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Bijar Ghafouri - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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protein profiles of Nasal Lavage Fluid from individuals with work related upper airway symptoms associated with moldy and damp buildings
Indoor Air, 2016Co-Authors: Karin Wåhlén, Louise Fornander, Patrik Olausson, Kjell Ydreborg, Ulf Flodin, Pål Graff, Mats Lindahl, Bijar GhafouriAbstract:Upper airway irritation is common among individuals working in moldy and damp buildings. The aim of this study was to investigate effects on the protein composition of the Nasal lining Fluid. The prevalence of symptoms in relation to work environment was examined in 37 individuals working in two damp buildings. Microbial growth was confirmed in one of the buildings. Nasal Lavage Fluid was collected from 29 of the exposed subjects and 13 controls, not working in a damp building. Protein profiles were investigated with a proteomic approach and evaluated by multivariate statistical models. Subjects from both workplaces reported upper airway and ocular symptoms. Based on protein profiles, symptomatic subjects in the two workplaces were discriminated from each other and separated from healthy controls. The groups differed in proteins involved in inflammation and host defense. Measurements of innate immunity proteins showed a significant increase in protein S100-A8 and decrease in SPLUNC1 in subjects from one workplace, while alpha-1-antitrypsin was elevated in subjects from the other workplace, compared with healthy controls. The results show that protein profiles in Nasal Lavage Fluid can be used to monitor airway mucosal effects in personnel working in damp buildings and indicate that the profile may be separated when the dampness is associated with the presence of molds.
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Protein profiles of Nasal Lavage Fluid from individuals with work‐related upper airway symptoms associated with moldy and damp buildings
Indoor air, 2015Co-Authors: Karin Wåhlén, Louise Fornander, Patrik Olausson, Kjell Ydreborg, Ulf Flodin, Pål Graff, Mats Lindahl, Bijar GhafouriAbstract:Upper airway irritation is common among individuals working in moldy and damp buildings. The aim of this study was to investigate effects on the protein composition of the Nasal lining Fluid. The prevalence of symptoms in relation to work environment was examined in 37 individuals working in two damp buildings. Microbial growth was confirmed in one of the buildings. Nasal Lavage Fluid was collected from 29 of the exposed subjects and 13 controls, not working in a damp building. Protein profiles were investigated with a proteomic approach and evaluated by multivariate statistical models. Subjects from both workplaces reported upper airway and ocular symptoms. Based on protein profiles, symptomatic subjects in the two workplaces were discriminated from each other and separated from healthy controls. The groups differed in proteins involved in inflammation and host defense. Measurements of innate immunity proteins showed a significant increase in protein S100-A8 and decrease in SPLUNC1 in subjects from one workplace, while alpha-1-antitrypsin was elevated in subjects from the other workplace, compared with healthy controls. The results show that protein profiles in Nasal Lavage Fluid can be used to monitor airway mucosal effects in personnel working in damp buildings and indicate that the profile may be separated when the dampness is associated with the presence of molds.
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airway symptoms and biological markers in Nasal Lavage Fluid in subjects exposed to metalworking Fluids
PLOS ONE, 2013Co-Authors: Louise Fornander, Karin Wåhlén, Kjell Ydreborg, Ulf Flodin, Pål Graff, Mats Lindahl, Per Leanderson, Bijar GhafouriAbstract:Backgrounds: Occurrence of airway irritation among industrial metal workers was investigated. The aims were to study the association between exposures from water-based metal working Fluids (MWF) and the health outcome among the personnel, to assess potential effects on the proteome in Nasal mucous membranes, and evaluate preventive actions. Methods: The prevalence of airway symptoms related to work were examined among 271 metalworkers exposed to MWF and 24 metal workers not exposed to MWF at the same factory. At the same time, air levels of potentially harmful substances (oil mist, morpholine, monoethanolamine, formaldehyde) generated from MWF was measured. Nasal Lavage Fluid was collected from 13 workers and 15 controls and protein profiles were determined by a proteomic approach. Results: Airway symptoms were reported in 39% of the workers exposed to MWF although the measured levels of MWF substances in the work place air were low. Highest prevalence was found among workers handling the MWF machines but also those working in the same hall were affected. Improvement of the ventilation to reduce MWF exposure lowered the prevalence of airway problems. Protein profiling showed significantly higher levels of S100-A9 and lower levels of SPLUNC1, cystatin SN, Ig J and b2-microglobulin among workers with airway symptoms. Conclusions: This study confirms that upper airway symptoms among metal workers are a common problem and despite low levels of MWF-generated substances, effects on airway immune proteins are found. Further studies to clarify the role of specific MWF components in connection to airway inflammation and the identified biological markers are warranted.
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PLUNC in human Nasal Lavage Fluid: multiple isoforms that bind to lipopolysaccharide.
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 2004Co-Authors: Bijar Ghafouri, Erik Kihlström, Christer Tagesson, Mats LindahlAbstract:Here, we demonstrate the presence of multiple isoforms of palate lung Nasal epithelial clone (PLUNC) in human Nasal Lavage Fluid (NLF). Eight isoforms were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), and peptide mapping of the proteins was performed using MALDI-TOF MS (matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry) of tryptic and asparginase cleavages. The identification was verified by amino acid sequencing after analysis of collision-induced dissociation (CID) fragmentation spectra with nanoelectrospray MS/MS. One isoform showed an electrophoretic mobility shift after N-glycosidase treatment, indicating that at least one of the PLUNC isoforms is glycosylated. We also demonstrate that PLUNC in NLF binds to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro; indeed, out of all proteins present in NLF only the PLUNC isoforms were found to adsorb to an LPS-coated surface. These results show that PLUNC is expressed as multiple LPS-binding isoforms in human NLF. The possibility that PLUNC may play a role in the innate immune response of the upper airways is inferred.
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PLUNC (palate, lung and Nasal epithelial clone) proteins in human Nasal Lavage Fluid
Biochemical Society Transactions, 2003Co-Authors: Bijar Ghafouri, Erik Kihlström, Christer Tagesson, B Ståhlbom, Mats LindahlAbstract:PLUNC (palate, lung and Nasal epithelial clone) is a newly discovered gene that is expressed in the upper respiratory tract and is suggested to be of importance in host defence against bacteria. We have identified two forms of the PLUNC protein in human Nasal Lavage Fluid (NLF) using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and MS. The apparent molecular masses and isoelectric points of these forms are 24.8 kDa/pI 5.4 and 25.1 kDa/pI 5.5. Notably, the 24.8 kDa/pI 5.4 form of PLUNC is an abundant protein in the 2-DE protein patterns of NLF from healthy subjects. Decreased levels of PLUNC were found in NLF from smokers and workers exposed to reactive epoxy chemicals, indicating that long-term exposure to airway irritants impairs the production of PLUNC in the upper respiratory tract. We have also investigated the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding proteins in NLF. Five proteins were found to adsorb to a LPS-coated surface; two of these proteins correspond to the two PLUNC forms, as judged by 2-DE pattern matching. For comparison, human saliva was found to contain a set of LPS-binding proteins with similar 2-DE spot positions (the same pIs but somewhat lower apparent molecular masses of ≈20 kDa). These results indicate that PLUNC may be a new marker of airway inflammation and may play a part in the innate immune response, and that human saliva contains yet other members of the family of LPS-binding proteins.
K. W. Hunter - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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A quantitative PCR method for assessing the presence of Pasteurella testudinis DNA in Nasal Lavage samples from the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii)
Journal of Microbiological Methods, 2012Co-Authors: S. A. Dupre', Franziska C Sandmeier, C R Tracy, K. W. HunterAbstract:Abstract Pasteurella testudinis has been associated with upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) in the threatened desert tortoise ( Gopherus agassizii ). Our goal was to develop a sensitive and specific qPCR method for detecting DNA from P. testudinis in Nasal Lavage Fluid collected from desert tortoises in the field. Probes for 16S ribosomal RNA and RNA polymerase β-subunit (rpoB) genes were designed. A standard curve generated with DNA extracted from known numbers of bacterial cells determined by flow cytometry revealed a lower detection limit of 50 fg /ml (10 bacteria/ml). The Nasal Lavage Fluid contained no interfering substances, and the qPCR method did not recognize normal flora DNA. The Nasal Lavage samples from 20 desert tortoises captured in Clark County, Nevada, USA in 2007 and housed at the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center, were all positive for P. testudinis DNA by qPCR. Another set of 19 Lavage samples collected in 2010 from wild desert tortoises in the Mojave Desert were tested and 84% were positive for P. testudinis DNA. Fully validated, this qPCR method will provide a means of determining colonization rate. When used in conjunction with serological methods and clinical evaluations, both infection rate and disease rate can be determined for this potential URTD pathogen. This new assay provides an important tool for managing the threatened populations of the Mojave Desert tortoise.
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quantitative pcr method for detection of mycoplasma spp dna in Nasal Lavage samples from the desert tortoise gopherus agassizii
Journal of Microbiological Methods, 2011Co-Authors: S. A. Dupre', C R Tracy, K. W. HunterAbstract:Abstract Mycoplasma agassizii and M. testudineum have been associated with upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) in the threatened desert tortoise ( Gopherus agassizii ). Because microbiological culture methods have proven difficult to employ in wild desert tortoises, our goal was to develop a sensitive and specific qPCR method for detecting and quantifying mycoplasma DNA in Nasal Lavage Fluid collected in the field. Primers for 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences specific for M. agassizii and M. testudineum were designed, together with primers that recognize conserved sequences of both microorganisms. Standard curves generated with DNA extracted from known numbers of mycoplasma cells revealed a lower detection limit of approximately 5 fg. The qPCR method did not recognize normal flora DNA, and Nasal Lavage Fluid contained no interfering substances. Nasal Lavage samples collected from 20 captive desert tortoises housed at the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center (Clark County, Nevada, USA) revealed the presence of M. agassizii DNA in 100% of the tortoises. Concentrations ranged from a low of 6 pg ml − 1 to a high of 72,962 pg ml − 1 . Only one of the tortoises was positive for M. testudineum . Interestingly, not all of the qPCR positive tortoises showed evidence of seroconversion, suggesting that they were colonized but not infected. This new quantitative method will provide a critical tool for managing threatened populations of the desert tortoise.
Mats Lindahl - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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protein profiles of Nasal Lavage Fluid from individuals with work related upper airway symptoms associated with moldy and damp buildings
Indoor Air, 2016Co-Authors: Karin Wåhlén, Louise Fornander, Patrik Olausson, Kjell Ydreborg, Ulf Flodin, Pål Graff, Mats Lindahl, Bijar GhafouriAbstract:Upper airway irritation is common among individuals working in moldy and damp buildings. The aim of this study was to investigate effects on the protein composition of the Nasal lining Fluid. The prevalence of symptoms in relation to work environment was examined in 37 individuals working in two damp buildings. Microbial growth was confirmed in one of the buildings. Nasal Lavage Fluid was collected from 29 of the exposed subjects and 13 controls, not working in a damp building. Protein profiles were investigated with a proteomic approach and evaluated by multivariate statistical models. Subjects from both workplaces reported upper airway and ocular symptoms. Based on protein profiles, symptomatic subjects in the two workplaces were discriminated from each other and separated from healthy controls. The groups differed in proteins involved in inflammation and host defense. Measurements of innate immunity proteins showed a significant increase in protein S100-A8 and decrease in SPLUNC1 in subjects from one workplace, while alpha-1-antitrypsin was elevated in subjects from the other workplace, compared with healthy controls. The results show that protein profiles in Nasal Lavage Fluid can be used to monitor airway mucosal effects in personnel working in damp buildings and indicate that the profile may be separated when the dampness is associated with the presence of molds.
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Protein profiles of Nasal Lavage Fluid from individuals with work‐related upper airway symptoms associated with moldy and damp buildings
Indoor air, 2015Co-Authors: Karin Wåhlén, Louise Fornander, Patrik Olausson, Kjell Ydreborg, Ulf Flodin, Pål Graff, Mats Lindahl, Bijar GhafouriAbstract:Upper airway irritation is common among individuals working in moldy and damp buildings. The aim of this study was to investigate effects on the protein composition of the Nasal lining Fluid. The prevalence of symptoms in relation to work environment was examined in 37 individuals working in two damp buildings. Microbial growth was confirmed in one of the buildings. Nasal Lavage Fluid was collected from 29 of the exposed subjects and 13 controls, not working in a damp building. Protein profiles were investigated with a proteomic approach and evaluated by multivariate statistical models. Subjects from both workplaces reported upper airway and ocular symptoms. Based on protein profiles, symptomatic subjects in the two workplaces were discriminated from each other and separated from healthy controls. The groups differed in proteins involved in inflammation and host defense. Measurements of innate immunity proteins showed a significant increase in protein S100-A8 and decrease in SPLUNC1 in subjects from one workplace, while alpha-1-antitrypsin was elevated in subjects from the other workplace, compared with healthy controls. The results show that protein profiles in Nasal Lavage Fluid can be used to monitor airway mucosal effects in personnel working in damp buildings and indicate that the profile may be separated when the dampness is associated with the presence of molds.
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airway symptoms and biological markers in Nasal Lavage Fluid in subjects exposed to metalworking Fluids
PLOS ONE, 2013Co-Authors: Louise Fornander, Karin Wåhlén, Kjell Ydreborg, Ulf Flodin, Pål Graff, Mats Lindahl, Per Leanderson, Bijar GhafouriAbstract:Backgrounds: Occurrence of airway irritation among industrial metal workers was investigated. The aims were to study the association between exposures from water-based metal working Fluids (MWF) and the health outcome among the personnel, to assess potential effects on the proteome in Nasal mucous membranes, and evaluate preventive actions. Methods: The prevalence of airway symptoms related to work were examined among 271 metalworkers exposed to MWF and 24 metal workers not exposed to MWF at the same factory. At the same time, air levels of potentially harmful substances (oil mist, morpholine, monoethanolamine, formaldehyde) generated from MWF was measured. Nasal Lavage Fluid was collected from 13 workers and 15 controls and protein profiles were determined by a proteomic approach. Results: Airway symptoms were reported in 39% of the workers exposed to MWF although the measured levels of MWF substances in the work place air were low. Highest prevalence was found among workers handling the MWF machines but also those working in the same hall were affected. Improvement of the ventilation to reduce MWF exposure lowered the prevalence of airway problems. Protein profiling showed significantly higher levels of S100-A9 and lower levels of SPLUNC1, cystatin SN, Ig J and b2-microglobulin among workers with airway symptoms. Conclusions: This study confirms that upper airway symptoms among metal workers are a common problem and despite low levels of MWF-generated substances, effects on airway immune proteins are found. Further studies to clarify the role of specific MWF components in connection to airway inflammation and the identified biological markers are warranted.
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PLUNC in human Nasal Lavage Fluid: multiple isoforms that bind to lipopolysaccharide.
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 2004Co-Authors: Bijar Ghafouri, Erik Kihlström, Christer Tagesson, Mats LindahlAbstract:Here, we demonstrate the presence of multiple isoforms of palate lung Nasal epithelial clone (PLUNC) in human Nasal Lavage Fluid (NLF). Eight isoforms were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), and peptide mapping of the proteins was performed using MALDI-TOF MS (matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry) of tryptic and asparginase cleavages. The identification was verified by amino acid sequencing after analysis of collision-induced dissociation (CID) fragmentation spectra with nanoelectrospray MS/MS. One isoform showed an electrophoretic mobility shift after N-glycosidase treatment, indicating that at least one of the PLUNC isoforms is glycosylated. We also demonstrate that PLUNC in NLF binds to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro; indeed, out of all proteins present in NLF only the PLUNC isoforms were found to adsorb to an LPS-coated surface. These results show that PLUNC is expressed as multiple LPS-binding isoforms in human NLF. The possibility that PLUNC may play a role in the innate immune response of the upper airways is inferred.
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Nasal Lavage Fluid and proteomics as means to identify the effects of the irritating epoxy chemical dimethylbenzylamine
Biomarkers : biochemical indicators of exposure response and susceptibility to chemicals, 2004Co-Authors: Mats Lindahl, Christer Tagesson, Kristina Irander, B StåhlbomAbstract:The aims of this study were to describe the changes in the Nasal Lavage Fluid (NLF) protein pattern after exposure to the irritating epoxy chemical dimethylbenzylamine (DMBA) and to identify the affected proteins using a proteomic approach. The protein patterns of NLF from six healthy subjects and eight epoxy workers with airway irritation were analysed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) before and after exposure to 100 μg m-3 DMBA for 2 h in an exposure chamber. NLF proteins were identified by (i) comparison with a 2-DE NLF reference database, (ii) N-terminal amino acid sequencing, and (iii) mass spectrometry. In NLF from healthy subjects, the levels of immunoglobulin A increased and the levels of Clara cell protein 16 (CC16) decreased after chamber exposure, while in NLF from epoxy workers, α2-macroglobulin and caeruloplasmin increased. Two previously unidentified proteins decreased in NLF from epoxy workers after exposure, these were identified as statherin and calgranulin B. In addition, the subjects who developed high counts of eosinophils in their Nasal mucosa after chamber exposure had significantly lower levels of immunoglobulin-binding factor (IgBF) before exposure than subjects with low eosinophil infiltration. These results show that short-term exposure to DMBA causes distinct changes in NLF proteins. Moreover, three proteins that have previously not been associated with upper airway irritation were identified: statherin, calgranulin B and IgBF. Further studies are needed to investigate whether these proteins may be used as biomarkers of airway irritation and to give new insight into the ways in which occupational exposure to irritants causes inflammation of the airways.
S. A. Dupre' - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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A quantitative PCR method for assessing the presence of Pasteurella testudinis DNA in Nasal Lavage samples from the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii)
Journal of Microbiological Methods, 2012Co-Authors: S. A. Dupre', Franziska C Sandmeier, C R Tracy, K. W. HunterAbstract:Abstract Pasteurella testudinis has been associated with upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) in the threatened desert tortoise ( Gopherus agassizii ). Our goal was to develop a sensitive and specific qPCR method for detecting DNA from P. testudinis in Nasal Lavage Fluid collected from desert tortoises in the field. Probes for 16S ribosomal RNA and RNA polymerase β-subunit (rpoB) genes were designed. A standard curve generated with DNA extracted from known numbers of bacterial cells determined by flow cytometry revealed a lower detection limit of 50 fg /ml (10 bacteria/ml). The Nasal Lavage Fluid contained no interfering substances, and the qPCR method did not recognize normal flora DNA. The Nasal Lavage samples from 20 desert tortoises captured in Clark County, Nevada, USA in 2007 and housed at the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center, were all positive for P. testudinis DNA by qPCR. Another set of 19 Lavage samples collected in 2010 from wild desert tortoises in the Mojave Desert were tested and 84% were positive for P. testudinis DNA. Fully validated, this qPCR method will provide a means of determining colonization rate. When used in conjunction with serological methods and clinical evaluations, both infection rate and disease rate can be determined for this potential URTD pathogen. This new assay provides an important tool for managing the threatened populations of the Mojave Desert tortoise.
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quantitative pcr method for detection of mycoplasma spp dna in Nasal Lavage samples from the desert tortoise gopherus agassizii
Journal of Microbiological Methods, 2011Co-Authors: S. A. Dupre', C R Tracy, K. W. HunterAbstract:Abstract Mycoplasma agassizii and M. testudineum have been associated with upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) in the threatened desert tortoise ( Gopherus agassizii ). Because microbiological culture methods have proven difficult to employ in wild desert tortoises, our goal was to develop a sensitive and specific qPCR method for detecting and quantifying mycoplasma DNA in Nasal Lavage Fluid collected in the field. Primers for 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences specific for M. agassizii and M. testudineum were designed, together with primers that recognize conserved sequences of both microorganisms. Standard curves generated with DNA extracted from known numbers of mycoplasma cells revealed a lower detection limit of approximately 5 fg. The qPCR method did not recognize normal flora DNA, and Nasal Lavage Fluid contained no interfering substances. Nasal Lavage samples collected from 20 captive desert tortoises housed at the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center (Clark County, Nevada, USA) revealed the presence of M. agassizii DNA in 100% of the tortoises. Concentrations ranged from a low of 6 pg ml − 1 to a high of 72,962 pg ml − 1 . Only one of the tortoises was positive for M. testudineum . Interestingly, not all of the qPCR positive tortoises showed evidence of seroconversion, suggesting that they were colonized but not infected. This new quantitative method will provide a critical tool for managing threatened populations of the desert tortoise.
Karin Wåhlén - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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protein profiles of Nasal Lavage Fluid from individuals with work related upper airway symptoms associated with moldy and damp buildings
Indoor Air, 2016Co-Authors: Karin Wåhlén, Louise Fornander, Patrik Olausson, Kjell Ydreborg, Ulf Flodin, Pål Graff, Mats Lindahl, Bijar GhafouriAbstract:Upper airway irritation is common among individuals working in moldy and damp buildings. The aim of this study was to investigate effects on the protein composition of the Nasal lining Fluid. The prevalence of symptoms in relation to work environment was examined in 37 individuals working in two damp buildings. Microbial growth was confirmed in one of the buildings. Nasal Lavage Fluid was collected from 29 of the exposed subjects and 13 controls, not working in a damp building. Protein profiles were investigated with a proteomic approach and evaluated by multivariate statistical models. Subjects from both workplaces reported upper airway and ocular symptoms. Based on protein profiles, symptomatic subjects in the two workplaces were discriminated from each other and separated from healthy controls. The groups differed in proteins involved in inflammation and host defense. Measurements of innate immunity proteins showed a significant increase in protein S100-A8 and decrease in SPLUNC1 in subjects from one workplace, while alpha-1-antitrypsin was elevated in subjects from the other workplace, compared with healthy controls. The results show that protein profiles in Nasal Lavage Fluid can be used to monitor airway mucosal effects in personnel working in damp buildings and indicate that the profile may be separated when the dampness is associated with the presence of molds.
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Protein profiles of Nasal Lavage Fluid from individuals with work‐related upper airway symptoms associated with moldy and damp buildings
Indoor air, 2015Co-Authors: Karin Wåhlén, Louise Fornander, Patrik Olausson, Kjell Ydreborg, Ulf Flodin, Pål Graff, Mats Lindahl, Bijar GhafouriAbstract:Upper airway irritation is common among individuals working in moldy and damp buildings. The aim of this study was to investigate effects on the protein composition of the Nasal lining Fluid. The prevalence of symptoms in relation to work environment was examined in 37 individuals working in two damp buildings. Microbial growth was confirmed in one of the buildings. Nasal Lavage Fluid was collected from 29 of the exposed subjects and 13 controls, not working in a damp building. Protein profiles were investigated with a proteomic approach and evaluated by multivariate statistical models. Subjects from both workplaces reported upper airway and ocular symptoms. Based on protein profiles, symptomatic subjects in the two workplaces were discriminated from each other and separated from healthy controls. The groups differed in proteins involved in inflammation and host defense. Measurements of innate immunity proteins showed a significant increase in protein S100-A8 and decrease in SPLUNC1 in subjects from one workplace, while alpha-1-antitrypsin was elevated in subjects from the other workplace, compared with healthy controls. The results show that protein profiles in Nasal Lavage Fluid can be used to monitor airway mucosal effects in personnel working in damp buildings and indicate that the profile may be separated when the dampness is associated with the presence of molds.
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airway symptoms and biological markers in Nasal Lavage Fluid in subjects exposed to metalworking Fluids
PLOS ONE, 2013Co-Authors: Louise Fornander, Karin Wåhlén, Kjell Ydreborg, Ulf Flodin, Pål Graff, Mats Lindahl, Per Leanderson, Bijar GhafouriAbstract:Backgrounds: Occurrence of airway irritation among industrial metal workers was investigated. The aims were to study the association between exposures from water-based metal working Fluids (MWF) and the health outcome among the personnel, to assess potential effects on the proteome in Nasal mucous membranes, and evaluate preventive actions. Methods: The prevalence of airway symptoms related to work were examined among 271 metalworkers exposed to MWF and 24 metal workers not exposed to MWF at the same factory. At the same time, air levels of potentially harmful substances (oil mist, morpholine, monoethanolamine, formaldehyde) generated from MWF was measured. Nasal Lavage Fluid was collected from 13 workers and 15 controls and protein profiles were determined by a proteomic approach. Results: Airway symptoms were reported in 39% of the workers exposed to MWF although the measured levels of MWF substances in the work place air were low. Highest prevalence was found among workers handling the MWF machines but also those working in the same hall were affected. Improvement of the ventilation to reduce MWF exposure lowered the prevalence of airway problems. Protein profiling showed significantly higher levels of S100-A9 and lower levels of SPLUNC1, cystatin SN, Ig J and b2-microglobulin among workers with airway symptoms. Conclusions: This study confirms that upper airway symptoms among metal workers are a common problem and despite low levels of MWF-generated substances, effects on airway immune proteins are found. Further studies to clarify the role of specific MWF components in connection to airway inflammation and the identified biological markers are warranted.
