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Published on: October 12, 2017
Dust-mites: effect on lipid peroxidation
Metin Atambay1, Aysun Bay Karabulut, Ozlem Makbule Aycan
1Department of Parasitology, Inonu University, Medical Faculty, Malatya, Turkey.
Background:
Dust-mites are present in our homes, feed on dead exfoliated skin and other organic material. It is also known that oxidative stress may lead to cellular damage that can be confirmed by markers of cellular disruption. Oxidative stress in various infective processes has been documented. We investigated whether house dust-mites cause oxidative stress in patients.
Methods:
Products of lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes and lymphocytes were assessed by measuring malondialdehyde concentration.
Results:
Our results showed that patients who had a positive skin test for dust-mite antigens and had dust-mites present in their houses (dust-mite positive) had increased erythrocyte malondialdehyde levels (62.39 [18.56] nmol/g-Hb) compared with those who were skin test positive, dust-mite negative (45.45 [10.82]) or skin test negative, dust-mite negative (42.20 [5.68]). They also had significantly higher levels of lymphocyte malondialdehyde (4.22 [0.55] nmol/g-protein) compared with those who were skin test positive, dust-mite negative (3.46 [0.29]) or skin test negative, dust-mite negative (1.25 [0.31]; p <0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the malondialdehyde levels of dust-mite negative/skin test positive and dust-mite negative/skin test negative patients.
Conclusion:
Increased malondialdehyde activity in lymphocytes and erythrocytes in the dust-mite positive/skin test positive group shows the presence of the oxidative stress in patients with dust-mite infestation.
Insights
House dust mites can cause oxidative stress in patients, indicated by elevated malondialdehyde levels in erythrocytes and lymphocytes. This finding highlights a potential health risk associated with dust mite exposure in homes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Biochemistry
Background:
- House dust mites are common indoor allergens.
- Oxidative stress is linked to cellular damage and various disease processes.
- Previous studies have documented oxidative stress in infectious conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if house dust mites induce oxidative stress in patients.
- To assess markers of cellular damage in individuals with dust mite exposure.
Main Methods:
- Assessed products of lipid peroxidation by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration.
- Measured MDA levels in erythrocytes and lymphocytes.
- Utilized skin testing for dust mite antigen sensitivity.
Main Results:
- Patients with positive skin tests and dust mites in their homes (dust-mite positive) showed increased erythrocyte MDA levels.
- Lymphocyte MDA levels were significantly higher in the dust-mite positive group compared to controls.
- No significant difference in MDA levels was observed between skin-test positive, dust-mite negative individuals and dust-mite negative, skin-test negative individuals.
Conclusions:
- Elevated malondialdehyde activity in lymphocytes and erythrocytes confirms oxidative stress in patients with dust mite infestation.
- This study demonstrates a direct link between house dust mite exposure and oxidative stress.
- Findings suggest dust mite control may be important for mitigating oxidative stress-related health issues.
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