressed miR-224-5p can improve AR development and attenuate AR symptoms by regulating GATA3-mediated Th1/Th2 responses. miR-224-5p attenuates allergic reactions in mice with AR by regulating the Th1/Th2 response.

Multicenter study of seasonal and regional airborne allergens in Chinese preschoolers with allergic rhinitis

This study is nationwide multicenter epidemiological research, aimed at investigating the distribution changes and seasonal patterns of various airborne allergens among preschool children with allergic rhinitis (AR) in different regions of China, and analyzing the clinical correlation between sensitization to various airborne allergens and AR symptoms in children. Information on children was collected through standard questionnaires, and total IgE (tIgE) and specific IgE (sIgE) for 11 inhalant allergens were tested. The results showed that dust mites are the primary allergens for preschool AR children (39%). Among pollen allergens, Amb a had the highest positivity rate (8.1%), followed by Art v (7.8%). The sensitization rates for two mites peaked in May (46.9% and 40.6%). Art v peaked in August (21.5%), while Amb a had peaks in May (12.7%) and August (17.8%). The sensitization peaks for various tree pollens mainly occurred in August. In the Eastern monsoon region, the sensitization rate to mites was significantly higher than in the Northwest arid and semi-arid regions; whereas, for pollen allergens, the sensitization rates to Amb a, Pla a, Pin a, Pop d, and Bet v were significantly higher in the Northwest arid and semi-arid regions than in the Eastern monsoon region. The correlation among various tree pollens, specifically between Pla a, Pin r, Pop d, and Bet v was strong (0.63 ~ 0.79), with a cross-overlapping percentage of 53.9%. Children with multiple pollen sensitizations had higher cumulative nasal symptom scores than those negative for pollen (P < 0.01). Children with only pollen sensitization had higher cumulative rhinitis symptom scores than the all-negative group (P < 0.0001) and the mite-only sensitization group [P < 0.05], while the mite-only sensitization group also had higher scores than the all-negative group [P < 0.05], and the group sensitized to both pollen and mites had lower scores than the pollen-only group [P < 0.05]. This study indicates that sensitization to mites and grass pollens exhibits significant regional differences, with grass pollen allergies primarily occurring in autumn, sensitization to pollens in general exhibits a pronounced seasonal pattern. Moreover, pollen sensitization aggravates nasal and ocular symptoms in AR children.