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Published on: August 25, 2017
Asthma, oxidant stress, and diet
1Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts-Boston 02125-3393, USA. lawrence.greene@umb.edu
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
|November 27, 1999
Summary
Decreased childhood infections may drive asthma and atopy by shifting immune responses. Reduced dietary antioxidants may also contribute to these rising health issues.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Rising prevalence of atopy and asthma in developed nations over 30 years.
- Hypothesized link between reduced early childhood infections and immune system shifts.
- Potential role of decreased dietary antioxidant intake in exacerbating these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the connection between reduced childhood infections, immune dysregulation, and the rise of atopy and asthma.
- To investigate the contribution of diminished dietary antioxidant intake to asthma and atopy.
- To review existing research on antioxidant efficacy in asthma prevention and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on childhood infections, immune responses (Th1/Th2), and atopy/asthma.
- Analysis of trends in dietary antioxidant intake and correlation with asthma prevalence.
- Evaluation of studies assessing antioxidant interventions for asthma prevention and treatment.
Main Results:
- A decrease in early childhood infections is associated with a shift in T-lymphocyte populations towards Th2 responses.
- This immune shift promotes airway inflammation, oxidative stress, and the development of atopy and asthma.
- Reduced dietary antioxidant intake appears to correlate with increased rates of atopy and asthma.
Conclusions:
- The decline in childhood infections and reduced antioxidant intake are significant factors in the increasing incidence of atopy and asthma.
- Targeting immune responses and enhancing antioxidant defenses may offer strategies for asthma prevention and management.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and optimize antioxidant-based interventions.
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