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Updated: May 9, 2026
08:54
In Vivo Assessment of Alveolar Macrophage Efferocytosis Following Ozone Exposure
Published on: October 22, 2019
Ozone exaggerates nasal allergic inflammation
1University Clinic of Pulmology and Allergy, Medical Faculty Skopje, R. Macedonia.
Summary
Ozone exposure significantly increases nasal inflammation markers like histamine and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in allergic rhinitis patients. Allergic inflammation during pollen season exacerbates these ozone-induced responses.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Allergology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Ambient ozone is an environmental pollutant with potential respiratory effects.
- Allergic rhinitis involves inflammation of the nasal mucosa, particularly during pollen seasons.
- The impact of ozone on allergic nasal airways requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ambient ozone exposure on nasal airways in individuals with grass pollen allergic rhinitis.
- To evaluate how pre-existing allergic inflammation influences the nasal response to ozone.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind randomized trial exposed 10 allergic rhinitis patients to 400 ppb ozone and filtered air.
- Nasal lavage fluid was analyzed for inflammatory markers (histamine, ECP, MPO, proteins, albumin) and cell counts (neutrophils, eosinophils, epithelial cells).
- Exposures were conducted both before and during the grass pollen season.
Main Results:
- Ozone exposure significantly increased histamine, MPO, ECP, total proteins, and albumin during the pollen season.
- Significant increases in total protein and albumin were also observed out of season.
- Ozone induced neutrophil and eosinophil recruitment and activation in nasal lavage fluid, particularly during the pollen season.
Conclusions:
- Ozone exposure triggers neutrophil and eosinophil recruitment and activation in the nasal airways.
- Pre-existing allergic mucosal inflammation during the pollen season amplifies the nasal response to ozone.
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