Asthma prevalence and risk factors analysis in Tricity university students’ group

Introduction: Asthma is the most prevalent chronic disease in a young and middle age population worldwide. It is also one of the main reasons for the lost working days and lost days at school. Several epidemiological surveys have evidenced an increase in the prevalence of asthma in Poland. This trend is further evident in urban areas such as Tricity (Gdańsk, Sopot, Gdynia). The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of the disease as well as the risk factors affecting the university student population. Material and methods: Two surveys were distributed electronically to students of the four major universities in Tricity. The first survey contained nine questions concerning asthma diagnoses and symptoms. The second survey, which evaluated the occurrence of identified risk factors, was sent to students who answered the first survey. Asthmatics also received an Asthma Control Test (ACT). The results were analyzed using the Statistica 10 software. Study group consisted of 1380 students: 1031 (75%) women and 349 (25%) men; the average age was 22.2. Results: Asthma was diagnosed in 138 students (9.6%), additionally 76 students (5.5%) reported asthmatic symptoms; however, these students had no previous diagnoses. Asthma tended to occur more frequently in students living in poorly maintained houses (19%) (p = 0.06), in contrast to those living in a normal environment (10%). According to their ACTs, 81% of diagnosed patients reported that their asthma was well-controlled. Conclusions: Asthma is becoming an important issue for Tricity students. Educational activities aimed at raising university students’ awareness regarding asthma treatment and control should be implemented

The ARIA-MASK-air® approach

Funding Information: The authors thank Ms Véronique Pretschner for submitting the paper. MASK‐air has been supported by Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, EU grants (EU Structural and Development Funds Languedoc Roussillon and Region PACA; POLLAR: EIT Health; Twinning: EIP on AHA; Twinning DHE: H2020; Catalyse: Horizon Europe) and educational grants from Mylan‐Viatris, ALK, GSK, Novartis, Stallergènes‐Greer and Uriach. None for the study. ® Publisher Copyright: © 2023 The Authors. Clinical and Translational Allergy published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.MASK-air®, a validated mHealth app (Medical Device regulation Class IIa) has enabled large observational implementation studies in over 58,000 people with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. It can help to address unmet patient needs in rhinitis and asthma care. MASK-air® is a Good Practice of DG Santé on digitally-enabled, patient-centred care. It is also a candidate Good Practice of OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development). MASK-air® data has enabled novel phenotype discovery and characterisation, as well as novel insights into the management of allergic rhinitis. MASK-air® data show that most rhinitis patients (i) are not adherent and do not follow guidelines, (ii) use as-needed treatment, (iii) do not take medication when they are well, (iv) increase their treatment based on symptoms and (v) do not use the recommended treatment. The data also show that control (symptoms, work productivity, educational performance) is not always improved by medications. A combined symptom-medication score (ARIA-EAACI-CSMS) has been validated for clinical practice and trials. The implications of the novel MASK-air® results should lead to change management in rhinitis and asthma.publishersversionpublishe

Rhinitis associated with asthma is distinct from rhinitis alone: TARIA‐MeDALL hypothesis

Asthma, rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis (AD) are interrelated clinical phenotypes that partly overlap in the human interactome. The concept of “one-airway-one-disease,” coined over 20 years ago, is a simplistic approach of the links between upper- and lower-airway allergic diseases. With new data, it is time to reassess the concept. This article reviews (i) the clinical observations that led to Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA), (ii) new insights into polysensitization and multimorbidity, (iii) advances in mHealth for novel phenotype definitions, (iv) confirmation in canonical epidemiologic studies, (v) genomic findings, (vi) treatment approaches, and (vii) novel concepts on the onset of rhinitis and multimorbidity. One recent concept, bringing together upper- and lower-airway allergic diseases with skin, gut, and neuropsychiatric multimorbidities, is the “Epithelial Barrier Hypothesis.” This review determined that the “one-airway-one-disease” concept does not always hold true and that several phenotypes of disease can be defined. These phenotypes include an extreme “allergic” (asthma) phenotype combining asthma, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

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

A Challenge for Allergologist: Application of Allergy Diagnostic Methods in Mast Cell Disorders

Primary and secondary mast cell activation syndromes (MCAS) can occur in patients with mastocytosis. During the past few years our knowledge about the pathogenesis and disease-triggering mechanisms in MCAS and mastocytosis have increased substantially. Whereas mastocytosis is characterized by an accumulation of neoplastic (clonal) mast cells (MC) in various organ systems, MCAS is defined by a massive and systemic activation of these cells. Mast cells are crucial effector cells in allergic diseases, thus their elevated number and activation can cause severe anaphylactic reactions and MCAS in patients with mastocytosis. However, these cells may also degranulate spontaneously or degranulate in response to non-allergic triggers leading to clinical symptoms. In mastocytosis patients, such symptoms may lead to the diagnosis of a primary MCAS. The diagnosis of a concomitant allergy in mastocytosis patients is challenging. In these patients, a mixed form (primary and secondary) of MCAS may be diagnosed. These patients may also suffer from life-threatening anaphylactic reactions when exposed to allergens. In these cases, the possibility of severe side effects of in vivo provocations can sometimes also limit diagnostic evaluations. In the current article, we discuss the diagnosis and management of patients suffering from mastocytosis and concomitant MCAS, with special emphasis on novel diagnostic tests and management, including allergen microarrays, recombinant allergen analysis, basophil activation tests, optimal prophylaxis, and specific therapies

New targeted small molecule drugs in asthma treatment

Astma jest częstą chorobą przewlekła oskrzeli, stanowiącą istotny problem społeczny na świecie. Pomimo znacznego postępu w terapii wziewnej w ostatnich dekadach, astma ciężka stanowi nadal wyzwanie dla współczesnej medycyny. Heterogenność mechanizmów stojących za nasileniem objawów i oporność na klasyczne leki wziewne znacznie utrudnia poszukiwanie celowanych leków w grupie chorych nie uzyskujących zadowalającej kontroli choroby w oparciu o podstawowe leki. Dotychczasowe badania nad nowymi lekami w ciężkiej astmie koncentrują się głównie na syntezie przeciwciał. Jednak relatywnie duża cząsteczka tych leków nakłada na nie pewne ograniczenia związane z drogą podania i możliwymi punktami uchwytu. Niniejszy artykuł omawia nowe możliwości terapeutyczne związane z opracowywanymi w ostatnich latach lekami małocząsteczkowymi o masie poniżej 900 Daltonów.Asthma is a common chronic bronchial disease that is a major social problem in the world. Despite significant advances in inhalation therapy in recent decades, severe asthma remains a challenge for modern medicine. The heterogeneity of the mechanisms behind the severity of symptoms and resistance to classic inhalation drugs significantly impedes the search for targeted drugs in a group of patients with no satisfactory disease control based on basic drugs. To date, research on new drugs in severe asthma has mainly focused on antibody synthesis. However, a relatively large molecule of these drugs imposes some restrictions on the way of their administration and diagostic targets. The article discusses new therapeutic options associated with low molecular weight drugs under 900 Dalton being developed in recent year

Atopy and Multisensitizations in Specific IgE Microarrays and Their Impact on Severe Asthma

(1) Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease. Around 3–10% of patients experience severe refractory asthma. These patients with high symptom intensity and frequent exacerbations present a challenge for allergologists. Their allergic vs. non-allergic profile might be different from the standard asthmatic group and this difference is vital in qualifying for anti-IgE biologicals. The aim of the study was to analyze multiple sensitizations in patients with severe asthma and assess their impact on the course of the disease. (2) Forty-two patients with severe asthma according to GINA were enrolled. They experienced at least two exacerbations during the past year and had uncontrolled asthma despite high inhaled steroid use. A microarray serum Alex test (allergen-specific IgE to 295 extracts and components) was performed together with Complete Blood Count tests, the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), the Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (MiniAQLQ), and spirometry. (3) There were 29 female and 13 male patients. The patient mean age was 50.4 (22–70). In 25 (60%) patients, inhalant sensitizations were detected. In 9 (21%) cases, a new perennial allergen was discovered that might enable anti-IgE treatment in the future. In the entire studied group, 8 patients (19%) would still not qualify for anti-IgE, anti-IL4, or anti-IL5 treatment. A linear regression analysis revealed that a Canis familiaris allergen (Can f 1) correlated with worse asthma control in ACQ. An Aspergillus allergen (Asp f 6) correlated negatively with Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1). (4) The study presents the usefulness of the ALEX test in 21% of patients with severe asthma in qualification for anti-IgE treatment. It highlights the impact of canine and Aspergillus sensitizations on worse control in patients with severe asthma

A Challenge for Allergologist: Application of Allergy Diagnostic Methods in Mast Cell Disorders

Primary and secondary mast cell activation syndromes (MCAS) can occur in patients with mastocytosis. During the past few years our knowledge about the pathogenesis and disease-triggering mechanisms in MCAS and mastocytosis have increased substantially. Whereas mastocytosis is characterized by an accumulation of neoplastic (clonal) mast cells (MC) in various organ systems, MCAS is defined by a massive and systemic activation of these cells. Mast cells are crucial effector cells in allergic diseases, thus their elevated number and activation can cause severe anaphylactic reactions and MCAS in patients with mastocytosis. However, these cells may also degranulate spontaneously or degranulate in response to non-allergic triggers leading to clinical symptoms. In mastocytosis patients, such symptoms may lead to the diagnosis of a primary MCAS. The diagnosis of a concomitant allergy in mastocytosis patients is challenging. In these patients, a mixed form (primary and secondary) of MCAS may be diagnosed. These patients may also suffer from life-threatening anaphylactic reactions when exposed to allergens. In these cases, the possibility of severe side effects of in vivo provocations can sometimes also limit diagnostic evaluations. In the current article, we discuss the diagnosis and management of patients suffering from mastocytosis and concomitant MCAS, with special emphasis on novel diagnostic tests and management, including allergen microarrays, recombinant allergen analysis, basophil activation tests, optimal prophylaxis, and specific therapies

The role of regulatory T cells and genes involved in their differentiation in pathogenesis of selected inflammatory and neoplastic skin diseases. Part II: The Treg role in skin diseases pathogenesis

Regulatory FOXP3+ T cells (Tregs) constitute 5% to 10% of T cells in the normal human skin. They play an important role in the induction and maintenance of immunological tolerance. The suppressive effects of these cells are exerted by various mechanisms including the direct cytotoxic effect, anti-inflammatory cytokines, metabolic disruption, and modulation of the dendritic cells function. The deficiency of Treg cells number or function are one of the basic elements of the pathogenesis of many skin diseases, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, bacterial and viral infections. They also play a role in the pathogenesis of T cell lymphomas of the skin (cutaneous T cell lymphomas – CTCL), skin tumors and mastocytosis. Here, in the second part of the cycle, we describe dysfunctions of Tregs in selected skin diseases