In vitro inhibition of α-Synuclein aggregation and disaggregation of preformed fibers by polyphenol hybrids with 2-conjugated benzothiazole.

The misfolding and aggregation of α-Syn play a pivotal role in connecting diverse pathological pathways in Parkinson's disease (PD). Preserving α-Syn proteostasis and functionality by inhibiting its aggregation or disaggregating existing aggregates using suitable inhibitors represents a promising strategy for PD prevention and treatment. In this study, a series of benzothiazole-polyphenol hybrids was designed and synthesized. Three identified compounds exhibited notable inhibitory activities against α-Syn aggregation in vitro, with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. These inhibitors demonstrated sustained inhibitory effects throughout the entire aggregation process, stabilizing α-Syn proteostasis conformation. Moreover, the compounds effectively disintegrated preformed α-Syn oligomers and fibers, potentially by binding to specific domains within the fibers, inducing fibril instability, collapse, and ultimately resulting in smaller-sized aggregates and monomers. These findings offer valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of polyphenol hybrids with 2-conjugated benzothiazole targeting α-Syn aggregation in the treatment of PD.

Pyrazolamide derivatives inhibit α-Synuclein aggregation, disaggregate preformed fibers, and reduce inclusion formation in neuron cells.

α-Syn fibers, the primary cause and central element of Lewy bodies (LB), play a pivotal role in the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). This research aims to identify more potent inhibitors of α-Syn aggregation. A series of N-aryl-3-aryl-pyrazole-5-carboxamide derivatives were designed and synthesized for this purpose. Among them, four candidate compounds, combining pyrazole and polyphenol blocks, were identified through screening, demonstrating good inhibitory effects with IC50 values in the low micromolar range (1.25-4.29 µM). Two candidates exhibited high permeability through the blood-brain barrier. Mechanistic studies using various methods revealed that the candidates preferentially bind to the aggregation-prone domains-proNAC or NAC domains of α-Syn. This binding hinders the conformational transition from random coil/α-helix to ß-sheet, preserving α-Syn proteostasis. As a result, it interferes with α-Syn nuclei formation, prolongs the lag phase, decelerates the elongation phase, and ultimately impedes the formation of α-Syn fibrils. Additionally, the candidates demonstrated promising results in the disaggregation of preformed α-Syn fibers, potentially by binding to specific sites near the ß-sheet domain within fibers. This reduces fiber stability, causing rapid collapse and yielding smaller aggregates and monomers. Crucially, the candidate compounds exhibited significant inhibitory efficacy against α-Syn aggregation within nerve cells with low cytotoxicity. This resulted in a notable inhibition of the formation of LB-like α-Syn inclusions. These compounds show considerable promise as potential therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of PD.

Therapeutic potential of Coumarin-polyphenolic acid hybrids in PD: Inhibition of α-Syn aggregation and disaggregation of preformed fibrils, leading to reduced neuronal inclusion formation.

This study focuses on the discovery of new potential drugs for treating PD by targeting the aggregation of α-Syn. A series of hybrids combining Coumarin and phenolic acid were designed and synthesized. Four particularly promising compounds were identified, showing strong inhibitory effects with IC50 values ranging from low micromolar to submicromolar concentrations, as low as 0.63 µM. These compounds exhibited a higher binding affinity to α-Syn residues and effectively hindered the entire aggregation process, maintaining the proteostasis conformation of α-Syn and preventing the formation of ß-sheet aggregates. This approach holds significant promise for PD prevention. Additionally, these candidate compounds demonstrated the ability to break down preformed α-Syn oligomers and fibrils, resulting in the formation of smaller aggregates and monomers. Moreover, the candidate compounds showed impressive effectiveness in inhibiting α-Syn aggregation within nerve cells, thereby reducing the likelihood of α-Syn inclusion formation resembling Lewy bodies, which highlights their potential for treating PD.

The potential of Rhein's aromatic amines for Parkinson's disease prevention and treatment: α-Synuclein aggregation inhibition and disaggregation of preformed fibers.

The aggregation of α-Syn is a pivotal mechanism in Parkinson's disease (PD). Effectively maintaining α-Syn proteostasis involves both inhibiting its aggregation and promoting disaggregation. In this study, we developed a series of aromatic amide derivatives based on Rhein. Two of these compounds, 4,5-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-9,10-dioxo-9,10-dihydroanthracene-2-carboxamide (a5) and 4,5-dihydroxy-N-(2-hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl)-9,10-dioxo-9,10-dihydroanthracene-2-carboxamide (a8), exhibited good binding affinities to α-Syn residues, demonstrating promising inhibitory activity against α-Syn aggregation in vitro, with low IC50 values (1.35 and 1.08 µM, respectivly). These inhibitors acted throughout the entire aggregation process by stabilizing α-Syn's conformation and preventing the formation of ß-sheet aggregates. They also effectively disassembled preformed α-Syn oligomers and fibrils. Preliminary mechanistic insights indicated that they bound to the specific domain within fibrils, inducing fibril instability, collapse, and the formation of smaller aggregates and monomeric α-Syn units. This research underscores the therapeutic potential of Rhein's aromatic amides in targeting α-Syn aggregation for PD treatment and suggests broader applications in managing and preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

4-Arylidene curcumin derivatives in vitro inhibit α-Synuclein aggregation and disaggregate the preformed fibril.

This study focuses on the misfolding and aggregation of α-Syn as a central mechanism linking various pathological processes in PD. Maintaining α-Syn proteostasis through suitable inhibitors emerges as an effective approach to prevent PD. A more efficient strategy for PD treatment involves disintegrating neurotoxic oligomers and fibrils into normal functional α-Syn using inhibitors. To this end, a series of 4-arylidene curcumin derivatives were synthesized with a sheet-like conjugated skeleton and higher binding energies with α-Syn residues. Among these derivatives, three candidate compounds exhibited promising α-Syn aggregation inhibitory activities in vitro, with IC50 values as low as 0.61 µM. The inhibitory action extended throughout the entire aggregation process, stabilizing α-Syn proteostasis conformation and preventing ß-sheets aggregation. Furthermore, the candidate compounds demonstrated effective disintegration capabilities against preformed α-Syn oligomers and fibrils. Initial mechanistic investigations indicated that the inhibitors may bind to a specific domain within the fibril, inducing fibril instability and subsequent collapse. This process resulted in the formation of a complex system of aggregates with smaller sizes and monomers. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights into the potential of 4-arylidene curcumin derivatives as therapeutic agents for targeting α-Syn aggregation in PD treatment.

Synthesis, Characterization of Low Molecular Weight Chitosan Selenium Nanoparticles and Its Effect on DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice.

Selenium nanoparticles have attracted extensive attention due to their good bioavailability and activity. In the present study, a new form of selenium nanoparticle (Low molecular weight chitosan selenium nanoparticles (LCS-SeNPs)) were synthesized in a system of sodium selenite and acetic acid. The size, element state, morphology and elementary composition of LCS-SeNPs were characterized by using various spectroscopic and microscopic measurements. The protection of LCS-SeNPs against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction and the inherent mechanisms of this process were investigated. The results showed that LCS-SeNPs, with an average diameter of 198 nm, zero-valent and orange-red relatively uniform spherical particles were prepared. LCS-SeNPs were mainly composed of C, N, O and Se elements, of which Se accounted for 39.03% of the four elements C, N, O and Se. LCS-SeNPs reduced colon injury and inflammation symptoms and improved intestinal barrier dysfunction. LCS-SeNPs significantly reduced serum and colonic inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Moreover, LCS-SeNPs remarkably increased antioxidant enzyme GSH-Px levels in serum and colonic tissue. Further studies on inflammatory pathways showed that LCS-SeNPs alleviated DSS-induced colitis through the NF-κB signaling pathway, and relieved inflammatory associated oxidative stress through the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Our findings suggested that LCS-SeNPs are a promising selenium species with potential applications in the treatment of oxidative stress related inflammatory intestinal diseases.

p38 MAPK is Crucial for Wnt1- and LiCl-Induced Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by myofibroblast foci in lung parenchyma. Myofibroblasts are thought to originate from epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Wnt1 and lithium chloride (LiCl) induce EMT in alveolar epithelial cells (AECs), but the mechanisms are unclear. AECs were treated with Wnt1 and LiCl, respectively; morphological change and molecular changes of EMT, including E-cadherin, fibronectin, and vimentin, were observed. SB203580 was administrated to test the role of p38 МАРК signaling in EMT. Then AECs were treated with siRNAs targeting p38 МАРК to further test the effects of p38 МАРК, and the role was further confirmed by re-expression of p38 МАРК. At last P-catenin siRNA was used to test the role of ß-catenin in the EMT process and relationship of ß-catenin and p38 МАРК was concluded. Exposure of AECs to Wnt1 and LiCl resulted in upregulation of vimentin and fibronectin with subsequent downregulation of E-cadherin. Wnt1 and LiCl stimulated the p38 МАРК signaling pathways. Perturbing the p38 МАРК pathway either by SB203580 or through p38 МАРК siRNA blocked EMT and inhibited fibronetin synthesis, which were reversed by transfection of p38 МАРК expression plasmid. ß-catenin siRNA attenuated the EMT process and decreased p38 МАРК phosphorylation, indicating that ß-catenin is involved in the EMTrelated changes through regulation of p38 МАРК phosphorylation. These findings suggest that p38 МАРК participates in the pathogenesis of EMT through Wnt pathway and that p38 МАРК may be a novel target for IPF therapy.

Enterococcus xiangfangensis sp. nov., isolated from Chinese pickle.

A Gram-stain-positive bacterial strain, 11097(T), was isolated from traditional pickle in Heilongjiang Province, China. The bacterium was characterized using a polyphasic approach, including 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, phenylalanyl-tRNA synthase (pheS) gene sequence analysis, RNA polymerase α subunit (rpoA) gene sequence analysis, fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis, determination of DNA G+C content, DNA-DNA hybridization and an analysis of phenotypic features. Strain 11097(T) was phylogenetically related to Enterococcus devriesei, E. pseudoavium, E. viikkiensis, E. avium, E. malodoratus, E. gilvus and E. raffinosus. Strain 11097(T) had 99.1-99.9% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, 78.2-83.2% pheS gene sequence similarities and 93.8-96.6% rpoA gene sequence similarities with type strains of phylogenetically related species. Based upon polyphasic characterization data obtained in the present study, a novel species of the genus Enterococcus, Enterococcus xiangfangensis sp. nov., is proposed with the type strain 11097(T) ( = LMG 27495(T) = NCIMB 14834(T)).

Effects of outdoor and indoor air pollution on respiratory health of Chinese children from 50 kindergartens.

BACKGROUND: Concentrations of ambient air pollution and pollutants in China have changed considerably during the last decade. However, few studies have evaluated the effects of current ambient air pollution on the health of kindergarten children. METHODS: We studied 6730 Chinese children (age, 3-7 years) from 50 kindergartens in 7 cities of Northeast China in 2009. Parents or guardians completed questionnaires that asked about the children's histories of respiratory symptoms and risk factors. Three-year concentrations of particles with an aerodynamic diameter ≤10 µm (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxides (NO2) were calculated at monitoring stations in 25 study districts. A 2-stage regression approach was used in data analyses. RESULTS: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was higher among children living near a busy road, those living near chimneys or a factory, those having a coal-burning device, those living with smokers, and those living in a home that had been recently renovated. Among girls, PM10 was associated with persistent cough (odds ratio [OR]PM10 = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.18-1.77), persistent phlegm (ORPM10 = 1.36; 95% CI, 1.02-1.81), and wheezing (ORPM10 = 1.31; 95% CI, 1.04-1.65). NO2 concentration was associated with increased prevalence of allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.96; 95% CI, 1.27-3.02) among girls. In contrast, associations of respiratory symptoms with concentrations of PM10, SO2, and NO2 were not statistically significant among boys. CONCLUSIONS: Air pollution is particularly important in the development of respiratory morbidity among children. Girls may be more susceptible than boys to air pollution.

Predictive equations using regression analysis of pulmonary function for healthy children in Northeast China.

BACKGROUND: There have been few published studies on spirometric reference values for healthy children in China. We hypothesize that there would have been changes in lung function that would not have been precisely predicted by the existing spirometric reference equations. The objective of the study was to develop more accurate predictive equations for spirometric reference values for children aged 9 to 15 years in Northeast China. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Spirometric measurements were obtained from 3,922 children, including 1,974 boys and 1,948 girls, who were randomly selected from five cities of Liaoning province, Northeast China, using the ATS (American Thoracic Society) and ERS (European Respiratory Society) standards. The data was then randomly split into a training subset containing 2078 cases and a validation subset containing 1844 cases. Predictive equations used multiple linear regression techniques with three predictor variables: height, age and weight. Model goodness of fit was examined using the coefficient of determination or the R(2) and adjusted R(2). The predicted values were compared with those obtained from the existing spirometric reference equations. The results showed the prediction equations using linear regression analysis performed well for most spirometric parameters. Paired t-tests were used to compare the predicted values obtained from the developed and existing spirometric reference equations based on the validation subset. The t-test for males was not statistically significant (p>0.01). The predictive accuracy of the developed equations was higher than the existing equations and the predictive ability of the model was also validated. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: We developed prediction equations using linear regression analysis of spirometric parameters for children aged 9-15 years in Northeast China. These equations represent the first attempt at predicting lung function for Chinese children following the ATS/ERS Task Force 2005 guidelines on spirometry standardization.

Allergic predisposition modifies the effects of pet exposure on respiratory disease in boys and girls: the seven northeast cities of China (SNECC) study.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between pet exposure and the respiratory disease in childhood has been a controversial topic, much is still unknown about the nature of the associations between pet exposure and children's respiratory health stratified by gender and allergic predisposition. The objective of the present study was to assess the relationship between pet exposure and respiratory symptoms in Chinese children, and to investigate the modified effects of gender and allergic predisposition on such relationship. METHODS: 31,049 children were selected from 25 districts of 7 cities in Northeast China in 2009. Information on respiratory health and exposure to home environmental factors was obtained via a standard questionnaire designed by the American Thoracic Society. RESULTS: Children with an allergic predisposition were found to have more frequent exposure to pets than those without an allergic predisposition (18.5% vs. 15.4%). In children without an allergic predisposition, pet exposure was associated with increased susceptibility to respiratory symptoms/diseases, with girls being more susceptible than boys. No association was found between pet exposure and respiratory symptoms/diseases in boys with an allergic predisposition. In girls with an allergic predisposition, association was found between doctor-diagnosed asthma and pet exposure of their mother during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio (ORs)=2.03; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-4.33), and their current pet exposure (ORs=1.37; 95%CI: 1.00-1.88). CONCLUSIONS: Pet exposure in children without an allergic predisposition was associated with increased susceptibility to respiratory disease, with girls being more susceptible than boys.

Gender differences and effect of air pollution on asthma in children with and without allergic predisposition: northeast Chinese children health study.

BACKGROUND: Males and females exhibit different health responses to air pollution, but little is known about how exposure to air pollution affects juvenile respiratory health after analysis stratified by allergic predisposition. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between air pollutants and asthmatic symptoms in Chinese children selected from multiple sites in a heavily industrialized province of China, and investigate whether allergic predisposition modifies this relationship. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: 30139 Chinese children aged 3-to-12 years were selected from 25 districts of seven cities in northeast China in 2009. Information on respiratory health was obtained using a standard questionnaire from the American Thoracic Society. Routine air-pollution monitoring data was used for particles with an aerodynamic diameter ≤10 µm (PM(10)), sulfur dioxide (SO(2)), nitrogen dioxides (NO(2)), ozone (O(3)) and carbon monoxide (CO). A two-stage regression approach was applied in data analyses. The effect estimates were presented as odds ratios (ORs) per interquartile changes for PM(10), SO(2), NO(2), O(3), and CO. The results showed that children with allergic predisposition were more susceptible to air pollutants than children without allergic predisposition. Amongst children without an allergic predisposition, air pollution effects on asthma were stronger in males compared to females; Current asthma prevalence was related to PM(10) (ORs = 1.36 per 31 µg/m(3); 95% CI, 1.08-1.72), SO(2) (ORs = 1.38 per 21 µg/m(3); 95%CI, 1.12-1.69) only among males. However, among children with allergic predisposition, more positively associations between air pollutants and respiratory symptoms and diseases were detected in females; An increased prevalence of doctor-diagnosed asthma was significantly associated with SO(2) (ORs = 1.48 per 21 µg/m(3); 95%CI, 1.21-1.80), NO(2) (ORs = 1.26 per 10 µg/m(3); 95%CI, 1.01-1.56), and current asthma with O(3) (ORs = 1.55 per 23 µg/m(3); 95%CI, 1.18-2.04) only among females. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Ambient air pollutions were more evident in males without an allergic predisposition and more associations were detected in females with allergic predisposition.

Gender-specific differences in effects of prenatal and postnatal environmental tobacco smoke exposure on respiratory symptoms in 23,474 children with and without allergic predisposition: results from 25 districts of northeast China.

To assess the interaction of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure and allergic predisposition regarding respiratory health among Chinese children, a sample of 23,474 children (6-13 years old) was studied from 25 districts in Liaoning province, China. The results showed that children without allergic predisposition were more susceptible to ETS than children with allergic predisposition. Among children without allergic predisposition, ETS exposure was associated with more respiratory symptoms and diseases in boys than in girls; In utero ETS exposure was associated with history of asthma (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.44-2.40) and current asthma (OR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.48-3.44) only among boys without allergic predisposition. Among children with allergic predisposition, more associations between ETS exposure and respiratory symptoms and diseases were detected in girls. In conclusion, ETS exposure was more evident in boys without family atopy history and more associations were detected in girls with family atopy history.

Exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke enhances respiratory symptoms and responses to animals in 8,819 children in kindergarten: results from 25 districts in northeast China.

BACKGROUND: Experimental data suggest that asthma exacerbation by allergens is enhanced by exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS); however, there is little supporting epidemiologic evidence. To our knowledge, few studies have assessed respiratory symptoms and allergies in this context. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the association of exposure to animals (indicators of allergen and endotoxin exposure) with asthma-related symptoms is modified by ETS exposure in Chinese children. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 8,819 children in kindergarten was conducted in 25 districts in northern China. Information on respiratory health and exposure to indoor allergens was obtained using a standard questionnaire from the American Thoracic Society. RESULTS: Among the children with ETS exposure in utero, the effects of exposure to animals were significant with respect to persistent cough [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.83; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-2.99] and persistent phlegm (adjusted OR 2.40; 95% CI 1.28-4.54). The combined effect of in utero ETS exposure and animal exposure on doctor-diagnosed asthma was approximately as expected on the basis of their independent effects on an additive scale. There was no interaction between animal exposure and ETS exposure in the first 2 years of life or current ETS exposure. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that animal and ETS exposure increases the risk of asthma-related symptoms in children in kindergarten. ETS exposure in utero did modify the effect of animal exposure on persistent phlegm and persistent cough but not on doctor-diagnosed asthma among children.

Housing characteristics, home environmental factors and respiratory health in 3945 pre-school children in China.

The objective of the study was to assess the effects of housing characteristics and home environmental factors on respiratory symptoms of Chinese children. A cross-sectional study of 3945 children aged 1-6-years-old was conducted at 24 randomly selected kindergartens in Liaoning province, northeast China during April 2007. Information on respiratory symptoms (persistent cough, persistent phlegm, doctor-diagnosed asthma, current asthma, current wheeze and allergic rhinitis) and exposures to home environmental factors was obtained by a standard questionnaire from the American Thoracic Society. We used Chi-square tests, multivariate logistic regression models and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for estimates of the risk of respiratory symptoms. Results suggested that the prevalence of asthma-related symptoms was higher for those who lived along the main stem of traffic, and houses near a pollution source. Lower prevalence rates of respiratory morbidity were associated with households with a larger area of residence and more rooms. Pet keeping was associated with doctor-diagnosed asthma (OR = 1.45; 95% CI, 1.03-2.06). Among boys, home decorations significantly increased the risk of doctor-diagnosed asthma (OR = 1.71; 95% CI, 1.21-2.41), current asthma (OR = 1.80; 95% CI, 1.10-2.94) and current wheeze (OR = 1.81; 95% CI, 1.31-2.50). Environmental tobacco smoke, pests and visible mold on walls were associated with the occurrence of asthma symptoms, especially in boys. Based upon the findings of this study, it is concluded that home environmental factors are particularly important for the development of respiratory morbidity among children. Boys may be more susceptible to home environmental factors than girls.

Asthma and asthma-related symptoms in 16 789 Chinese children in relation to pet keeping and parental atopy.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between exposure to animals and allergic respiratory diseases in childhood is controversial, and there is little information about how exposure to pets affects the respiratory health of Chinese children, who have lower rates of asthma. OBJECTIVE: To study the association between exposure to pets and doctor-diagnosed asthma and asthma-related symptoms in Chinese children. We also investigated whether genetic propensity as a result of parental atopy modifies these relations. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 16 789 children was conducted at 24 randomly selected kindergartens and 12 elementary schools in Liaoning province, China. Information on respiratory health and exposure to indoor allergens was obtained by a standard questionnaire from the American Thoracic Society. RESULTS: In children, exposure to animals was associated with a diagnosis of asthma (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30-1.70), wheezing (adjusted OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.18-1.60), persistent cough (adjusted OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.52-1.91), and persistent phlegm (adjusted OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.94-2.64). Parental atopy increased the risk of a diagnosis of asthma (adjusted OR, 3.12; 95% CI, 2.61-3.73) and asthma-related symptoms. There was an interaction between parental atopy and pet exposure in persistent cough and persistent phlegm, but not in doctor-diagnosed asthma. CONCLUSIONS: Pet keeping and parental atopy increased the risk of asthma and allergic respiratory diseases in children. Parental atopy modified the effect of pet exposure in persistent cough and persistent phlegm but not in doctor-diagnosed asthma.

Housing characteristics, home environmental factors and respiratory health in 14,729 Chinese children.

BACKGROUND: Very few studies have assessed the relative impact of housing characteristics and home environmental factors on asthma and asthma-related symptoms in Chinese children who have lower rates of asthma. To our knowledge few studies have assessed respiratory symptoms and allergies in this context. METHODS: To assess the effects of housing characteristics, pet keeping, home decorations and other indoor environmental factors on respiratory health of Chinese children. We studied a population of 14,729 children (1-13 years old) from 12 districts in Liaoning province, Northeast China. Information on respiratory health, housing characteristics, and environmental pollutions were obtained by a standard questionnaire from the American Thoracic Society. RESULTS: Housing conditions, house adjacent to traffic or not, house with or without pollution source nearby, pet keeping, presence of pests and mold/water damage in the home, home decorations and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) were associated with doctor-diagnosed asthma and asthma-related symptoms both in boys and girls. The vulnerability towards exposure to housing conditions and environmental factors differed between males and females. Among boys, the risk of respiratory morbidity appeared to be reduced in households with larger surface areas and more rooms; use of a ventilation device was strongly protective against persistent phlegm (OR=0.68; 95%CI: 0.48, 0.96). Asthma-related symptoms were more associated with different pets among girls than among boys. The presence of a cat in the household was associated with doctor-diagnosed asthma (OR=1.89; 95% CI, 1.11-3.20), current wheeze (OR=2.64; 95% CI, 1.52-4.59), persistent cough (OR=1.84; 95% CI, 1.18-2.87) and persistent phlegm (OR=2.17; 95% CI, 1.21-3.87) only among girls. CONCLUSION: Living within the vicinity of a source of pollution, traffic, pet keeping, home decorations, pests, mold and ETS are important determinants of children's respiratory health in China.

Effects of housing characteristics and home environmental factors on respiratory symptoms of 10,784 elementary school children from northeast china.

BACKGROUND: Only few studies have assessed the relative impact of housing characteristics and home environmental factors on asthma and asthma-related symptoms in Chinese children, and to our knowledge, few studies have elaborated respiratory symptoms and allergies in this context. OBJECTIVE: It was the aim of this study to assess the effects of housing characteristics, pet keeping, home decorations and other indoor environmental factors on respiratory health of Chinese children. METHODS: We studied 10,784 children (6-13 years old) from 12 districts in Liaoning province, Northeast China. Information on respiratory health, housing characteristics and environmental pollution was obtained by a standard questionnaire from the American Thoracic Society. RESULTS: Prevalence of asthma-related symptoms was higher for those living along the main stem of traffic, and for those with a house nearby a pollution source. Lower prevalence rates of respiratory morbidity were associated with households with a bigger area of residence and more rooms. Pet keeping was associated with doctor-diagnosed asthma (OR = 1.52; 95% CI 1.25-1.84). Home decorations also increased the risk of doctor-diagnosed asthma (OR = 1.72; 95% CI 1.45-2.04) and current asthma (OR = 1.43; 95% CI 1.06-1.93). Environmental tobacco smoke, pests and visible mold on walls were associated with the occurrence of asthma symptoms. CONCLUSION: Home environmental factors are particularly important for the development of respiratory morbidity among children.