022-0222411-2410 Allergotoxic Effects of General and Occupational Environment

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, EDUCATION AND SPORTS OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA (2007-2014)

Principal Investigator: Jelena Macan

SUMMARY
Key and initial facts:
Allergotoxicology studies include parallel research of environmental pollutants and the development of allergic reactions in humans. Climatic changes, development of industrial technology and modern life style resulted in the evolution of new common and occupational allergens and other contaminants.
Our former studies have shown that the population of the Mediterranean region in Croatia is exposed to the significantly higher levels of mite allergens than in the continental region, which is not in accordance with the expected proportional difference in the number of sensitized individuals.
Goals and hypothesis:
Aim of the study is to determine regional specificity of environmental and life style risk factors, and to identify new risks for the development of sensitization in adult population in continental and Mediterranean region of Croatia. Hypotesis is that environmental as well as life style factors may cause the differences in the frequency of sensitization markers and allergic respiratory and skin diseases in adult population between these two regions. Within the same region, risk of sensitization to mites should be higher in persons exposed to mites concurrently in environmental and occupational conditions in comparison to persons without occupational exposure.
Expected results:
The effects of environmental factors on the development of allergic disorders will be determined in the adult population of the continental and Mediterranean region of Croatia. Previously detected differences in the frequency of sensitization to mite allergens in adult population between the two regions will be clarified. The significance of sensitization to common allergens for the development of occupationally induced allergic disorders will be estimated.
Verification of results:
Data and biological samples will be collected and analysed by means of standardized or validated procedures and methods that enable verification of results.
Importance of results:
The study contributes to the clarification of ethiopathogenesis of common and occupational allergic disorders. The results may be used for planning and implementation of intervention studies, preventive public health actions and for the improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In collaboration with industry, the results will be applied in generating technological processes and products safer in view of health protection.