Airway inflammation in employees involved in cultivating Japanese mushrooms (bunashimeji)

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Methods for Detecting Cough and Airway Inflammation in Mice
04:33

Methods for Detecting Cough and Airway Inflammation in Mice

Published on: August 2, 2024

Kenji Tsushima1, Masanori Yasuo, Tsuyoshi Tanabe

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Asahi Matsumoto, Japan. tsushima@hsp.md.shinshu-u.ac.jp

Respirology (Carlton, Vic.)
|April 16, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Bunashimeji spores cause airway inflammation and toxic effects in the lungs. This study found direct inflammatory impacts on bronchial epithelial cells, leading to respiratory symptoms like cough and sputum.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Immunology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Chronic inhalation of spores can lead to respiratory issues, including productive cough and sputum.
  • Bunashimeji spores are a potential trigger for airway inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the clinical pathophysiology of airway inflammation induced by bunashimeji spores.
  • To investigate the direct toxic inflammatory effects of bunashimeji spores on the airways.

Main Methods:

  • Enrolled sensitized and non-sensitized employees with respiratory symptoms.
  • Conducted sputum induction and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT).
  • Assessed in vitro effects of bunashimeji spores on human bronchial epithelial cells and measured inflammatory markers (IL-8, ENA-78).

Main Results:

  • Elevated neutrophil counts in sputum correlated with abnormal HRCT findings.
  • Bunashimeji spore stimulation significantly increased IL-8 and ENA-78 concentrations and IL-8 mRNA expression in bronchial epithelial cells.
  • Higher spore concentrations led to increased IL-8 mRNA expression over time.

Conclusions:

  • Bunashimeji spore inhalation directly causes toxic inflammatory effects in the airways.
  • These inflammatory effects are independent of the individual's sensitization level.

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