Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 129 in total

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  1. Fulltext Characterization of Immunoglobulin E-Binding Proteins (IgE) of Scomberomorus commerson Lacepede
    Rosmilah Misnan, Shahnaz Murad, Masita Arip, Noormalin Abdullah, Jamaludin Mohamed
    Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2005;3(2):79-87.
    MyJurnal
    The objective of this study was to determine the Immunoglobulin E-binding proteins (IgE) and major allergens of Scomberomorus commerson Lacepede (Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel). Allergen extracts were obtained from uncooked and cooked fish by homogenization in phosphate-buffered saline followed by continuous extraction at 4oC or on ice. Protein profiles and IgEbinding patterns were then detected by means of sodium dodecyl polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE) and immunoblotting using sera from patients sensitized to the fish. SDS-PAGE of the uncooked fish extracts revealed 26 protein bands in the range of about 11 to >175 kD, while the cooked extracts produced fewer protein bands. Immunoblotting demonstrated 17 IgE-binding bands, ranging in molecular weight from 11 to 151 kD. Two components with molecular weight of about ~50 and 42 kD showed the highest frequency of IgE-binding (62.2 and 51.4% respectively) and were identified as the major allergens of this fish allergy. Other IgE-binding proteins including a protein at ~12 kD which was equivalent in size to parvalbumin were identified as the minor allergens.
    Matched MeSH terms: Allergens
  2. Fulltext Characterization of major allergens of local mud crab (Scylla serrata)
    Rosmilah Misnan, Nurul Izzah Abdul Rahman, Zailatul Hani Mohd Yadzir, Noormalin Abdullah, Mohd Faizal Bakhtiar, Shahnaz Murad
    Scientific Research Journal, 2015;12(1):1-7.
    MyJurnal
    Crab meat is widely consumed in several countries around the world. However, when consumed, crab meat are frequent cause of allergic reactions throughout the world. Scylla serrata is among the most common mud crab in Malaysia. In a previous study two major allergens of mud crab at 36 and 41 kDa was identified. Thus, the aim of this study is to further identify these major allergens by a proteomic approach. Protein extract was prepared and resolved by 2-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). Immunoblotting was then performed using reactive sera from patients with crab allergy. Major allergenic spots were then excised from the 2-DE gel and analysed by mass spectrometry. The 2-DE profile of the extract revealed approximately >100 protein spots between pH of 4.00 to 8.00. Mass spectrometry analysis has identified the 36 and 41 kDa proteins as tropomyosin and arginine kinase, respectively. Our findings indicated that tropomyosin and arginine kinase play a major role in allergic reaction to mud crab meat among local patients with crab meat allergy, and should be included in diagnostics and therapeutic strategies of this allergy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Allergens
  3. Fulltext Identification of parvalbumin and two new thermolabile major allergens of Thunnus tonggol using a proteomics approach
    Rosmilah M, Shahnaz M, Meinir J, Masita A, Noormalin A, Jamaluddin M
    Int Arch Allergy Immunol, 2013;162(4):299-309.
    PMID: 24193115 DOI: 10.1159/000354544
    The longtail tuna (Thunnus tonggol) is widely consumed in Asia. Parvalbumin, the main major allergen of fish, has been well identified in multiple fish species, yet little is known about the allergenic proteins in T. tonggol. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize the major allergens of T. tonggol using a proteomics approach.
    Matched MeSH terms: Allergens/analysis*; Allergens/immunology
  4. Fulltext Identification of tropomyosin and arginine kinase as major allergens of Portunus pelagicus (blue swimming crab)
    Rosmilah M, Shahnaz M, Zailatul HM, Noormalin A, Normilah I
    Trop Biomed, 2012 Sep;29(3):467-78.
    PMID: 23018510
    Crab is an important source of food allergen. Tropomyosin represents the main crab allergen and is responsible for IgE cross-reactivity between various species of crustaceans. Recently, other new crab allergens including arginine kinase have been identified. However, information on allergens of the local Portunidcrab is not available. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the major allergens of Portunus pelagicus (blue swimming crab) using the allergenomics approach. Raw and cooked extracts of the crab were prepared from the crab meat. Protein profile and IgE binding pattern were demonstrated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting using sera from 30 patients with crab allergy. The major allergens of the crab were then identified by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), followed by mass spectrometry analysis of the peptide digests. The SDS-PAGE of raw extract revealed approximately 20 protein fractions over a wide molecular weight range, while cooked extract demonstrated fewer protein bands. The raw extract also demonstrated a higher number of IgE reactive bands than the cooked extract. A heat-resistant protein of 36 kDa has been identified as the major allergen in both raw and cooked extracts. In addition, a heat-sensitive protein of 41 kDa was also recognized as a major allergen in raw crab. The 2-DE gel profile of the raw extract demonstrated about >100 distinct proteins spots and immunoblotting of the 2-DE profile demonstrated at least 12 different major IgE reactive spots with molecular masses between 13 to 250 kDa and isoelectric point (pI) values ranging from 4.0 to 7.0. The 36 and 41 kDa proteins were identified as the crab tropomyosin and arginine kinase, respectively by mass spectrometry. Therefore, this study confirmed that tropomyosin and arginine kinase are the major allergens of the local Portunid crab, P. pelagicus.
    Matched MeSH terms: Allergens/analysis; Allergens/immunology*
  5. Fulltext Characterization of major allergens of royal jelly Apis mellifera
    Rosmilah M, Shahnaz M, Patel G, Lock J, Rahman D, Masita A, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2008 Dec;25(3):243-51.
    PMID: 19287364 MyJurnal
    Royal jelly is widely consumed in the community and has perceived benefits ranging from promoting growth in children and improvement of general health status to enhancement of longevity for the elderly. However, royal jelly consumption has been linked to contact dermatitis, acute asthma, anaphylaxis and death. High prevalence of positive skin tests to royal jelly have been reported among atopic populations in countries with a high rate of royal jelly consumption. The present study is aimed to identify the major allergens of royal jelly. Royal jelly extract was separated by sodium dodecyl polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and 2-dimensional electrophoresis (2-D). Immunoblotting of the SDS-PAGE and 2-D profiles were performed to identify the allergenic spots. Spots were then excised from the 2-D gel, digested with trypsin and analyzed by mass spectrometry. The SDS-PAGE of royal jelly extract revealed 18 bands between 10 to 167 kD. Western blot of the fractionated proteins detected 15 IgE-binding bands between 14 to 127 kD with seven major allergens of 32, 40, 42, 49, 55, 60 and 67 kD using serum from 53 subjects with royal jelly allergy. The 2-D gel fractionated the royal jelly proteins to more than 50 different protein spots. Out of these, 30 spots demonstrated specific IgE affinity to the sera tested. Eight spots of the major royal jelly allergens were selected for mass-spectrometry analysis. Digested tryptic peptides of the spots were compared to the amino acid sequence search in protein databases which identified the fragments of royal jelly homologus to major royal jelly protein 1 (MRJ1) and major royal jelly protein 2 (MRJ2). In conclusion, the major allergens of royal jelly are MRJ1 and MRJ2 in our patients' population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Allergens/analysis*
  6. Fulltext Identification of major allergens of two species of local snappers: Lutjanus argentimaculatus (merah/ red snapper) and Lutjanus johnii (jenahak/ golden snapper)
    Rosmilah M, Shahnaz M, Masita A, Noormalin A, Jamaludin M
    Trop Biomed, 2005 Dec;22(2):171-7.
    PMID: 16883284 MyJurnal
    Fish has been recognized as a source of potent allergens both in food and occupational allergy. Lutjanus argentimaculatus (red snapper) and Lutjanus johnii (golden snapper) locally known as merah and jenahak, respectively, are among the most commonly consumed fish in Malaysia. The objective of this study is to identify the IgE-binding proteins and major allergens of these species of fishes. Extracts of both fish species were prepared and fractionated by sodium dodecyl polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). IgE binding patterns were then demonstrated by immunoblotting using sera from patients allergic to the fishes. The raw extracts of both fish produced 26 protein bands. Both species of fishes had similar protein profiles. In cooked extracts, several protein bands in the range of about 40 to 90 kD which were present in the uncooked extracts appeared to be denatured and formed high molecular weight complexes. The immunoblotting of golden snapper and red snapper revealed 16 and 15 various IgE-binding bands, in the range of 151 to 12-11 kD, respectively. A 51 kD protein was identified as a major allergen for both fishes. A 46 kD protein was also demonstrated as a major allergen in golden snapper and a 42 kD protein was also seen as a major allergen in red snapper. A heat-resistant protein of ~12 kD which is equivalent in size with fish parvalbumin was demonstrated only as minor allergen for both fishes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Allergens/adverse effects; Allergens/immunology; Allergens/chemistry*
  7. Fulltext Characterization of Der f 22 - a paralogue of the major allergen Der f 2
    Reginald K, Tan CL, Chen S, Yuen L, Goh SY, Chew FT
    Sci Rep, 2018 08 06;8(1):11743.
    PMID: 30082894 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30224-z
    We previously identified an expressed sequence tag clone, Der f 22, showing 41% amino acid identity to published Der f 2, and show that both genes are possible paralogues. The objective of this study was to characterize the genomic, proteomic and immunological functions Der f 22 and Der f 2. The full-length sequence of Der f 2 and Der f 22 coded for mature proteins of 129 and 135 amino acids respectively, both containing 6 cysteine residues. Phylogenetic analysis of known group 2 allergens and their homologues from our expressed sequence tag library showed that Der f 22 is a paralogue of Der f 2. Both Der f 2 and Der f 22 were single gene products with one intron. Both allergens showed specific IgE-binding to over 40% of the atopic patients, with limited of cross-reactivity. Both allergens were detected at the gut region of D. farinae by immunostaining. Der f 22 is an important allergen with significant IgE reactivity among the atopic population, and should be considered in the diagnostic panel and evaluated as future hypoallergen vaccine therapeutic target.
    Matched MeSH terms: Allergens/classification; Allergens/metabolism*; Allergens/chemistry
  8. Fulltext The major allergen Der p 2 is a cholesterol binding protein
    Reginald K, Chew FT
    Sci Rep, 2019 02 07;9(1):1556.
    PMID: 30733527 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-38313-9
    Der p 2 is a major dust mite allergen and >80% of mite allergic individuals have specific IgE to this allergen. Although it is well characterized in terms of allergenicity, there is still some ambiguity in terms of its biological function. Three-dimensional structural analysis of Der p 2 and its close homologues indicate the presence of a hydrophobic cavity which can potentially bind to lipid molecules. In this study, we aimed to identify the potential ligand of Der p 2. Using a liposome pulldown assay, we show that recombinant Der p 2 binds to liposomes prepared with exogenous cholesterol in a dose dependent fashion. Next, an ELISA based assay using immobilized lipids was used to study binding specificities of other lipid molecules. Cholesterol was the preferred ligand of Der p 2 among 11 different lipids tested. Two homologues of Der p 2, Der f 2 and Der f 22 also bound to cholesterol. Further, using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), we confirmed that cholesterol is the natural ligand of Der p 2. Three amino acid residues of Der p 2, V104, V106 and V110 are possible cholesterol binding sites, as alanine mutations of these residues showed a significant decrease in binding (p 
    Matched MeSH terms: Allergens/metabolism*; Allergens/chemistry
  9. Fulltext Conformational IgE Epitope Mapping of Der p 2 and the Evaluations of Two Candidate Hypoallergens for Immunotherapy
    Reginald K, Chew FT
    Sci Rep, 2018 02 21;8(1):3391.
    PMID: 29467434 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21792-1
    Epitope mapping of Der p 2, a clinically important dust-mite allergen is the first step in designing immunotherapy hypoallergen vaccine candidates. Twenty-one single alanine mutants of Der p 2 were generated and their secondary structure was analysed using circular dichroism spectra. Only one mutant, K96A resulted in a misfolded protein. All mutants were tested for serum IgE reactivity using serum from dust mite allergic individuals by immuno dot-blots. Mutations to five residues, N10, E25, K77, K96 and E102 consistently showed reduced IgE reactions compared to wild-type Der p 2, and therefore these residues constitute the major IgE epitopes of Der p 2. Two mutants with consistent low IgE binding, K96A and E102A, were subsequently evaluated as hypoallergen candidates. IgG antibodies raised in mice against both mutants could inhibit human IgE-binding to WT Der p 2. Both mutants had intact T-cell epitopes as they were able to stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation similar to WT Der p 2. However, a switch in Th1:Th2 cytokine profile was not observed. In summary, we have identified the major conformational epitopes of Der p 2, and evaluated two Der p 2 hypoallergen vaccine candidates for immunotherapy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Allergens/immunology*
  10. Fulltext Current practices and future trends in cockroach allergen immunotherapy
    Reginald K, Chew FT
    Mol Immunol, 2023 Sep;161:11-24.
    PMID: 37480600 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.07.004
    PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review evaluates the current modes of allergen-specific immunotherapy for cockroach allergens, in terms of clinical outcomes and explores future trends in the research and development needed for a more targeted cockroach immunotherapy approach with the best efficacy and minimum adverse effects.

    SUMMARY: Cockroach allergy is an important risk factor for allergic rhinitis in the tropics, that disproportionately affects children and young adults and those living in poor socio-economic environments. Immunotherapy would provide long-lasting improvement in quality of life, with reduced medication intake. However, the present treatment regime is long and has a risk of adverse effects. In addition, cockroach does not seem to have an immuno-dominant allergen, that has been traditionally used to treat allergies from other sources. Future trends of cockroach immunotherapy involve precision diagnosis, to correctly identify the offending allergen. Next, precision immunotherapy with standardized allergens, which have been processed in a way that maintains an immunological response without allergic reactions. This approach can be coupled with modern adjuvants and delivery systems that promote a Th1/Treg environment, thereby modulating the immune response away from the allergenic response.

    Matched MeSH terms: Allergens
  11. Diving deep into fish allergen immunotherapy: Current knowledge and future directions
    Reginald K, Nadeem K, Yap EZY, Latiff AHA
    Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol, 2024 Mar;42(1):1-13.
    PMID: 38165149 DOI: 10.12932/AP-030923-1687
    Fish allergy is one of the "big nine" categories of food allergens worldwide, and its prevalence is increasing with the higher demand for this nutritious food source. Fish allergies are a significant health concern as it is a leading cause of food anaphylaxis, accounting for 9% of all deaths from anaphylaxis. The gaps in treating fish allergies at present are the incomplete identification of fish allergens, lack of component-resolved diagnosis of fish allergens in the clinical setting, and the variability in sensitization profiles based on different fish consumption practices. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) improves tolerance towards accidental consumption of fish and is longer lasting than pharmacotherapy. Current practice or research of fish AIT ranges from the use of whole fish via oral desensitization, to the use of purified recombinant parvalbumin and its hypoallergenic variant, passive IgG immunization, and modifying the allergenicity of parvalbumin by changing the diet of farmed fish. However, the focus of fish allergen-based studies in the context of AIT has been restricted to parvalbumins. More research is required to understand the involvement of other fish allergens, and several other strategies of AIT including peptide vaccines, DNA vaccines, hybrid allergens, and the use of nanobodies that have the capacity to treat multiple allergens have been proposed. For AIT, other important aspects to consider are the route of desensitization, and the biomarkers to assess the success of immunotherapy. Finally, we also address several clinical considerations for fish AIT.
    Matched MeSH terms: Allergens
  12. Fulltext Draft genome sequence of the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis
    Rahman AY, Usharraj AO, Misra BB, Thottathil GP, Jayasekaran K, Feng Y, et al.
    BMC Genomics, 2013;14:75.
    PMID: 23375136 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-75
    Hevea brasiliensis, a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, is the major commercial source of natural rubber (NR). NR is a latex polymer with high elasticity, flexibility, and resilience that has played a critical role in the world economy since 1876.
    Matched MeSH terms: Allergens/genetics
  13. Fulltext IgE-binding residues analysis of the house dust mite allergen Der p 23
    Pang SL, Matta SA, Sio YY, Ng YT, Say YH, Ng CL, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2021 01 13;11(1):921.
    PMID: 33441720 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79820-y
    House dust mites (HDMs) are one of the major causes of allergies in the world. The group 23 allergen, Der p 23, from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, is a major allergen amongst HDM-sensitized individuals. This study aims to determine the specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) binding frequency and IgE-binding residues of recombinant Der p 23 (rDer p 23) allergen amongst a cohort of consecutive atopic individuals in a tropical region. We performed site-directed mutagenesis and carried out immuno-dot blot assays using 65 atopic sera. The immuno-dot blot assays results indicated that the two residues K44 and E46 which are located at the N-terminal region are the major IgE-binding residues. The rDerp-23 sIgE titers are strongly correlated to the number of IgE-binding residues for rDer p 23 (P 
    Matched MeSH terms: Allergens/immunology
  14. Fulltext Crystal structure and epitope analysis of house dust mite allergen Der f 21
    Pang SL, Ho KL, Waterman J, Rambo RP, Teh AH, Mathavan I, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2019 Mar 20;9(1):4933.
    PMID: 30894561 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40879-x
    Group 21 and 5 allergens are homologous house dust mite proteins known as mid-tier allergens. To reveal the biological function of group 21 allergens and to understand better the allergenicity of the rDer f 21 allergen, we determined the 1.5 Å crystal structure of rDer f 21 allergen from Dermatophagoides farinae. The rDer f 21 protein consists of a three helical bundle, similar to available structures of group 21 and homologous group 5 allergens. The rDer f 21 dimer forms a hydrophobic binding pocket similar to the one in the Der p 5 allergen, which indicates that both of the homologous groups could share a similar function. By performing structure-guided mutagenesis, we mutated all 38 surface-exposed polar residues of the rDer f 21 allergen and carried out immuno-dot blot assays using 24 atopic sera. Six residues, K10, K26, K42, E43, K46, and K48, which are located in the region between the N-terminus and the loop 1 of rDer f 21 were identified as the major IgE epitopes of rDer f 21. Epitope mapping of all potential IgE epitopes on the surface of the rDer f 21 crystal structure revealed heterogeneity in the sIgE recognition of the allergen epitopes in atopic individuals. The higher the allergen-sIgE level of an individual, the higher the number of epitope residues that are found in the allergen. The results illustrate the clear correlation between the number of specific major epitope residues in an allergen and the sIgE level of the atopic population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Allergens
  15. Fulltext Identification of major and minor allergens of mud crab (Scylla serrata)
    Nurul Izzah, A.R., Zailatul Hani, M.Y., Noormalin, A., Faizal, B., Shahnaz, M., Rosmilah, M.
    Medicine & Health, 2015;10(2):90-97.
    MyJurnal
    Crab meat is a valuable source of proteins and functional lipids and it is widely consumed worldwide. However, the prevalence of crab allergy has increased over the past few years. In order to understand crab allergy better, it is necessary to identify crab allergens. The aim of the present study was to compare the IgE-binding proteins of raw and cooked extracts of mud crab (Scylla serrata). Raw and cooked extracts of the mud crab were prepared. Protein profiles and IgE reactivity patterns were identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) followed by immunoblotting using sera from 21 skin prick test (SPT) positive patients. In SDS-PAGE, 20 protein bands (12 to 250 kDa) were observed in the raw extract while the cooked extract demonstrated fewer bands. Protein bands between 40 to 250 kDa were sensitive to heat denaturation and no longer observed in the cooked extract. In immunoblotting experiments, raw and cooked extracts demonstrated 11 and 4 IgE-binding proteins, respectively, with molecular weights of between 23 and 250 kDa. A heat-resistant 36 kDa protein, corresponding to crab tropomyosin was identified as the major allergen of both extracts. In addition, a 41 kDa heat-sensitive protein believed to be arginine kinase was shown to be a major allergen of the raw extract. Other minor allergens were also observed at various molecular weights.
    Matched MeSH terms: Allergens
  16. Fulltext Prevalence of allergic rhinitis in children with otitis media with effusion
    Norhafizah S, Salina H, Goh BS
    Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol, 2020 05;52(3):121-130.
    PMID: 31668057 DOI: 10.23822/EurAnnACI.1764-1489.119
    Summary: Introduction.The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in children with persistent otitis media with effusion in different countries varies between 82% to 93%. Many risk factors of otitis media with effusion has been studied and proven. However, its association with allergic rhinitis remains controversial. Objective. The main objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in children with persistent otitis media with effusion. This study is also aimed to identify the risk factors of otitis media with effusion, common allergens associated with allergic rhinitis and determine the hearing threshold of children with otitis media with effusion. Methods.A hundred and thirty children were recruited. History taking, physical examination and hearing assessment were done in the first visit. Those with allergic rhinitis underwent skin prick test and treated with intranasal corticosteroid and antihistamine. A second examination and hearing assessment were then repeated after 3 months. Results.The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in children with persistent otitis media with effusion in this study was noted to be 80.3%. Among these children, dust mites appeared to be the most common allergen (87.7%). Another risk factor appeared to be families with more than 4 members per-household (96%). It is noted that that otitis media with effusion caused a hearing loss up to 33 dB. However, there was a statistically significant improvement of the hearing threshold during second visit after commencement of allergy treatment. It was also noted that the hearing threshold in allergic rhinitis group was significantly impaired compared to the non-allergic rhinitis group. Conclusions.Allergic rhinitis and larger family household appeared to be common risk factors in children with persistent otitis media with effusion. There is significant hearing loss noted in children suffering from otitis media with effusion and allergic rhinitis. The hearing threshold improved remarkably with medical therapy. This study hence clarifies the controversy on the association between allergic rhinitis and otitis media with effusion.
    Matched MeSH terms: Allergens/immunology
  17. Fulltext Endotoxin, ergosterol, fungal DNA and allergens in dust from schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia- associations with asthma and respiratory infections in pupils
    Norbäck D, Markowicz P, Cai GH, Hashim Z, Ali F, Zheng YW, et al.
    PLoS One, 2014;9(2):e88303.
    PMID: 24523884 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088303
    There are few studies on associations between respiratory health and allergens, fungal and bacterial compounds in schools in tropical countries. The aim was to study associations between respiratory symptoms in pupils and ethnicity, chemical microbial markers, allergens and fungal DNA in settled dust in schools in Malaysia. Totally 462 pupils (96%) from 8 randomly selected secondary schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, participated. Dust was vacuumed from 32 classrooms and analysed for levels of different types of endotoxin as 3-hydroxy fatty acids (3-OH), muramic acid, ergosterol, allergens and five fungal DNA sequences. Multiple logistic regression was applied. Totally 13.1% pupils reported doctor's diagnosed asthma, 10.3% wheeze and 21.1% pollen or pet allergy. Indian and Chinese children had less atopy and asthma than Malay. Carbon dioxide levels were low (380-690 ppm). No cat (Fel d1), dog (Can f 1) or horse allergens (Ecu cx) were detected. The levels of Bloomia tropicalis (Blo t), house dust mite allergens (Der p 1, Der f 1, Der m 1) and cockroach allergens (Per a 1 and Bla g 1) were low. There were positive associations between levels of Aspergillus versicolor DNA and daytime breathlessness, between C14 3-OH and respiratory infections and between ergosterol and doctors diagnosed asthma. There were negative (protective) associations between levels of C10 3-OH and wheeze, between C16 3-OH and day time and night time breathlessness, between cockroach allergens and doctors diagnosed asthma. Moreover there were negative associations between amount of fine dust, total endotoxin (LPS) and respiratory infections. In conclusion, endotoxin at school seems to be mainly protective for respiratory illness but different types of endotoxin could have different effects. Fungal contamination measured as ergosterol and Aspergillus versicolor DNA can be risk factors for respiratory illness. The ethnical differences for atopy and asthma deserve further attention.
    Matched MeSH terms: Allergens/analysis*
  18. Endotoxin, ergosterol, muramic acid and fungal DNA in dust from schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia--Associations with rhinitis and sick building syndrome (SBS) in junior high school students
    Norbäck D, Hashim JH, Markowicz P, Cai GH, Hashim Z, Ali F, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2016 Mar 1;545-546:95-103.
    PMID: 26745297 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.12.072
    This paper studied associations between ocular symptoms, rhinitis, throat and dermal symptoms, headache and fatigue in students by ethnicity and in relation to exposure to chemical microbial markers and fungal DNA in vacuumed dust in schools in Malaysia. A total of 462 students from 8 randomly selected secondary schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, participated (96% response rate). Dust was vacuumed from 32 classrooms and analysed for levels of five types of endotoxin as 3-hydroxy fatty acids (C10, C12, C14, C16 and C18 3-OH), muramic acid, ergosterol and five sequences of fungal DNA. Multiple logistic regression was applied. Totally 11.9% reported weekly ocular symptoms, 18.8% rhinitis, 15.6% throat and 11.1% dermal symptoms, 20.6% headache and 22.1% tiredness. Totally 21.1% reported pollen or furry pet allergy (atopy) and 22.0% parental asthma or allergy. Chinese students had less headache than Malay and Indian had less rhinitis and less tiredness than Malay. Parental asthma/allergy was a risk factor for ocular (odds ratio=3.79) and rhinitis symptoms (OR=3.48). Atopy was a risk factor for throat symptoms (OR=2.66), headache (OR=2.13) and tiredness (OR=2.02). There were positive associations between amount of fine dust in the dust samples and ocular symptoms (p<0.001) and rhinitis (p=0.006). There were positive associations between C14 3-OH and rhinitis (p<0.001) and between C18 3-OH and dermal symptoms (p=0.007). There were negative (protective) associations between levels of total endotoxin (LPS) (p=0.004) and levels of ergosterol (p=0.03) and rhinitis and between C12 3-OH and throat symptoms (p=0.004). In conclusion, the amount of fine dust in the classroom was associated with rhinitis and other SBS symptoms and improved cleaning of the schools is important. Endotoxin in the school dust seems to be mainly protective for rhinitis and throat symptoms but different types of endotoxin could have different effects. The ethnic differences in symptoms among the students deserve further attention.
    Matched MeSH terms: Allergens
  19. Fulltext Rhinitis, Ocular, Throat and Dermal Symptoms, Headache and Tiredness among Students in Schools from Johor Bahru, Malaysia: Associations with Fungal DNA and Mycotoxins in Classroom Dust
    Norbäck D, Hashim JH, Cai GH, Hashim Z, Ali F, Bloom E, et al.
    PLoS One, 2016;11(2):e0147996.
    PMID: 26829324 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147996
    There are few studies on rhinitis and sick building syndrome (SBS) among students in tropical countries. We studied associations between levels of five fungal DNA sequences, two mycotoxins (sterigmatocystin and verrucarol) and cat allergen (Fel d 1) levels in schools and rhinitis and other weekly SBS symptoms in the students. Fungal DNA was measured by quantitative PCR and cat allergen by ELISA. Pupils (N = 462) from eight randomly selected schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia participated (96%). Dust samples were collected by cotton swabs and Petri dishes exposed for one week. None of the schools had a mechanical ventilation system, but all classrooms had openable windows that were kept open during lectures and indoor CO2 levels were low (mean 492 ppm; range 380-690 ppm). Weekly nasal symptoms (rhinitis) (18.8%), ocular (11.6%), throat (11.1%), dermal symptoms, headache (20.6%) and tiredness (22.1%) were common. Total fungal DNA in swab samples was associated with rhinitis (p = 0.02), ocular symptoms (p = 0.009) and tiredness (p = 0.001). There were positive associations between Aspergillus versicolor DNA in Petri dish samples, ocular symptoms (p = 0.02) and tiredness (p = 0.001). The level of the mycotoxin verrucarol (produced by Stachybotrys chartarum) in swab samples was positively associated with tiredness (p = 0.04). Streptomyces DNA in swab samples (p = 0.03) and Petri dish samples (p = 0.03) were negatively associated with tiredness. In conclusion, total fungal contamination, measured as total fungal DNA) in the classrooms, Aspergillus versicolor and verrucarol can be risk factors for rhinitis and SBS symptoms among students in the tropical country Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Allergens/adverse effects
  20. Epidemiology of chronic (perennial) rhinitis in Singapore: prevalence estimates, demographic variation and clinical allergic presentation
    Ng TP, Tan WC
    Ann Acad Med Singap, 1994 Jan;23(1):83-8.
    PMID: 8185279
    We conducted a population-based study involving a stratified cluster disproportionate random sample of 2868 adults aged 20 to 74 years selected from five housing estates (Yishun, Toa Payoh, Jurong East, Geylang/Eunos and Bukit Merah). Chronic rhinitis was defined as the usual presence of symptoms of blocked or running nose, apart from colds or the flu, lasting for more than a year. Allergic rhinitis was considered to be present if these symptoms were associated with conjunctivitis or recognisable provocation by commonly known allergens, namely house dust, dogs, cats, birds, pollen, or medicines. The estimated general population prevalence of chronic rhinitis was 10.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 8.8-12.7). Higher prevalences were noted in males, in younger adults, in Indians and Chinese, in those with higher socio-economic status, and in Toa Payoh, Jurong East and Geylang/Eunos. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 5.5% (95% CI 4.5-6.5). The most common 'allergenic' factor in allergic rhinitis was house dust (73%); provocation by birds, cats or dogs (5%), grass or tree pollens (5%), and medicine (5%) was less common but likely to have been under-recognised. Provocation by change in temperature (54%) and early in the morning (64%) was equally frequent in both 'allergic' and 'non-allergic' rhinitis; cigarette smoke, petrol and diesel fumes, food and work environment were less common (4-12%). Allergic rhinitis was highly significantly associated with asthma (13.9% in allergic rhinitis, 4.4% in non-allergic rhinitis, and 2.2% in non-rhinitic subjects).
    Matched MeSH terms: Allergens
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