Effects of Diatomaceous Earth on House Dust Mite Sensitization in BALB/c Mice

Abstract

Background: House dust mite (HDM) is associated with hypersensitivity such as asthma. It is suggested that patients with asthma benefit from improved living environment by reducing HDM exposure. In this study, we examined the effects of commercialized diatomaceous earth product, Casaggia® used as construction materials, on hypersensitivity in HDM-sensitized mice. Methods: Male mice were sensitized with house dust mite (HDM) extract for 7 days and then housed in diatomaceous earth (DE)-coated cages for 14 days. Levels of cytokine were determined using ELISA. White blood cell counts were recorded over 21 days. Histological analysis was conducted to determine the remodeling of respiratory tract. Results: The data showed that exposure to diatomaceous earth (DE) resulted in a suppression in elevated eosinophilia induced by HDM in mice. In addition, elevated serum IgE responding to HDM sensitization were restored in the presence of DE. The result revealed that DE ameliorated the inflammation progression in airway. Conclusion: Environmental exposure to DE is suggested to benefit patients with hypersensitivity through relieving inflammatory symptoms. In a sense of prevention, DE represents a potential material against development of asthma.

Keywords

• Asthma
• Diatomaceous earth
• House dust mite
• Allergy
• Environmental exposure