ARIA-EAACI statement on asthma and COVID-19 (June 2, 2020)

Non peer reviewe

Cabbage and fermented vegetables : From death rate heterogeneity in countries to candidates for mitigation strategies of severe COVID-19

Large differences in COVID-19 death rates exist between countries and between regions of the same country. Some very low death rate countries such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, or the Balkans have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods. Although biases exist when examining ecological studies, fermented vegetables or cabbage have been associated with low death rates in European countries. SARS-CoV-2 binds to its receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). As a result of SARS-CoV-2 binding, ACE2 downregulation enhances the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT(1)R) axis associated with oxidative stress. This leads to insulin resistance as well as lung and endothelial damage, two severe outcomes of COVID-19. The nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is the most potent antioxidant in humans and can block in particular the AT(1)R axis. Cabbage contains precursors of sulforaphane, the most active natural activator of Nrf2. Fermented vegetables contain many lactobacilli, which are also potent Nrf2 activators. Three examples are: kimchi in Korea, westernized foods, and the slum paradox. It is proposed that fermented cabbage is a proof-of-concept of dietary manipulations that may enhance Nrf2-associated antioxidant effects, helpful in mitigating COVID-19 severity.Peer reviewe

Nrf2-interacting nutrients and COVID-19 : time for research to develop adaptation strategies

There are large between- and within-country variations in COVID-19 death rates. Some very low death rate settings such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, the Balkans and Africa have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods whose intake is associated with the activation of the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) anti-oxidant transcription factor. There are many Nrf2-interacting nutrients (berberine, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, quercetin, resveratrol, sulforaphane) that all act similarly to reduce insulin resistance, endothelial damage, lung injury and cytokine storm. They also act on the same mechanisms (mTOR: Mammalian target of rapamycin, PPAR gamma:Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, NF kappa B: Nuclear factor kappa B, ERK: Extracellular signal-regulated kinases and eIF2 alpha:Elongation initiation factor 2 alpha). They may as a result be important in mitigating the severity of COVID-19, acting through the endoplasmic reticulum stress or ACE-Angiotensin-II-AT(1)R axis (AT(1)R) pathway. Many Nrf2-interacting nutrients are also interacting with TRPA1 and/or TRPV1. Interestingly, geographical areas with very low COVID-19 mortality are those with the lowest prevalence of obesity (Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia). It is tempting to propose that Nrf2-interacting foods and nutrients can re-balance insulin resistance and have a significant effect on COVID-19 severity. It is therefore possible that the intake of these foods may restore an optimal natural balance for the Nrf2 pathway and may be of interest in the mitigation of COVID-19 severity

Mandibular advancement device use in obstructive sleep apnea: ORCADES study 5-year follow-up data

International audienceStudy Objectives: Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure for the management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The ORthèse d'avanCée mAndibulaire dans le traitement en DEuxi ème intention du SAHOS sév ère (ORCADES) study is investigating the long-term effectiveness of MAD therapy in patients with OSA who refused or were intolerant of continuous positive airway pressure. Five-year follow-up data are presented. Methods: Data were available in 172 of 331 patients treated with a custom-made computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing biblock MAD (Narval CC; ResMed, Saint-Priest, France). The primary end point was treatment success (≥50% decrease in apnea-hypopnea index from baseline). Results: Five-year treatment success rates were 52% overall and 25%, 52%, and 63%, respectively, in patients with mild, moderate, or severe OSA. This reflects a decline over time vs 3-6 months (79% overall) and 2 years (68%). Rates declined in all patient subgroups but to the greatest extent in patients with mild OSA. The slight worsening of respiratory parameters over time was not associated with any relevant changes in sleepiness and symptoms. Moderate or severe OSA at baseline, treatment success at 3-6 months, and no previous continuous positive airway pressure use were significant independent predictors of 5-year treatment success on multivariate analysis. No new safety signals emerged during long-term follow-up. The proportion of patients using their MAD for ≥4 h/night on ≥4 days/wk was 93.3%; 91.3% of patients reported device use of ≥6 h/night at 5 years. At 5-year follow-up, 96.5% of patients reported that they wanted to continue MAD therapy. Conclusions: Long-term MAD therapy remained effective after 5 years in >50% of patients, with good levels of patient satisfaction and adherence

Efficacy and tolerability of a custom-made Narval mandibular repositioning device for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: ORCADES study 2-year follow-up data

International audienceObjective/BackgroundMandibular repositioning device (MRD) therapy is an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The ORCADES study is assessing the long-term efficacy and tolerability of MRD therapy in OSAS; 2-year follow-up data are presented.Patients/MethodsOSAS patients who refused or were noncompliant with CPAP were fitted with a custom-made computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) bi-block MRD (ResMed, Narval CC™); mandibular advancement was individually titrated. Sleep and respiratory parameters were determined at baseline, 3–6 months, and two years. The primary endpoint was treatment success (percentage of patients achieving a ≥50% reduction in the apnoea-hypopnoea index [AHI]).ResultsOf 315 enrolled patients, 237 remained on MRD treatment at two years, and 197 had follow-up data. The treatment success rate at two years was 67%; AHI <5/h, <10/h and <15/h was achieved in 30%, 56% and 72% of patients, respectively. On multivariate analysis, ≥50% decrease in AHI at 3–6 months and absence of nocturia at 3–6 months were significant predictors of MRD treatment continuation. Adverse events were generally mild, and the majority occurred in the first year of treatment.ConclusionsTwo years’ treatment with an MRD was effective and well tolerated in patients with mild to severe OSAS who refused or were intolerant of CPAP

A global respiratory perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic: commentary and action proposals

To date, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected over five million individuals worldwide and killed hundreds of thousands individuals of all ages and ethnicities. People with chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) are particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections. In this document, we, an international group of respiratory health care providers and researchers, summarized our hands-on experience and lessons learned from combating COVID-19 according to three perspectives: 1) patient level: interactions with health care providers; 2) health care provider level: real-time experience sharing; and 3) community level: environmental impact, air pollution. Our proposed actions and implementations are practical andfeasible and may foster deeper thoughts and considerations into how to move forward in managing the heavy respiratory burden in times of COVID-19