To date, some studies suggest that passive smoking (PS) may be an important determinant of FeNO levels in children but sill there is a need of investigations using objective methods of PS exposure. The aim of our study was to examine the effect of PS, measured by urine cotinine levels, on FeNO and lung function (FEV1) in allergic and non-allergic asthmatic children. METHODS: It was a prospective, non-interventional study. 140 children, aged 4-17, newly diagnosed with asthma were recruited into two study groups (exposed group, unexposed group), according to smoking exposure/unexposure based on the questionnaire. There was one study visit. Subjects underwent a medical history (including history of atopy), physical examination, spirometry, FeNO and urinary cotinine measurement. RESULTS: 70 individuals had been exposed to tobacco smoke. The patients exposed to tobacco smoke were characterized by statistically significantly higher urine concentration of cotinine, 10,80 ng/mL, than their counterparts who had not been exposed to tobacco smoke, 1,56 ng/mL (P = 0,019). In the group of individuals unexposed to tobacco smoke the mean value of FeNO was 34,99 ppb, while in the group of patient who had been exposed to tobacco smoke, the corresponding mean value was significantly lower, it amounted to 22,41 ppb (P = 0,001) (Table 1). As regards to FEV1 measurements, there were not any statistically significant differences by study groups unexposed/exposed to tobacco smoke (P = 0,179 and P = 0,074, respectively). FeNO levels (ppb) in the studied patients allergic to cat, grass or trees, exposed to tobacco smoke were significantly lower than in those children unexposed to tobacco smoke. Our results suggest a clinically important issue, that FeNO results should be interpreted in the context of environmental tobacco smoke exposure. Additionally allergy to cat dander, grass or tree may be potential confounding factor, which should be taken into consideration.

Microelements and vitamins are believed to have immunomodulatory effects. The aim of the study was to establish the role of antioxidants (vitamins A, E, D) and microelements such as copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) levels in allergic diseases in schoolchildren. The study uses a cohort of 80 children (40 with and 40 without allergy/asthma diagnosis) aged 9 to 12 years recruited for the Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study. At nine to twelve years old, the children were tested for microelement and vitamin content and health status (including skin-prick test and spirometry, urine cotinine level). Demographic data were collected from mothers by an allergist. The risk of asthma occurrence was found to be significantly related to the levels of Cu and Zn. The level of Cu was also particularly closely associated with allergic rhinitis and was indicated as a significant predictor of food allergy. The levels of Cu and Zn, and poor nutritional status in general, can influence the immune system and may be considered risk factors for developing asthma, allergic rhinitis and food allergy.

Objective. We hypothesized that, in our REPRO_PL cohort, exposure to indoor allergens and lifestyle factors in early life are associated with risk of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis at ten years of age. Methods. We only examined children who had lived in the same house from birth. Children’s exposure to tobacco smoke was assessed based on cotinine levels in urine. House dust samples were collected. Results. Higher Fel d1 concentration in house dust was associated with significantly higher risk of developing asthma at age 10 years (95% CI,10.87 to 20.93; p < 0.001). Frequent house cleaning was associated with development of atopic dermatitis (odds ratio 0.61; 95% CI 0.37 to 0.99; p = 0.045). Clustering of exposure to HDM revealed two types of environment. Cluster 1, defined as lower HDM (dust), in contrast to Cluster 2, defined as higher HDM, was characterized by old-type windows, lower fungus and dampness levels, as well as more frequent house cleaning. Conclusion. Exposure to cat allergens and new-type buildings that limit air flow while increasing the condensation of steam on the windows and thereby stimulating the growth of fungi are risk factors for the development of asthma.

Bisphenols are a group of chemical compounds widely used in the industry, e.g., in the production of plastics, and as precursor of epoxy resins. The three bisphenols investigated in this study, namely bisphenols A (BPA), F (BPF) and S (BPS), seem to have endocrine activity in the same order of magnitude. Thus, an exposure and risk assessment was performed based on urinary concentrations of these bisphenols in 150 urine samples of 7-year-old children from the Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study (REPRO_PL). Samples were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography with online sample clean-up coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (online-SPE-LC-MS/MS). BPA, BPF, and BPS were above the LOQ (0.25 µg/L) in 100%, 95%, and 20% of the samples, respectively, with median concentrations of 2.5 µg/L, 1.0 µg/L and < 0.25 µg/L (below the LOQ), respectively. Median Daily Intakes (DIs) were calculated: 45.9 ng/kg bw/day for BPA, at maximum 33.1 ng/kg bw/day for BPF (depending on the urinary excretion fractions used for calculation) and below 4.4 ng/kg bw/day for BPS (calculated at LOQ/2). Hazard quotients (HQ) at the 95th percentile of 0.011 for BPF and 0.63 for BPS did not indicate health risks. However, based on the TDI of 0.2 ng/kg bw/day newly established by EFSA, the HQ for BPA was above 1 in 100% of the samples, thus indicating the exceedance of safe exposure levels. No statistically significant associations were found between bisphenol concentrations and socio-demographic and life-style characteristics, although environmental tobacco smoke at 7 years of age, maternal educational level and socio-economic status showed a positive trend. Further studies are required in order to recognize other BPA replacement exposures among children.

Objectives: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are involved both in immune system regulation and inflammation. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the association between maternal dietary intake of PUFAs during pregnancy and atopic dermatitis (AD) and food allergy (FA) in their...