Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
EAACI Summer Symposium on Epithelial Cell Biology, Chur, İsviçre, 25 - 26 Temmuz 2024, ss.13
The role of companion animals, particularly dogs and cats, has evolved and changed within human society over the last century. These animals have become integral family members, deeply connected emotionally with their human counterparts. The modernization and urbanization of human lifestyles have inadvertently impacted these animals as well, exposing them to various environmental pollutants. More than 350,000 new chemicals have been introduced into the lives of people and domestic animals. Many of them have become part of modern life, and some are negatively affecting the Earth as pollutants. However, knowledge about their potential health hazard for people and animals remains incomplete. Pets, particularly cats and dogs, live closely with humans, encountering household cleaners, personal care products, air pollutants, and microplastics. The use of pet cosmetics and food additives is increasing; however, they are subject to less stringent safety standards than human products. Assessing the challenges presented by climate change, pollution, energy management, and biodiversity conservation is essential, and it is equally important to implement and monitor sustainable practices. Epithelial barrier theory explains the molecular mechanisms and the rise in chronic noncommunicable health conditions over the past 65 years. The theory also posits that damage to epithelial barriers—caused by environmental changes such as industrialization and urban lifestyles—leads to dysbiosis, translocation of microbiota to subepithelial tissues, opportunistic pathogen colonization, chronic inflammation, defective epithelial barrier healing as well as local and systemic immune responses. This process is linked to a variety of health conditions ranging from allergic and inflammatory diseases to autoimmune and neuropsychiatric disorders. To tackle these challenges, a multidisciplinary approach addressing health issues in companion animals, humans, and the environment should be adopted, aligning with the principles of the One Health initiative. The current situation highlights the urgent need for a deeper understanding of animal health from the perspective of the epithelial barrier theory, considering common exposures to environmental toxins and disease mechanisms affecting both humans and animals.