(1-->3)-beta-D-glucan and endotoxin in house dust and peak flow variability in children.
House dust-associated bacterial endotoxins have been shown to be associated with asthma severity, and a similar role has been suggested for fungal (1-->3)-beta-D-glucans. In this study the relation between these agents and peak expiratory flow (PEF) variability was investigated in 148 children 7 to 11 yr of age of whom 50% had self- or parent-reported chronic respiratory symptoms. All children self-monitored twice daily their PEF for a period of 16 wk. Dust samples were collected from mattresses and from living room and bedroom floors, and endotoxin and (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan were measured in dust extracts. The relations with mean daily PEF variability (Ampl%mean) were investigated by linear regression analysis, adjusting for dust mite allergen levels, presence of pets, and type of floor cover. In unadjusted analyses the levels of both endotoxin and (1--> 3)-beta-D-glucan per square meter of living room floor were significantly associated with PEF-variability (but not when expressed per gram of sampled dust), particularly in atopic children with asthma symptoms. Adjusted analyses showed the same association for (1--> 3)-beta-D-glucan but not for endotoxin. Although no associations were found with microbial agent levels in bedroom floor or mattress dust, high levels of (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan in living room floor dust apparently increase PEF variability in asthmatic children.
Douwes
J
J
Environmental & Occupational Health Group, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Zuidhof
A
A
Doekes
G
G
van der Zee
S C
SC
Wouters
I
I
Boezen
M H
MH
Brunekreef
B
B
D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D002648:Child; D004391:Dust / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005936:Glucans / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D012307:Risk Factors; D047071:beta-Glucans
D004391:Dust; D004731:Endotoxins; D005936:Glucans; D047071:beta-Glucans; C033363:beta-1,3-glucan