Aspergillus fumigatus challenge increases cytokine levels in nasal lavage fluid.
Several studies have shown an association between exposure in moisture-damaged buildings and adverse health effects. There are several indicator microbes of moisture damage, but Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the best-documented molds provoking health problems in different occupational conditions. We assessed whether inhalation of a commercial A. fumigatus solution would affect cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha, interleukin [IL]-1beta, IL-4, IL-6, interferon [IFN]-gamma) in nasal lavage fluid (NAL) compared with that evoked by placebo challenge. Twenty-seven subjects were studied: 13 had occupational exposure in a moisture-damaged building, 4 were atopic, and 10 were considered as controls. In all the subjects, the IL-1beta levels were increased significantly both at 6 (p = 0.013) and 24 h (p = .005) after the A. fumigatus challenge compared to placebo. In subjects with previous occupational exposure in a moisture-damaged building, IL-4 concentrations were increased significantly both at 6 (p =.046) and 24 h (p =.008) after the A. fumigatus challenge compared with placebo. Furthermore, in the control group, TNF-alpha levels were significantly increased at 6 h after the A. fumigatus challenge compared to placebo (p = .028). Thus, these data show a link between markers of inflammation in NAL and experimental A. fumigatus challenge.
Stark
H
H
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland. harri.stark@kuh.fi
Roponen
M
M
Purokivi
M
M
Randell
J
J
Tukiainen
H
H
Hirvonen
M-R
MR
D000328:Adult; D000391:Air Microbiology; D001232:Aspergillus fumigatus / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D019570:Inhalation Exposure; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000032:analysis* / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008875:Middle Aged; D017817:Nasal Lavage Fluid / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000166:cytology / Q000382:microbiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D013997:Time Factors; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000032:analysis* / Q000096:biosynthesis
C508598:IL4 protein, human; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D007375:Interleukin-1; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D015847:Interleukin-4; D007371:Interferon-gamma