(1-->3)-beta-D-glucan and endotoxin in house dust and peak flow variability in children

Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2000 Oct;162(4 Pt 1):1348-54. doi: 10.1164/ajrccm.162.4.9909118.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollution, Indoor / adverse effects*
  • Air Pollution, Indoor / analysis
  • Asthma / diagnosis
  • Asthma / etiology*
  • Child
  • Dust / adverse effects*
  • Dust / analysis
  • Endotoxins / adverse effects*
  • Endotoxins / analysis
  • Female
  • Glucans / adverse effects*
  • Glucans / analysis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Peak Expiratory Flow Rate*
  • Risk Factors
  • beta-Glucans*

Substances

  • Dust
  • Endotoxins
  • Glucans
  • beta-Glucans
  • beta-1,3-glucan