bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytokine modulation of basophil histamine release in wasp‐venom allergy
Authors: Radermecker M. , Louis R. , Leclercq M. , Weber Th. , Corhay J. L. , Bury Th.
Published: May 2007

We report the effect of interleukin‐3 (IL‐3) and of other cytokines on antigen‐induced basophil histamine release in wasp‐venom‐allergic subjects. Leukocytes from 12 patients with documented anaphylactic sensitivity to wasp venom were preincubated in the presence or absence of IL‐3, granulocyte/macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), IL‐5, IL‐8, or stem cell factor (SCF). Washed cells were then exposed to venom and to other secretagogues, and histamine release in the supernatant was measured fluorometrically. Preincubation of leukocytes with IL‐3, GM‐CSF, or IL‐5 (0.02–2 ng/ml), but not with IL‐8 and SCF, caused a dose‐dependent enhancement of antigen‐induced basophilic histamine release in all subjects tested. Mean maximum increase was about 100% for IL‐3, IL‐5, and GM‐CSF. The priming effect of IL‐3 was rapid, persisted up to 12 h, and was not accompanied by a change in cellular histamine. IL‐3 had a comparable enhancing effect when basophils were triggered with anti‐IgE or N‐formylmethionylphenylalanine (FMP). By contrast, IL‐3 had no effect on substance‐P‐induced histamine release. The significant enhancement of basophil releasability to antigen in wasp‐venom allergy by very low concentrations of IL‐3, GM‐CSF, and IL‐5 suggests that cytokines in the basophil (mast‐cell?) microenvironment could be critical factors in determining the variability of sting reactions in Hymenoptera‐venom‐allergic subjects.
Booster immunotherapy (BIT)
Authors: Ebner C. , Kraft D. , Ebner H.
Published: May 2007

This study tries to answer two questions: 1) how long does the therapeutic effect of successful immunotherapy (IT) last after termination of the treatment? and 2) what is the best treatment for recidivist patients? To answer the first question, we asked 108 patients with rye/grass pollen allergy who had previously undergone IT for 3–4 years and had responded well to treatment to complete a questionnaire on the course of their recovery after termination of the therapy. Evaluation of the answers revealed a recidivist rate of approximately 30% in the first 3 years. According to our results, the risk of a relapse after this period seems to be low. To answer the second question, we included 40 patients suffering from type I allergy to grass/rye pollen in a clinical study. Each of them had previously undergone specific IT with a grass pollen extract mixture and had terminated this therapy after 3–4 years practically free of symptoms during the grass pollen season. As the symptoms returned and increased from year to year after the end of IT, new therapeutic steps had to be considered. We investigated the efficacy of a short preseasonal injection treatment called “booster immunotherapy” (BIT). BIT was performed with two different injection‐regimens, a low‐dose schedule comprising six injections and a high‐dose schedule with 11 injections, in both cases administered as a build‐up regimen. In the next pollen season, 28/40 (70%) patients reported strong improvement or even complete remission of the allergy symptoms. All patients showed a distinct change in their response to provocation tests and in IgG4 antibody liters; however, no correlation between improved in vivo or in vitro tests and effectiveness of the therapy could be observed. The results show the efficacy of both booster schedules, and we therefore recommend BIT as a valid alternative to repeating conventional, long‐term IT.
Identification of allergen components of the opportunistic yeast Pityrosporum orbiculare by monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Zargari A. , Härfast B. , Johansson S. , Johansson S. G. O. , Scheynius A.
Published: May 2007

The yeast Pityrosporum orbiculare (P. orbiculare) is a member of the normal human cutaneous flora, but it is also associated with several clinical manifestations of the skin. We have previously observed IgE‐binding components in P. orbiculare extracts, using sera from patients with atopic dermatitis. In the present study, we raised several monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against P. orbiculare to characterize some of its antigens, and used Candida albicans (C. albicans) as a control. We obtained several IgGI MoAbs which specifically recognized P. orbiculare in ELISA. Two of these were selected for immunoblotting studies on P. orbiculare and two patterns of reactivity emerged. Firstly, one MoAb showed a distinct band at a molecular mass of 67 kDa. In the second pattern, a sharp band at about 37 kDa appeared. In contrast, the IgM antibodies raised reacted with a 14‐kDa component; but they reacted with C. albicans in addition to P. orbiculare The IgGI antibodies seemed to react with proteins, as their ability to react in ELISA with extract pretreated with protease was greatly reduced. In contrast, IgM MoAbs were much less affected, suggesting that they recognized nonprotein components. To determine whether these MoAbs‐binding components were also recognized by human IgE, we adopted a radioimmunoassay (RIA) using the MoAbs as catcher antibodies. Both the 67‐kDa and the 37‐kDa components were IgE‐binding proteins. P. orbicular RAST positive sera were scored as positive in the RIA, whereas the control serum was not.
Isolation and partial characterization of allergens from Helianthus annuus (sunflower) pollen
Authors: de la Hoz F. , Melero J. A. , González R. , Carreira J.
Published: May 2007

We have purified four allergens from Helianthus annuus (sunflower) pollen, hereafter named as allergens a, b, c, and d. Under native conditions, allergen a has a mol. mass of 32, allergen b has one of 24, and allergens c and d each have one of 55 kDa. At the least, allergens b, c, and d demonstrate charge heterogeneity, and the electrophoretic mobility of allergens c and d increases when these allergens are deglycosylated with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid. Cross‐reactivity among the four allergens and with the whole extract is very high, and each allergen recognizes IgE in a high proportion of patients sensitized to sunflower pollen.
Allergy to nondairy proteins in mother's milk as assessed by intestinal permeability tests
Authors: de Boissieu D. , Dupont C. , Badoual J.
Published: May 2007

The intestinal permeability test is a noninvasive method which, when done during a food provocation procedure, can detect the deleterious effect of food on the intestinal mucosa in allergic children. We report on a 1‐month‐old breast‐fed boy with a history of regurgitation, diarrhea, difficult feeding, and malaise suggesting food allergy. Intestinal permeability tests were done with the mother's milk and showed breast‐milk‐induced alterations of intestinal permeability. No improvement occurred in the child's clinical symptoms or in the results of the intestinal permeability test when the mother withdrew dairy products from her diet. Disappearance of the child's symptoms and normalization of intestinal permeability during provocation with the milk were obtained after elimination of egg and pork from the mother's diet. This observation suggests that dietary proteins different from cow's milk antigens may be transferred to breast milk and induce adverse reactions in hypersensitive infants.
Allergen skin test reactivity in an unselected Danish population
Authors: Nielsen N.H. , Svendsen U. G. , Madsen F. , Dirksen A.
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of allergen skin test reactivity in an unselected Danish population. A total of 793 subjects, aged 15–69 years, were invited, and 599 (75.5%) attended. The skin prick test was performed with standardized allergen extracts of high potency. Skin reactivity occurred in 28.4% of the subjects. The frequency of skin reactivity to the specific allergens ranged from 1.5% (Cladosporium) to 12.5% (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), and the frequencies of skin reactivity to the allergen groups (pollen, animal dander, house‐dust mites, and molds) were 17.6%, 8.7%, 14.0%, and 3.2%, respectively. Young women appeared to reflect the average skin reactivity. When compared with young women, skin reactivity to animal dander was more probable in young men (odds ratio (OR) value = 2.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) of odds ratio value = 1.1–6.1). Current smokers were less likely than nonsmokers to be skin‐reactive to pollen (OR = 0.4; 95%, CI = 0.3–0.7). In conclusion, allergen skin test reactivity was common, and was related to sex, age, smoking history, and probably genetic predisposition.
Knemometric assessment of systemic activity of once daily intranasal dry‐powder budesonide in children
Authors: Wolthers O. D. , Pedersen S.
Published: May 2007

Systemic activity of the intranasal glucocorticosteroid budesonide administered once daily from a dry‐powder inhaler (Turbuhaler®) was assessed by knemometry. Lower leg length was measured weekly in 38 children aged 7–15 (mean 11.3) years with allergic or perennial rhinitis. The design was a randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group study. After 4 weeks’ run‐in, the children were allocated to 4 weeks’ treatment with either budesonide 200 or 400 μg or placebo. Fourteen children in the budesonide 200‐μg group, 13 in the 400‐μg group, and 10 in the placebo group completed the study. In the placebo and budesonide 200‐μg groups, growth velocities during run‐in (0.36 and 0.28 mm/week, respectively) and treatment periods (0.34 and 0.27 mm/week, respectively) were almost identical. In the budesonide 400‐μg group (run‐in: 0.40 mm/week), a nonsignificant reduction in mean growth velocity of 0.18 mm/week was seen (P= 0.11). There were no statistically significant differences among the run‐in mean lower leg growth velocities (F= 1.12; P= 0.34), among growth velocities during treatment (F= 1.10; P= 0.34), or among the run‐in and treatment growth velocities in the three groups (F= 1.19; P= 0.32). These results provide good evidence that systemic activity is low in children with allergic or perennial rhinitis treated with once daily budesonide in doses of 200‐ and 400‐μg administered intranasally from a dry‐powder inhaler.
Comparative efficacy of azelastine nasal spray and terfenadine in seasonal and perennial rhinitis
Authors: Gastpar H. , Nolte D. , Aurich R. , Brendt P. , Enzmann H. , Giesemann G. , Kunkel G. , Petzold U. , Renz W. , Schata M. , Schiffmann M. I.
Published: May 2007

The efficacy and tolerability of intranasal azelastine (0.14 mg/nostril twice daily) and oral terfenadine (60 mg twice daily) were compared under double‐blind conditions in two 6‐week, multicenter, parallel‐group studies, including 167 patients suffering from seasonal and 52 patients suffering from perennial allergic rhinitis. In both studies, patients were symptomatic on entry and showed significant improvement on both treatments within the first 8 d of therapy, showing little further improvement with continued treatment. Symptoms most pronounced on entry – nasal itching, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal obstruction – responded best to treatment (response rates 80–90%). Objective signs such as mucosal swelling and conjunctivitis improved in a manner parallel to symptoms. In perennial rhinitis, azelastine showed a trend to a superior relief of rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction, whereas terfenadine showed a trend toward better control of sneezing and nasal itchiness. No clinically relevant or statistically significant differences between treatments could be identified. The incidence of adverse effects of possible causal relationship to therapy was low. The most frequent effects in azelastine‐treated patients were related to application site disorders, e.g., nasal irritation. Results indicate that with the dose used azelastine nasal spray is an effective treatment for both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis.
Nasal application of a gel formulation of N‐acetyl‐aspartyl glutamic acid (NAAGA) compared with placebo and disodium cromoglycate in the symptomatic treatment of pollinosis*
Authors: Althaus M. A. , Pichler W. J.
Published: May 2007

A gel formulation of the antiallergic compound N‐acetyl‐aspartyl glutamic acid (NAAGA) (Rhinaaxia® (R)) has been evaluated in a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, three‐arm, parallel‐group comparison with placebo gel (P) and disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) in outpatients suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis (pollinosis). Nose and eye symptoms were assessed daily by the patients on visual analog scales (VAS), and medical examinations were held after 1 week and at the end of the 4‐week treatment. The use of rescue medications (H,‐antagonist (terfenadine) and soothing eye‐drops (Spersallerg®) was recorded as a main assessment indicator of efficacy. For the efficacy analysis, only the periods with relevant pollen concentrations (≥ 50 grains/m3) were considered. The study extended over the two pollen seasons 1989 and 1990. Of 230 included patients, 190 were suitable for efficacy analysis (R = 63, P = 64, DSCG = 63). The VAS data did not reveal a difference between the treatment groups for nasal symptoms, whereas the use of terfenadine tablets was significantly lower in the Rhinaaxia group than in either the placebo (P= 0.0001) or DSCG group (P= 0.03). The eye symptoms were significantly less severe in the Rhinaaxia group than in both placebo (P= 0.0001) and DSCG (P<0.01) groups. In addition, the use of rescue medication was significantly higher in the placebo than in the Rhinaaxia treatment group (P= 0.0001). The incidence of local untoward effects (itching/burning sensation in the nose) was slightly higher in the Rhinaaxia group, while the overall tolerability assessment was similarly good in all three treatment groups. Rhinaaxia gel given three times daily was shown to achieve a satisfactory symptom relief in everyday treatment with a significantly lower need to resort to rescue medication than with placebo and to have a therapeutic effect like DSCG nasal spray given four times daily.
Circulating levels of IgG1 and IgG4 Anti‐IgE antibodies and asthma severity
Authors: Shakib F. , Sihoe J. , Smith S. J. , Wilding P. , Clark M. M. , Knox A.
Published: May 2007

In this paper, we have determined the levels of IgG1 and IgG4 anti‐IgE in the sera of 66 asthma patients suffering from mild (n= 24), moderate (n= 23), or severe (n= 19) symptoms, and 20 nonatopic, healthy subjects. The study has revealed that although asthma patients have significantly elevated levels of IgG1 and IgG4 anti‐IgE antibodies, the concentration of these autoantibodies is not related to the severity of asthma. This conclusion may be related to the known heterogeneity of autoanti‐IgE antibodies in terms of their ability to trigger basophil histamine release.
Slight steroid‐sparing effect of intravenous immunoglobulin in children and adolescents with moderately severe bronchial asthma
Authors: Jakobsson T. , Croner S. , Kjellman N.‐I. M. , Pettersson A. , Vassella C. , Björkstén B.
Published: May 2007

Jakobsson T, Croner S, Kjellman N‐IM, Pettersson A, Vassella C, Björkstén B. Slight steroid‐sparing effect of intravenous immunoglobulin in children and adolescents with moderately severe bronchial asthma.

Twenty subjects (aged 6‐20 years) with moderately severe bronchial asthma participated in an open controlled trial with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) given as five monthly infusions with a mean dose of 0.8 g/kg body weight. A follow‐up was performed 4 and 14 months after the treatment period. Nine of 14 children in the treatment group completed the trial. Two children experienced severe headache after the first infusion, another two patients were taken off the study for reasons unrelated to the IVIG therapy, and one patient dropped out from lack of motivation. In six of the IVIG‐treated children, there was a reduction in the daily intake of inhaled steroids at an unchanged or reduced histamine reactivity. Of the remaining three children, two showed a reduction in bronchial hyperreactivity, but their steroid dose was not reduced. Six patients participated in a reference group to determine seasonal variations of symptoms. One of them improved during the study period, and the condition of the other five deteriorated, as indicated by increased medication without reduced histamine reactivity. After 14 months, there were no significant differences in clinical symptoms, nor in sensitivity to histamine between the treated patients and the controls, as the condition had improved also in the latter. We have thus been able to confirm, in a group larger than those in previously published reports, some clinical improvement of asthma by IVIG therapy at a lower dose than previously used and in children with only moderately severe disease. The effect was still present 4 months after the termination of IVIG therapy but not after 14 months. As the effects were small and temporary and the treatment is complicated and expensive, IVIG therapy cannot at present be recommended for general use. A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of the effect of IVIG in asthma is needed.
Prevalence of basidiomycete allergy in the USA and Europe and its relationship to allergic respiratory symptoms
Authors: Lehrer S.B. , Hughes J. M. , Altman L. C. , Bousquet J. , Davies R. J. , Gell L. , Li J. , Lopez M. , Malling H. J. , Mathison D. A. , Sastre J. , Schultze‐Werninghaus G. , Schwartz H. J.
Published: May 2007

A total of 701 adults living in the USA or Western Europe who had symptoms of allergic respiratory disease were skin prick tested with extracts prepared from eight basidiomycetes species and four Fungi Imperfecti species. In these subjects, the presence of asthma, rhinitis, or both was determined by questionnaire. Overall, 178/701 (25.4%) of the participants reacted to at least one basidiomycete extract. There was no difference in the prevalence of reactivity detected in the USA and Europe (P < 0.005); however, the prevalence of reactors in individual centers from both areas varied significantly. Psilocybe cuhensis was the most potent allergen source in both the USA (12.3% reacted) and Europe (16.0%). Pleurotus ostreatus was second overall (10.6%) and in the USA (10.7%), and third in Europe (10.3%). Pisolithus tinctorius and Coprinus quadrifidus produced the least potent allergens, with only 5.4% of the population reacting. There was a significant relationship (P < 0.005) between basidiospore reactivity and the presence of atopy, asthma, and asthma and rhinitis. Basidiospore reactivity was not associated with the presence of rhinitis alone (P= 0.312). These results suggest that basidiomycetes are important sources of aeroallergens in geographically disparate regions and may be particularly important in patients with asthma.

Lehrer SB, Hughes JM, Altman LC, Bousquet J, Davies RJ, Gell L, Li J, Lopez M, Mailing HJ, Mathison DA, Sastre J, Schultze‐Werninghaus G, Schwartz HJ. Prevalence of basidiomycete allergy in the USA and Europe and its relationship to allergic respiratory symptoms.
Changes in serum ECP levels after storage at room temperature
Authors: Wantke F. , Demmer C. M. , Götz M. , Jarisch R.
Published: May 2007

Wantke F, Demmer CM, Götz M, Jarisch R. Changes in serum ECP levels after storage at room temperature.
Prevalence of childhood asthma and allergic diseases in Ankara, Turkey
Authors: Kalyoncu A. F. , Selçuk Z. T. , Karakoca Y. , Emri A. S. , Çöplü L. , Şahin A. A. , Bariş Y. I.
Published: May 2007

Kalyoncu AF, Selçuk ZT, Karakoca Y, Emri AS, Çöplü L, Şahin AA, Bariş YI. Prevalence of childhood asthma and allergic diseases in Ankara, Turkey.

The first epidemiologic survey of the prevalence of childhood asthma and other allergic disease in Ankara, Turkey, was done in May 1992. A questionnaire on factors influencing the atopic status and allergic symptoms was distributed to parents of 1226 children aged 6‐12 years. In this questionnaire, parents were asked to give information about physician‐diagnosed asthma and atopic dermatitis (AD), and self‐reported wheezing and rhinoconjunctivitis (perennial or seasonal). The overall response rate was 85 % and included 502 boys (48.5%) and 534 girls (51.5%). The lifetime prevalences of asthma, wheezing, rhinoconjunctivitis, and AD were 17.4%, 23.3%, 28%, and 6.1%, respectively, and the reported prevalences for the last 12 months were 8.3%, 11.9%, 15.4%, and 4%, respectively. Asthma and other allergic disease had been recognized in 23.2% of the children during the last year; in half of these, more than one disease was present. Eight percent of the families kept pet animals; 95.4% of children had been breast‐fed, of whom 61% for more than 6 months; and at least one person smoked at home in the case of 73.9% of children. Some health insurance was available to 72.8% of the families. Cumulative prevalences of wheezing, rhinoconjunctivitis, and AD were significantly associated with the presence of pets, passive smoking at home, and absence of health insurance. The prevalence of asthma was not affected by any of these factors except atopic family history. In conclusion, asthma and other allergic diseases constitute a major health problem for schoolchildren in Ankara.
Expression of sCD23 in atopic and nonatopic blood donors: correlation with age, total serum IgE, and allergic symptoms
Authors: Wilhelm D. , Klouche M. , Görg S. , Kirchner H.
Published: May 2007

Although structure, biologic activities, and expression of the low‐affinity IgE receptor (FceRII, CD23) have been investigated, the diagnostic value for allergies of this molecule and its soluble circulating fragment (sCD23) remains unclear. Therefore, serum sCD23 levels were measured in 203 blood donors. They were divided into atopic and nonatopic subjects by allergy history, physical findings of allergic symptoms, and corresponding specific circulating IgE antibodies. The group consisting of nonatopic subjects was divided into four age categories in order to exclude age‐dependent variations in the expression of the low‐affinity IgE receptor. In our study population, sCD23 serum levels were not influenced by age. Furthermore, no significant differences, especially no decrease in serum sCD23 levels, between the four nonatopic age groups were detected. There was no significant increase of sCD23 serum levels in atopic subjects in comparison with nonatopic blood donors. In addition, no correlation between total IgE levels and sCD23 serum levels could be detected, in either the group of atopic donors or the group of nonatopics. Our data suggest that the circulating low‐affinity IgE receptor does not appear to be an additional general marker for the diagnosis of allergies, as previously suggested.
Influence of skin prick test criteria on estimation of prevalence and incidence of allergic sensitization in children
Authors: Meinert R. , Frischer T. , Karmaus W. , Kuehr J.
Published: May 2007

In a prospective cohort study on atopy in childhood, three skin prick tests (SPT) were performed in 1135 primary schoolchildren over a 2–year period. We studied the development of average sizes of allergen wheals in reactive children and of average sizes of histamine wheals in all children, and we investigated the influence of choice of SPT criterion on the prevalence and incidence of sensitization. A year‐to‐year increase of average allergen wheal sizes as well as of average histamine wheal sizes was observed. These increases seemed to be related to the natural growth of the children. Furthermore, an observer bias effect of the person who did the pricking on average wheal sizes was found. There were considerable differences in estimations of prevalences and incidences depending on the definition of SPT criterion. Estimations using a criterion based solely on the allergen wheal size were affected by variation of allergen wheal sizes caused by growth and observer effects. The ratio criterion was not influenced by observer effects, nor did it seem to be affected by aging effects. In conclusion, our data suggest that the ratio criterion, which relates the size of the allergen wheal to the size of the histamine wheal, is the most appropriate SPT criterion because it is not affected by growth of allergen wheals in childhood and it appears to compensate for possible observer bias.
Winter pollinosis in Paris
Authors: Laurent J. , Decoux L. , Ickovic M. R. , Gall C. Le , Gacouin J. C. , Sauvaget J. , Lafay M.
Published: May 2007

Pollen is rarely investigated as a cause of winter respiratory symptoms. Infectious coryza and asthma are particularly common during winter, and it has been shown that environmental antigens can cause at least some cases in Paris. Recent experimental data with from Calhoun et al. (1991) indicate that pollen may act synergistically with viral respiratory infections, which are particularly prevalent in winter. In the present study, we investigated, in 130 consecutive patients presenting with winter aggravation of asthma or rhinitis, winter pollinosis by skin test, radioallergosorbent test (RAST), and specific endonasal challenge test. Totals of 35, 24, and 21 patients reacted positively in skin, RAST (> 0.70 PRU/ml), and endonasal tests, respectively. Clinical features during the season established the diagnosis of winter pollinosis in 20 cases; it was due to alder pollen in 10 patients and hazel pollen in 12. The positive predictive value of the skin test was only 0.57, as compared with 0.86 for the specific endonasal test, which had a negative predictive value of 1. Our results indicate that hazel and alder pollens should be prick‐tested for more often as causes of winter respiratory symptoms in Paris, even if similar manifestations were absent during previous winters, were previously present during spring or summer, or were both absent in previous winters and present in spring or summer.
Reliability of skin prick tests during terfenadine treatment in adults with pollen rhinitis
Authors: Christensen M. , Moelby L. , Svendsen F.
Published: May 2007

The variation in skin prick test (SPT) results was evaluated clinically during terfenadine treatment in 39 adult patients with pollen rhinitis. A change in the perceived state of the patient as regards sensitization to a specific pollen allergen or atopic constitution was judged to be clinically important. A randomized, double‐blind, crossover design was used, comprising 2 weeks on terfenadine 120 mg once a day and 2 weeks on placebo. SPT for two pollen allergens and histamine (10mg/ml) were evaluated at the start of the study and at the end of each period. When SPT was used as a discovery test and liberal definitions were applied, predictive values for a positive test were 100%. 1‐Sensitivity ranged between 10 and 54% with substantially lower values when a histamine wheal reaction was noted. The inhibitory effect of terfenadine was detectable 2 weeks after withdrawal as a reduction in the median of the mean diameter for the histamine‐induced wheal response of 1 mm (0–1.5). The data implied that a positive SPT is reliable when liberal definitions are adopted for sensitization and atopy; a negative SPT is presumably reliable when the measurement artifact is considered and the wheal reaction to histamine is detectable.
Serum eosinophil cationic protein in relation to bronchial asthma in a young Swedish population
Authors: Björnsson E. , Janson C. , Håkansson L. , Enander I. , Venge P. , Boman G.
Published: May 2007

How are the serum concentration of eosinophil cationic protein (S‐ECP) and the blood eosinophil count (B‐Eos) related to symptoms of asthma, allergy, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR)? We measured S‐ECP, B‐Eos, and total and specific IgE in serum in blood samples from 699 randomly selected persons 20–44 years old. They also underwent a structured interview, spirometry, a methacholine provocation test, and skin prick tests as part of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey. B‐Eos and S‐ECP were found to be closely related to asthma symptom score (P < 0.001), total IgE (P < 0.001), and BHR (P < 0.001). On the basis of the results, the subjects were divided into four groups: healthy controls, patients with allergic rhinitis, patients with nonallergic asthma, and patients with allergic asthma. There were significant differences in both B‐Eos and S‐ECP among the groups (P < 0.001), the highest values being found in the allergic asthma group. B‐Eos and S‐ECP each had an additive value in predicting the occurrence of asthma. Among persons with high concentrations of both variables, asthma was eight times more common than in those with low concentrations. Allergy and BHR were also found to be independently related to B‐Eos and S‐ECP levels. Furthermore, both B‐Eos and S‐ECP showed good correlation to subjective and objective measures of asthma activity. We conclude that both B‐Eos and S‐ECP and their interrelationship may be of value in assessing the activity of asthma. However, their role in disease management was not established in this cross‐sectional study.
Secretory IgA response in oral immunotherapy
Authors: Taudorf E. , Møller C. , Russell M. W.
Published: May 2007

A rationale for oral immunotherapy (OIT) might be founded on two potential mechanisms: induction of a mucosal secretory IgA response, or induction of systemic hyporesponsiveness (oral tolerance). Previous studies have shown clinically that there is a beneficial effect of OIT in birch pollinosis, in both children and adults. During OIT, birch pollen antigens in enterocoated capsules were given to 20 adults (participating in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial) and 10 children, all suffering from birch pollinosis. Saliva and tears (only adults) samples were collected before, during, and after OIT. Each sample was assayed for both IgA antibodies against birch pollen antigens and total IgA by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. IgA antibody levels were also expressed in relation to total IgA concentrations, to correct for variations in secretion and flow rate between subjects and at different times. Changes in birch‐specific secretory IgA antibodies in saliva and tears could not explain the beneficial effect of OIT in birch pollinosis. Further studies in this field are warranted.
Indoor factors and IgE levels in children
Authors: Wjst M. , Heinrich J. , Liu P. , Dold S. , Wassmer G. , Merkel G. , Huelsse C. , Wichmann H.E.
Published: May 2007

The objective of the study was to determine indoor characteristics of households in relation to total serum IgE. In a population‐based cross‐sectional study, 1096 6–12‐year‐old children were examined in three East German towns (Eisleben, Hettstedt, and Zerbst). Of the questionnaires, 772 (70.4%) were returned by the parents. Serum IgE of 703 children and urinary cotinine in a random subsample of 224 children were analyzed. Linear regression on log(IgE) adjusted for the main covariates was used to assess indoor risk factors such as room size, and the presence of curtains, carpet, and plants in the child's room. Open‐heating facilities indoors, passive smoking, and furniture made of chipboard had the most important effect. A higher urinary cotinine/creatinine ratio was associated with higher total IgE level. Total IgE increased also with the number of persons living in the household, independently of indoor smoking. We conclude that indoor air pollution from smoking and open‐heating facilities may increase the IgE levels of children. The role of other factors such as chipboard, which could reflect the emission of formaldehyde, or the number of persons per household, which could reflect viral or helminthic infection, remains to be analyzed.
A simple and rapid micromethod for genomic DNA extraction from jugal epithelial cells
Authors: Aron Y. , Swierezewski E. , Lockhart A.
Published: May 2007

We describe a rapid and reliable micromethod for DNA isolation from buccal epithelial cells from the interior mouth mucosa. This convenient, noninvasive method could be applied to genetic typing in a small number of cells (about 2000 cells per cheek). We have shown that DNA released by this method is suitable for further amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Using this protocol, coupled with the PCR‐RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) method, we analyzed the allelic sequence diversity of the human lymphocyte antigen (HLA) class II genes in an extended family of 33 persons containing 14 asthmatic or atopic members. Six of eight DQA1 alleles, and 11 DQB1, 20 DPB1, and 10 DR haplotypes could be identified in a single DNA sample. Our results suggest that the DR53 group haplotype is frequently associated with allergic asthma and atopy. The micromethod described here may be useful in genetic epidemiology, especially in family studies involving small children.
Acute autoimmune response in a case of 3yromellitic acid dianhydride‐induced hemorrhagic alveolitis
Authors: Czuppon A. B. , Kaplan V. , Speich R. , Baur X.
Published: May 2007

A 17‐year‐old man was occupationally exposed to pyromellitic acid dianhydride dust during the production of epoxy resin in a chemical factory. He was clinically diagnosed as having acute hemorrhagic alveolitis associated with anemia. The serologic analysis revealed a high concentration of IgG antibodies against pyromellitic acid dianhydride‐treated human serum albumin (PMDA‐HSA). Immunoblotting with PMDA‐treated human serum as antigen and the patient's serum as the first antibody showed that additional PMDA‐modified serum proteins other than HSA were recognized by the patient's IgG antibodies in the higher mol. mass range (>67 kDa). No specific IgG could be detected against other anhydride conjugates (maleic acid, MA; phthalic acid, PA) with the exception of a reaction with the trimellitic acid anhydride‐conjugated HSA (TMA‐HSA). No specific IgE antibodies could be detected against any of the above mentioned antigens, but immunoblotting of the patient's serum indicated IgG 4‐type autoantibodies against in vitro PMDA‐treated Ig molecules of normal serum proteins.
Streptomycin‐induced anaphylactic reaction during in vitro fertilization (IVF)
Authors: Abeck D. , Kuwert C. , Segnini‐Torres M. , Przybilla B. , Ring J.
Published: May 2007

Indications for in vitro fertilization (IVF) have been cautiously extended over the years. IVF is usually considered to be a technically complex method with only minimal side‐effects. We report the case of a woman who developed an anaphylactic reaction during IVF immediately after the embryo transfer.
Serum levels of sCD23 and sCD25 in children with asthma and in healthy controls*
Authors: Hoeger P. H. , Niggemann B. , Ganschow R. , Dammann C. , Haeuser G.
Published: May 2007

To investigate whether markers of lymphocyte activation are useful markers of disease activity in childhood asthma, we studied serum levels of soluble CD25 (receptor for IL‐2) and soluble CD23 (low‐affinity receptor for IgE) in 178 children (aged 2‐18 years) suffering from mild to moderate asthma (mean asthma severity score: 2, range: 1–4), and in 175 healthy age‐matched controls. Levels of sCD23 and sCD25 were invesely related to age. sCD23 was lower in patients with asthma (means per age group: 4.93–2.29 ug/1; controls: 6.92–4.11 ug/1, P<0.05), while sCD25 tended to be higher (1601–597 kU/ml, controls: 1350–‐661 kU/ml, P= NS). sCD25 correlated significantly with asthma severity score (r=0.41; P<0.01) and MEF25 (maximum experatory flow at 25% of vital capacity, r= ‐O.43; P<0.05) in children <10 years, while sCD23 correlated with asthma severity (r=O.28; P<0.05) in children > 10 years. On follow‐up, levels of sCD25 normalized with clinical improvement. In children with nonatopic asthma, levels of sCD25 were significantly higher than in atopic patients. Our observations provide further evidence of the role of T‐cell activation in asthma. Monitoring of lymphocyte activation markers, particularly levels of sCD25, may be useful in the follow‐up of asthmatic children.
Allergens in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Hansen M. Y. , Wold J. K. , Paulsen B. Smestad , Cohen E. H. , Karlsson‐Borgå Å.
Published: May 2007

Aspergillus fumigatus grown in submerged and surface cultures was extracted, and the extracts were analyzed separately. The submerged extract contained 31.9% protein and 8.3% carbohydrate, while the corresponding values were 17.0% and 33.3% for the surface material. With individual sera from patients with allergic asthma, SDS‐PAGE combined with immunoblotting revealed that the submerged extract contained at least six strong IgE‐binding components (20, 30, 38, 50, 68, and 90 kDa) in addition to several weak to medium IgE‐binding components. The surface extract contained about the same number of IgE‐binding components, but only one gave a strong reaction (20 kDa). The allergens present were shown to have pI between 4.5 and 5.6 as demonstrated by isoelectric focusing (IEF) combined with immunoblotting. For identification of A. fumigatus glycoprotein allergens, both extracts were treated with periodate under mild conditions. Two allergens of the submerged extract (90 and 38 kDa) partly lost their IgE‐binding ability by this treatment, indicating that these components are glycoproteins and that the carbohydrate moiety is involved in the IgE binding. The IgE‐binding ability of the 20‐kDa allergen was not influenced by periodate. For assessment of the stability of the two allergen extracts, aqueous solutions were kept at 4°C for 2, 7, and 21 d and then analyzed by SDS‐PAGE and immunoblotting. The results showed that most allergens of the submerged extract were partly inactivated after 2 d. After 21 d, only the 20‐kDa and 30‐kDa components were still able to bind IgE. Similar results were obtained by analyzing the surface extract. When the same experiment was performed on samples in a 50% glycerol solution, the results strongly indicated that glycerol had a stabilizing effect on allergens in both extracts. The enzyme content, estimated by the API ZYM‐test, showed that both extracts contained several protein‐ and carbohydrate‐degrading enzymes. The presence of these enzymes may explain the lability of the extracts.
A comparative study of IgG subclass antibodies in patients allergic to wasp or bee venom
Authors: Wilson A. B. , Deighton J. , Lachmann P. J. , Ewan P. W.
Published: May 2007

IgG1 and IgG4 antivenom antibody responses were compared in groups of patients who had experienced systemic reactions to wasp (Vespula spp.) or bee stings. Pretreatment serum IgG4 antibody levels were low in both groups, but IgG4 antibodies were significantly raised in bee‐allergic patients (P<0.002), probably reflecting their greater exposure to stings than wasp‐reactive patients. No direct or indirect relationships were found, in untreated bee or wasp patients, between IgG1, IgG4, or IgE antibody levels and the severity of a patient's last systemic reaction to a sting. After a 12‐week course of venom immunotherapy (VIT), IgG1 antibodies increased significantly only in wasp‐sensitive patients (P<0.001), although both groups responded with marked increases in venom‐specific IgG4 (P<0.01). Wasp‐allergic subjects who responded to VIT with high production of specific IgG4 showed the greatest increases (pre‐ to post‐VIT) in IgE antibodies (P<0.05). This group also demonstrated a direct correlation (P<0.05) between post‐VIT levels of IgE and IgG1 antibodies, a finding contrary to an IgE‐immunoregulatory role for IgG 1. High levels of venom‐specific IgG1 alone, or in combination with IgG4, were not protective in three patients who suffered repeated adverse reactions to bee VIT, showing that absolute levels of IgG subclass antivaenom antibodies are not reliably indicative of clinical responsiveness in individual patients.
Prevention of asthma induced by cold air by cellulose‐fabric face mask
Authors: Millqvist E. , Bake B. , Bengtsson U. , Löwhagen O.
Published: May 2007

We have tested the effect of a porous cellulose fabric face mask. Nine asthmatic patients, anamnestically sensitive to cold, took part in exercise tests on an ergometer bicycle at a temperature of approximately ‐10°C, with and without a face mask. For comparison, exercise tests were also performed with breathing taking place through a woolen scarf. Three minutes after finishing the exercise test, there was an average fall in FEV, of 32% in the group without a face mask. The corresponding fall in FEV, was 6% with a face mask and 17% with a scarf. In order to get some idea of the patients’ attitudes to the face mask, it was used by 25 asthma patients during a period of 2 weeks in winter, after which they were asked to answer a simple questionnaire. Eighty‐eight percent of the patients stated that the face mask had provided satisfactory protection against asthma complaints induced by cold air, and 72% reported that they had been able to spend more time out‐of‐doors. The results show that porous cellulose fabric designed as a face mask offers effective protection against asthma complaints induced by cold air and exercise, and that the patients appear to appreciate this protective aid highly despite the cosmetic disadvantages.
Allergy to Ficus benjamina (weeping fig) in nonatopic subjects
Authors: Axelsson I. G. K.
Published: May 2007

Occupational allergy to Ficus benjamina (Fb), or weeping fig, occurs in about one in four plant‐keepers. Sensitization to this plant occurs in about 3–4°. of persons with clear‐cut atopy. I now report on four female nonatopic patients with rhinoconjunctivitis who were sensitized only to weeping fig. All four had a positive skin prick test and RAST test to Fb. The identification of a preventable respiratory allergen is of considerable importance for the patient. Inclusion of Fb in the standard prick test panel may therefore be considered. Furthermore, the findings suggest that it may be unwise to choose Fb as an ornamental indoor plant.
Substance P and alveolar macrophages: effects on oxidative metabolism and eicosanoid production
Authors: Murris‐Espin M. , Pinelli E. , Pipy B. , Leophonte P. , Didier A.
Published: May 2007

The tachykinin substance P (SP) is present in lung sensory nerve endings and may be released after neurogenic stimulation. Its role in the pathogenesis of asthma is still unclear. Nevertheless, it may play a major role in airway neurogenic inflammation. Alveolar macrophages are the predominant cells of the airway space and are involved in various types of airway inflammation. We studied guinea pig alveolar macrophage response to SP and other related peptide (C‐ and N‐terminal sequences, NK1‐receptor agonist) stimulation. Alveolar guinea pig macrophages were recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Macrophage reactive oxygen intermediate (ROI) production was studied by luminol‐dependent chemiluminescence with several concentrations of SP and related peptides. Eicosanoid synthesis after stimulation was evaluated by thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). SP, C‐terminal sequence, and NKl‐receptor agonist significantly increased ROI production by alveolar macrophages (P<0.01). NK1 ‐agonist and C‐terminal sequence modified arachidonic acid metabolism and induced a significant increase in prostaglandin (PG)D2 synthesis (211% and 66%, respectively). We concluded that SP and related peptides directly affect guinea pig alveolar macrophages by inducing the production of inflammatory metabolites.
Regulation of histamine release from human bronchoalveolar lavage mast cells by stem cell factor in several respiratory diseases
Authors: Louis R. , Tilkin P. , Poncelet M. , Corhay J. L , Mendez P. , Weber T. , Radermecker M.
Published: May 2007

We investigated the effects of stem cell factor (SCF) on histamine release (HR) from human bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) mast cells. BAL cells were recovered from lavage performed in patients undergoing clinical bronchoscopy. SCF (0.02–20 ng/ml), which is by itself a poor secretagogue (mean ± SEM HR: 3.7 ± 0.9%; n= 27), strongly enhanced HR induced by anti‐IgE in a concentration‐related manner. Significant potentiation began at 0.2 ng/ml (30 ± 10°0; p<0.05; n= 12) and reached a plateau at 2 ng/ml (40 ± 10%; P<0.01 at 2 ng/ml and 45 ± 10%; P<0.01 at 20 ng/ml; n= 12). In contrast, SCF failed to enhance HR induced by calcium ionophore A23187. Among the BAL cell samples initially unresponsive to anti‐IgE (55° of samples), 36% (10/28) were converted to responders if the cells were shortly preincubated with SCF. In 25% of samples (7/27), SCF (20 ng/ml) caused direct HR of 10 ± 2.1 %. The mast cells which released histamine when challenged with SCF also secreted higher levels of histamine in response to anti‐IgE and calcium ionophore than those nonresponsive to SCF. While interleukin (IL)‐3 and IL‐5 (20 ng/ml) were unable to modulate immunologic HR. GM‐CSF (20 ng/ml) produced significant potentiation (P<0.05), which was, however, smaller than that observed with SCF. The rate of responders to anti‐IgE in atopic asthma (47 %) was greater than that in control (9%) and intrinsic asthma (10%) but not different from that in some other respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis (44%), lung cancer (47%), or interstitial disease (68%,). The potentiation of HR afforded by SCF did not differ significantly among the several disease groups. We conclude that, whatever the underlying respiratory disease, SCF selectively enhances IgE‐mediated HR from human BAL mast cells. Furthermore, this cytokine is sometimes necessary to render mast cells able to release histamine in response to anti‐IgE.
Pharmacologic heterogeneity of human lung and colon cells: effect of terfenadine and cetirizine
Authors: Fabre J. M. , Marty‐Ane C. , Alauzen M. , Souques F. , Bousquet J. , Campbell A. M.
Published: May 2007

H1‐blockers may have antiallergic properties which cause the blocking of eicosanoid release, and the effect of these drugs may differ according to the phenotype of mast cells. This study examined the ability of terfenadine and cetirizine to inhibit the release of arachidonic acid‐derived mediators from human lung and colon cells. Dispersed cells were challenged with anti‐IgE in the presence or absence of 10 μM of terfenadine or cetirizine, and the release of prostaglandin (PG)D2 and leukotriene (LT)C4/D4 was assessed by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Terfenadine caused significant inhibition of both PGD2 and LTC4/D4 (49 ±9 and 29 ± 19%, respectively) from human lung cells but had a less marked effect on PGD2 release from human colon cells (21 ± 9% for PGD2 and 18 ± 9% for LTC4/D4). In contrast, although cetirizine caused significant inhibition of both mediators measured in lung cells (38 ± 16% for PGD2 and 34 ± 19% for LTC4), it did not cause any significant inhibition of either mediator from human colon cells. These findings suggest that H1antagonists may have additional properties, and the differential effects of cetirizine on lung and colon tissue may indicate differences in mast cell phenotype.