Aspergillus fumigatus Challenge Increases Cytokine Levels in Nasal Lavage Fluid

• Published in: Inhalation toxicology 2006-12, Vol.18 (13), p.1033-1039, Article 1033
• Main Authors: Stark, H., Roponen, M., Purokivi, M., Randell, J., Tukiainen, H., Hirvonen, M.-R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Air Microbiology; Aspergillus fumigatus; Aspergillus fumigatus - pathogenicity; Female; Humans; Humidity; Inflammation Mediators - analysis; Inflammation Mediators - metabolism; Inhalation Exposure; Interferon-gamma - analysis; Interferon-gamma - biosynthesis; Interleukin-1 - analysis; Interleukin-1 - biosynthesis; Interleukin-4 - analysis; Interleukin-4 - biosynthesis; Middle Aged; Nasal Lavage Fluid - chemistry; Nasal Lavage Fluid - cytology; Nasal Lavage Fluid - microbiology; Occupational Exposure; Time Factors; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha - analysis; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha - biosynthesis
• ISSN: 0895-8378; 1091-7691
• DOI: 10.1080/08958370600904579

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]-α, interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-4, IL-6, interferon [IFN]-γ) 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-1β 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-α 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.