bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total blood eosinophils, serum eosinophil cationic protein and eosinophil protein X in childhood asthma: relation to disease status and therapy
Authors: ZIMMERMAN B. , LANNER A. , ENANDER I. , ZIMMERMAN R. S. , PETERSON C. G. B. , AHLSTEDT S.
Published: April 2006

Blood eosinophils, and serum levels of the eosinophil proteins, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil protein X (EPX) were measured in childhood asthma. Seventeen patients mean age 11–9 years who were symptomatic with asthma, were enrolled in a study examining the eosinophil counts and eosinophil proteins at the onset of study and after treatment in relation to changes in their baseline forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1) and % predicted FEV1. The patients with symptomatic asthma were compared with 17 patients mean age 12.0 years with asymptomatic asthma maintained on daily inhaled steroid and 13 patients, mean age 12.0 years, without asthma but with urticaria who served as non‐asthma controls. Patients with symptomatic asthma did not have significantly higher initial eosinophil counts compared with those with asymptomatic asthma (0.43 × 109/1 vs 0.26 × 109/1, P= 0.09) but had higher serum ECP levels (28.9 μ/1 vs 18.5 μg/1). Both asthma patient groups had significantly higher serum ECP levels (P<0.01) than the controls (9.8 μg/1). After therapy consisting of increased dose of inhaled steroids and/or oral steroids, patients in the symptomatic asthma group demonstrated a significant rise in FEV1 (1.67 1/sec at Visit 1 vs 2.08 1/ sec at Visit 2, 1<0.01). A similar rise was seen for % predicted FEV1. Patients in the asymptomatic asthma group showed no significant change in FEV1 between visits (2.23 1/sec vs 2.37 1/sec), which was verified with the % predicted FEV1, Patients in the symptomatic asthma group showed a significant decrease in ECP level following treatment (28.9 μ/1 to 9.6 μ/1. P<0.001) while the values in the asymptomatic group did not change (18.6 μ/1 to 15.2 μ/1 not significant). There was a significant correlation between the initial ECP level in the symptomatic asthma group and the change in the FEV| with treatment. Serum EPX levels showed similar trends but there was no significant correlation between the initial EPX levels and the changes in FEV1. Neither did blood eosinophil counts show such a correlation. This data suggests that the changes in serum ECP levels correlate with the changes in lung function subsequently to anti‐inflammation therapy.
Sensitization to four common inhalant allergens within 302 nuclear families
Authors: KUEHR J. , KARMAUS W. , FORSTER J. , FRISCHER T. , HENDEL‐KRAMER A. , MOSELER M. , STEPHAN V. , URBANEK R. , WEISS K.
Published: April 2006

The coincidence of allergic sensitization was investigated in 302 school‐aged children and their parents. Specific sensitization to four common inhalant allergens (grass and birch pollens, cat dander, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) was ascertained by means of skin‐prick tests (SPT) carried out on the complete family unit at the beginning of a 22‐month follow‐up period. The same test procedure was then repeated on the children twice at 11‐month intervals to provide cumulative prevalences of sensitization. A clinical history of atopy in the children (hay fever or asthma; n= 47), which was derived from an interview, is associated with sensitization (positive SPT in 89%). For three allergens (grass and birch pollens, cat dander) sensitization occurs significantly more frequently in the children of mothers who are sensitized to the same allergen (odds‐ratios (ORs), 2.5–4.1). Additionally, in three of the four explanatory models related to a single antigen, maternal sensitization to one of the complementary allergens is of importance (ORs, 2.7–3.7). In contrast to this finding, none of the paternal sensitizations has statistical significance. Based on a reaction to at least one of the four allergens, the child's relative risk to be sensitized is increased in case of maternal (OR, 2.88; P= 0.001) but not of paternal (OR, 1.06; P= 0.83) sensitization. In conclusion, our data indicate that the maternal status is more predictive than that of the father with regard to the child's risk of sensitization.
Reduced mite allergen levels in dwellings with mechanical exhaust and supply ventilation
Authors: WICKMAN M. , EMENIUS G. , EGMAR A‐C. , AXELSSON G. , PERSHAGEN G.
Published: April 2006

Seventy similar bungalows constructed between 1968 and 1970 in the same suburban area of Stockholm were investigated regarding the content of house dust mite allergen, absolute indoor humidity, type of ventilation and basement construction. Houses with mechanical exhaust and supply ventilation had an indoor humidity above 7 g/kg less often than houses without this type of ventilation (Odds ratio 0.1, 95% confidence interval 0.0‐0.2). Furthermore, only five of the 24 houses with exhaust and supply ventilation contained mattress dust mite allergen concentrations exceeding the median value (98.5 ng/g) compared with 30 of 46 hours which did not have such ventilation (odds ratio =0.1, C.I. 0.0–0.5). Houses with both natural ventilation and crawl space basement harboured significantly less mattress mite allergen than houses having the same type of ventilation, but with a concrete slab basement. In a cold temperate climate, type of building construction and ventilation seem to be important for the occurrence of house dust mite allergens in dwellings. Our results indicate that modern energy‐efficient houses should be equipped with mechanical exhaust and supply ventilation to reduce indoor air humidity during the dry winter months and the risk of mite infestation.
Aerosolized acetaldehyde, but not ethanol, induces histamine–mediated bronchoconstriction in guinea–pigs
Authors: MYOU S. , FUJIMURA M. , BANDO T. , SAITO M. , MATSUDA T.
Published: April 2006

It was reported that ethanol–induced bronchoconstriction was associated with elevated serum levels of aectaldehyde and histamine in Japanese asthmatic patients, but there is no study to investigate the airway response to acetaldehyde. We performed this animal study to test the hypothesis that acctaldehyde has the bronchospastic action via histamine release. First, we investigated the airway response to ascending doses (31.3, 62.5, 125. and 250 MM) of inhaled ethanol or acctaldehyde in guinea–pigs. Secondly, guinea–pigs pretreated with intraperitoneal injection of saline or 20 mg/kg diphenhydramine inhaled acetaldehyde. Finally, guinea–pigs pretreated with intraperitoneal injection of saline or 0–5 mg/kg atropine sulfate inhaled acetaldehyde. Inhalation of acetaldehyde. but not ethanol, caused bronchoconstriction in a dose–dependent manner. The bronchoconstriction induced by inhaled acetaldehyde was completely prevented by pretreatment with diphenhydramine. Atropine had no preventing effect against the acetaldehyde–induced bronchoconstriction. In conclusion, acetaldehyde has the bronchospastic action via histamine release in guinea–pigs. It is suggested that histamine HI–antagonists may be available for preventing alochol–induced asthma.
Asthma in children less than 5 years of age: eosinophils and serum levels of the eosinophil proteins ECP and EPX in relation to atopy and symptoms
Authors: ZIMMERMAN B. , ENANDER I. , ZIMMERMAN R. , AHLSTEDT S.
Published: April 2006

Children less than 5 years of age with asthma were assessed for total eosinophil counts and scrum levels of the eosinophil proteins, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil protein X (EPX). to determine whether these measurements would reflect eosinophilic inflammation in the airways. Initially 27 symptomatic patients, 14 atopic and 13 non‐atopic were investigated. They had a mean age of 1.8 years and had never been treated with inhaled steroid and had not received Intal for 2 weeks prior to the assessment. The 14 atopic patients proved to have higher mean total eosinophil counts and serum levels of ECP and EPX than the 13 non‐atopic patients (eosinophil counts 0.63 109/1 vs 0.26 × 109/1, P < 0.001; ECP 36.9 μg/1 vs 10.8 μg/1, P < 0.001; EPX 69.0 μg/1 v.s 19.6 μg/l, P < 0.01. Thirteen of these patients required treatment with daily doses of inhaled steroid and 11 had a repeal assessment (seven atopic and four non‐atopic). The mean serum EC'P of the seven atopic patients had fallen significantly (40.6 to 22.9. P < 0.05) while the total eosinophil counts did not. These results suggest a difference in numbers and activity of eosinophils in a topic compared with non‐atopic asthma in young children.

To determine whether the results were influenced by treatment with inhaled steroids. 31 patients who were being treated with daily inhaled steroid underwent assessment when they were symptomatic (22 samples) or asymptomatic (19 samples). Of the 31 patients. 11 were atopic and 20 non‐atopic, Atopic asthmatics had higher levels of eosinophils and serum ECP than non‐atopic patients when symptomatic patients were compared, despite treatment with inhaled steroid.

Finally, in order to determine whether the ECP correlates with atopy rather than asthma, 19 patients who were seen for assessment of a reaction to a food (usually peanut or egg) and who had a positive skin lest to the appropriate food were examined. Twelve of these patients had a history of intermittent asthma and a mean ECP of 31 9μg/I while seven patients had no asthma and a mean ECP of 13.4 μg/l (P < 0.05), The total eosinophil counts showed the same difference. This suggests that atopy in the absence of asthma may not be associated with an elevated eosinophil count or ECP level. The data suggest that atopy contributes lo childhood asthma, even in infancy, by mobilization and activation of eosinophils. Scrum ECP might be a useful measure of eosinophil activation in asthma of early childhood.
Natural variation in mite antigen density in house dust and relationship to residential factors
Authors: KUEHR J. , FRISCHER T. , KARMAUS W. , MEINERT R. , BARTH R. , SCHRAUB S. , DASCHNER A. , URBANEK R. , FORSTER J.
Published: April 2006

To investigate the year‐to‐year variation of mite antigen density (Der p I, Der f1) in dust from mattresses and the relevance of residential factors for antigen load, information derived from an epidemiologic study including two surveys carried out in the households of a cohort of elementary school children (n= 1291) was analysed.

When considering residences with measurements taken in both years in question (n= 1050), rank‐correlation indicated a predominance of stability for both antigens (Der p I: rs= 0‐82, p=0.0001; Der f I: rs=0.72, P= 0.0001), Using multiple regression analyses, significant associations between antigen concentrations and a variety of residential factors were found. Use of a blanket of animal hair, use of a cover or underblanket, wet spots in the bedroom, higher relative humidity and a low storey level were significantly associated with increased concentrations of Der p I, whereas inverse relationships between this antigen and room temperature, number of persons per m2 as well as use of underfloor heating were seen. Regarding Der f I, older mattresses, use of a cover or underblanket, higher weight of sampled dust, high educational level and higher ratio of inhabitants per m2 were significantly associated with increased concentrations of the antigen. On the other hand, lower Der f I concentrations were found when interior sprung mattresses were used and when the mattress was ‘treated regularly’.

In conclusion, two measurements, 1 year apart from each other, show that stability of mite antigen concentrations predominated. Our data suggest that allergic patients should be advised against living in lower storeys and damp homes and to use a newer or encased mattress and to give preference to a residence with underfloor heating.
Nasal mast cells in experimentally induced allergic rhinitis in guinea‐pigs
Authors: KAWAGUCHI S. , MAJIMA Y. , SAKAKURA Y.
Published: April 2006

The kinetics of mast cell accumulation in the nasal mucosa during allergen exposure were investigated in animal model of experimentally induced allergic rhinitis. Guinea‐pigs were divided into an unsensitized control group and five sensitized groups each containing live animals. Five sensitized groups were immunized intraperitoneally with ovalbumin, followed by intranasal administration of ovalbumin in each of four groups for 1. 2, 3 and 4 weeks, respectively. There were significant increases in the number of mast cells in the epithelium after 2 and 3 weeks in the groups receiving intranasal ovalbumin. No significant changes were detected in the lamina propria and the total number of mast cells. In the lamina propria, the distance between a mast cell and the basement membrane was significantly decreased in the groups after 2, 3 and 4 weeks of intranasal administration. These findings suggest that an infiltration of mast cells from the lamina propria to the epithelium occurred after 2 weeks of intranasal administration of allergen. An electron microscopic study showed no mast cells at the luminal surface of the epithelium and the majority of mast cells lying around the basal cells. This finding suggests that the allergen must penetrate into the epithelium in order to interact with mast cells in guinea‐pig nose.
Thermal and storage stability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) allergens
Authors: KORTEKANGAS‐SAVOLAINEN O. , EINARSSON R.
Published: April 2006

The effect of storage and high temperatures on the stability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae allergens was studied by immunoblotting. Saccharomyces cerevisiae allergic serum pool and 125I‐ and galactosidase‐labelled anti‐IgE were used in the assays. Freeze‐dried extracts were reconstituted with saline and with 50% glycerol and then stored at room (+ 20°C) and refrigerator temperature (+6°C) for different time periods.

The stability was better in 50% glycerol at +6°C than at room temperature without glycerol. However, after 1 month, two of the most important allergens of S. cerevisiae, the 48 and 32 kDa protein allergens. lost their IgE‐binding capacity even in the extracts stored with 50% glycerol al +6 C. The 45 kDa allergen was. on the other hand, quite stable after storage for 9 months at +6°C. Although the beneficial effect of 50% glycerol was clear, storage at +6°C, even with 50% glycerol should not exceed 1 month for S. cerevisiae extracts.

Two commercially available S. cerevisiae extracts in solution with valid expiry dates were also analysed. They had only little allergenic potency, while a freeze‐dried extract stored for 8 years showed good allergenic potency. Heating S. cerevisiae extracts resulted in precipitation., the precipitated fraction contained almost all the specific proteins as judged by electrophoresis and IgE detection. The supernatant fraction contained only a few allergens.
Effects of nedocromil sodium on bronchospasm and HS‐NCA release induced by allergen inhalation in asthmatic patients
Authors: MIRONE C. , FONTANA A. , MOSCA S. , BOSETTI M. , SALA A. , SCIBILIA J. , ORTOLANI C.
Published: April 2006

The aim of this study was to assess the ability of nedocromil sodium (NS) to prevent the immediate asthmatic reaction and the increase in the scrum level of heal stable neutrophil chemotactie activity (HS‐NCA) induced by antigen inhalation. In a double‐blind, cross‐over study. 13 atopic subjects affected with seasonal asthma underwent a bronchial provocation lest with a preselected dose of grass pollen allergen (enough to cause a decrease of ≥ 20% in FEV1:FEV1 PD20) after pre‐treatment with 4 mg NS or placebo. Serum samples were withdrawn from 11 subjects for HS‐NCA determination. After NS administration the decrease in FEV1 was significantly less than after placebo administration at all lime points after challenge (2 min P= 0.0004; 7 min, P= 0.0005; 17 min P= 0.0002 and 27 min P= 0.0005). The percentage increase in HS‐NCA was significantly higher after placebo than after NS inhalation, both 10 (P= 0.0048) and 2d (P= 0.0068) min after challenge. Our study confirms previous investigations, showing that NS inhibits the immediate asthmatic response to allergen inhalation in atopic, asthmatic subjects and moreover it shows that this drug prevents in vivo the increase of the serum HS‐NCA. This last finding has not been previously reported.
Asthma, allergy and atopy in southern Chinese school students
Authors: LEUNG R. , JENKINS M.
Published: April 2006

In order to determine the prevalence of asthma, allergy and atopy in southern China and the relative importance of atopy and parental history in predicting asthma and allergic diseases, we carried out a cross‐sectional study on 737 secondary school students aged 12‐20(492 boys, 245 girls; mean age = 16.4 years, so = 1.8 years) in the city of San Bu, Guangdong, China. Standard questionnaires on respiratory and allergic symptoms were distributed for completion by parents with an overall response of 98.6%. Skin‐prick tests to common aeroallergens were performed on 647 subjects (87.8%) to determine atopic status. The prevalence (and 95% CI) of a history of hay fever, eczema, wheeze or asthma ever and wheeze in past 12 months were 1.6% (0.7‐2.5), 10.4% (8.2‐12.6), 1.9% (0.9‐1.9) and 1.1% (0.3‐1.9) respectively. Forty‐nine per cent (45.2‐52.9) of students had one or more positive skin tests to common aeroallergens. Amongst atopic subjects, 87.3% reacted to house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) and 73.3% to cockroach. There was a close association between the degree of atopy and the prevalence of a history of wheeze (P < 0.05) but not with hay fever or eczema. After adjusting for age and sex, parental histories of hay fever, eczema and wheeze were strongly associated with the respective symptoms in the subjects (OR = 17.4 (3.2‐93.9) for hay fever, 27.4 (12.7‐59.0) for eczema, 79.4 (21.9‐288.4) for wheeze). It is concluded that respiratory and allergic symptoms were uncommon in Chinese school students despite a high prevalence of atopy, and that parental history is more important in predicting asthma and allergy than atopy.
Changes in nasal specific IgE to mites after periods of allergen exposure‐avoidance: a comparison with serum levels
Authors: SENSI L. G. , PIACENTINI G. L. , NOBILE E. , GHEBREGZABHER M. , BRUNORI R. , ZANOLLA L. , BONER A. L. , MARCUCCI F.
Published: April 2006

Variations of serum and nasal specific IgE to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) during alternate periods of antigen avoidance exposure have been evaluated with an open design in a group of allergic children with asthma and rhinitis at the residential house Istituto Pio XII (Misurina, BL, Italy), at 1756 m. in the Italian Dolomites. A method based on direct incubation of allergen coupled substrate on the nasal mucosa has been employed to evaluate the levels of nasal IgE. Serum specific IgE decreased respectively from (median) 117‐89.3 kU/l (P < 0.001) during an initial period of 3 months of allergen avoidance and from 88.2 to 78.4 kU/l (P < 0.0002) during a subsequent period of allergen avoidance. No significant increase in serum specific IgE was, in contrast, observed during two periods, 22 and 9 days, of antigen exposure, changing respectively from 89.3 to 88.2 and from 78.4 to 89 1 kU/l. In contrast, nasal IgE has been significantly influenced by the alternate periods of antigen exposure‐avoidance, showing a decrease from 19.75 to 4.01 kU/l (P < 0.0001) after the initial period of avoidance, followed by an increase to 9.95 kU/l (P < 0.0001) after 22 days of exposure. A significant decrease to a value of 2.37 kU/l (P < 0.0001) was also observed during the subsequent period of avoidance, followed again by an increase to 7.87 kU/l (P < 0.002) after 9 days of exposure. The evaluation of the kinetics of changes in nasal specific IgE revealed a significant decrease (P < 0.01) as soon as antigen avoidance was implemented for 3 days. Nasal specific TgE, therefore, appears to be a more sensitive index of antigen exposure avoidance than serum IgE levels.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis induced by Penicillium expansum in a home environment
Authors: PARK H.‐S. , JUNG K.‐S. , KIM S. O. , KIM S. J.
Published: April 2006

An episode of fever, cough, shortness of breath and leucocytosis developed in a 31‐year‐old atopic housewife from mould exposure in her home environment is evaluated. A chest radiograph revealed diffuse tiny nodular infiltrations in both whole lung fields. Spirometry revealed a severe restrictive type of ventilation impairment. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) showed an increased lymphocyte count with reversed CD4 +/CD8 + ratio and transbronchial lung biopsy showed markedly increased lymphocytic infiltration in alveolar septa. Fungal cultures in the air of her home were positive for Penicillium expansum and other fungi. Double immunodiffusion test with the patient's serum showed two precipitin bands to P. expansum antigens. Her symptoms, abnormal findings of radiograph, and spirometric abnormalities disappeared after 2 months' avoidance. The serum precipitin disappeared after 1 month's avoidance. This study indicates that the patient had hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) on exposure to P. expansum in her home environment.
Crossreactivity of IgE antibody against Dermatophagoides farinae with Limulus polyphemus agglutinin
Authors: SHIBASAKI M. , ISOYAMA S. , SUMAZAKI R. , TAKITA H.
Published: April 2006

Crossreactivity of IgE antibody against Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f) with Limulus polyphemus agglutinin (LPA) was examined using RAST and immunoblot analysis. Of 40 Der f‐sensitive asthmatic patients, 28 revealed a positive RAST reaction to LPA, while none of 20 Der f‐insensitive hay fever patients showed this reaction. LPA‐specific RAST levels of the 40 asthmatic patients correlated with their Der f‐specific levels. The RAST reactivity to LPA was competitively inhibited by the addition of either soluble Der f or LPA, but not by the specific inhibitory sugar of sialic acid. LPA could also induce histamine release from leucocytes of Der f‐sensitive asthmatic patients. IgE immunoblot analyses showed that the positive RAST sera for LPA had a strong IgE binding activity to the 30 kDa and 80 kDa components of DER F body extract, whereas gel filtration studies showed that the high molecular weight fractions above 150 kDa retained antigenic constituents associated with IgE reactivity to LPA. These results suggest that the antigenic materials of Dermatophagoides mites share some determinants with the haemagglutinin of horseshoe crabs.
The pattern of food hypersensitivity in patients with onset after 10 years of age
Authors: KIVITY S. , DUNNER K. , MARIAN Y.
Published: April 2006

One hundred and twelve patients with a history of immediate adverse reaction after food ingestion and positive skin test to food are presented with the result of food challenge. In all patients the symptoms started after 10 years of age; most presented with recurrent short‐lasting urticarial rash, often accompanied by rhinitis. In the majority of the patients, skin tests were positive to multiple food allergens, but 67% of these responded to oral provocation by only one allergen. One‐third of the patients had a history of allergic symptoms following exercise after meals, but in only one‐third of these symptoms were reproducible in the laboratory. Fruit and vegetables were the main allergens responsible for food hypersensitivity. Food allergy can develop after the first 10 years of life. Fruit and vegetables are the main cause of food allergy in these patients, while milk and egg are the least common. These findings differ from those in early childhood where milk and eggs are the main allergens.
Bronchial provocation with cat allergen: correlation between the individual IgE‐CRIE pattern and the occurrence of a late allergic reaction
Authors: MOSIMANN B. , AUBERT V. , FREY J. G. , LEUENBERGER PH. , PÉCOUD A.
Published: April 2006

Twenty‐one mild asthmatic patients allergic to cat dander underwent a bronchial provocation test (BPT) with a cat extract. An early allergic response (EAR) was observed in all 21 patients and a late allergic response (LAR) in 8/21 patients. In the EAR, the patients with subsequent LAR had a greater full in FEV1, Their baseline FEV1, and total dose of inhaled allergen were not significantly different from patients who did not develop a LAR, but their serum specific IgE level was higher. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) of the same cal extract showed that it contained eight different proteins. An IgE‐CRIE was obtained from all 21 patients, using radiolabelled anti‐lgE and autoradiography. Radiolabelled standards allowed a semiquantitative scoring of the radiosiaining. The CRIE pattern of the eight patients with LAR showed a higher score of radiostaining and a greater number of proteins hound to IgE. The two major allergen cal albumin and Fel d I bound equally to IgE of patients with and without LAR whereas another protein (antigen No. 7) bound to IgE of 100% of patients with LAR but of only 38% of patients without LAR. These data suggest that the pattern of the IgE response to specific proteins of a cat extract may be related to the occurrence of LAR after BPT with this allergen.
A three‐year double‐blind placebo‐controlled study with specific oral immunotherapy to Dermatophagoides: evidence of safety and efficacy in paediatric patients
Authors: GIOVANE A. L. , BARDARE M. , PASSALACQUA G. , RUFFONI S. , SCORDAMAGLIA A. , GHEZZI E. , CANONICA G. W.
Published: April 2006

Very few double‐blind trials of oral immunotherapy have been reported. The majority of these have been performed with pollen extracts and the results have often been equivocal. The major weaknesses of these studies have been the short periods of the trials, the low doses of allergen employed and inadequate evaluation of efficacy. The present study has involved a placebo‐controlled double‐blind trial of oral immunotherapy for three years with Dermatophagoides pteronysstnus at relatively high doses in 18 paediatric patients. Throughout the trial clinical parameters (symptom and medication scores) and immunological parameters (specific IgE, IgG1 and IgG4 levels) were monitored in order to assess the safely and efficacy of the treatment. The treatment was well tolerated by all patients and no side‐effects were experienced. Clinical improvement was evident after the second year of therapy and this was confirmed by a significant reduction in conjunctiva! reactivity assessed by a specific conjunctival provocation lest. In addition, there were significant changes in the immunological parameters with a reduction in specific IgE and increased levels of IgG4 and IgGI, results in keeping with previous studies of oral and subcutaneous immunotherapy. Although the results do not provide an explanation of the basis of successful oral immunotherapy, they clearly demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the treatment and suggest that it may be a useful and more acceptable alternative for patients than the traditional subcutaneous immunotherapy.
HLA‐DR and HLA‐DP genotypes and immunoglobulin E responses to common major allergens
Authors: YOUNG R. P. , DEKKER J. W. , WORDSWORTH B. P. , SCHOU C. , PILE K. D. , MATTHIESEN F. , ROSENBERG W. M. C. , BELL J. I. , HOPKIN J. M. , COOKSON W. O. C. M.
Published: April 2006

Abstract. In order to test for human histocompatibility leucocyte antigens (HLA) class II restriction of IgE responses, 431 subjects from 83 families were genotyped at the HLA‐DR and HLA‐DP loci and serotyped for IgE responses to six major allergens from common aero‐allergen sources. A possible excess of HLA‐DR 1 was found in subjects who were responsive to FeldI compared with those who were not (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2, P = 0.002), and a possible excess of HLA‐DR4 was found in subjects responsive to Alt a I (OR = 1–9, P = 0.006). Increased sharing of HLA‐DR/DP haplotypes was seen in sibling pairs responding to both allergens. Der p I, Der p II, Phi p V and Can f I were not associated with any definite excess of HLA‐DR alleles. No significant correlations were seen with HLA‐DP genotype and reactivity to any of the allergens. The results suggest class II HLA restriction is insufficient to account for individual differences in reactivity to common allergens.
IgE‐binding components of wheat, rye, barley and oats recognized by immunoblotting analysis with sera from adult atopic dermatitis patients
Authors: VARJONEN E. , SAVOLAINEN J. , MATTILA L. , KALIMC K.
Published: April 2006

Abstract. The allergen extracts of wheat, rye, barley and oats flours were characterized by IgE‐immunoblotting with serum samples from 40 adult patients; 35 patients with atopic dermatitis, one with rhinitis and four with urticaria. All these patients had been positive when skin‐prick testing was carried out with one or more of the four flour extracts or displayed one or more positive cereal RAST results. Four non‐atopic sera were used as negative controls. Acidic and neutral protein extracts of wheat, rye, barley and oats flours were processed for the immunoblotting experiments and 35 patients appeared positive in IgE immunoblotting with wheat and rye. 32 with barley and 33 with oats. The IgE immunoblots showed polyspecific binding patterns; wheat exhibited 36 IgE stained bands, rye 35, barley 33 and oats 10. Eighteen of the IgE stained bands could be classified as intermediate allergens for wheat, 23 for rye and 15 for barley. The 66 kDa protein in oats was visualized by 28 out of 33 sera (84%). however, there was evident non‐specific binding to this region and thus it may also represent lectin‐like binding. The most frequent staining with wheat extract was seen in the 26 kDa protein region (1 5 35. 43%), with rye in the 40 kDa (16/35,46%) and with barley in the 26 and 46 kDa protein bands (14/32, 44%). Simultaneous staining with wheat, rye and barley extracts were observed with 16 bands suggesting crossreactivity between these cereals.
Total and specific serum IgE levels in adults: relationship to sex, age and environmental factors
Authors: OMENAAS E. , BAKKE P. , ELSAYED S. , HANOA R. , GULSVIK A.
Published: April 2006

Abstract. We studied total and specific serum IgE levels cross‐sectionally, potential predictors of obstructive lung disease, in a stratified random sample of 18–73‐year‐old adults (n= 1512). The attendance rate was 84%. The total IgE level and prevalences of specific IgE antibodies against house dust mite and cat were higher for men than for women. Specific IgE levels decreased by increasing age, while total IgE decreased in women only. Smokers had a higher IgE level than non‐smokers, while non‐smokers had more often specific IgE antibodies against timothy and birch than smokers. Subjects with occupational dust or gas exposure had a higher total IgE level than unexposcd. The general population prevalences were for specific IgE antibodies against timothy 4.5%, house dust mite 3.2%, birch 2.6%, cat dander 1.6% mould 0.2% and against any of these 7‐6%. In a multivariate analysis age, occupational dust or gas exposure as well as the interaction terms between sex and age and between smoking and paek‐years were independent predictors for total IgE levels. Male sex, young age, never having smoked and the season of the year were independent predictors for having one or more of the five specific IgE antibodies. Subjects with total serum IgE in the highest quintile (≥66 kU/1) had an adjusted odds ratio of 37 (95% confidence interval: 11–120) for having one or more of the specific IgE antibodies examined, compared with those in the lowest quintile (< 5 kU/1). Demographic and environmental factors were thus predictors of total and specific IgE levels in this adult community. These factors should be taken into account when examining relationships between IgE levels, markers of allergy and inflammation, and airways disease.
A two‐site monoclonal antibody ELISA for the quantification of group V allergens in grass extracts
Authors: FAHLBUSCH B. , SCHLENVOIGT G. , MÜLLER W.‐D. , WEBER B. , JÄGER L.
Published: April 2006

A two‐site solid‐phase enzymimmunoassay was used for the quantification of group V allergen in grass pollen extracts in mass units. The assay is based on the monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs), 1D11 and 3B2 which recognize different epitopes on the standard Phl p V. The MoAb‐ELISA is very sensitive (15 100ng ml Phl p V)and highly specific for group V allergens. Six pollen extracts of different grasses demonstrated parallel binding curves. The group V content ranged between 73 and 673 μg/ml in the extracts. The International Standard of Phleum pratense (IS 82 520) contains 400 μg/nil Phl p V. A good correlation was observed between the group V content and RAST inhibition, with the exception of Poa pratensis.
Effect of inhaled atrial natriuretic peptide on methacholine bronchoconstriction in asthma
Authors: ANGUS R. M. , McCALLUM M. J. A. , THOMSON N.C.
Published: April 2006

We have previously demonstrated that intravenous and inhaled atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) significantly inhibits histamine induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic patients. The current study was designed to determine whether inhaled ANP was also able to inhibit the effects of methacholine. Eight atopic asthmatic patients (five women) were studied: mean (SD) age 38.2 (8.3) years flow expiratory volume per second (FEV1) 2.97 (0.60) litres, equivalent to 92 (13) % of the predicted. Each had demonstrated at least mild bronchial hyperreactivity to inhaled methacholine at screening (geometric mean PC20 l.02mg/ml; range 0.1l–6.54mg/ml). Patients attended for 3 study days and after baseline spirometry received 3.5 ml saline (placebo), 0.1 mg ANP or 1 mg ANP (ANP dissolved in 3.5ml saline) in a randomized, double‐blind manner via a Mizer aerosol conservation device. Aerosolization took approximately 9 min and FEV1 was repeated at 0.5, 1.5 and 3 min after completion. Immediately thereafter each patient received a 2 min inhalation of methacholine at a dose individually calculated to give a 25% fall in FEV1 (as extrapolated at their initial screening visit) and the FEY1 was followed over the next 20 min. Mean (SEM)% FEV1 did not change significantly after ANP being ‐4.3 (1.7), ‐3.2 (2.7) and ‐2.4 (1.2) after placebo, 0.1 mg ANP and 1 mg ANP respectively. The mean (SEM) maximum fall in FEV1 after methacholine was as follows: placebo 26.9 (5.7)%, 0‐1 mg ANP 18.2 (4.3)% and 1.0mg 11.2(2 7)%, (P < 0.05 placebo vs 1 mg ANP). These results demonstrate that ANP offers significant protection against methacholine induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic patients.
Discrepancies between in vitro and in vivo tests for house dust mite allergy: is domestic exposure a better predictor than sensitization?
Authors: NIGGEMANN B. , KLEINAU I. , SCHOU C. , HANSEN G. N. , WAHN U.
Published: April 2006

We subjected seven asthmatic children to two bronchial allergen challenges, first with an extract from the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Derp) and then Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f), or vice versa. All children had elevated specific serum IgE to both species as well as reactions by crossed radioimmuno/electrophoresis (CRIE) to both group I and II allergens from both species. Immunoabsorption and subsequent analysis by CRIE showed a considerable concentration of serum IgE with specificity for epitopes common to the two species of house dust mite. Home dust sampling established that all children were exposed to Der f and only two to Der p. On bronchial provocation tests, all responded to Der f with an immediate reaction and five with a late reaction, only three of seven showed an immediate response to Der p, with four of the seven showing a late reaction. Our data could indicate that the local allergic immune reaction in the respiratory tract is sustained by ongoing exposure, and may thus have a different species specificity than the response reflected in the serum. In conclusion, our data indicates a lack of association between in vitro and in vivo tests for house dust mite allergy, which supports the continuing need for monitoring current clinical sensitization by allergen provocation tests and by measuring domestic exposure to the corresponding allergen. Extended studies are needed to support our findings.
Inhibition by a novel peptide leukotriene receptor antagonist ONO‐1078 of airway wall thickening and airway hyperresponsiveness to histamine induced by leukotriene C4 or leukotriene D4 in guinea‐pigs
Authors: KUROSAWA M. , YODONAWA S. , TSUKAGOSHI H. , MIYACHI Y.
Published: April 2006

We studied the effect of intravenous administration of leukotriene (LT) C4 or LTD., on airway responsiveness to histamine and airway wall thickening in guinea‐pigs. Guinea‐pigs were killed and the lungs were fixed in formalin. Slides from paraffin‐embedded section of the lungs were stained and the airways that were cut in transverse section were measured by tracing enlarged images using a digitizer, Moreover, airway resistance (Raw) was determined by a pulmonary mechanics analyser and we calculated two indices, an index of airway wall thickening and the one of airway hyperresponsiveness to histamine, from changes of baseline‐Raw and peak‐Raw following intravenous administration of histamine before and after the intravenous administration of LTC4 or LTD4. The infusion of LTC4 or LTD4 induced an increase of the relative thickness of the airway wall in peripheral bronchi demonstrable by the histological examination. In analysis of airway function, intravenous administration of LTC4 or LTD4 induced airway hyperresponsiveness to histamine with airway wall thickening. The LTC4 and LTD4 receptor antagonist ONO‐1078 inhibited these effects of LTC4 and LTD4, suggesting LTC4 and LTD4 may induce airway wall thickening and airway hyperresponsiveness through LTC4 and LTD4 receptors in the airways.
Ipratropium bromide nasal spray in non‐allergic rhinitis: efficacy, nasal cytological response and patient evaluation on quality of life
Authors: GEORGITIS J. W. , BANOV C. , BOGGS P. B. , DOCKHORN R. , GROSSMAN J. , TINKELMAN D. , ROSZKO P. , WOOD C.
Published: April 2006

Intranasal fluorocarbon anticholinergic agents have been used to treat the nasal hypersecretion of perennial non‐allergic rhinitis, but chronic use has been restricted either due to the potential for systemic anticholinergic adverse events or due to the irritating properties of the fluorocarbon metered dose formulations. This study evaluates a new aqueous nasal formulation of ipratropium bromide (Atrovent Nasal Spray 0.03%) in subjects with perennial non‐allergic rhinitis in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Two hundred and twenty‐eight patients were randomized to receive two sprays per nostril of either ipratropium bromide (42μ/nostril) or placebo‐administered three times a day as an aqueous nasal spray over an 8‐week interval. Patients were evaluated bi‐weekly and maintained daily diaries for duration and severity of nasal symptoms. Ipratropium bromide reduced the mean severity and duration of rhinorrhoea within the first week and throughout the 8 weeks of active treatment compared with placebo (P < 0.05). Secondary endpoints of efficacy (patient and physician global assessments and a quality of life assessment) also supported the use of ipratropium bromide nasal spray for rhinitis symptom control. With the reduction in rhinorrhoea by the ipratropium bromide nasal spray, patients reported a marked improvement in daily moods vs placebo (P < 0.01). Both placebo and ipratropium bromide nasal spray induced a modest reduction of nasal congestion, sneezing and postnasal drip. This improvement in these other nasal symptoms was consistent with the known soothing effects of a nasal saline vehicle. There were no drug‐related serious or systemic anticholinergic adverse events. The medication was well tolerated with side‐effects limited to infrequent episodes of epistaxis and nasal dryness of mild intensity. Assessment for nasal rebound for 1 week after discontinuation of treatment showed no increase in nasal symptoms above the original baseline symptoms. These data indicate that ipratropium bromide administered as an 0.03% aqueous nasal spray, 42μg/nostril t.i.d., is a well tolerated and a highly effective medication for controlling the severity and duration of rhinorrhoea in perennial non‐allergic rhinitis. This new aqueous formulation should provide an additional therapeutic agent to utilize for the chronic treatment of non‐allergic rhinitis.
Measurement of airborne rat urinary allergen in an epidemiological study
Authors: GORDON S. , TEE R. D. , NIEUWENHUIJSEN M. J. , LOWSON D. , HARRIS J. , TAYLOR A. J. NEWMAN
Published: April 2006

The suitability of radioallergosorbent test (RAST) inhibition to quantify occupational exposure to rat urinary aeroallergen (RUA) has been assessed. When using a constant pool of rat allergic sera, the reproducibility of the assay over 1 year was comparable to that reported for other immunoassays; at 50% RAST inhibition the inter‐assay coefficient of variation (CV) was 7.0% and the intra‐assay CV was 3.0%. The assay was highly specific for rat urine; mouse urine was 1100‐fold less potent at inhibiting the rat urine RAST system. Significant inter‐assay variation in the ‘high’ control was not due to batch variation and was relatively small when compared with the variation in RUA concentrations in the occupational environment. Measurement of workplace RUA exposure demonstrated that those directly involved in the care of rats experienced the highest RUA exposure of the nine occupational groups studied (animal technicians GM = 23.10/μg/m3) followed in decreasing order by those working with soiled litter (e.g. cage cleaners GM = 4.20 μg/m3), dead animals (e.g. post mortem GM = 1.60 μg/m3, scientists GM = 0.67 μg/m3) and rat tissue (e.g. slide production GM = 0.04μg/m3). In view of the complexity of rat allergens, RAST inhibition is an appropriate method for the quantification of occupational exposure to rats.
Effect of an asthmatic attack on CD23 and CD21 expression on lymphocytes from allergic children during the allergen season
Authors: GAGRO A. , RABATIĆ S. , LOKAR‐KOLBAS R. , MEDAR‐LASIĆ M. , ZIMIĆ L.
Published: April 2006

Background: The overproduction of IgE antibodies by atopic individuals in response to inhaled aeroallergen, forms the basis of an allergic disease. Furthermore, the exposure to allergen might trigger the symptom exacerbation.

Objective: In children with bronchial asthma, the possible effects of seasonal, natural exposure to allergen on the expression of CD21 and CD23 antigens on B lymphocytes, and on the expression of HLA‐DR, CD45RA and CD45RO on CD4+ T cells were investigated.

Methods: Heparinized blood samples were obtained from 15 children with bronchial asthma allergic to Dermcttophagoides pteronyssimis (Der p) at the time of an acute asthmatic attack and 2–4 weeks after the attack when the peak expiratory flow (PEF) was stabilized. The samples were analysed on a flow cytometer after the three‐colour immunofluorescence staining had been performed.

Results: The increased proportion of B cells expressing CD23 antigen was found at the time of attack rather than after stabilization. Serum levels of total and Der p‐specific IgE increased 2–4 weeks after the asthmatic attack. This increase was accompanied by a further increase in the expression of CD23 antigen on CD21−B lymphocytes. In 10 out of 15 tested children, we found CD23 expressed on CD4+ HLA‐DR+ T cells during the asthmatic attack. No significant difference was found in the expression of CD45RA and CD45RO antigens.

Conclusion: Since we have previously demonstrated the increased percentage of CD23 on CD21− B cells in allergic children as compared with controls, we speculate that natural exposure to the allergen which caused the increase in total and specific IgE levels might be related to the increased expression of CD23 on CD21− B cells
IL‐5, IL‐8 and GM‐CSF immunostaining of sputum cells in bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis
Authors: HOSHI H. , OHNO I. , HONMA M. , TANNO Y. , YAMAUCHI K. , TAMURA G. , SHIRATO K.
Published: April 2006

Background: Granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and inlerleukin (IL)‐5 or IL‐8 have been .suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic airway inflammation in bronchial asthma or neutrophilic airway inflammation in chronic bronchitis, respectively, However, GM‐CSF and IL‐8 have biological activities to either eosinophils or neutrophils.

Objective: To investigate the contribution of these cytokines to airway inflammation, we compared the cellular differential and immunolocalization of GM‐CSF, IL‐5 and IL‐8 in sputum cells from patients with bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis.

Methods: Cytospins of sputum cells from 12 patients with bronchial asthma and 12 with chronic bronchitis were subjected to cellular differential counting and immunocytochemistry with antihuman GM‐CSF, IL‐5 and IL‐8 antibody.

Results: The predominant cells in bronchial asthma were eosinophils and lymphocytes, while those in chronic bronchitis were neutrophils. All cytokines examined were detected in either bronchial asthma or chronic bronchitis, although the percentage of GM‐CSF and IL‐5 positive cells in bronchial asthma (53.4 ± 6.0 [mean±sfm]% and 9.7 ± 2.8%, respectively) was significantly higher than that in chronic bronchitis (11.4±2.5%; P < 0.001 and 1.7plusmn;0.3%; P < 0.007. respectively). In contrast, the percentage of IL‐8 positive cells in chronic bronchitis (23.8 ± 7.0%) was significantly higher than that in bronchial asthma (7.7 ± 1.9%; P < 0.04). The cells positive for IL‐5 were lymphocytes in bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis. The cells positive for GM‐CSF in bronchial asthma were predominantly eosinophils. while those in chronic bronchitis were monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils. In contrast, neutrophils are mainly positive for IL‐8 in chronic bronchitis, while monocytes/macrophages and bronchial epithelial cells are positive for IL‐8 in bronchial asthma.

Conclusion: The immunochcmical comparison of GM‐CSF and IL‐8 localization in sputum cells between bronchial asthma chronic bronchitis suggests the differential regulation and roles of these cytokines in eosinophilic vs neutrophilic airway inflammation, resulting in the development of different types of airway inflammation.
Increased serum IgE in alcohol abusers
Authors: GONZÁLEZ‐QUINTELA A. , VIDAL C. , GUDE F. , TOMÉ S. , LOJO S. , LORENZO M. J. , BECERRA E. P. , MARTINEZ‐VAZQUEZ J. M. , BARRIO E.
Published: April 2006

Background: It has been reported that total serum IgE is increased in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, but it is not clear if this fact is related to alcoholic liver disease or to alcohol intake.

Objective: To measure serum IgE in a group of chronic alcoholics with different stages of liver injury in order to elucidate if IgE increase is related to alcoholic liver damage.

Patients and methods: Total serum IgE was determined by enzyme immunoassay in 186 chronic alcoholic patients (137 male/49 female) and 101 healthy controls. Patients and controls with known reasons for IgE elevation were excluded. Among alcoholic patients, 24 had fatty liver, 28 hepatic fibrosis, 29 alcoholic hepatitis, and 67 liver cirrhosis (38 patients were not evaluable concerning liver injury).

Results: Total serum IgE was found to be increased in alcoholics (median 154.5IU/mL, range 1–7329IU/mL) with respect to healthy controls (median 20IU/mL, range < 1–1417 IU/mL) (P < 0.001). IgE increase was moderate (180–1000 IU/mL) in 60 alcoholics (32.3%) and marked (> 1000 IU/mL) in 27 (14.5%). Male alcoholics had higher IgE levels than females (median 191 IU/mL and range 1–7329 IU/mL vs 105IU/mL and range 2–2189IU/mL) (P= 0.009). On logistic regression analysis, alcoholism, male sex and younger age (but not smoking) were independently associated with higher IgE levels. No clear relationship was noted between serum IgE and severity of alcoholic liver disease. Thus, no correlation was observed between IgE and parameters of liver function (serum bilirubin, albumin or prothrombin index). Likewise, IgE concentrations were not significantly different in patients with liver cirrhosis with respect to patients with less severe liver disease. Serum IgE was increased (> 180 IU/mL) in 47.8 % of cirrhotics and in 44% of patients without liver cirrhosis. In contrast, other immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM) were significantly correlated with liver dysfunction.

Conclusion: Chronic alcoholism should be considered as a cause of increased total serum IgE, regardless of the severity of the underlying liver disease.