Variations in Inflammatory Cells and IL-6 in Long-Distance Runners Susceptible to Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm and Previously Treated with Salbutamol

Background: Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm (EIB) is an inflammatory condition characterized by severe airway constriction following the mobilization of inflammatory cells and interleukin-6 (IL-6). When severe, EIB can require the use of pressurized salbutamol to treat athletes. This study investigated the nature of the systemic changes in inflammatory cells and post-exercise IL-6 concentrations after salbutamol treatment in EIB-susceptible distance runners. Materials and Methods: This was an experimental study that enrolled 12 long-distance runners. In Session A, the participants completed a treadmill exercise test, and those who had a maximum expiratory volume per second (FEV1) that was decreased by at least 10% compared to their base value were placed in the EIB-susceptible group (EIB+) (n = 6). Those whose FEV1 did not meet this criterion were placed in the nonresponsive (EIB?) group (n = 6). Before the Session B exercise, athletes in the BIE+ group inhaled two puffs of salbutamol (EIB+ Salb), while their EIB? counterparts received no treatment. Spirometry was performed before and after the exercise using a Spirobank G portable spirometer. Blood samples were taken before, immediately after and 2 hours after the stress test. Results: The mean post-exercise FEV1 values were not significantly different (p > 0.05) between the EIB+ Salb group and the EIB? group. The systemic changes in inflammatory cells and IL-6 concentrations in the EIB+ runners after salbutamol treatment were similar to those observed in their EIB? counterparts. Conclusion: Salbutamol pretreatment improved the systemic immune status of EIB-susceptible athletes.

Levels of Fine Particle Concentrations in Schools and Postexercise Pulmonary Function Disorders in Schoolchildren in Brazzaville

Context: Fine particles (PM2.5 and PM10) can accumulate in classrooms and in schoolyards located near urban roads. PM2.5 and PM10 can initiate, develop and exacerbate exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB). This study aimed to assess the concentration levels of PM2.5 and PM10 in schools and to determine the rate of sensitivity to EIB among schoolchildren. Methods: A total of 128 students (67 girls and 61 boys) with an average age of 11 participated in this study. An ISAAC II questionnaire on respiratory symptoms was administered. PM2.5 and PM10 were measured. A 6-minute stress test was performed. Spirometry was performed. The ratio (I/O) of the concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 recorded inside (I) the classrooms to those obtained outside (O) the classrooms was equal to 1 (I/O = 1). Results: The concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 recorded inside the classrooms and those obtained outside the classrooms were higher than the values recommended by the WHO. 29 students out of 128 were diagnosed as sensitive to EIB [EIB (+)], i.e., a rate of sensitivity to EIB of 22.66%. A drop in postexercise PEF of 17.396% was observed among EIB (+) students. Conclusion: Schoolchildren in schools located near highways are exposed to high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations. Exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 played an important role in the initiation and exacerbation of exercise-induced bronchospasm in schoolchildren from schools located near highways. Effective programs for improving air quality in schools must be put in place to reduce the effects of particulate pollution on the respiratory health of school children.

Automobile Pollution and Risk of Impaired Lung Function and Oxygen Saturation among Vendors Near Road Traffic in Brazzaville, Congo

Context: Automobile pollution is becoming a potential threat to the cardiorespiratory health of the urban population of sub-Saharan Africa. The present study aims to evaluate the level of concentrations of fine particles (PM2.5 and PM10) near road traffic and the effects of exposure to automobile pollutants on pulmonary function and arteriolar blood oxygen saturation among sellers around road traffic. Materials and Methods: The study recruited 48 healthy people carrying out a sales activity near road traffic. PM2.5 and PM10 measurements were taken from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. using a Temtop Airing-1000 portable particle detector. Spirometric measurements were taken in the morning and in the evening from a portable Spirobank G spirometer. Oxygen saturation measurements were also taken in the morning and evening using a Pulse oxymeter CMS50D pulse oxymeter. Results: Mean values of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of forced vital capacity (FEF25 - 75) recorded in the evening were significantly lower than those obtained in the morning in the subjects of the total group and in the men. Only the mean values of PEF and FEF25 - 75 obtained in the evening were significantly lower than those recorded in the morning in women. Minimum PM2.5 values recorded near road traffic were negatively correlated with evening PEF in men, while maximum PM10 values were negatively correlated with evening PEF in women. The blood oxygen saturation recorded in the evening was significantly lower than that obtained in the morning. Conclusion: Short-term exposure to automobile pollutants has adverse effects on lung function and oxygen saturation in people carrying out a sales activity near road traffic.

FVC and FEV Reference Values for Beninese Individuals Aged 17 - 20 Years

Background: 1) To determine forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV) for Beninese individuals of both sexes aged 17 - 20 years;2) Compare the observed values to those calculated based on the algorithms of the spirometer used. Materials and Methods: The FVC and FEV values were first measured using a Micro Quark spirometer and then calculated from equations for the European Respiratory Society-93 (ERS-93) in 148 subjects, including 46 girls. In each age group, the measured values for the height of the subjects were considered the only variables used to calculate the equations for FVC and FEV with their 95% confidence intervals. The means of the FEV and FVC values were obtained by univariate analysis. Results: The calculated FEV and FVC values were significantly higher (p Conclusion: The correction factors incorporated in spirometers imported from Europe no longer seem appropriate to measure the physical characteristics of African subjects. The differences between the two methods of assessment should be used as new ethnic correction factors.

Bronchospasm Diagnosis in Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Exposed to Automotive Pollutants in Porto-Novo

Background: In African cities, chronic exposure to pollutants is the most common public health problem faced daily by motorcycle taxi drivers. In Benin, studies conducted on motorcycle drivers, have shown the presence of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds and particulate matter in ambient air, which may affect lung function. Aims: This study aims to diagnose potential respiratory problems among 48 motorcycle taxi drivers (47.02 ± 8.75 years) compared to a control group made up of 52 people (46.38 ± 8.81 years) in Porto-Novo, Benin. Methods: A questionnaire, two exploration pulmonary function tests and two 6-minute walk tests were used to identify symptoms and changes in respiratory variables that reveal the existence of bronchospasm. Results: The frequency of respiratory symptoms noted among motorcycle taxi drivers is higher than that recorded among members of the control group. We observed that motorcycle drivers at rest and after physical effort have significantly lower respiratory variables (FVC, FEV1, PEF, FEF25-75, FEF50 and FEF25) (p < 0.05) than those recoded in control group. Conclusion: It can therefore be concluded that, because of the relatively long duration of exposure among motorcycle taxi drivers, the inhalation of automobile pollutants, may cause respiratory problems in this population.