bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allergenic relationship between taxonomically diverse pollens
Authors: PHAM N. H. , BALDO B. A.
Published: April 2006

Background
Skin tests and tests for IgE antibodies show that subjects are usually sensitive to a number of different pollens, frequently from taxonomically diverse species which are assumed to be allergenically non‐crossreactive. This suggests that the presence of IgE antibody‐reactivity to an individual pollen may not necessarily have resulted from contact with that pollen or even with a taxonomically closely related species.

Objective
Since this has important consequences for allergen avoidance and desensitization of patients, we attempted to define allergenic relationships between diverse pollen species.

Methods
Sera from subjects were examined in direct IgE antibody binding experiments and by quantitative inhibition, protein blotting and adsorption and edition studies.

Results
Sera from subjects diagnosed as allergic to white cypress pine. Italian cypress. ryegrass or birch pollen were shown to have IgE antibodies that reacted with pollens from these four species and from cocksfoot, couch grass, lamb's quarter, wall pellitory. olive, plantain and ragweed. These reactions were confirmed in protein blotting and adsorption and elution studies where numerous IgE‐binding bands were detected in all 11 different pollen extracts with sera from each of the different allergic categories, further evidence of allergenic (i.e. IgE‐binding crossreactivity between the different pollens was provided by inhibition studies in which clear‐cut inhibitions of IgE binding to the different pollen allergen discs were obtained with comparable amounts of the different pollen extracts.

Conclusion
We conclude that the presence of pollen reactive IgE antibodies may not necessarily be a true reflection of sensitizing pollen species.
Cytokine gene expression and release from epithelial cells. A comparison study between healthy nasal mucosa and nasal polyps
Authors: MULLOU J. , XAUBET A. , GAYA A. , ROCA‐FERRER J. , LÓPEZ E. , FERNÁNDEZ J.C. , FERNÁNDEZ M. D. , PICADO C.
Published: April 2006

Backgroud
Epithelial cells release cytokines and they probably contribute to chronic inflammation detected in bronchial asthma, rhinitis and nasal polyposis.

Objectives
To investigate the effect of cultures on cytokine gene expression to compare epithelial cell cytokine release by both healthy nasal nucosa (HNM) and nasal polyps (NP), and the modulation by dexamethasone and to investigate which cytokines may promote eosinophil survival.

Methods
Epithelials cells were cultured to confluence, human epithelial cell conditioned media generated with or without dexamethasone, and supernalanls measured by ELISA. Cytokine gene expression was investigated by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).

Results
Fresh epithelial cells only expressed mRNA for intesleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) while cultured cells expressed mRNA for IL‐1β IL‐6, IL‐8, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) and GM‐CSF. Epithelial cells from NP significantly (P < 0.05) released more IL‐8 (25431 ± 3163 pg/mL), and GM‐CSF (1229 ± 391 pg/mL) than those from HNM (18604 ± 1723pg/mL for IL‐8; and 611 ± 98 pg/mL for GM‐CSF), Dexamethasone 10 μM inhibited the release of all cytokines, this effect being similar (40 50%) in both HNM and NP. except for IL‐6 which was higher in HNM. Eosinophil survival induced by epithelial cell secretions from both HNM and NP was strongly blocked by GM‐CSF antibody while it was partially blocked by antibodies to TNFα and IL‐8.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that although epithelial cell culture procedures may upregulate cytokine gene expression, nasal polyps may represent a more active inflammatory tissue by releasing more cytokines than healthy nasal mucosa this release being inhibited by steroids; and that, in addition to GM‐CSF.other cytokines such as TNFo and IL‐8, may also be involved in the promotion of eosinophil survival.
Factors related to the development of sensitization to green coffee and castor bean allergens among coffee workers
Authors: ROMANO C. , SULOTTO F. , PIOLATTO G. , CIACCO C. , CAPELLARO E. , FALAGIANI P. , CONSTABLE D. W. , VERGA A. , SCANSETTI G.
Published: April 2006

Background
Occupational allergic respiratory symptoms in coffee workers have been frequently reported, but the ultimate cause of sensilization is still debated, castor bean being considered besides green coffee beans. Atopy and cigarette smoking have been suggested as promoting factors of sensitizalion for several occupational allergens. Objective This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of allergic respiratory symptoms and of sensitization to both green coffee beans and castor bean in the whole workforce of a coffee manufacturing plant. Furthermore we wanted to ascertain both the presence of castor bean antigens in the settled dust of the green coffee beans warehouse and the possible crossreactivity between the two beans. Meanwhile, the effect of smoking and atopy was considered.

Method: Two‐hundred and eleven workers were examined. A questionnaire on oculorhinitis and asthma was administered and skin‐prick tests for green coffee beans, castor bean and 15 common inhalant allergens were carried out. Isoelectric focusing, isoelectric focusing immunoblot and radioallergosorbent assay (RAST) inhibition were performed on samples of settled environmental dust from the green coffee area, as well as on castor bean and green coffee beans.

Results
Ten per cent of the workers complained of oculorhinitis alone and 16% of asthma (nearly always associated with oculorhinitis). The overall prevalence of skin‐sensitization was: 15% for green coffee beans, 22% for castor bean, 22% for common allergens. Evidence of sensitization to occupational allergens was more common in smokers, with a more than twofold increase in relative risk. The strong association between skin positivity to common and occupational allergens suggests that atopy acts as an enhancing host factor towards occupational sensitization. The analysis of the dust confirmed the presence of castor bean antigens.

Conclusion
Our findings indicate that castor bean is the major cause of occupational sensitization among coffee workers, whereas smoking and atopy act as enhancing factors.
Ultra rush bee venom immunotherapy does not reduce cutaneous weal responses to bee venom and codeine phosphate
Authors: JUTEL M. , SKRBIC D. , PICHLER W. J. , MÜLLER U. R.
Published: April 2006

Background rapid administration of bee venom in cumulative doses exceeding the quantity contained in one bee sting is well tolerated by most of the patients during 3.5 h of ultra‐rush bee venom immunotherapy (VIT). The mechanism of this tolerance is unknown.

Objective The aim of the study was to verify the hypothesis that either slow mediator depletion of mast cells or blockade of their surface receptor mechanisms by increasing doses of allergen might be the major mechanisms of tolerance induced by ultra‐rush VIT.

Methods Nine bee venom allergic patients with a history of severe systemic reactions after a bee sting, positive skin tests and bee venom specific serum IgE antibodies were treated as follows: on the first day a cumulative dose of 111 μg was administered over 3.5 h under intensive care conditions. Further injections were given on day 7, day 21 and thereafter at 4 week intervals, Intradermal tests with codeine phosphate (nonspecific mast cell degranulation) and bee venom were performed before the initiation of VIT and 30 min after the last injection on the same day as well as before the subsequent bee venom injections.

Results No significant changes of skin reactivity to both codeine phosphate and bee venom were observed on day I (before initiation of VIT and after the last injection on the same day).

Conclusions Ultra‐rush VIT does not induce mediator depletion or surface receptor blockade in skin mast cells.
Prostaglandin D2 measurement in nasal secretions is not a reliable marker for mast cell activation in atopic patients
Authors: WANG D.‐Y. , SMITZ J. , CLEMENT P.
Published: April 2006

Background Prosia gland in D2 (PGD2) is a very important mast cell product during the early‐phase nasal allergic reaction. However, the quantification of PGD2 in nasal secretions has not yet been well established.

Objective Quantitative determination of PGD2 in nasal secretions of atopic patients (n=17) after nasal allergen challenge (NAC) and in non‐allergic healthy volunteers (n=10).

Methods The nasal microsuction sampling technique was used to obtain the nasal secretions with an exactly known and minimally diluted volume. A sensitive and specific enzyme immunoassay was chosen to measure the more stable 11‐methoxime derivative of PGD2. which was obtained after extraction in acelone/ethanol and conversion using methoxamine‐HCl. The concentrations of PGD2 in nasal secretions obtained from 10 non‐allergic healthy volunteers were used as reference values.

Results There was no significant difference in the concentrations of PGD2 between men (median: 569pg/mL) and women (median: 407pg/mL), nor between the baseline concentrations from atopic patients (median: 410pg/mL) and non‐allergic controls (median: 477 pg/mL). In the atopic patient group, PGD2 did not significantly increase during the entire sampling period after NAC. The absence of PGD2 response contrasted with the nasal symptoms manifested by sneezing, increased nasal airway resistance, and the significant increases of the concentrations of histamine, tryptase, and leukotriene C4 (LTC4) 5min after NAC.

Conclusion This observation suggests that the measurement of PGD2 alone in the nasal secretions does not give reliable information on mast cell activation during a nasal allergic reaction.
Peripheral blood based T cell‐containing and T cell‐depleted culture systems for human IgE synthesis: the role of T cells
Authors: WHEELER D. J. , ROBINS R. A. , PRITCHARD D. I. , BUNDICK R. V. , SHAKIB F.
Published: April 2006

Background
Comparable T cell‐containing and T cell‐depleted culture systems for human IgE synthesis are currently not available.

Objective
This has prompted us to develop peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) based culture systems for human IgE synthesis in the presence and absence of T cells.

Methods
In this paper we describe simplified conditions for in vitro synthesis of high levels of IgE by human peripheral blood B cells, both in T cell‐containing cultures and in anti‐CD40 stimulated T cell‐depleted cultures.

Results
T cell‐depieted cultures released approximately 20 times more IgE [range 410–2220 ng/mL (mean 1270 ng/mL); based on six experiments using cells from three donors] than did T cell‐containing cultures [range 23–105 ng/mL (mean 58 ng/mL); based on 15 experiments using cells from three donors]. Reconstitution experiments were performed to investigate the role of T eells on IgE synthesis. Adding T eells back to the anti‐CD40 stimulated T cell‐depleted cultures resulted in a dose‐dependent inhibition of IgE production. In the absence of anti‐CIMO low numbers of T cells stimulated, while high numbers suppressed, IgE production: the optimal ratio of T cells to non‐T cells for maximal IgE production was found to be 1:1. At this ratio, irradiated (non‐replicating) T cells supported a much greater IgE synthesis than did non‐irradiated T cells.

Conclusion
The development of these systems provides directly comparable T cell‐containing and T cell‐depleted cultures for human IgE synthesis from peripheral blood, allowing further study of the role of T cells in IgE regulation. These systems will also be of use for determining whether potential modulators of IgE synthesis act on the T cells or on other cell types.
Gene expression of interleukin‐3 and granuloeyte maerophage colony‐stimulating factor in circulating CD4+ T cells in acute severe asthma
Authors: LAI C. K. W. , HO S. S. , CHAN C. H. S. , LEUNG R. , LAI K. N.
Published: April 2006

Backgrouud
Interleukin (IL)‐3 and granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimilating factor (GM‐CSF) may influence the inflammatory process in asthma through their regulatory role on eosinophil survival, differentiation and effector function.

Objective
To examine the relationships between IL‐3 and GM‐CSF messenger (m) ribonticleic acid (RNA) expression in peripheral blood CD4+ cells and serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), a marker of eosinophil activation, and disease activity in asthma.

Methods
Venous blood was drawn from patients with acute severe asthma prior to the commencement of systemic steroid therapy (day 1) and 7 days afterwards (day 7). patients with stable disease and normal healthy volunteers. The capacity for expression of I L‐3 and GM‐CSF in ex vivo stimtuated circulating CD4+ cells was assessed semiquantitatively by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).

Results
We found that the capacity for expression of I L‐3 and GM‐CSF was significantly higher in acute asthmatics prior to steroid treatment (n = 24) than those in stable disease (n = 38) and healthy subjects (n = 32, P 0.001 for IL‐3 and <0.05 for GM‐CSF), but no difference was observed between the latter two groups. Further assessment made in 15 of the 24 acute asthmatics 7 days after systemic steroid treatment revealed a significant reduction in GM‐CSF expression (P<0.05) but not for IL‐3. At the same time, PEF also improved significantly from 30.4 ± 3.5% of predicted value to 72.9 ± 7.2% (P < 0.0001) and serum ECP concentration also fell from 19.9 ± 5.9 μg/L to 4.3 ± 2.0 μg/L (n= 10, P 0.01).

Conclusion
Our data suggest both IL‐3 and GM‐CSF may be important in the pathogenesis of acute severe asthma.
Cupressaceae pollinosis in the Madrid area
Authors: CABALLERO T. , ROMUALDO L. , CRESPO J. F. , PASCUAL C. , MUÑOZ‐PEREIRA M. , MARTIN‐ESTEBAN M.
Published: April 2006

Background
There is no previous report of Cupressaceae pollinosis in the Madrid area.

Objective
To ascertain the presence of Cupressaceae pollinosis in the Madrid area. Methods Thirty‐six patients were studied who had winter pollinosis symptoms and a positive skin test to C. arizonica. They were skin tested with C. sempervirens (Abeiló, Madrid), C. arizonica (in‐house extract) and other common inhalant allergens (Abeiló). Total IgE was measured and specific IgE to C. arizonica, C. sempervirens and J. sabinoides was determined.

Results
Six of the patients were only sensitized to Cupressaceae pollens, whereas 30 patients had also sensitivity to other pollens (oleaceae 28, plantain 27, grasses 25, chenopodium 25, compositae 23, Parietaria 9) and 18 patients were also sensitized to other inhalant allergens (animals 17, mites 4, moulds 2).

Conclusion
These results confirm the existence of allergy to Cupressaceae pollens in Madrid (Spain).
Differential expression of platelet activation markers in aspirin‐sensitive asthmatics and normal subjects
Authors: TAYLOR M. L. , MISSO N. L. A. , STEWART G. A. , THOMPSON P. J.
Published: April 2006

Background
Activation of platelets and expression of adhesion molecules (e.g. CD62P and CD63) which mediate interactions between platelets and other cells may be important in the pathogenesis of aspirin‐sensitive asthma.

Objective
To determine the expression of CD62P and CD63 on platelets from aspirinsensitive asthmatic (ASA +), aspirin‐tolerant asthmatic (ASA‐) and normal subjects and to assess the modulatory effect of aspirin on platelet CD62P and CD63 expression following stimulation with either platelet‐activating factor (PAF), arachidonic acid (AA) or collagen (COL).

Methods
Platelet‐rich plasma was obtained from 10 ASA +, 10 ASA—and 10 normal control subjects, and expression of CD62P and CD63 was measured by flow cytometry. Platelets were stimulated with PAF (10, 80 nM), AA (0.1, 1 mM) or COL (80, 800 μg/mL) with or without aspirin (concentration range 0.4–4 mg/mL).

Results
In the absence of aspirin, CD62P expression induced by AA and COL was greater in ASA+ patients compared with control subjects (P<0.001) while CD62P expression with PAF, AA and COL was reduced in ASA—when compared wilh ASA+ and control subjects (P < 0.001). CD63 expression with PAF and AA was reduced in both ASA+ and ASA‐ patients compared with control subjects (P<0.001). Aspirin inhibited the expression of both CD62P and CD63 after agonist stimulatitin. Greater inhibition of CD62P expression was observed in ASA+ compared with ASA‐ patients (P<0.001) and normal subjects (P<0.05) while greater inhibition of CD63 expression was observed in normal subjects compared with both ASA+ and ASA‐ patients (P<0.05). In ASA+ patients and normal subjects, stimulation with PAF and COL resulted in only one platelet population while in contrast with 1 mM AA two populations were observed.

Conclusions
Fnhanced AA‐ and collagen‐induced platelet CD62P expression in ASA+ patients compared with normal subjects and greater inhibition by aspirin of CD62P expression in ASA+ may be relevant to the pathogenesis of this syndrome. Reduced expression of CD62P and CD63 in platelets of ASA‐ patients following stimulation with PAF and AA may also have implications for the role of platelets and these mediators in the pathogenesis of other forms of asthma.
Crossreactivity between allergens in natural rubber latex and banana studied by immunoblot inhibition
Authors: ALENIUS H. , MÄKINEN‐KILJUNEN S. , AHLROTH M. , TURJANMAA K. , REUNALA T. , PALOSUO T.
Published: April 2006

Background
An association between allergic reactions to natural rubber latex and to banana has been reported but the immunochemical properties of the putative crossreacting allergens remain unknown.

Obfective
To study extracts of banana and natural rubber latex and sera from latex‐allergic patients for possible crossreacting allergens and IgE antibodies.

Methods
Sera from 22 latex‐allergic patients and 22 control subjects with no evidence of allergy to latex or to banana were studied. All patients had positive and controls negative reactions in skin‐prick testing using an eluate of latex gloves. IgE antibodies to natural rubber latex and to banana were evaluated by immunoblotting and by radioailergosorbent test (RAST) and crossreactivity between allergens in banana and natural rubber latex by immunoblot inhibition. Skin‐prick testing was used to examine in vivo reactivity to banana.

Results
Ten of the 22 (45%) latex‐allergic patients sera recognized altogether 14 allergens in banana by immunoblotting. The most frequently identified banana allergens were 23, 32, 36, 39 and 47kDa proteins. The banana skin‐prick test was positive in 14 of 18 (78%) latex‐allergic patients studied and banana RAST in 12 of 14 patient sera tested. Fourteen of 21 interviewed patients reported symptoms from eating or handling bananas. In immunoblot inhibition studies a dose‐dependent inhibition of IgE binding to banana extract with natural rubber latex proteins was observed in all five patient sera tested and, likewise, the binding of IgE to natural rubber latex extract was inhibited with banana proteins in four of the five patient sera.

Conclusions
The present results confirm the existence of crossreacting allergens in natural rubber latex and banana and provide new information on the immunochemical nature and heterogeneity of these allergens.
Codfish allergy in adults. Specific tests for IgE and histamine release vs double‐blind, placebo‐controlled challenges
Authors: HANSEN T.K. , BINDSLEV‐JENSEN C. , SKOV P. STAHL , POULSEN L.K.
Published: April 2006

Background
At present, several in vitro tests for immunoglobulin E (lgE)‐mediated food allergy are available. An estimation of the diagnostic accuracy of the various tests used in predicting clinical sensitivity to codfish in a well‐characterized allergic material is necessary.

Objectives
To compare the diagnostic value of four specific IgE tests, and histamine release from basophils (HR) in identifying clinical type I allergy to codfish. As a true diagnosis, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenges (DBPCFC) were employed.

Methods
Eight clinically codfish‐allergic adult patients were investigated together with 30 codfish‐tolerant control subjects for evidence of codfish‐specific reactivity by Phadebas RAST® (PHA). Pharmacia CAP System RAST® (CAP), Magic® Lite (ML) and HR. To characterize the diagnostic properties of a freshly prepared raw codfish extract, experiments were conducted employing an in‐house radioallergosorbent test (RAST). the Maxisorp RAST (MAXI) and HR. Finally, protein profile and IgE‐reacting allergens were detected by means of sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel elcctrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and immunoblotting.

Results
The sensitivities of HR with commercial extract and the three commercially available specific IgE analyses were 0.83 and 1.00 respectively. Specificities were 1.00 (H R) and 0.87‐1.00 (specific IgE tests). Ereshly prepared codfish extracts improved the sensitivity of HR. SDS‐PAGE revealed ∼29 bands (< 14.3‐200 kDa) including a band of 12‐13 kDa. and in immunoblotting 18 sera identified 17 IgE‐binding bands. The protein migrating at 12‐13 kDa was identified in the fresh codfish extract tested with gen from all clinical codfish allergies, while no significant reaction was seen in the control subjects.

Conclusion
Based on the small number of adult patients included in our study, the in vitro assays with commercial and fresh extracts have high sensitivity and are acceptable for screening for codfish allergy. Specificity of Phadebas. CAP. and our in‐house RAST was less than unity, whereas ML and strong binding of IgE to a 12‐13kDa protein completely matches DBPCFC results, and thus seems sufficient for establishing the diagnosis.
Detection of a κ‐casein‐specific lymphocyte response in milk‐responsive atopic dermatitis
Authors: WERFEL T. , AHLERS G. , SCHMIDT P. , BOEKER M. , KAPP A.
Published: April 2006

Background
Bovine casein leads to an expansion of lymphocytes expressing the cutaneous lymphocyte antigen and to specific lymphocyte proliferation in a subgroup of patients with milk‐responsive atopic dermatitis (AD). The casein fraction is composed of different proteins with defined and completely different sequences.

Objective
To define the stimulatory capacity of the major casein protein (α and k) in lymphocyte proliferation assays with cells from milk‐allergic and non‐allergic individuals.

Methods
Proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to lipopolysaccharide‐depleted casein subfractions were measured by thymidine incorporation. Lymphocytes from milk‐responsive patients with AD were compared with cells from non‐responsive patients with AD and to non‐atopic individuals, Atopic individuals with immediate symptoms following consumption of cow's milk were included as positive controls. Casein‐specific T‐cell clones (TCC) from four patients with milk‐responsive AD were restimulated with unfractioned casein and K‐casein.

Results
Higher proliferative responses to unfractionated casein and α‐,β and casein were observed in milk‐responsive patients compared with non‐responders. Unfractionated casein and K‐casein discriminated best between the milk‐responsive patients with AD and non‐responders. Twenty‐five of 31 TCC from patients with milkresponsive AD reacted to the mixed casein preparation and K‐casein.
The respiratory effects of reduction of mite allergen in the bedrooms of asthmatic children — a double‐blind controlled trial
Authors: CARSWELL F. , BIRMINGHAM K. , OLIVER J. , CREWES A. , WEEKS J.
Published: April 2006

Background
Inhalation of house dust mite (HDM) allergen may provoke attacks of asthma.

Objective
We investigated whether a double‐blind placebo‐controlled community‐based study aimed at reducing the HDM allergens in the bedrooms of HDM sensitive asthmatic children using the best methods available would prove beneficial to the children's health.

Methods
The children (mean age 9.9 years, 34 boys) were recruited by a questionnaire submitted to 7386 families in a geographically‐defined area of the UK. Subjects were chosen to take part in the double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial if they were asthmatic, skin sensitive to mites, and had mite allergen in their mattresses. Seventy children were randomly allocated to groups. In the active group, the children's bedrooms were treated with an acaricide (Acarosan) and the mattresses, pillows and duvets were encased in exclusion covers. The control group received placebo treatments.

Results
Forty‐nine complete data sets were obtained. Applying bedding covers and Acarosan led to a median reduction of 480 ng (100%) in mite allergen on the mattress vs 215 ng (53%) reduction in placebo‐treated group by 6 weeks. No evidence was found that the acaricide reduced mite allergen level. A change in bronchial reactivity to histamine was observed in the children after 6 weeks. This was not associated with any change in thrice‐daily records of peak expiratory flow rate. By 24 weeks, the actively‐treated children had improved forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and fewer required bronchodilator therapy or reported asthmatic symptoms than did the controls.

Conclusions
The results suggest that mite removal procedures may modestly improve mite‐sensitive asthmatics and could perhaps be of value in exceptionally mite‐sensitive and/or highly mite‐exposed individuals whose response to the attempted removal should be measured.
Decreased production of IFNγ and increased production of IL‐6 by cord blood mononuclear cells of newborns with a high risk of allergy
Authors: LIAO S. Y. , LIAO T. N. , CHIANG B. L. , HUANG M. S. , CHEN C. C. , CHOU C. C. , HSIEH K. H.
Published: April 2006

Background
The underlying mechanisms of elevated IgE level in atopic patients are still obscure, however, extensive efforts have been tried to identify an immunological parameter as a predictor of atopy.

Objective
This study compared the difference in cytokine production by cord blood mononuclear cells between new borns with high‐risk of allergy (family allergy score, FAS ± 3) and those with low‐risk (FAS = 0).

Methods
Following stimulation with PHA(100 μg/mL) and PMA (1 ng/mL), the cytokines produced by cord blood CD4+ T cells in the presence of monocytes were measured by ELISA kits and the mRNA was detected by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) technique.

Results
Our results showed: CD4+ T cells in the presence of monocytes and isolated monocytes from the high‐risk group produced a much greater amount of IL‐6, either spontaneously or after stimulation, than did those of the low‐risk group; CD4+ T cells of low‐risk group produced a significantly greater amount of interferon gamma (IFNγ) than did those from the high‐risk group; IL‐4 cannot be detected by ELISA kit, and only a trace amount of IL‐4 mRNA was detected by RT‐PCR technique; cord blood basophils stimulated with PHA and PMA could produce a significant amount of IL‐4; there was an inverse correlation between the production of IFNγ and cord blood IgE level (high‐risk group, r ‐ 0.647, n = 17) and the number of natural killer (NK) cells (CD3− CD16+ CD56+) was signiticantly lower in high‐risk group than for low‐risk group.

Conclusion
Our data suggested increased production of IL‐6 and decreased production of IFNγ of cord blood mononuclear cells appear to be the hallmark of newborns from the high‐risk population.
Latex allergy can induce clinical reactions to specific foods
Authors: BEEZHOLD D. H. , SUSSMAN G. L. , LISS G. M. , CHANG N.‐S.
Published: April 2006

Objective
The purpose of this study was to investigate crossreactivity between latex and foods, to identify crossreacting IgE binding proteins, and to assess the clinical significance.

Methods
Forty‐seven latex allergic patients and 46 non‐latex allergic patient controls were studied. Allergen sensitization was determined by skin‐prick testing (SPT) and allergenic proteins were identified by immunoblot reactivity and amino acid sequence analysis.

Results
Immunological reactivity to foods was found to be common, occurring in 33 latex‐allergic individuals but in only seven controls (P < 0.000001); 100 of 376 (27%) food skin‐prick tests were positive in the latex‐allergic subjects. Twenty‐seven out of 100 positive food SPTs were associated with chnical symptoms. Seventeen patients manifested a clinical allergy to at least one food including 11 with anaphylaxis, and 14 with local sensitivity reactions. Positive food skin tests occurred most frequently with avocado (53%), potato (40%), banana (38%), tomato (28%), chestnut (28%), and kiwi (17%). Latex‐allergic patients (23%) recognize a protein that had sequence homology to a broad class of plant proteins known as patatins. Crossreactivity between latex and several potato proteins was observed by immunoblot inhibition analysis.

Conclusions
Sensitization to latex has extensive crossreactivity with certain foods and leads to clinical allergic reactions. Potatoes and tomatoes are newly reported cross‐reacting foods. Plant proteins with structural homology to latex proteins may predispose to food allergy.
Immunohistochemical detection of GM‐CSF, IL‐4 and IL‐5 in a murine model of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: CHU H. W. , WANG J. M. , BOUTET M. , BOULET L. P. , LAVIOLETTE M.
Published: April 2006

Background
Granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and IL‐5 are important in tissue eosinophil accumulation and high IgE production in allergic inflammatory reaction.

Objective
We examine lung GM‐CSF, IL‐4 and IL‐5 expression in a murine model of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) characterized by eosinophil and lymphocyte lung infiltration and elevated serum IgE level.

Methods
C57BL/6 mice were intranasally treated three times a week for 1, 2 or 3 week(s) with Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) antigen or saline and were sacrificed on days 7, 14 and 21. Immunohistochemical analyses for GM‐CSF, IL‐4 and IL‐5 were performed on lung sections.

Results
Af treatment induced a remarkable pulmonary eosinophil influx. Increased numbers of lung T lymphocytes and GM‐CSF positive cells were observed on days 14 and 21. IL‐4 and IL‐5 positive cells were increased significantly only on day 14. Immunostained serial sections showed that most (≥98%) cytokine positive cells were CD3 positive. Few eosinophils (<2% of cytokine positive cells) were immunoreactive for GM‐CSF and IL‐5. Significant correlations were found between the number of GM‐CSF and IL‐5 positive cells, and the number of eosinophils in Af‐treated lung (r = 0.62, P < 0.05 and r = 0.52, P < 0.05, respectively), and between the number of IL‐4 positive cells and the serum total IgE level (r = 0.64, P<0.01).

Conclusions
Our data suggest a role for T lymphocyte GM‐CSF, IL‐4 and IL‐5 in Af‐induced mouse pulmonary eosinophilia and increased serum IgE production and further support the importance of T helper (TH) cells in the pathogenesis of ABPA.
Effects of systemic corticosteroids on cutaneous histamine secretion and histamine‐releasing factor in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria
Authors: PARADIS L. , LAVOIE A. , BRUNET C. , BÉDARD P.M. , HÉBERT J.
Published: April 2006

Background
Enhanced skin mast cell releasability of histamine, increased production of histamine releasing factor (HRF), and cutaneous inflammatory process are the hallmarks of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CU). Although H1‐antihistamines are known to alleviate the symptoms effectively in most cases, systemic corticosteroids (CS) are given in more resistant patients. Their mode of action remains a matter of controversy.

Objectives
In the present study, the effects of a 7‐day course of CS or placebo on histamine content and HRF production iti non‐lesional skin of 19 CU patients were examined.

Methods
Using the skin chamber technique, HRF production and histamine content were assessed in normal‐appearing skin of patients with CU over a 2‐h observation period. Those two parameters were measured before and after treatment, in a double‐blind fashion.

Results
No significant changes occurred in any parameters after placebo treatment. In contrast with this, significant decrease of HRF activity was observed after 1 week of oral methylprednisolone while no change was documented for histamine secretion. Conclusion These data suggest that CS therapy improves symptoms of CU in association with a decreased production of HRF in uninvolved skin.
Evidence of a strong, positive association between atopy and the HLA class II alleles DR4 and DR7
Authors: ARON Y. , DESMAZES‐DUFEU N. , MATRAN R. , POLLA B. S. , DUSSER D. , LOCKHART A. , SWIERCZEWSKI E.
Published: April 2006

Background
Atopy, with or without associated asthma, provides a useful model for evaluating the genetic factors that control human immune responsiveness. HLA class II gene products are involved in the control of immune responses.

Objectives
We investigated whether susceptibility or resistance to the disease was associated with HLA class II genes.

Methods
Blood samples were obtained from two groups of unrelated European‐born white adults: 56 atopic patients (52 of them with asthma) and 39 healthy controls with no personal or familial history of asthma or atopy. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes. The exons of DQA1, DQB1, DRB and DPBl genes were selectively amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Geno‐typing was carried out by digestion of the amplified DNA products with allele‐specific endonucleases (PCR‐RFLP), which can recognize allelic variations in the polymorphic exon.

Results
We found no significant difTerences in the frequency of DPBl alleles between patients and controls. HLA class II DR4 and DR7 alleles were present in 39.2% of the patients and in 2.5% of the healthy subjects (Pc*2± 3.9 10−3). Conversely, DQA1*0103 and DQB1*0502 alleles were more frequent in the control subjects. These results confirm a previous study of an extended pedigree, which showed that DR4 and DR7 alleles were absent in all healthy members of the family and were frequently observed in atopic and/or in asthmatic subjects.

Conclusion
We observed that HLA‐DR 4 and DR7 alleles are significantly implicated in their susceptibility to the disease and suggest that this susceptibility is more related to atopy than to specific responses to allergens. According to previous studies, we could also submit that in atopic patients with asthma, DR4 alleles at the least, could be more closely associated with atopy than with asthma per se. Conversely, we suggest that some allelic DQA1 and DQB1 sequences might confer protection against the disease.
Rat basophil leukaemia (RBL) cells sensitized with low affinity IgE respond to high valency antigen
Authors: COLLINS A. M. , BASIL M. , NGUYEN K. , THELIAN D.
Published: April 2006

Background
The very low concentrations of IgE antibodies in serum tnake investigations of the affinity of allergen‐specific antibodies extremely difficult. In the absence of such studies, the fact that low IgE concentrations are capable of inducing powerful effector function has encouraged the view that IgE antibodies are typically high affinity antibodies. Yet the phenomenon of allergic cross‐reactivity suggests that lower affinity IgE antibodies may sometitnes be of clinical significance.

Objectives
To investigate the effect of antibody affinity upon mast cell sensitivity in an in vitro model.

Methods
Rat basophil leukaemia (RBL) cells were sensitized with one of three monoclonal IgE antibodies which bind to trinitrophenyiated proteins with varying affinity. Serotonin release was measured after challenge of sensitized cells with trinitrophenyiated human serum albumin (TNP‐HSA).

Results
Low valency TNP3‐HSA failed to stimulate degranulation of RBL cells sensitized with SPE‐7 anti‐DNP IgE, which binds TNP with low affinity. However, upon challenge with high concentrations (1250 ng/mL) of TNP8‐HSA, or as little as 10 ng/mL of highly substituted TNP23‐HSA, low levels of degranulation were seen. A similar relationship between antigen valency and cell sensitivity was seen with cells sensitized with the H‐le‐DNP anti‐DNP IgE. which binds with moderate affinity to TNP proteins.

Conclusion
High valency antigen is capable of activating RBL cells sensitized with low affinity antibody. This has important implications for our understanding of allergic sensitization. It also suggests that the long‐rccognized relationship between antigen valency and RBL cell sensitivity may partly reflect the high functional affinity of cell‐bound IgE when directed against multivalent antigen.
The effect of inhaled and intranasal sodium cromoglyeate on symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections
Authors: ÅBERG N. , ÅBERG B. , ALESTIG K.
Published: April 2006

Background
A well established drug for the treatment of asthma and allergy, sodium cromoglycale, was found in open trials to be useful as a symptomalic treatment for upper respiratory tract infections.

Objective
To compare the efficacy of inhaled and intranasal sodium cromoglyeate and matching placebos on the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.

Methods
Adult subjects with symptoms of runny nose, throat pain, or cough for less than 24 h were recruited. They were treated for 7 days using a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, group comparative design. The medication given was: sodium cromoglyeate dry powder 20mg per inhalation in spincaps; sodium cromoglycate aqueous nasal spray delivering 5.2mg per dose; or matching placebo as dry powder and nasal spray. One spincap and one spray per nostril were taken every 2h during waking hours on days 1 and 2 and then four times daily on days 3–7. Severity of nine symptoms (general malaise, body aches and pains, chills and shivering, snzeening, nasal running, nasal blocking, sore throat, cough and voice disturbance) was recorded twice daily by subjects on diary cards, using a scale of 0 (absent) to 3 (severe).

Results
The sludy was conducted between February and April 1993. One hundred and eighteen patients aged 21–63 years (mean 41 years) were included. Symptoms resolved faster (P < 0.001) and the severity in the last three days of treatment was significantly less in patients treated with sodium cromoglycate than with placebo (P < 0.05‐day 5; P < 0.01‐day 6; P < 0.001‐day 7). Side‐effects were local and mild and did not differ between the treatment groups.

Conclusion
Sodium cromoglyeate administered both by inhalation and intranasally is an effective treatment for the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. Its combined safety and efficacy would make it an acceptable form of treatment for these conditions.
Fluticasone propionate: topical or systemic effects?
Authors: HOWLAND W. C.
Published: April 2006

Intranasal corticosteroids have been shown to be more effective than oral antihistamines for the treatment of scasonai allergic rhinitis. However, there are some who question whether intranasalty administered corticosteroids should be used due to potential systemic effects. Fluticasone propionate, a potent corticosteroid with high specificity for the glucocorticoid receptor, is available as an aqueous nasal spray for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. To determine whether the efficacy of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray (FPANS) was due to direct topical effects on the nasal mucosa or to indirect systemic effects following absorption from the nasal mucosa or from the swallowed portion of an intranasal dose. FPANS 200 μg once daily was compared with oral fluticasone propionate 5 mg or 10 mg once daily or placebo for 2 weeks in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. These oral dosages were chosen to yield low but consistent plasma fluticasone propionate concentrations. Both clinician‐ and patientrated scores for nasal obstruction, rhinorrhoea, sneezing, and nasal itching were significantly lower in the intranasal fluticasone propionate group compared with both oral fluticasone propionate groups. A separate plaeebo‐controlled study was conducted in patients with perennial rhinitis to detennine if administration of FPANS 200 μg once daily Ibr 1 year was associated with adverse systemic effects. At the 1‐year assessment, there were no significant eflects on bone mineral density or on biochemical markers of bone turnover. Similarly, there was no evidence of posterior subcapsular cataracts nor of glaucoma. Furthermore, there were no significant effects on hypothalamie‐pituitary adrenal axis function as assessed by plasma cortisol and 24‐h urinary cortisol response to the 6‐h cosyntropin stimulation test. These data confirm that the eflicacy of FPANS for the treatment of allergic rhinitis results from direct topical eflects, thus reducing the likelihood of adverse systemic effects.
Prenatal allergen contact with milk proteins
Authors: SZÉPFALUSI Z. , NENTWICH I. , GERSTMAYR M. , JOST E. , TODORAN L. , GRATZL R. , HERKNER K. , URBANEK R.
Published: April 2006

Background Cellular proliferation to various allergens (Dermatophagoides pleronyssinus, β‐lactoglobulin, bovine serum albumin, ovalbumin) has been found in cord blood cells. Whether this reflects a sensitization during foetal life is uncertain.

Objective We studied the cellular reactivity and cytokine production of cord blood cells in response to cow's milk proteins in a randomely selected group of newborns. The delineation of possible in utero allergen contact was attempted.

Objective Cord blood mononuclear cells from 39 neonates were incubated with cow's milk proteins (α‐lactalbumin, β‐lactoglobulin, casein, α‐casein, β‐casein, k‐casein, bovine serum albumin) for 7 days, and proliferation was assessed by incorporation of [3H]thymidine. Cord blood cell‐derived interferon‐γ (IFNγ) and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) secretion was evaluated in response to allergen or phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation.

Results A pronounced proliferation of cells stimulated with α‐lactalbumin (ALA; mean stimulation index 8.0, 95% confidence interval 5.2–10.8), β‐lactoglobulin (BLG; mean stimulation index 5.9, 95% confidence interval 3.2–8.6) and α‐casein (2.6, 95% confidence interval 2.9–9.1), as opposed to unstimulated cells in medium, was found. No correlation was found between cellular proliferation to milk proteins and parental atopy, maternal total IgE or cord blood IgE. IFNγ production (but not IL‐4) was inducible by PHA (range 429–1810 pg/ml), but only in one individual upon stimulation with BLG. Preferentially, reduced IFNγ levels were found in individuals with positive parental allergic history.

Conclusion The recognition of allergen by cord blood cells indicates that allergen priming must occur prenatally. The relevance for subsequent sensitization is unclear.
Peptide leukotrienes mediate acetaldehyde‐induced bronchial hyper‐responsiveness in guinea‐pigs
Authors: FUJIMURA M. , MYOU S. , AMEMIYA T. , TACHIBANA H. , KITA T. , MATSUDA T.
Published: April 2006

Background We previously reported that inhaled acetaldehyde, a metabolite of ethanol atid a maiti factor in alcohol‐induced asthma, causes bronchial hyper‐responsiveness (BHR) in asthmatics. However, the mechanisms are unclear.

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate a role of a peptide leukotriene (LT) in acetaldehyde‐induced BHR.

Methods Effects of LT antagonists, ONO‐1078 (O.l‐l.Omg/kg) and ICI‐198, 615 (0.03–0.3 mg/kg), on acetaldehyde‐induced bronchoconstriction and BHR to inhaled methacho‐line were examined using a modified Konzett‐Rössler method in guinea pigs.

Results Aeetaldehyde at 0.8mg/ml, which failed to induce significant changes in Pao (pressure at the airway opening), enhanced an increase in Pao induced by subsequent inhalations of ascending doses (50–200 μg/ml) of methacholine. suggesting a potentiating effect of acetaldehyde oti bronchial responsiveness. Although ONO‐1078 had no inhibitory effect on bronchoconstriction caused by ascending doses (5.0–20 mg/ml) of acetaldehyde, ONO‐1078 and ICI‐198, 615 reduced the acetaldehyde‐induced BHR.

Conclusion Acetaldehyde causes BHR via LT release in guinea‐pigs.
Prevalence of latex allergy in hospital staff in Hong Kong
Authors: LEUNG R. , HO A. , CHAN J. , CHOY D. , LAI C. K. W.
Published: April 2006

Background The prevalence of latex allergy in healthcare workers in Asian populations is unknown.

Methods We studied 1472 employees in a teaching hospital in Hong Kong using written questionnaires and 133 respondents underwent skin prick testing to latex glove eluates and common allergens.

Results Glove‐related symptoms were common and 455 (30.9%) reported one or more symptoms, the majority of which could be classified as glove dermatitis (GD). On the other hand, symptoms suggestive of latex allergy such as urticaria, rhinitis, wheeze and asthma, were encountered less frequently and were noted by 3.3%. In particular, one developed asthma and two had wheezing, but there was no report of anaphylaxis. A total of 9.9% reported allergic symptoms from contact with other latex devices, in particular, rubber bands, rubber boots, goggles and swimming. Nine subjects (6.8%) had positive skin test to one or more of the five latex extracts. All were atopic to common allergens. Skin test positivity to latex and banana extracts was positively correlated (P < 0.05). In univariate logistic regression, daily glove use, personal history of allergic disease and history of allergic symptoms to latex‐containing devices other than gloves were significant risk factors for both GD and LA. Nurses were more likely to complain of GD and workers with positive skin test to latex were 8.6 times more likely to have symptoms of LA. In multiple logistic regression, the remaining significant associations were between history of daily glove use and GD (OR = 50.11, 95% CI 15.88–158.13), and between positive latex skin test and LA (OR = 8.14, 95% CI 1.27–52.36).

Conclusion Glove‐related symptoms are common in healthcare workers in Hong Kong. Gloved healthcare workers are at risk of becoming sensitized to latex, and those with positive latex skin tests, long glove exposure time and frequent glove changes are at risk of clinical latex allergy.
Royal jelly consumption and hypersensitivity in the community
Authors: LEUNG R. , HO A. , CHAN J. , CHOY D. , LAI C. K. W.
Published: April 2006

Background Royal jelly consumption has recently been linked with acute asthma, anaphylaxis and death. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted to detennine the prevalence of and the relationship between royal jelly consumption and hypersensitivity reactions.

Methods 1472 hospital employees of a teaching hospital in Hong Kong completed a questionnaire on royal jelly consumption and related allergic symptoms, and 176 questionnaire respondents and 300 consecutive asthma clinic patients were skin tested to royal jelly.

Results Royal jelly consumption was high, with 461 out of 1472 subjects (31.3%) having taken royal jelly in the past. A total of nine subjects reported 14 adverse reactions to royal jelly, including urticaria, eczema, rhinitis and acute asthma. Thirteen out of 176 questionnaire respondents (7.4%) and 23 out of 300 consecutive asthma clinic attendees (7.3%) had positive skin test to pure royal jelly. All but one of the 36 subjects with positive royal jelly skin test were atopic to other common allergens. Positive associations were found between positive royal jelly skin test and atopy (OR = 33.73, 95% CI 4.51 to 252.11), adverse reactions to royal jelly and a history of clinical allergy (OR = 2.88, 95% CI 0.72 to 11.58), but not between royal jelly symptoms and previous royal jelly intake.

Conclusion Royal jelly consumption is high in the community of Hong Kong. Atopic individuals are at high risk of sensitization to royal jelly but the precise relationship between royal jelly use, positive royal jelly skin test and clinical manifestations of adverse reactions to royal jelly, remains to be defined.