Aneta Tomaszewska

Filaggrin Gene Defects Are Independent Risk Factors for Atopic Asthma in a Polish Population: A Study in ECAP Cohort

Background FLG null variants of which 2282del4 and R501X are the most frequent in Caucasians are established risk factors for atopic dermatitis (AD) with an effect probably mediated through impairment of epidermal barrier. Among subjects with AD FLG defects are also consistently associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) but it is less clear to what extent these associations are also present independently from skin disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of 2282del4 and R501X in predisposing to these allergic phenotypes in a Polish population. Methodology 2282del4 and R501X were typed among 3,802 participants of the Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland (ECAP) survey, a cross-sectional population-based study using ECRHS II and ISAAC questionnaires, and ambulatory examination. Principal Findings The FLG null variants were associated with AD (OR = 2.01, CI: 1.20–3.36, P = 0.007), allergic rhinitis (in particular persistent form, OR = 1.69, CI:1.12–2.54, P = 0.011), and asthma (in particular atopic asthma, OR = 2.22, CI:1.24–3.96, P = 0.006). Association with atopic asthma (but not persistent allergic rhinitis) was also present in the absence of AD, (OR = 2.02, CI: 1.07–3.81, P = 0.027) as well as in the absence of AD and history of broadly defined inflammatory skin disease (OR = 2.30, CI: 1.07–4.93, P = 0.03). Association to atopic asthma would have not been found if diagnosis was made by questionnaire only (OR = 1.15, CI: 0.58–2.32, P = 0.8). We did not observe an association between FLG variants and allergic sensitizations (P = 0.8) or total IgE. (P = 0.6). Conclusions/Significance In a Polish population FLG 2282del4 and R501X carriage increases risk for development of AD and atopic asthma (also in the absence of AD or history thereof). This suggests that interventions aimed at restoring epidermal barrier may have a general role in asthma prophylaxis/treatment.

Prevalence of rhinitis in Polish population according to the ECAP (Epidemiology of Allergic Disorders in Poland) study

UNLABELLED The prevalence of allergic disorders, especially allergic rhinitis (AR), has dramatically increased in the past few decades and multicentre, standardized, randomized epidemiological studies are required to quantify this phenomenon in Poland. AIM The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of rhinitis and allergic rhinitis in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHOD The ECAP study was conducted using the ECRHS II and ISAAC questionnaires translated into the Polish language and validated, in selected nine regions of Poland, including eight cities and one rural area. The respondents within the regions were selected by means of multistage proportional stratified random sampling based on the identity number (PESEL) as the operat. The survey was conducted in 20,454 subjects (response rate of 41.9%) and 18,617 questionnaires were valid. Approximately 25% of the subjects (n=4783) were subsequently evaluated by clinicians (response rate of 43.4%). RESULTS Rhinitis was self-reported by 36.08% of the respondents (37.8% of 6- 7-year-olds, 34.5% of 13- 14-year-olds, and 36.0% of adults). The lowest prevalence rate was in the rural region (22.9%). Allergic rhinitis (AR) was self-reported by 22.54% of the respondents (23.6% of 6- 7-year-olds, 24.6% of 13- 14-year-olds, and 21.0% of adults). Again, the lowest prevalence rate was in the rural region (16.0%). AR was more frequent in males (24.0%) than in females (21.2%) (OR = 1.079; 95% CI: 1.044-1.116). AR was actually diagnosed by a clinician in 28.9%, including intermittent AR in 47.7% and persistent AR in 52.3%. Seasonal AR was diagnosed in 15.55%, and perennial rhinitis in 15.2%. CONCLUSION Allergic rhinitis is common in Poland as it affects nearly 25% of the population and it is a major social problem. Standards of early detection and prevention of allergic rhinitis should be introduced.

Obesity--a risk factor for asthma, but not for atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and sensitization.

OBJECTIVE To analyse the relationship between obesity and overweight and the prevalence of allergic diseases and sensitization, and the impact of gender and place of residence. DESIGN Questionnaire based on those used in ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) and ECRHS (European Community Respiratory Health Survey). SETTING Our study involved populations of the eight largest cities and one rural region in Poland (each with over 150,000 inhabitants). SUBJECTS The study included 18,617 participants (24·2% aged 6-7 years, 25·4% aged 13-14 years, 50·4% adults aged 20-44 years) in eight cities and one rural area. The out-patient study involved 4783 patients (25·7%); we performed skin prick testing with fifteen aeroallergens. RESULTS Overweight was found in 16·13% of participants (9·11% of 6-7-year-olds, 4·90% of 13-14-year-olds and 25·61% of adults), obesity in 6·41% (7·16%, 2·45% and 8·36%, respectively). In adults, overweight (OR=1·34) and obesity (OR=1·80) increased the prevalence of asthma, especially in women (OR=1·53, OR=2·01). Among 13-14-year-olds the prevalence was higher only in the obese (OR=1·76). Overweight (OR=1·99) and obesity (OR=2·17) affected the incidence of doctor-diagnosed asthma in 6-7-year-olds. Overweight (OR=0·81) and obesity (OR=0·76) reduced the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in men. There was no relationship between BMI and asthma in people from rural areas. Obesity and overweight did not affect the frequency of sensitization to aeroallergens. CONCLUSIONS Overweight and obesity increased the prevalence of symptomatic asthma in adults, especially in women. In 13-14-year-olds, only obesity increased the prevalence of asthma. In children, overweight was associated with increased prevalence of clinically diagnosed and declared asthma and a trend towards atopy. Higher BMI was negatively associated with the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in overweight and obese man. There was no correlation between BMI and sensitization to aeroallergens.

Epidemiology of atopic dermatitis in Poland according to the Epidemiology of Allergic Disorders in Poland (ECAP) study.

Epidemiological studies (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood [ISAAC], The European Community Respiratory Health Survey [ECRHS]) revealed considerable geographical differences in prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD). The aim of our study is to present the epidemiology and the risk factors of AD in a Polish population. A total of 18 617 subjects were selected. The sample included respondents in eight cities and one rural area each over 150 000 citizens. The study had two parts: (i) questionnaire survey conducted among all respondents (response rate, 64.4%); and (ii) allergological examination performed among 25.7% with skin prick test (SPT) with 15 aeroallergens. AD was identified in 3.91% of subjects, more often in females, living in the cities, with a mother and/or father with atopy and with a higher education and higher economic status. Comorbidities of AD were atopic rhinitis (AR) in 26.17% and AR and asthma in 14.6%. AD was diagnosed by allergologists in 311 subjects (6.5%). Positive SPT occurred in 66.9% persons with AD (house dust mite, 33.1%; grasses/crop plants, 30.6%). Of the patients, 9.5% with perennial versus 9.3% seasonal and 9.6% with polyvalent versus 9.0% monovalent sensitization had AD. AD prevalence in Poland is below the mean rate for Europe, but risk factor profile is similar to other countries. AD is more frequent in female, well‐educated individuals, of high socioeconomic status, with atopic parents and who live in a city. Seasonal and monovalent atopy play a more essential role in subjects with AD compared with AR and asthma.

The relationship between antibiotic therapy in early childhood and the symptoms of allergy in children aged 6–8 years — the questionnaire study results

IntroductionStudies based on the ISAAC questionnaire suggest a correlation between the use of antibiotics and the prevalence of asthma and allergy in children aged 6–7 years. The number of courses of antibiotic therapy is an important factor.ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between the use of antibiotics during the first years of life and the prevalence of allergy and asthma among children (aged 6–8 years) in the urban population of Poland.Materials and MethodsA survey-based study with a self-completed questionnaire. The respondents were parents of children aged 6-8 years living in Warszawa, Poland. 1461 completed questionnaires were collected.ResultsAsthma was declared in 4.3% of the children. Wheezing and/or sibilant rhonchi within 12 months before the study was observed in 13.5% of the cases. Asthma medication was taken by 21.8% of the children. Allergic rhinitis was declared in 18.7% of the children. Problems with sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion not associated with cold or fever were observed in 40.7% of the children. The analysis of the odds ratios between the use of antibiotics and the symptoms of allergic diseases revealed a clear correlation. The highest odds ratio was observed between the completion of over three courses of antibiotic therapy prior to the age of 12 months and the declaration of one of the following: asthma (OR = 5.59, 95% CI: 2.6–12.01), wheezing and/or sibilant rhonchi (OR = 4.68, 95% CI: 3.01–7.27) and taking medicines for breathlessness (OR = 5.12, 95% CI: 3.42–7.68).ConclusionsThere is a direct relationship between antibiotic use in the first 3 years of life and asthma and allergy symptoms in children aged 6–8 years old.

Intranasal glucocorticosteroids – Not only in allergic rhinitis In the 40th anniversary of intranasal glucocorticosteroids’ introduction

It has been 40 years since Niels Myginds publication in British Medical Journal on intranasal application of beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol in allergic rhinitis (AR). Since then a new era in treatment of allergic and nonallergic upper airway diseases began. This publication presents current concepts on application of intranasal glucocorticosteroids (inGCS) in treatment of upper airway diseases and in particular of AR and rhinosinusitis. Nonquestionable advantage of inGCS is their strong anti-inflammatory local action with little impact on general health responsible for few and benign side effects. Main way of action of glucocorticosteroids is connected with binding to the intracellular glucocorticosteroid receptor and its impact on nuclear cytoplasmic transcriptional factors. Glucocorticosteroids suppress gene expression of factors responsible for generating and supporting inflammatory processes, proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines production, and adhesive molecules expression. It appears that glucocorticosteroids have also other mechanisms of action, non-involving intracellular receptors, leading to inhibition of early and late phase of allergic reaction. At the moment the following glucocorticosteroids are registered in Poland: beclomethasone, budesonide, fluticasone propionate, fluticasone furoate, and mometasone furoate. Furoates earn special attention as their lateral furoate ester chain makes the molecules highly lipophilic, and hence easily absorbed by nasal mucous membranes, epithelium and cell membrane phospholipids. This minimizes their general action and maximizes local action. According to current state of knowledge topical glucocorticosteroids are used in the following upper airway diseases with different inflammatory mechanisms: AR, non-AR, particularly NARES, acute rhinosinusitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps, adenoid hypertrophy and rhinitis in bronchial asthma.

Atopic dermatitis is a serious health problem in Poland. Epidemiology studies based on the ECAP study

Introduction Global epidemiological studies have revealed considerable geographical differences in prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD). Aim To present the epidemiology of AD, risk factors and co-occurrence of allergic diseases in the Polish population. Material and methods The present paper is a part of the Epidemiology of Allergic Disorders in Poland study. We studied 22 703 participants by ECRHS/ISAAC questionnaire; 18 617 (53.8% female, 24.2% 6–7 y.o., 25.4% 13–14 y.o., 50.4% 20–44 y.o.) completed questionnaires were accepted. Four thousand seven hundred and eighty-three participants (25.7%) have undergone a medical examination. Results Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed in 3.91% (6–7 y.o. 5.34%, 13–14 y.o. 4.3%, adults 3.02%), more often in females (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 0.56–0.77), in the cities (OR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.61–3.09), in mothers (OR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.72–2.48) and fathers (OR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.61–2.49) with atopy, higher education (OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.11–2.32) and economic status (OR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.04–1.74). The highest prevalence was found in Katowice (4.89%) and lowest in rural areas (1.9%). Coexisting AD and allergic rhinitis (AR) was found in 26.17%, AR and asthma in 9.09% and AD, AR and asthma in 14.6%. Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed by allergologists in 6.5% (6–7 y.o. 8.7%, 13–14 y.o. 9.0%, adults 3.6%). Most diagnoses were made in Poznan (16.76%) and smallest in rural area (3.67%). 78.8% of subjects were diagnosed with AD for the first time although they had earlier experienced its symptoms. Conclusions Atopic dermatitis prevalence in Poland is below the mean rate for Europe, but the risk factor profile is similar to other countries. Atopic dermatitis is more frequent in well-educated females with atopic parents and high socioeconomic status and who live in a city.

Częstotliwość występowania alergicznego nieżytu nosa w wybranych regionach Polski. Analiza miasto – wieś

Summary Purpose Study of frequency of allergic rhinitis in selected regions of Poland in cities and countryside. Material and methods 8913 respondents, from Warszawa, Katowice, Lublin and Zamojszczyzna (countryside), answered a questionnaire based on ECRHS II and ISAAC. The respondents were drawn from PESEL ID numbers. They were divided into three groups: 6–7 years, 13–14 and 20–44 years, both sexes. Results 21–23% adults living in the city and 12% living in the countryside confirmed some type of sensitization, including allergic catarrh. In children the same symptoms are more frequent and reported in 23–27% of those living in city and 17% of those living in the countryside. Sneezing, running or obstructed nose not related to cold, fever or flu were reported by 22% of the adults living in Zamojszczyzna and 33–42% of those living in the cities. The symptoms are reported in 20% children living in the countryside and 29–39% of those living in the cities. All of results are statistical significant. Conclusions Study of frequency of allergic rhinitis in selected regions of Poland shows that results are similar with analysis on the world. Connection between urban development and occurrence of allergic rhinitis was confirmed. Allergic rhinitis is more frequently in group of people living in cities than people living on countryside. Probably allergic rhinitis is not integrally examined in adults group.PURPOSE Study of frequency of allergic rhinitis in selected regions of Poland in cities and countryside. MATERIAL AND METHODS 8913 respondents, from Warszawa, Katowice, Lublin and Zamojszczyzna (countryside), answered a questionnaire based on ECRHS II and ISAAC. The respondents were drawn from PESEL ID numbers. They were divided into three groups: 6-7 years, 13-14 and 20-44 years, both sexes. RESULTS 21-23% adults living in the city and 12% living in the countryside confirmed some type of sensitization, including allergic catarrh. In children the same symptoms are more frequent and reported in 23-27% of those living in city and 17% of those living in the countryside. Sneezing, running or obstructed nose not related to cold, fever or flu were reported by 22% of the adults living in Zamojszczyzna and 33-42% of those living in the cities. The symptoms are reported in 20% children living in the countryside and 29-39% of those living in the cities. All of results are statistical significant. CONCLUSIONS Study of frequency of allergic rhinitis in selected regions of Poland shows that results are similar with analysis on the world. Connection between urban development and occurrence of allergic rhinitis was confirmed. Allergic rhinitis is more frequently in group of people living in cities than people living on countryside. Probably allergic rhinitis is not integrally examined in adults group.

Probiotics: Myths or facts about their role in allergy prevention

BACKGROUND The hygiene hypothesis proposed by Strachan in the 1980s clearly emphasized the role of microorganisms in atopy prevention. OBJECTIVES The study objective was to assess the preventive role of probiotics in patients with allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, and/or food allergy. MATERIAL AND METHODS The methods used in the study were the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaires for 6-7- and 13-14-year-olds and the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II (ECRHS II) questionnaire targeted for the 20-44 age group. The study was conducted as part of the cross-sectional Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland study conducted in 9 Polish regions (8 urban: Warszawa, Lublin, Białystok, Gdańsk, Poznań, Wrocław, Katowice, Kraków, and the rural regions of Zamojski and Krasnostawski counties). The study material was a group of patients diagnosed with food allergy (n = 407), atopic dermatitis (n = 311), allergic rhinitis (n = 1.353), bronchial asthma (n = 505), and healthy volunteers (n = 2,403). RESULTS Genetic factors play an important role in the allergy development. A family history positive for chronic skin disorders increased the risk of atopic dermatitis and food allergies (OR = 1.456, CI = 1.14-1.85, p = 0.002; and OR = 1.378, CI = 1.05-1.81, p = 0.02, respectively). The consumption of products containing live bacterial cultures showed no preventive effects in any of the evaluated disorders in early childhood. Conversely, over the age of 14 years, probiotic formulations exhibit health-promoting effects and may lower the risk of allergic diseases. CONCLUSIONS The use of probiotics in the Polish population showed no protective effect in the first years of life. The changes in dietary habits introduced during late adolescence demonstrated significantly greater preventive effects of live bacterial cultures against the development of allergic diseases.

Haplotype dependent association of rs7927894 (11q13.5) with atopic dermatitis and chronic allergic rhinitis: A study in ECAP cohort

The T allele of rs7927894 (at 11q13.5) was associated with atopic dermatitis and other allergic diseases. Our purpose was to replicate the association with allergic phenotypes and explore the role of rs7927894 in predisposing to persistent allergic rhinitis and atopic asthma. We also wanted to explore if other SNPs at 11q13.5 contributed to effect of rs7927894. We studied patients with atopic dermatitis (N = 270), atopic asthma (N = 486), persistent allergic rhinitis (N = 589) and controls matched for age, sex and region (N = 540, N = 372 and N = 1178, respectively). We found that rs7927894 T was associated with atopic dermatitis (OR = 1.39, CI: 1.12–1.73, P = 0.003) and independently with persistent allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.24, CI:1.07–1.43, P = 0.0043, Pcorrected = 0.013) but not atopic asthma. Analysis of additional tagging SNPs (rs7930763, rs2513517, rs7125552) showed that effect of rs7927894 T was limited to haplotypes encoding G at rs7125552. In conclusion, rs7927894 T is associated not only with atopic dermatitis but also persistent allergic rhinitis. Since these effects are haplotype dependent rs7927894 alone does not account for the association between 11q13.5 and atopic dermatitis/persistent allergic rhinitis.