Less air pollution leads to rapid reduction of airway inflammation and improved airway function in asthmatic children

Renzetti, G; Silvestre, G; D'Amario, C; Bottini, E; Gloria-Bottini, F; Bottini, N; Auais, A; Perez, MK; Piedimonte, G

HERO ID

199834

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2009

Language

English

PMID

19255039

HERO ID 199834
In Press No
Year 2009
Title Less air pollution leads to rapid reduction of airway inflammation and improved airway function in asthmatic children
Authors Renzetti, G; Silvestre, G; D'Amario, C; Bottini, E; Gloria-Bottini, F; Bottini, N; Auais, A; Perez, MK; Piedimonte, G
Journal Pediatrics
Volume 123
Issue 3
Page Numbers 1051-1058
Abstract OBJECTIVE: Air pollution can promote airway inflammation, posing significant health risks for children with chronic respiratory problems. However, it is unknown whether this process is reversible, so that limiting pollution will benefit these children. We measured the short-term response of allergic asthmatic children exposed to a real-life reduction in outdoor air pollution by using noninvasive biomarkers of airway inflammation and function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven untreated allergic children with mild persistent asthma were recruited from a highly polluted urban environment and relocated to a less polluted rural environment. Air pollution, pollen counts, and meteorological conditions were carefully monitored at both sites. Nasal eosinophils, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, peak expiratory flow, and urinary leukotriene E(4) were measured first in the urban environment and then again 7 days after relocation to the rural environment. RESULTS: One week after relocation to the rural environment, we measured, on average, a fourfold decrease in nasal eosinophils and significant decrease in fractional exhaled nitric oxide. We also noted an improvement in lower airway function, reflected by highly significant increase in peak expiratory flow. In contrast, mean urinary leukotriene E(4) concentration remained unchanged after 1 week of exposure to the rural environment. CONCLUSIONS: Better air quality is associated with a rapid reduction of airway inflammation in allergic asthmatic children. Nasal eosinophils and fractional exhaled nitric oxide are sensitive indicators of this effect, and their rapid decline is paralleled by improved airway function measured by peak expiratory flow. Leukotriene synthesis has a more variable response to environmental modifications.
Doi 10.1542/peds.2008-1153
Pmid 19255039
Wosid WOS:000263825500044
Url https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/123/3/1051/71768/Less-Air-Pollution-Leads-to-Rapid-Reduction-of
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Source: Web of Science WOS:000263825500044
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword allergy; eosinophils; exhaled nitric oxide; leukotrienes; peak expiratory flow; rhinitis
Is Qa No
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