Physicochemical characteristics of gaseous and particulate air pollutants. Their impact on asthma

ABSTRACT: Asthma is a multifactorial disease characterized by an inflammatory process that affects the airways. Its epidemiological increase in recent years seems to be mainly due to environmental factors. Increase in the concentration of air pollutants, secondary to the release of gases and small particles produced by the combustion of petroleum products, cigarette smoke and other anthropogenic sources, seems to have a strong association with the increase of allergic diseases both as triggers of asthma exacerbations, and as possible mediators in the onset of asthma and rhinitis, and in the sensitization to aeroallergens. In this article a review is presented on the main characteristics of gases and particles that have been considered risk factors for the development of asthma.RESUMEN: El asma es una enfermedad multifactorial caracterizada por un proceso inflamatorio que afecta las vías respiratorias. El incremento epidemiológico que ha tenido en los últimos años parece deberse principalmente a factores ambientales. El aumento en las concentraciones de los contaminantes atmosféricos, secundario a la liberación de gases y pequeñas partículas producidos a partir de la combustión de derivados del petróleo, el humo del cigarrillo y otras fuentes antropogénicas, parece tener una fuerte asociación con el aumento de las enfermedades alérgicas, bien sea como disparadores de las exacerbaciones asmáticas o como posibles mediadores importantes en el inicio del asma y la rinitis y en la sensibilización con aeroalergenos. En este artículo se presenta una revisión de las principales características de los gases y partículas que han sido considerados factores de riesgo para el desarrollo del asma

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide and eosinophil count in induced sputum to guide the management of children with asthma: a cost-utility analysis

Introduction: Previous evidence has shown that fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and eosinophil count in induced sputum (EO) are cost-effective relative to standard of care in guiding the management of children with persistent asthma. There is some doubt as if there are differences between these two biomarkers in terms of costs and benefits. Clarifying this doubt would allow prioritization of the design of clinical practice guidelines. The study aimed to compare in terms of costs and benefits these biomarkers in patients with asthma between 4 and 18 years of age. Methods: A Markov model was used to estimate the cost-utility of asthma management using FeNO and EO in patients between 4 and 18 years of age. Transition probabilities, cost and utilities were estimated from previously published local studies, while relative risks were obtained from the systematic review of published randomized clinical trials. The analysis was carried out from a societal perspective. Results: The expected annual cost per patient with EO was USD1376 (CI 95% USD1376–USD1377) and for FeNO was USD1934 (CI 95% USD1333–USD1334), with a difference of USD42.3 between these strategies. The Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) per person estimated with EO was 0.95 (CI 95% 0.951–0.952) and for FeNO was 0.94 (CI 95% 0.930–0.940), with a difference of 0.01 between these strategies. The NMB with EO was USD4902 (CI 95% 4900–4904) and for FeNO was USD4841 (CI 95% 4839–4843). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of EO was $3566 per QALY gained regarding FeNO. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that induced sputum-guided management is a strategy cost-effective over FeNO and standard asthma management in Colombia. This evidence should encourage the adoption of any of these techniques to objectively guide the management of children with asthma in routine clinical practice in low-resource settings

Prevalencia e impacto clínico de la sensibilización a látex y frutas en estudiantes de odontología de la Universidad de Antioquia y su relación con alergia a frutas

ABSTRACT: To determine the prevalence and clinical impact of sensitization to latex and to five tropical fruits (banana, avocado, kiwi, pineapple and passion fruit) in dentistry students. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study of 128 dentistry students at University of Antioquia in Medellín, Colombia. Information was collected by means of a questionnaire and skin prick tests with latex and fruits were done. Results: All students reported having had contact with latex. Nine of them informed at least one episode of adverse reaction to contact with latex without proof of sensitization to it. Five reported at least one reaction with one of the fruits, but skin prick tests were negative. Four of the 14 students who reported gastrointestinal symptoms were sensitized to latex or to one of the tested fruits. Overall, latex sensitization rate was 3.1%. Conclusion: This percentage of sensitization to latex is lower than that in other studies; this may be due to the expression of immune mechanisms other than IgE mediation. We failed to demonstrate a higher sensitization rate to latex as students advanced in their career. The association between gastrointestinal symptoms and sensitization to both fruit and latex is to be emphasized. Keywords: Allergy, Fruits, Health care students, Hipersensitivity, Latex.RESUMEN: Determinar la prevalencia y el impacto clínico de la sensibilización al látex y a cinco frutas tropicales (banano, aguacate, kiwi, piña y maracuyá) en estudiantes de odontología. Métodos: estudio transversal analítico de 128 estudiantes de odontología de la Universidad de Antioquia; se recolectó la información mediante un cuestionario y se hicieron pruebas intraepidérmicas con látex y frutas. Resultados: todos los estudiantes habían tenido contacto con látex; nueve refirieron al menos un episodio de reacción adversa al contacto con látex sin sensibilización probada al mismo. Cinco informaron al menos una reacción con una de las frutas, pero los resultados fueron negativos en las pruebas cutáneas. Cuatro de los 14 que informaron síntomas gastrointestinales estaban sensibilizados al látex o a alguna de las frutas. La tasa global de sensibilización al látex fue del 3,1%. Conclusión: el porcentaje de sensibilización al látex hallado en nuestro estudio está por debajo del publicado lo que puede ser debido a la expresión de mecanismos inmunológicos diferentes a la mediación IgE. No se logró demostrar más sensibilización al látex en función del mayor número de semestres cursados. Se debe destacar la asociación entre síntomas gastrointestinales y la sensibilización tanto a frutas como al látex. Palabras Clave: Alergia, Estudiantes del área de la salud, Frutas, Hipersensibilidad, Látex

Desensibilización al ácido acetil-salicílico como tratamiento para la enfermedad respiratoria exacerbada por antiinflamatorios no esteroides

RESUMEN: La coexistencia de hipersensibilidad al ácido acetil salicílico (ASA) y a otros antiinflamatorios no esteroides (AINE) con enfermedad de la vía aérea superior (rinosinusitis/poliposis nasosinusal) o inferior (asma) se denomina enfermedad respiratoria exacerbada por ASA (EREA). Las opciones de tratamiento incluyen la evitación de todos los analgésicos inhibidores de la ciclooxigenasa 1 (COX-1) o la desensibilización a ASA, continuando su consumo diario. Esta última opción terapéutica ha demostrado mejorar la calidad de vida, reducir la formación de pólipos nasosinusales, los episodios de sinusitis infecciosa, la frecuencia de las hospitalizaciones y de las cirugías para resección de pólipos; también mejora la hiposmia y reduce la necesidad de tratamiento con esteroides sistémicos. Se han usado múltiples esquemas de desensibilización, tratando de reducir el riesgo asociado con el procedimiento y los efectos adversos derivados del consumo crónico de ASA. En este artículo se presentan una revisión de los diferentes esquemas de desensibilización y dos casos clínicos ilustrativos que sirven de ejemplo para comprender mejor los factores que influyen en la elección del tratamiento para los pacientes con esta enfermedad. Palabras clave: Medicamentos; Reacción Adversa al Medicamento.ABSTRACT: The coexistence of hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and other NSAIDs with disease of the upper or the lower airways (rhinosinusitis/sinonasal polyposis, or asthma) is defined as NSAIDs-exacerbated respiratory disease. Treatment options include the avoidance of all analgesics that inhibit COX-1 or ASA desensitization, continuing its daily consumption. The latter treatment has shown to improve quality of life, reduce the formation of sinonasal polyps, the episodes of sinus infection, the frequency of hospitalizations and surgeries for resection of polyps and the need for systemic steroid treatment. Multiple desensitization schedules have been used, trying to reduce the risk associated with the procedure and the adverse effects of chronic use of ASA. In this paper we present a review of the different methods of desensitization and two illustrative clinical cases to help understand the factors that influence the choice of treatment for these patients. Key words: Drugs; Drug Adverse Reaction

Inmunoterapia con alérgenos, ¿cuándo y por qué?

ABSTRACT: Allergen specific immunotherapy is currently the only treatment that modifies the natural course of allergic diseases. Its present indications are asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis and hymenoptera venom allergy. However, there still is some controversy regarding its safety and clinical utility. In this article, we present a review about the molecular mechanisms, indications, contraindications, safety and efficacy of immunotherapy in each one of these diseases, by means of illustrative cases. Key words: Allergens; Allergy; Asthma; Atopy; Conjunctivitis; Dermatitis; Hymenoptera; Immunotherapy; Rhinitis; Sensitization.RESUMEN: La inmunoterapia específica con alérgenos es el único tratamiento que modifica el curso natural de algunas enfermedades alérgicas como asma, rinitis, conjuntivitis, dermatitis atópica y alergia al veneno de himenópteros. Sin embargo, aún existe cierta controversia respecto a su seguridad y su utilidad clínica. En el presente artículo se presenta una revisión de los mecanismos moleculares, las indicaciones y contraindicaciones de dicha inmunoterapia, y se evalúan su seguridad y eficacia en cada una de estas enfermedades mediante casos ilustrativos y una breve revisión del tema

Anaphylaxis : state of the art

RESUMEN: La anafilaxia se define como una reacción de hipersensibilidad, sistémica, de instauración rápida y potencialmente fatal, con manifestaciones clínicas y severidad variable, que resulta de la liberación súbita de mediadores de mastocitos y basófilos. El diagnóstico de esta entidad es fundamentalmente clínico, basándose en los patrones de manifestación y la exposición a un posible detonante. Actualmente varios estudios indican deficiencias en la identificación y manejo de esta enfermedad, lo que genera un riesgo elevado de mortalidad. En esta revisión presentamos puntos prácticos del manejo e identificamos las principales consideraciones a tener en cuenta en el primer nivel de atención.ABSTRACT: Anaphylaxis is defined as a systemic, rapid onset, and potentially fatal hypersensitivity reaction, with variable clinical manifestations and severity resulting from the sudden release of mast cell and basophil mediators. The diagnosis of this entity is fundamentally clinical, based on the patterns of manifestation and the exposure to a possible trigger. Currently several studies indicate deficiencies in the identification and management of this disease, which generates an increase in mortality. In this review we present practical points of management and identify the main considerations to be taken into account in the first level care

Physicochemical characteristics of gaseous and particulate air pollutants. Their impact on asthma = Características fisicoquímicas de los gases y partículas contaminantes del aire. Su impacto en el asma

Asthma is a multifactorial disease characterized by an inflammatory process that affects the airways. Its epidemiological increase in recent years seems to be mainly due to environmental factors. Increase in the concentration of air pollutants, secondary to the release of gases and small particles produced by the combustion of petroleum products, cigarette smoke and other anthropogenic sources, seems to have a strong association with the increase of allergic diseases both as triggers of asthma exacerbations, and as possible mediators in the onset of asthma and rhinitis, and in the sensitization to aeroallergens. In this article a review is presented on the main characteristics of gases and particles that have been considered risk factors for the development of asthma

Epigenetics in asthma Epigenética en asma

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ";Times New Roman";,";serif";; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" lang="EN-US">Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease with a high heritability. It has been postulated that several genes with variable effects are involved in its pathogenesis along with environmental factors. It has been suggested that epigenetic mechanisms can mediate the effects of environmental factors on the onset and progression of the disease. Epigenetics describes inheritable changes in gene expression inherited during meiosis and mitosis that are not encoded in the DNA sequence. They include DNA methylation/ demethylation, acetylation, deacetylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation and phosphorylation of histones, changes in microARN and alterations of chromatine. In this article we review some findings that establish a relationship between some epigenetic mechanisms and the inflammatory process in asthma and exposure to environmental factors. They include increasing the activity of histone acetyl-transferases and the expression of histone acetylating enzymes, decrease of deacetylating enzymes in the lungs of asthmatics; increased expression of the transcription factor NF-</span><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ";Times New Roman";,";serif";; font-size: 12pt;">κ</span><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ";Times New Roman";,";serif";; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" lang="EN-US">B in the allergic inflammatory process, changes in methylation/demethlylation of DNA during the differentiation of lymphocytes and the stimulation/suppression of IL-4 and IFN</span><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ";Times New Roman";,";serif";; font-size: 12pt;">γ</span><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ";Times New Roman";,";serif";; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <span lang="EN-US">genes, respectively.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ";Times New Roman";,";serif";; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" lang="EN-US">Smoking, bacterial and viral infections, maternal diet and environmental pollution are also factors that trigger epigenetic processes such as histone acetylation and induction of inflammatory cytokines, inactivation of histone deacetytransferases, polarization of the immune response toward the Th2 type and increased production of IgE and cytokines of this profile. We review the epigenetic effects resulting from therapy with corticosteroids and theophylline, and other factors that might influence the risk of asthma in childhood such as maternal intake of fruits, vegetables, fish oils, vitamins, minerals, and the use of probiotics and antibiotics during pregnancy.</span></p> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ">El asma es una enfermedad respiratoria crónica con alta heredabilidad. Se ha propuesto que en su patogénesis participan varios genes con efectos variables al igual que factores ambientales, y se ha sugerido que los mecanismos epigenéticos pueden mediar parte del efecto de los factores ambientales en el comienzo y la evolución de la enfermedad. La epigenética describe los cambios en la expresión génica heredables durante las mitosis y meiosis que no son codificados en la secuencia de ADN. Ellos incluyen la metilación o desmetilación del ADN y la acetilación, desacetilación, ubiquitinación, sumoilación y fosforilación de histonas, cambios en los microARN y alteraciones cromatínicas. En esta revisión se describen hallazgos que establecen una relación entre algunos mecanismos epigenéticos y el proceso inflamatorio y la exposición a factores ambientales en el asma. Ellos incluyen: el aumento en la actividad de las acetilasas de histonas y de la expresión de las enzimas acetiladoras; la disminución de las enzimas desacetiladoras en los pulmones de individuos asmáticos; el aumento de la expresión del factor nuclear NF-κB durante el proceso inflamatorio alérgico; cambios en la metilación/desmetilación del ADN durante la diferenciación de los linfocitos y la estimulación/supresión de genes como los de la IL-4 y el IFN-γ, respectivamente. El humo del cigarrillo, las infecciones bacterianas y virales, la dieta materna y la polución ambiental son otros factores que desencadenan procesos epigenéticos como la acetilación de histonas, la inducción de citoquinas inflamatorias, la inactivación de las desacetilasas de histonas, la polarización de la respuesta inmune hacia el tipo Th2 y una mayor producción de IgE y citoquinas de este perfil. Se revisan también los efectos epigenéticos resultantes de la terapia con corticoides y teofilina y otros factores que podrían influir en el riesgo de <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>asma <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>en la <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>infancia <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>como la ingesta materna de frutas, </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ">legumbres, aceites de pescado, vitaminas, minerales y probióticos y el uso de antibióticos durante el embarazo.</span></p></span></span&gt

Desensitization to acetyl-salicylic acid as a treatment for non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)-exacerbated respiratory disease = Desensibilización al ácido acetil-salicílico como tratamiento para la enfermedad respiratoria exacerbada por antiinflamatorios no esteroides

Desensitization to acetyl-salicylic acid as a treatment for non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)-exacerbated respiratory disease The coexistence of hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and other NSAIDs with disease of the upper or the lower airways (rhinosinusitis/sinonasal polyposis, or asthma) is defined as NSAIDs-exacerbated respiratory disease. Treatment options include the avoidance of all analgesics that inhibit COX-1 or ASA desensitization, continuing its daily consumption. The latter treatment has shown to improve quality of life, reduce the formation of sinonasal polyps, the episodes of sinus infection, the frequency of hospitalizations and surgeries for resection of polyps and the need for systemic steroid treatment. Multiple desensitization schedules have been used, trying to reduce the risk associated with the procedure and the adverse effects of chronic use of ASA. In this paper we present a review of the different methods of desensitization and two illustrative clinical cases to help understand the factors that influence the choice of treatment for these patients