Relationships between acrylamide and glycidamide hemoglobin adduct levels and allergy-related outcomes in general US population, NHANES 2005-2006

•Health effects of acrylamide and glycidamide on allergy-related outcomes were assessed in the general US population.•Elevated HbAA levels are associated with increased likelihoods of eczema.•Elevated HbGA levels are associated with increased likelihoods of itchy rash and eczema.•Associations between HbAA and HbGA levels and allergy-related outcomes varied by age, gender and serum cotinine levels.

BackgroundAcrylamide-induced immunotoxicity and allergic dermatitis have been reported in animal experiments and clinical reports, respectively. However, epidemiological evidence from the general population is limited.ObjectivesThe purpose of the present study was to estimate the associations between acrylamide exposure and allergy-related outcomes in the general US population.MethodsA total of 6982 subjects were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006 (NHANES). Internal exposure was measured by the hemoglobin adducts of acrylamide (HbAA) and its metabolite glycidamide (HbGA). Allergy-related outcomes including asthma, hay fever, allergy, itchy rash, sneeze, wheeze and eczema were obtained by self-administered questionnaires. Allergic sensitization was assessed by the total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. The associations of HbAA and HbGA quartiles with allergy-related outcomes were calculated using logistic regression models with multivariable adjustments. Analyses were additionally stratified according to age, gender and serum cotinine levels.ResultsWhen setting quartile 1 of HbAA as reference, the odds ratios (ORs) [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] of quartile 2 to 4 for eczema were 1.18 (0.79-1.76), 1.14 (0.73-1.78) and 1.58 (1.14-2.18), respectively (p trend = 0.002). Individuals at the highest quartile of HbGA had significantly elevated likelihoods of itchy rash (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.02-1.83, p trend = 0.032) and eczema (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.06-1.97, p trend = 0.044). The stratification analyses indicated various results in different subgroups.ConclusionsThis study indicated significant associations between HbAA and HbGA levels and the likelihoods of allergy-related outcomes in the general US population, depending on age, gender and smoke exposure status. These findings suggested potential public health concerns for the widespread exposure to acrylamide.

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