A molecular sensitization map of European children reveals exposome- and climate-dependent sensitization profiles.

BACKGROUND: Understanding differences in sensitization profiles at the molecular allergen level is important for diagnosis, personalized treatment and prevention strategies in allergy. METHODS: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) sensitization profiles were determined in more than 2800 sera from children in nine population-based cohorts in different geographical regions of Europe; north [BAMSE (Sweden), ECA (Norway)], west/central [PIAMA (the Netherlands), BiB (the United Kingdom), GINIplus (Germany)], and south [INMA Sabadell and Gipuzkoa (Spain) and ROBBIC Rome and Bologna (Italy)] using the MeDALL-allergen chip. RESULTS: Sensitization to grass pollen allergen, Phl p 1, and to major cat allergen, Fel d 1, dominated in most European regions whereas sensitization to house dust mite allergens Der p 1, 2 and 23 varied considerably between regions and were lowest in the north. Less than half of children from Sabadell which has a hot and dry climate were sensitized to respiratory allergens, in particular house dust mite allergens as compared to Gipuzkoa nearby with a more humid climate. Peanut allergen Ara h 1 was the most frequently recognized class 1 food allergen in Northern/Western Europe, while the fruit allergens Pru p 3, Act d 1 and 2 were prominent in Southern and Western/Central Europe. Ves v 5-sensitization dominated in North and West/Central Europe. CONCLUSION: We show regional, exposome- and climate-dependent differences in molecular IgE-reactivity profiles in Northern, Western/Central and Southern Europe which may form a molecular basis for precision medicine-based approaches for treatment and prevention of allergy.

Prenatal and Postpartum Maternal Iodide Intake from Diet and Supplements, Urinary Iodine and Thyroid Hormone Concentrations in a Region of the United Kingdom with Mild-to-Moderate Iodine Deficiency.

Iodine is essential for normal thyroid function, supporting healthy fetal and child development. Iodine requirements increase in pregnancy, but many women in regions without salt iodization have insufficient intakes. We explored associations between iodide intake and urinary iodine concentration (UIC), urinary iodine/creatinine ratio (I/Cr), thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroglobulin, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine and palpable goiter in a region of mild-to-moderate iodine insufficiency. A total of 246 pregnant women aged 18-40 in Bradford, UK, joined the Health and Iodine in Babies (Hiba) study. They provided detailed information on diet and supplement use, urine and serum samples and were assessed for goiter at around 12, 26 and 36 weeks' gestation, and 6, 18 and 30 weeks postpartum. Dietary iodide intake from food and drink was estimated using six 24 h recalls. During pregnancy, median (IQR) dietary iodide intake was 101 µg/day (54, 142), with 42% from dairy and 9% from white fish. Including supplements, intake was 143 µg/day (94, 196), with 49% < UK reference nutrient intake (140 µg/day). Women with Pakistani heritage had 129 µg/day (87, 190) median total intake. Total intake during pregnancy was associated with 4% (95% CI: 1%, 7%) higher UIC, 5% (3%, 7%) higher I/Cr, 4% (2%, 6%) lower thyroglobulin and 21% (9%, 32%) lower odds of palpable goiter per 50 µg/day. This cohort consumed less iodide in pregnancy than UK and World Health Organization dietary recommendations. UIC, I/Cr and thyroglobulin were associated with intake. Higher intake was associated with fewer goiters. Because dairy was the dominant source of iodide, women following plant-based or low-dairy diets may be at particular risk of iodine insufficiency.