Chien Cheng Jung

Allostatic Load Model Associated with Indoor Environmental Quality and Sick Building Syndrome among Office Workers

This study investigates whether indoor environmental quality (IEQ) influences allostatic load (AL) and whether AL can be a predictor for sick building syndrome (SBS). We also assessed and compared the associations between AL and SBS versus 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and SBS. A total of 115 office workers from 21 offices completed self-reported SBS questionnaires, and provided 11 biomarkers for their AL. Multiple linear regressions and logistic regression analysis were applied to examine the correlations between IEQ and AL or 8-OHdG and between AL or 8-OHdG and SBS, respectively. Our data revealed that the neuroendocrine system was correlated with CO2, the difference between indoor and outdoor CO2 levels (dCO2), and the indoor-outdoor ratio of CO2 (CO2 I/O). Metabolic system effects were associated with illumination. The relationships between illumination, CO2, dCO2, CO2 I/O and 8-OHdG were consistent with those and AL in specific systems. Furthermore, we found that risks for SBS syndromes were related with neuroendocrine and metabolic system of the AL. 8-OHdG was associated with eye dryness or irritation, eye tiredness and vomiting. We conclude that IEQ significantly influences AL and that AL can be a predictor for reporting SBS with information on system-specific effects.

Allergen exposure induces inflammation and affects adiponectin levels in adipose tissue

This study investigates whether allergen exposure elevates the risk of diabetes or cardiovascular diseases using acute OVA (Ovalbumin) allergen exposure model. We hypothesize that exposure to allergen can induce adipose tissue inflammation and affect adiponectin levels. An intranasal challenge with OVA male C57BL/6 mice was performed at dose of 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100μg, and compared to which challenge with PBS (phosphate buffered saline). Results showed that acute OVA exposure did not only cause airway inflammation in study mice, but also decreased serum adiponectin levels with a dose-response effect. When examining the gonadal adipose tissues, there was no significantly difference of adiponectin mRNA in OVA challenged mice compared to those PBS challenged, but lower inguinal adiponectin mRNA expression was found compared to those PBS-challenged, and had a good relationship with the serum adiponectin. Inguinal adipose tissues of OVA challenged mice, had significantly lower adipose tissue weight, and higher TNF-α expression without statistical significance. Our data indicate that acute OVA exposure appears to affect the characteristics of adipose tissues, and change the adiponectin levels in serum and adipose tissues. Allergen exposure may be considered a potential risk factor for presenting diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.

Allergen exposure induces adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance.

This study investigates whether exposure to allergen elicits insulin resistance as a result of adipose tissue inflammation. Male C57BL/6 mice were challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) allergen for 12 weeks, and blood and adipose tissue samples were collected at 24h after the last challenge. Levels of adhesion molecules, fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and adipokines in the blood were analyzed, and fasting homeostasis model assessment was applied to determine insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory genes in dissected adipose tissues was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. Our results showed that OVA exposure increased insulin resistance as well as resistin and E-selectin, but reduced adiponectin in the serum. Resistin level was significantly correlated with HOMA-IR. Moreover, in adipose tissues of OVA-challenged mice, the pro-inflammatory M1 genes were more abundant while the anti-inflammatory M2 genes were less than those of PBS-treated mice. The expressional changes of both M1 and M2 genes were significantly associated with serum levels of adiponectin, resistin, and E-selectin. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) stain also showed that there was more obvious inflammation in OVA-challenged mice. In conclusion, the current study suggests the relationship between allergen-elicited adipose tissue inflammation and circulating inflammatory molecules, which are possible mediators for the development of insulin resistance. Therefore, we propose that allergen exposure might be one risk factor for insulin resistance.

Long-term allergen exposure induces adipose tissue inflammation and circulatory system injury

The purpose of this study was to study whether allergen exposure can induce inflammation and lower the anti-inflammation levels in serum and in adipose tissues, and further develop cardiovascular injury. Our data showed that heart rate was significantly higher in the OVA-challenged mice compared to control mice. Moreover, there were higher expressions of pro-inflammation genes in the OVA-challenged mice in adipose tissues, and the expressions of anti-inflammation genes were lower. The levels of inflammation mediators were associated in serum and adipose tissues. The level of circulatory injury lactate dehydrogenase was significantly associated with the levels of E-selectin, resistin and adiponectin in the serum. The hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry stains indicated the OVA-challenged mice had higher levels of inflammation. In summary, the current study demonstrated allergen exposure can cause cardiovascular injury, and inflammatory mediators in adipose tissues play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular injury.