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Effect of formaldehyde on asthmatic response to inhaled allergen challenge.

Effect of formaldehyde on asthmatic response to inhaled allergen challenge.

Authors :
Ezratty V
Bonay M
Neukirch C
Orset-Guillossou G
Dehoux M
Koscielny S
Cabanes P
Lambrozo J
Aubier M
Source :
Environmental Health Perspectives; Feb2007, Vol. 115 Issue 2, p210-214, 5p
Publication Year :
2007

Abstract

Background: Exposure to formaldehyde may lead to exacerbation of asthma.Objectives: Our aim in this study was to investigate whether exposure to a low level (500 microg/m[3]) of formaldehyde enhances inhaled allergen responses.Methods: Twelve subjects with intermittent asthma and allergy to pollen were exposed, at rest, in a double-blind crossover study to either formaldehyde or purified air for 60 min. The order of exposure to formaldehyde and air-only was randomized, and exposures were separated by 2 weeks. We also performed an allergen inhalation challenge after each exposure. Airway responsiveness to methacholine and lower airway inflammation (induced sputum) were assessed 8 hr after allergen challenge.Results: The median dose of allergen producing a 15% decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (PD[15]FEV[1]) was 0.80 IR (index of reactivity) after formaldehyde exposure compared with 0.25 IR after air-only exposure (p = 0.06). Formaldehyde exposure did not affect allergen-induced increase in responsiveness to methacholine (p = 0.42). We found no formaldehyde-associated effect on the airway inflammatory response, in particular the eosinophilic inflammatory response, induced by the allergen challenge 8 hr before.Conclusion: In this study, exposure to 500 microg/m[3] formaldehyde had no significant deleterious effect on airway allergen responsiveness of patients with intermittent asthma; we found a trend toward a protective effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00916765
Volume :
115
Issue :
2
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Environmental Health Perspectives
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
105983540