Survey Results of HHS and HHS-Sponsored Research on the Health Effects of Exposure to Indoor Mold
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Survey Results
Recently Completed Research

Project
Title		 Project
Description		 Agency
Contact		 Telephone
Number
Socio-Cultural Influences on Allergic Sensitization The prevalence of asthma among children of Puerto Rican ethnicity residing in New York City (NYC) has already been reported as among the highest in the world. In addition, we understand that housing factors influence levels of indoor allergens, such that poor housing lends rise to cockroach and mouse allergens, and high humidity is associated with high house dust mite (HDM) allergen levels. What is NOT known is the critical period of exposure in early life, the level of allergen exposure, and the duration of the exposure that leads to sensitization to indoor allergens, and how socioeconomic status, level of acculturation, and travel between NYC and Puerto Rico among these families influences this critical exposure. Our hypothesis is that Puerto Rican children living in NYC are exposed to more indoor allergens early in life than other children in NYC because they do travel to tropical environments where different types of dust mites are more abundant than in NYC. We will assess socioeconomic status, level of acculturation, travel between NYC and Puerto Rico, and the indoor allergen levels in their home environment in NYC and in the homes in Puerto Rico that are visited by them during the first 4 years of life among a birth cohort of Puerto Rican ethnicity from families where the mother has inhalant allergy living in NYC. At two timepoints, 2 and 4 years, we will collect blood from the child and measure IgE specific for dust mite, cat, cockroach, and mouse allergens. At the 4 year clinic visit, we will also assess whether the child has a diagnosis of probable persistent wheeze asthma or other allergic diseases. Our assembled team includes an aeroallergen scientist, asthma and social epidemiologists, a pediatric pulmonologist, and a statistician, all of which are experienced in conducting large-scale, populationbased studies. If we show that travel to Puerto Rico is associated with sensitization to HDM, will this deter parents from taking their children with them to the island? We hope not, because familial and cultural relations are important. This is where the blend of social and environmental science is crucial. We must understand how the two lead to allergic sensitization and be cognizant that they both will be required for the most effective primary prevention of allergic asthma. Kim Gray 919-541-0293
Proteolytic Enzymes And Inhibitors In Lung Disease Host proteolytic enzymes are believed to play a central role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary emphysema, through degradation of alveolar connective tissue proteins. However, little is known about whether this lung disease can be either caused or exacerbated by proteinases secreted by bacterial or fungal respiratory pathogens. Significantly, none of these enzymes are known to be regulated by host proteinase inhibitors. While it is believed that their primary function is to degrade host proteins to provide nutrients for the growth and proliferation of the invading organism, we propose that they also provide a means for evasion of host defense. For these reasons, the specific aims of this project are as follows: (1) to isolate and characterize selected proteinases secreted by lung pathogens, including Aspergillus fuimigatus, Stachybotrys chartarum, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus; (2) to investigate the effect of pathogen-derived proteinases on the degradation/inactivation of host bactericidal peptides and proteins utilized to maintain homeostasis within the lung; and (3) to study the effect of exposure to these proteinases on (a) the responsiveness of human monocytes and neutrophils to major pro-and anti-inflammatory stimulation and (b) the ability of proteinase-exposed monocytes to clear apoptotic neutrophils. Long-term goals are to determine whether the proteinases to be investigated play major roles in host defense evasion and tissue destruction within the lung. If this is the case, then they might be considered as targets for the development of inhibitors in order to control or eradicate lung microbial infections. James P. Kiley 301-435-0233
National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing This cross-sectional study surveyed a nationally representative sample of 831 housing units inhabited by 2,456 individuals in 75 different locations throughout the United States. Information on housing and household characteristics was obtained by questionnaire and environmental assessments. The survey estimated levels of several indoor allergens, including levels of the fungus Alternaria alternata, in U.S. homes. Allergen concentrations in dust collected from various indoor sites were assessed with immunoassays. We examined the prevalence of Alternaria exposure and identified independent predictors of Alternaria concentrations in U.S. homes. We also investigated the associations between indoor exposures to Alternaria and asthma-realted symptoms among the study population. Darryl Zeldin 919-541-1169