• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.62 no.3
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• pp.365-377
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• 2024

Exposure to storage mite (SM) and house dust mite (HDM) allergens is a risk factor for sensitization and asthma development; however, the related immune responses and their pathology have not been fully investigated. The HDMs Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and SM Tyrophagus putrescentiae are potent allergens that induce asthma. Most SM-related studies have focused on the allergic reactions of individuals by measuring their immunoglobulin (Ig)E expression. Considering the limited research on this topic, the present study aims to investigate the differences in the immune responses induced by HDMs and SMs and histologically analyze lung tissues in a mouse asthma model to understand the differential effects of HDM and SM. The results revealed that all mite species induced airway inflammation. Mice challenged with T. putrescentiae had the highest airway resistance and total cell, eosinophil, and neutrophil counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The SM-sensitized groups showed more severe lesions and mucus hypersecretions than the HDM-sensitized groups. Although the degree of HDM and SM exposure was the same, the damage to the respiratory lung tissue was more severe in SM-exposed mice, which resulted in excessive mucin secretion and increased fibrosis. Furthermore, these findings suggest that SM sensitization induces a more significant hypersensitivity response in mucosal immunity than HDM sensitization in asthma models.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.304-309
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• 1992

Background: The alveolar macrophage may metabolize arachidonic acid through cyclooxygenase- and lipoxygenase- catalyzed pathways to produce a variety of metabolites of arachidonic acid. The production of these metabolites of arachidonic acid may enhance the defensive ability of the challenged lung. However, continued stimulation with the consequent production of proinflammtory metabolites of arachidonic acid, may ultimately enhance the disease process by contributing to chronic bronchoconstriction, fibrosis, and the persistent release of toxic oxygen species. Silicosis is an example of a disease process resulting from chronic exposure of the lung to foreign particles. This study was carried out to evaluate the changes of arachidonic acid metabolites from macrophages in experimental silicosis. Methods: We measured $PGE_2$, and $LTB_4$ in cultured macrophages taken from rats by radioimmunoassay at 24 and 48 hours after stimulation by silica dust, natural carbon dust, lipopolysaccharide, calcium ionophore (A23187) and medium (RPMI) as a control. For the experimental silicosis, 50 mg silica in 0.5 ml saline was administered intratracheally into the rat and grown to 20 weeks and measured $PGE_2$, and $LTB_4$ in the cultured macrophages lavaged from that rat. The used stimulants were the same as above. Results: 1) The amount of $PGE_2$ in the cultred macrophages from normal rat was significantly decreased in the group which was stimulated with silica dust for 48 hours compare with control non-stimulated group. 2) In the experimental silicosis group, $PGE_2$, release in cultured macrophages after 48 hours incubation with silica and natural carbon dust tended to be lower than those of non-stimulated group. 3) There were marked changes of $LTB_4$ in the groups of normal rats which were incubated with silica for 24, 48 hours and natural carbon for 48 hours compared with non-stimulated group. 4) In the experimental silicosis group, the release of $LTB_4$ was significantly increased macrophages cultured with silica and natural carbon dust after 24 and 48 hours incubation compared with non-stimulated group. Conclusion: The results of these studies suggest that the in vitro exposure of rat alveolar macrophge to silica and coal dust results in an alteration in alveolar macrophage metabolism of arachidonic acid that may promote an inflammatory reaction in lung tissue.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.82 no.2
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• pp.94-101
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• 2019

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous organisms that are generally found not only in the natural environment but also in the human engineered environment, including water, soil, and dust. These organisms can form biofilms and can be readily aerosolized because they are hydrophobic owing to the presence of the lipid-rich outer membrane. Aerosolization and subsequent inhalation were the major route of NTM lung disease. Water distribution systems and household plumbing are ideal habit for NTM and the main transmission route from natural water to household. NTM have been isolated from drinking water, faucets, pipelines, and water tanks. Studies that used genotyping have shown that NTM isolates from patients are identical to those in the environment, that is, from shower water, showerheads, tap water, and gardening soil. Humans are likely to be exposed to NTM in their homes through simple and daily activities, such as drinking, showering, or gardening. In addition to environmental factors, host factors play an important role in the development of NTM lung disease. The incidence and prevalence of NTM lung disease are increasing worldwide, and this disease is rapidly becoming a major public health problem. NTM lung disease is associated with substantially impaired quality of life, increased morbidity and mortality, and high medical costs. A more comprehensive understanding of the infection source and epidemiology of NTM is essential for the development of new strategies that can prevent and control NTM infection.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.269-282
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• 2017

Objectives: Currently, masks against yellow dust and fine particulates are being certified with no consideration of facial dimensional variations among children and adults. The aims of this study were to develop masks against yellow dust and fine particulates for children in Korea and provide basic data to suggest new test methods for mask certification that consider the breathing capacity of children. Methods: A total of 730 study participants aged from six to 13 years old were recruited in the Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon region. This study used a 3D scanning instrument to obtain 16 facial anthropometric data points. Literature reviews, a comparison of breathing capacity between adults and children, and analysis of children's pulmonary physiological data were conducted in order to suggest new test standards for certifying children's masks against yellow dust and fine particulates. In addition, types of children's masks, choice of wearing a mask or not, and reasons for not wearing masks were surveyed. Results: Based on a clustering analysis of participants' facial dimensions, facial shapes were classified into three groups: small, medium, and large. The sizes of children's masks were subtracted by using 3D sketch techniques(Large: $121.25mm{\times}89.46mm$, Medium: $111.92mm{\times}78.55mm$, Small: $102.13mm{\times}72.87mm$). In certifying children's mask, flow rates of $60{\ell}/m$ for the filtering efficiency test and $20{\ell}/m$ for the breathing resistance test were recommended, since children's pulmonary physiological capacity is about 60-70% of adults' pulmonary capacity. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that three mask sizes for children would be sufficient and practical for providing protection against yellow dust and fine particulates. Revising current test methods for certifying respiratory protective devices for children is important, since children's pulmonary physiological capacity substantially differs from that of adults. Therefore, it is recommended that new test standards for certifying children's masks be promulgated in the near future.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.111-116
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• 2023

Purpose: Pneumoconiosis is a chronic lung disease in which the lungs become hardened due to the accumulation of fine mineral dust that has been breathed in at industrial sites. The lungs are unable to function properly, resulting in complications of several respiratory diseases. Methods: The subjects were 36 elderly adults (pneumoconiosis patients 18, healthy elderly 18) over the age of 65 years. The respiratory function was assessed using a spirometer to measure forced vital capacity (FVC), first second of forced expiration (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow n(PEF). The static balance function test was determined by the center of mass (COM), ankle angle range, hip angle range, sway parameters, and reciprocal compensatory index (RCI). Cognitive function was measured by applying MoCA-k. Results: Comparison of respiration functions between the two groups showed statistically significant differences in FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and PEFs (p<0.05). Cognitive abilities showed statistically significant differences due to higher cognitive skills in the control group as compared to the patient group (p<0.05). Most results of the static balance capability measurements showed statistically significant differences between the groups (p<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were obtained for COM AP Range, Angle AP Range, RCI ML Range, and AP Range (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results of the current study indicate that patients suffering from pneumoconiosis have less cognitive ability and balance function as compared to healthy elderly people. Therefore, we expect an improvement in the balance ability and cognitive function through systematic management and strengthening lung function training to improve the quality of life of pneumoconiosis patients.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.65 no.6
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• pp.504-511
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• 2008

Background: Particulate matter may be toxic to human tissue. Ambient air particulate matter ${\leq}10{\mu}m$ in aerodynamic size ($PM_{10}$), which changes under different environmental conditions, is a complex mixture of organic and inorganic compounds. The Asian dust event caused by meteorological phenomena can also spread unique particulate matter in affected areas. We evaluated production of ROS, $TGF-{\beta}$, fibronectin, and $NF{\kappa}B$ by exposing normal epithelial cells to Asian dust particulate matter. Methods: Bronchial epithelial cells were exposed to 0, 50, ${\leq}100{\mu}g/ml$ of a suspension of $PM_{10}$ for 24 h. ROS were detected by measurement of DCF release from DCF-DA by FACScan. $TGF-{\beta}$, fibronectin, and $NF{\kappa}B$ were detected by western blotting. Results: $PM_{10}$ exposure increased the expression of $TGF-{\beta}$, fibronectin, and $NF{\kappa}B$. ROS production and $TGF-{\beta}$ levels were significantly higher with 50 or ${\leq}100{\mu}g/ml$ $PM_{10}$. Fibronectin and $NF{\kappa}B$ production were significantly higher after ${\leq}100{\mu}g/ml$ of $PM_{10}$. Conclusion: $PM_{10}$ from Asian dust particles might have fibrotic potential in bronchial epithelial cells via ROS induction after $PM_{10}$ exposure.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.119-134
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• 2004

Human exposure to highly nickel-polluted environments, such as those associated with nickel refining, electroplating, and welding, has the potential to produce a variety of pathologic effects. Among them are skin allergies, lung fibrosis, and cancer of the respiratory tract. The exact mechanisms of nickel-induced carcinogenesis are not known and have been the subject of numerous epidemiologic and experimental investigations. This review provides the evidence of the current state for the genotoxic and mutagenic activity of Ni (II) particularly at high doses. Such doses are best delivered into the cells by phagocytosis of sparingly soluble nickel-containing dust particles. Ni (II) genotoxicity may be aggravated through the generation of DNA-damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the inhibition of DNA repair by this metal. The epigenetic effects of nickel includes alteration in gene expression resulting from DNA hypermethylation and histone hypoacetylation, as well as activation some signaling pathways and subsequent transcrziption factors.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.462-467
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• 1991

Aspergillus is a fungus of Ascomycetes class that occurs world wide and found in many of the molds on foods, frutis, grains and plants. Its ubiquitous spores, present in dust, enter the respiratory system of man, where, under proper condition, they become pathogenic. We present a case of primary maxillary sinus aspergillosis developed from a 52-year old male patient when has oroantral fistula after extraction of maxillary Lt. 1st molar tooth. The treatment composed with Caldwell-Luc's operation, Oro-antral fistula closure and associated anit-fungal treatment with Amphoatrisin B.

• 대한예방의학회:학술대회논문집
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• 1998.10b
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• pp.151-154
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• 1998

• Journal of Technologic Dentistry
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.35-45
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• 1989

This study was carried out from June, 20, to October 22, 1988, for the purpose of researching on the complaint ratio of Respiratory symptoms of the dental laboratory technicians in Seoul. In this study, aiming to find out complaint ratio of respiratory symptoms of the dental laboratory, SNU-81-AL were applied, at random, to 193 dental laboratory technicians at 39 dental laboratories, as the research group, and to 178 clinical laboratory technicians at 10 general hospitals, as the control group, and above two groups were compared with each other. The following results were obtained from this research. 1. The quantity of respirable dust under 5$\mu$m measured at the dental laborartories was, on an average as well, 5$mg/m^3$-minimum 1.56$mg/m^3$), and the density of CO was, on an average as well, 5.0ppm(Mx 7.0-Mn 3.0). 2. The complaint ratio of five main respiratory symptoms(cough, phlegm, wheezing, nasal catarrh & cold, breathlessness) was, on an average, 44.3% at the dental laboratory technicians, phlegm was the major symptom complained by the greatest number of the technicians. 22.4% of the clinical laboratory technicians complained above 5 main respiratory symptoms, nassal catarrh & cold was the mostly complained symptoms among them. There showed a consideraly significant difference at the complaint ratio between the above 2 occupations(P<0.005). 3. There showed no paticular significant difference between male and female, at the complaint ratio of the dental laboratory technicians. However, there showed a considerable significant difference according to their sexuality, in case of the clinical laboratory technicians. 4. Considered from th view point of age, the highest age group was 20-29 with its average 48.5%, in case of dental laboratory technicians. The highest age group among the clinical laboratory technicians was over 40 age with its 28.7%. There showed no particular significant differences between to tow occupations. 5. Considered from the view point of work period, the highest work period group was 0-3 years with average 47.8%, in case of dental laboratory The highest work period group among the clinical laboratory technicians was 16 years with its 25.2%. There showed no particuar significant differences between the two occupations. 6. Considered from the view point of smoking, phlegm was complained by much more smokers than non-smokers, in both occupations. In case of non-smokers, many complained about nassal catarrh & cold. There showed no particular significant differences between the smokers and the non-smokers.