Laundry detergents and detergent residue after rinsing directly disrupt tight junction barrier integrity in human bronchial epithelial cells

Abstract

Background: Defects in the epithelial barrier have recently been associated with asthma and other allergies. The influence of laundry detergents on human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) and their barrier function remain unknown. Objective: We investigated the effects of laundry detergents on cytotoxicity, barrier function, the transcriptome, and the epigenome in HBECs. Methods: Air-liquid interface cultures of primary HBECs from healthy control subjects, patients with asthma, and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were exposed to laundry detergents and detergent residue after rinsing. Cytotoxicity and epithelial barrier function were evaluated. RNA sequencing, Assay for Transposase Accessible Chromatin with high-throughput sequencing, and DNA

Epicutaneous sensitization in the development of food allergy: What is the evidence and how can this be prevented?

“…157 Increased TEWL may reflect the spectrum of genetic and environmental factors leading to barrier impairment, such as water hardness, 158,159 frequency of washing, and commercial detergents (known to decrease tight junction barrier integrity in human keratinocytes). 127,128 These findings are being assessed in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to prevent AD such as the SOFTER (Softened Water for Eczema Prevention) trial. 160 If the skin barrier is impaired, more water evaporates from the skin enabling allergens, irritants, and bacteria to penetrate the skin.…”

Epithelial cell dysfunction, a major driver of asthma development

“…64 Of interest, also laundry detergents were recently shown to compromise human bronchial epithelial integrity by disruption of tight junctions and may thus contribute to the development of asthma. 65 While a discussion of all these genes is beyond this review, it is important to highlight selected genes particularly implicated in barrier function. In the GWAS of atopic dermatitis followed by asthma, two genes thought to be involved in ciliary function were implicated, that is KIF3A and EFHC1.…”

A biodiversity hypothesis

“…Immigrant studies indicate that already in 10 years people from very different environments start to acquire same health risks as the original population . Other features of modern life, like massive use of chemicals, pollution and change in household technology, like using laundry detergents, have contributed to the risk, for example, by increasing dermal and mucosal permeability …”