bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allergy to olive pollen: T‐cell response from olive allergic patients is restricted by DR7‐DQ2 antigens
Authors: CÁRDABA B. , DE PABLO R. , VILCHES C. , MARTÍN E. , GELLER‐BERNSTEIN C. , DE ANDRES B. , ZAHARAN Y. , POZO V. DEL , GALLARDO S. , DE ARRUDA CHAVES E. , WAISEL Y. , PALOMINO P. , KREISLER M. , LAHOZ C.
Published: April 2006

Backgound
We have recently described the association between the IgE antibody response to Ole e I (the major antigen from olive tree pollen) and the DR7‐DQ2 haplotype in a Spanish population.

Objeectivc and methods
Due to the linkage disequilibrium between DR7 and DQ2, and thus the dillicult distinction between the role of these two antigens in the T‐cell activation response, we decided to solve this question by two approaches:

1. The study of another ethnic group, individuals of Arabic origin, with a presumably distinct disequilibrium linkage between DR and DQ antigens. Genomic DNA typing was performed in 46 subjects (allergic and non‐allergic) by Restriction Fragment Length Polytnotphism (RFLP) and results showed that patients with specific IgE antibodies α‐Ole e I, were DR7 and or DQ2. These data show a similar restriction pattern to those previously described for Spanish patients. The phenolypic frequency of DR7 antigen is significantly greater than in the non‐allergic population, with a corrected P(PJ value of O.O.3

2 The analysis of the genetic requirements of Ole e I response, using T‐cell lines speific for this antigen. This was first carried out by blocking the proliferative response of these T‐cell lines with specific anti‐human HLA class II antibodies and then testing the genetic restriction of this response using a panel of histoeompatible and histoincompatible Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs). Both experiments corroborate the hypothesis that DR7 and DQ2 are implicated in the recognition o(Ole e I.
American cockroach Cr‐PI allergen induces lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production in atopic patients
Authors: JENG K. C. G. , LIU M. T. , WU C. H. , WONG D. W. , LAN J. L.
Published: April 2006

Background
Previous studies have shown cockroach‐induced antigen‐specific IgF‐mediated asthma. In cockroach‐Infested areas, more then 50% of asthmatic subjects may have positive skin reactions to this allergen. Partial purified Cr‐PI allergen from American cockroaches contains allergens with molecular weights of 72 and 78k Da; however, little is known about its eifect on the lymphoeyte proliferation and cytokine production.

Objective
IgE synthesis is known to be regulated by interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and interferon gamma (IFN‐γ). Therefore, we studied Cr‐PI allergen‐induced cytokine production in atopic patients and healthy normal controls to understand each factors’ role in the disease.

Methods
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from cockroach skin‐sensitive patients and controls were stimulated with mitogen and Cr‐PI for proliferative response and cytokine production. Cr‐PI antigen‐specific T‐cell cultures of atopic patients and healthy normal controls were used to test C r‐PI‐lnduced proliferation and cytokine mKNA expression.

Results
PMBC ot atopic subjects showed a significantly (P < 0.01) higher stimulation index for Cr‐PI induced proliferation (SI = l l.8.3.7) when compared with that of non‐atopic subjects (SI =4.1 ± 0.8) and cord bloods (SI = 2.1 ± 0.4). Cr‐Pl‐induced IL‐4 was observed only in the PBMC of atopic patients, whereas Cr‐PI‐induced IFNγ was detected in both atopic patients and normal controls. Likewise, Cr‐PI‐induced IL‐4 mRNA expression in T‐cell cultures was detected in all atopies but only one of nine controls.

Conclusion
IL‐4 mKNA expression and IL‐4 production in PBMC and T‐cell cultures of atopic patients showed good correlation with clinical symptoms, skin‐reactivity, specific IgE and proliferative response to Cr‐PL These results suggests that cockroach allergen may be a hidden cause of asthma and other atopie diseases.
Granulocyte proteins in serum in childhood asthma: relation to spirometry and therapy
Authors: SCHER H. , BERMAN D. , WEINBERG E. G. , SCHINKEL M. , PEPER B. , CHALTON D. O. , POTTER P. C.
Published: April 2006

Background
Measurement of markers of eosinophil activation in asthmatics provides information indicative of ongoing inflammatory processes in the airways.

Objectives
This study was eonducted to determine the correlations between serum markers of allergie inflammation with spirometry parameters in asthmatic children in different treatment groups.

Methods
Blood eosinophils. serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP). eosinophil protein X (EPX), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and tryptase were measured simultaneously with serial measurements of FEV1/FVC, FEF25–75 and FEF in 60 children with acute asthma on admission and after 2, 14, 30 and 60 days. Group A received bronchodilators only (n= 20). group B received sodium cromoglycate (SCG) (n= 20) and group C received oral and/or inhaled corticosteroids (n= 20).

Results
Oral steroid treatment (2 mg /kg/day). given at the onset of the asthma attack, resulted in significant reduction in the ECP and EPX levels in all the children. However, these reduced ECP and EPX levels were not sustained in the children, even in those who continued on maintenance steroid treatment. Significant, but inconsistent, correlations between ECP, EPX with total eosinophil count, percentage eosinophils and spirometry parameters were observed at the different time‐points. Tryptase levels were normal in all subjects. There were no significant correlations between myeloperoxidase levels and the spirometry parameters or eosinophil parameters. Serial monitoring of ECP and EPX levels was found to be of some use in predicting clinical outcome in certain steroid‐dependent asthmatics (group C) but of no value in the mild asthmatics (group A).

Conclusion
While elevation of ECP, EPX and MPO in the serum of childhood asthmatics suggests ongoing inflammation and may inversely correlate with spirometry parameters in some patients, the relationship between these markers and airway function is not a simple one.
Use of immunoblotting and monoclonal antibodies to evaluate the residual antigenic activity of milk protein hydrolysed formulae
Authors: RESTANI P. , PLEBANI A. , VELONÁ T. , CAVAGNI G. , UGAZIO A. G. , POIESI C. , MURARO A. , GALLI C. L.
Published: April 2006

Background
Partial and extensive hydrolysed protein formulae have been developed to lower or eliminate the antigenicity of milk proteins. Although normally well tolerated, extensive hydrolysutes have been reported to induce serious allergic reactions in very sensitive children. Moreover, clinical praetice has often raised concern about the role of partial hydrolysates in cow's milk allergy prevention.

Objective
Starting from these considerations, we used anti‐casein monoclonal antibodies to evaluate the presence of residual antigenic activity in both partially and extensively protein hydrolysates.

Methods
Electrophoretic analyses associated with immunoblotting technique were performed using nine protein‐enriched commercial formulae.

Results
The presence of different amounts of residual intact cow's milk proteins and/or polypeptidic material with conserved antigenic activity (according to the extensive or partial hydrolysis) was verified in most milk‐based samples considered.

Conclusion
The use of monoclonal antibodies and immunoblotting could be useful for the quality control of commercial hypoaliergenic' formulae.
Assessment of the allergic reaction in seasonal rhinitis: acoustic rhinometry is a sensitive and objective method
Authors: NIELSEN L. P. , BJERKE T. , CHRISTENSEN M. B. , PEDERSEN B. , RASMUSSEN T. RIIS , DAHL R.
Published: April 2006

Background
Seasonal allergic rhinitis constitutes an excellent in vivo model of an allergic mucosal inflammatory reaction. This offers the opportunity of studying the fundamentals of allergic inflammation in addition to improvement of knowledge on the basal pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease. So far, monitoring methods of disease activity and treatment efficacy have mainly been based upon subjective assessments, illustrating the impact of introducing reliable objective methods.

Objective
To investigate the allergic inflammatory reaction of seasonal rhinitis through different objective methods and evaluate these as indicators of disease activity and treatment efficacy.

Methods
Functional parameters, i.e. acoustic rhinometry and nasal metacholine challenge, and biological markers, i.e. blood eosinophil count, eosinophil cationic protein in serum (s‐ECP) and nasal lavage fluid (n‐ECP), were assessed before and at peak pollen season in 27 patients with grass pollen induced rhinitis. Patients were randomized to either nasal corticosteroid or placebo treatment and recorded nasal symptom scores.

Results
Acoustic rhinometry revealed a significant difference in favour of steroid treatment (P < 0.05) comparing nasal volumes before and during season. This difference primarily relied upon a decrease in the placebo group (P= 0.05). A reduction from baseline of s‐ECP in the steroid group (P < 0.01) was obtained. N‐ECP demonstrated a difference between treatment groups, although not significant. Symptom scores increased in all patients during the pollen season, although this was only significant in the placebo treated patients (P < 0.01). The remaining methods applied did not demonstrate further differences, either within or between treatment groups.

Conclusion
Our results demonstrate acoustic rhinometry to be a sensitive and objective method of assessment of nasal obstruction. Furthemore, acoustic rhinometry and s‐ECP reflect the impact of nasal steroid therapy on seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Automated specific IgE assay with recombinant allergens: evaluation of the recombinant Aspergillus fumigatus allergen I in the Pharmacia CAP System
Authors: CRAMERI R. , LIDHOLM J. , GRÖNLUND H. , STÜBER D. , BLASER K. , MENZ G.
Published: April 2006

Background
We report the results of a study comparing the recombinant Aspergiilus fumigatus allergen I (rAsp f I) to commercial A. jumigatus extracts in serological assays, Pharmacia CAP System and skin tests.

Objective
The study was designed to test the feasibility of using recombinant allergens in an automated serology system for determination of allergen‐specific IgE.

Methods
Patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), asthmatics with A. fumigatus allergy and control subjects, who included allergic asthmatics without allergy to A. fumigatus and healthy subjects, were investigated. All subjects were characterized with respect to their total IgE level, radio allergosorbent test to A. fumigatus and skin test reactivity to both commercial A. fumigatus extracts and recombinant rAsp f I protein.

Results
All patients with ABPA (n = 30) showed positive skin test reactions with commercial A. fumigatus extracts, and 24 were sensitized to r Asp f I by the same criterion. The 10 patients with asthma and A. fumigatus allergy showed positive skin reactions to at least one commercial extract, and five reacted to r Asp f I. AU control subjects (H= 19) scored negatively in skin tests to A. fumigatus extracts and r Asp f I, and showed no detectable rAsp f I‐specific IgE. ImmunoCAP carrying immobilized r Asp f I were evaluated using sera from all individuals described and the results compared with those obtained with the r Asp f I‐specific ELISA for IgE. The data obtained with the two r Asp f I‐specific detection systems correlated closely (r= 0.997) and were in perfect agreement with the skin test results.

Conclusion
The data show that r Asp f I can be used as immobilized allergen in the Pharmacia CAP System indicating the feasibility of using recombinant allergens for an automated serological diagnosis of allergic diseases. However, every recombinant allergen needs to be evaluated individually for its performance if applied to a new diagnostic technology.
Buckwheat flour hypersensitivity: an occupational asthma in a noodle maker
Authors: PARK H.‐S. , NAHM D.‐H.
Published: April 2006

Background
There have been very few reports of occupationai allergies caused by inhalation of buckwheat flour. In this paper, we present a case of occupational asthma and rhinitis caused by buckwheat flour inhalation.

Methods and results
The patient had strong positive responses to grass and ragweed poiiens as well. The bronchoprovocation test showed early asthmatic response to buckwheat flour extracts. Serum specific IgE antibody to buckwheat flour was detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In order to further identify the allergenic component of the extracts, sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and electroblotting studies were performed. Eight IgE binding components (9–55 kDa) were detected within the buckwheat flour extracts.

Conclusion
These results suggest that inhalation of buckwheat flour can caused IgE mediated bronchoconstriction.
Rye flour allergens associated with baker's asthma. Correlation between in vivo and in vitro activities and comparison with their wheat and barley homologues
Authors: GARCÍA‐CASADO G. , ARMENTIA A. , SÁNCHEZ‐MONGE R. , MALPICA J. M. , SALCEDO G.
Published: April 2006

Background
A number of wheat and barley flour proteins that belong to the cereal α‐amylase/trypsin inhibitor family have been identified as major allergens associated with baker's asthma. However, the allergenic role of this protein family had not been investigated in rye.

Objective
To study the allergenicity of flve purified proteins from rye flour which belong to the same inhibitor family, as well as to compare their properties with those of their wheat and barley homologues.

Methods
In vivo skin‐prick tests were carried out in 21 patients with radioallergo‐sorbent test (RAST) 2–3 to rye and allergic sensitization mainly to this cereal flour. In addition, sera from all these patients were used to assay the IgE binding capacity of dot blotted purified proteins.

Results
Three of the rye proteins tested, namely Sec c 1, RDAI‐1 and RDAI‐3, provoked positive skin‐prick tests in more than 50% of patients, although their in vitro reactivity was lower. Different reactivities were found for the rye components compared with their wheat and barley homologues. Statistical analyses showed a significant correlation between the results of in vivo and in vitro tests for seven out of the nine purified proteins considered in this study.

Conclusion
Members of the rye α‐amylase inhibitor family are main allergens involved in allergic reactions to cereal flours. However, different allergenic behaviours were found between homologous allergens from rye, barley, and wheat.
The effect of inhaled thiorphan on allergen‐induced airway responses in asthmatic subjects
Authors: DIAMANT Z. , VAN DER VEEN H. , KUIJPERS E. A. P. , BARKER P. F. , STERK P. J.
Published: April 2006

Background
Neuropeptides are likely to be implicated in the pathophysiology of allergen‐induced airway responses. However, upon release in the airways, neuropeptides are potentially inactivated by neutral endopeptidase (NEP). Objective We hypothesized that NEP‐inhibition by inhaled thiorphan (TH) would increase allergen‐induced early (EAR) and late (LAR) asthmatic responses, and allergen‐induced airway hyperresponsiveness to histamine in asthmatic subjects in vivo. The dose and dosing intervals of TH were derived from previous pharmacokinetic and dose‐finding studies.

Methods
Nine non‐smoking, atopic, asthmatic men with dual asthmatic responses to inhaled house‐dust mite extract participated in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study. During each study period PC20 histamine was measured 24 h before, and 3 and 24 h post‐allergen. TH (1.25 mg/mL, 0.5 mL) or placebo (P) were aerosolized pre‐allergen, and three times at 2 h intervals post‐allergen (total dose of TH: 2.5mg). Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was recorded and expressed as percentage fall from baseline. The EAR (0–3 h) and the LAR (3–8 h) were defined as maximum percentage fall from the pre‐allergen baseline and as corresponding areas under the time‐response curves (AUC).

Results
As compared with P, TH failed to induce an acute effect on FEV1 at any of the timepoints (P > 0.08). There was no significant difference between P and TH in the EAR and the LAR: neither in terms of maximum percentage fall from baseline (mean± SEM: EAR: 22.3 ±4.7% (P) and 20.4±4.1% (TH). P=0.75; LAR: 25.2 ± 4.7% (P) and 26.4±5.8% (TH), P= 0.77) nor in terms of AUC (P = 0.16). Correspondingly, the changes in PC20 histamine were not different between the two treatments (F > 0.40).

Conclusion
We conclude that four adequate doses of the inhaled NEP‐inhibitor, thiorphan. failed to potentiate allergen‐induced airway responses in asthma. These results suggest that either neuropeptides do not play a predominant role in allergeninduced airway responses, or that allergen challenge induces NEP‐dysfunction in humans in vivo.
Detection of transforming growth factor‐β in sputum from patients with bronchial asthma by eosinophil survival assay and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay
Authors: ADACHI T. , MOTOJIMA S. , HIRATA A. , FUKUDA T. , KIHARA N. , MAKINO S.
Published: April 2006

Background
We have shown that interleukin‐5 (IL‐5) and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) are present in sputum from patients experiencing acute asthma attacks, by eosinophil survival assay. The viability of guinea‐pig eosinophils was significantly increased in the presence of such sputum extracts after 3 days' culture, and it was inhibited by the addition of anti‐IL‐5 and anti‐GM‐CSF antibodies. However, the contribution of IL‐5 to the increase in eosinophil viabihty was less than expected from the values of IL‐5 measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Therefore, we speculated that something in sputum inhibited the function of IL‐5.

Objective
Tratnsforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) was the only cytokine we tested that inhibited the prolongation of survival of guinea‐pig eosinophils induced by IL‐5. The objective of this study is to detect TGF‐β in the same sputum. Methods Guinea‐pig eosinophils were cultured with or without anti‐TGF‐β antibody in the presence of sputum extracts, and the eosinophil viability was counted after 3 days. Measurement of TGF‐βl in sputum was performed by ELISA. Results Eosinophil viabilities with and without anti‐TGF‐β antibody were 79.7 ± 2.9% and 69.0 ± 2.7%, respectively, and the difference between them was statistically significant (P < 0.05, n = 9). The concentration of TGF‐β1 in the sputum was 21.7 ± 3.3 ng/mL (n = 9).

Conclusion
These observations suggest that TGF‐β is present in sputum from patients with bronchial asthma.
Sequence polymorphisms of the Der p 3 house dust mite allergen
Authors: SMITH W.‐A. , THOMAS W. R.
Published: April 2006

Background
The trypsin‐like protein Der p 3 is a major allergen of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Like other vertebrate and invertebrate trypsin‐like molecules, isoelectricfocusing studies with the natural Der p 3 protein have indicated that several isoforms exist.

Objective
To determine the extent of the sequence variation of the Der p 3 allergen and distinguish at the molecular level, whether the sequence isoforms represent allelic variants or multiple genes of the allergen.

Methods
Five cDNA clones of Der p 3 have been isolated from a λ gt 10 D. pteronyssinus library, using a radiolabelled polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Der p 3 P3WS1 probe and sequenced. Southern blot and inverse PCR analysis of Eco RI digested genomic DNA was performed.

Results
Southern blot analysis of Eco RI digested genomic DNA showed that the DNA encoding Der p 3 was located on a single 3.5 kb fragment and inverse polymerase chain reaction analysis (PCR) of this DNA showed that there was only a single Der p 3 gene on this 3.5 kb fragment. The nucleotide sequence of one of the clones was identical to the original Der p 3 P3WS1 clone and two clones ditfered only in their 3′untranslated sequences. The other two contained nucleotide changes which lead to several substitutions at the amino acid level, both conservative and non conservative. Clone 3 had 98.7% identity with Der p 3 P3WS1. One clone for which the full sequence was not available (clone 4) had only 84.4% identity with the original clone and is therefore consistent with an isoallergen.

Conclusions
These data along with our previous genomic sequence shows that for the most part, the Der p 3 allergen has only minor sequence variations (variants) although the isoallergen indicated by clone 4 needs further investigation. It is now evident that Der p 3 is encoded by a single gene and that most cDNA clones constructed from commercial mites show only minor sequence variation similar to that observed for the group I and group 2 house dust mite allergens.
Eosinophil locomotion and the release of IL‐3 and IL‐5 by allergen‐stimulated mononuclear cells are effectively downregulated in vitro by budesonide
Authors: LANTERO S. , SACCO O. , SCALA C. , MORELLI M. C. , ROSSI G. A.
Published: April 2006

Background
Treatment of aliergic asthma with inhaled corticosteroids, such as budesonide (BDN), results in downregulation of T‐cell activation and of eosinophil recruitment.

Objective
Since blood concentrations of BDN, although significantly lower than those measured in the lung, may still have anti‐inflammatory effects, we evaluated the activity of BDN in vitro on: allergen‐induced release of lymphokines involved in eosinophil chemotaxis (i.e. IL‐3 and IL‐5), at drug concentrations similar to those obtained in vivo in the lung (10−8 M), and eosinophil locomotion, at ‘systemic concentrations’ of the drug (10−10 M and 10−9M).

Methods
Twenty‐three atopic asthmatic subjects (atopics) sensitized to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) and seven non‐atopic healthy subjects (controls) were studied. Purified blood mononuclear cells (BMC) were stimulated with Dp, with or without BDN 10−8 M and, after 6 days, the supernatants were collected and frozen to test their ehemotactie activity toward purified blood eosinophils and their levels of interleukin (IL)‐3 and IL‐5 by immunoassay. BMC were then pulsed for additional 18h with [3H]thymidine to evaluate allergen‐induced T‐cell proliferation. In addition, to test possible direct effects of ‘systemic concentrations’ of the drug on eosinophil locomotion, blood eosinophils were incubated for 1 h with BDN (10−10 M and 10−9 M) prior to test their ehemotactie response toward recombinant human IL‐3 and IL‐5.

Results
Stimulation of BMC from atopies with Dp induced a statistically significant increase in [H]thymidine incorporation (P < 0.05); secretion of ehemotactie factors for eosinophils (P < 0.001) and the release of IL‐3 and IL‐5 (P < 0.005 and P < 0.05 respectively). BDN, at the concentration of 10−8 M, was able to significantly down‐regulate T‐cell proliferation (P < 0.05), the secretion of ehemotactie factors for eosinophils (P < 0.001) and the release of IL‐3 and IL‐5 (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 respectively). Similarly, “systemic concentrations” of BDN (10−10 M and 10−9 M) totally inhibited the ehemotactie response of blood eosinophils toward recombinant human IL‐3 and IL‐5 (P < 0.005).

Conclusions
Concentrations of BDN similar to those obtained in vivo are effective in inhibiting both the release of eosinophils chemotaxins by allergen‐activated mononuclear cells and eosinophil locomotion.
Airway eosinophilia and expression of interleukin‐5 protein in asthma and in exacerbations of chronic bronchitis
Authors: SAETTA M. , DI STEFANO A. , MAESTRELLI P. , TURATO G. , MAPP CE. , PIENO M. , ZANGUOCHI G. , DEL PRETE G. , FABBRI L. M.
Published: April 2006

Background
An increased nutnber of eosinophils in the bronchial mucosa has been demonstrated both in asthma and in exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Oiyective To investigate whether the airway eosinophilia present in asthma and in chronic bronchitis during exacerbations is associated with interleukin (IL)‐5 protein expression in the bronchial mucosa.

Methods
We obtained bronchial biopsies in 18 subjects with asthma (four intrinsic, seven extrinsic and seven occupational) and in II subjects with chronic bronchitis examined during an exacerbation. The findings were compared wilh those of bronchial biopsies from 10 subjects with chronic bronchitis examined under baseline conditions and from seven normal subjects, taken as controls. By immunohistochemistry, we assessed the expression of IL‐5 protein and the number of eosinophils (EG2), mast cells ftryptase), and T‐lymphocytes (CD3) in the submucosa.

Results
As compared with controls, the number of eosinophils was increased to a similar degree in both asthma (P < 0.001) and in exacerbations of ehronic bronchitis (P < 0.001). whereas the number of I L‐5 immunopositive cells was increased significantly only in asthma (P < 0.01). No diflerences were observed in the number of tnast cells and T‐lymphocytes between the four groups of subjects examined. Conciusions This study shows that the degree of airway eosinophilia is similar in asthma and in exacerbations of ehronic bronchitis, but only in asthma is it associated with an increased expression of I L‐5 protein in the bronchial tnucosa.
Intranasal challenge with aspirin induces cell influx and activation of eosinophils and mast cells in nasal secretions of ASA‐sensitive patients
Authors: KOWALSKI M. L. , GRZEGORCZYK J. , WOJCIECHOWSKA B. , PONIATOWSKA M.
Published: April 2006

Background
Although the mechanism of aspirin‐sensitivity seems to be related to inhibition of cyclo‐oxygenase by aspirin (ASA), the chain of biochemical events leading to the ASA‐induced adverse reaction is not clear, and the contribution of particular mediators and inflammatory cells has not been elucidated.

Objectives
To investigate the involvement of secretory, vascular and cellular mechanisms in the pathophysiology of nasal reactions to aspirin.

Methods
Six patients with ASA‐sensitive asthma/rhinosinusitis and seven ASA‐tolerant patients were challenged intranasaly with saline and lysine‐acetylsalicylic acid (Lys‐ASA) 12mg, on separate occasions. Nasal lavages were obtained before, and then every 15min after challenges, and analysed for biochemical and cellular composition.

Results
Lys‐ASA challenge caused rhinorrhoea. sneezing and nasal congestion with parallel increases in total protein and albumin concentration, albumin % and lysozyme activity in the nasal secretions of ASA‐sensitive patients. Concomitant with clinical symptoms, an influx of leucocytes into nasal secretions occurred with significant enrichment in eosinophils (mean prechallenge: 24 ± 12%, postsatine 27±9%, postLys‐ASA 51 ± 10%; P < 0.03). The influx of eosinophils into nasal secretions was associated with a remarkable increase in Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) immunoreactivity in five of six patients (mean 9.3 ± 3.8 μg/L and 140.9 ± 45.8 μg/mL before and after Lys‐ASA, respectively). At the peak of ASA‐induced symptoms an increase in the tryptase level was also observed in five of six patients (mean prechallenge: 2 ± 0.1 U/L; postLys‐ASA 16 ± 5 U/L; P < 0.01) suggesting activation of mucosal mast cells. In ASA‐tolerant patients Lys‐ASA did not induce significant symptoms or changes in the biochemical and cellular composition of nasal secretions.

Conclusion
The results show that the ASA‐induced nasal adverse reaction involves changes in vascular permeability and serous cell secretion. Both activated eosinophils and mast cells may contribute to the pathophysiology of the ASA‐induced reaction in the nasal mucosa.
Reduced platelet glutathione peroxidase activity and serum selenium concentration in atopic asthmatic patients
Authors: MISSO N. L. A. , POWERS K. A. , GILLON R. L. , STEWART G. A. , THOMPSON P. J.
Published: April 2006

Background
Asthmatic inflammation results in increased oxygen free radical generation and assessment of the activity of the selenitim (Se) dependent anti‐oxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) in asthma may therefore be important. Objective To test the hypothesis that reduced GSH‐Px activity and Se intake contribute to asthmatic infiammation, platelet and whole blood GSH‐Px activities and serum and whole blood Se concentrations were measured and compared in atopic and non‐atopic asthmatic patients and non‐asthmatic control subjects.

Methods
GSH‐Px activities of whole blood and isolated platelets were assessed in 41 asthmatic patients (33 atopic) and 41 age‐ and sex‐matched non‐asthmatic sttbjects (15 atopic) by spectrophotometric assay based oti the oxidation of NADPH. Se concentrations were determined by semi‐automated fluorimetric assay. Results Mean (± sd) platelet GSH‐Px activity was lower in asthmatic (89.5 ± 45.7 μmol NADPH oxidized min−1 g−1 of protein) than in non‐asthmatic subjects (109,9 ± 41.9; P= 0.038) and in atopic (89.7 ± 45.1, n = 48) compared with non‐atopie subiects (113.7 ± 40.9, n= 34: P= 0.016). Mean whole blood GSH‐Px activity was also lower in atopic (12.2 ± 5.2 μmol NADPH oxidized min−1 g−1 of Hb) than in non‐atopic subjects (14.5 ± 4.2; P= 0.038). In non‐asthmatic subjects, the mean whole blood GSH‐Px activity was lower in men (9.9 ± 3.5) than in women (14.5 ± 3.7; P = 0.0004) and was positively correlated with age (r= 0.51; P = 0.0006). Mean serum Se was lower in asthmatic (1.07 ± 0.12 μmol/L) than in non‐asthmatic subjects (1.16 ± 0.31; P = 0.036), Using multiple linear regression, asthma was an independent predictor of decreased platelet GSH‐Px after gender, age and serum Se were taken into account (P = 0.048) while atopy was a significant predictor of low whole blood GSH‐Px independent of asthma, gender, age and whole blood Se (P = 0.033).

Conclusions
In addition to Se status, atopy, gender and uge all appear to influence GSH‐Px activity, although the relative importance of these factors may difler in asthmatic and non‐asthmatic populations. It seems likely that the reduced activity of this enzyme in platelets und hiood may reflect mechanisms associated with the pathogenesis and severity of asthma.
Absence of linkage between 5q markers and serum IgE levels in four large atopic families
Authors: BLUMENTHAL M. N. , WANG Z. , WEBER J. L. , RICH S. S.
Published: April 2006

Background
Both genetic and environmental influences have been suggested to control the immunoglobulin (Ig)E response to allergens and, as a result, provide susceptibility to atopic disease. Two recent reports suggested that a major gene controlling basal IgE levels in humans was transmitted in a pattern consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance and was located on the long arm of chromosome 5 in the interleukin (IL)‐4 gene complex.

Objective
The purpose of this report is to evaluate evidence for linkage of IgE with polymorphic genetic markers in the candidate region of 5q in four large pedigrees originally selected for studies of atopy.

Method
Four large, highly characterized pedigrees in which IgE levels had been determined and genotypes at markers in the 5q candidate region were evaluated using both lod score and sib pair methods of analysis.

Results
In these pedigrees, we reject close to moderate hnkage (up to 5 cM) of an IgE locus with markers on 5q.

Conclusion
The genetic aspects of IgE regulation and its role in atopy remain controversial. The data suggest that should major genes be involved in the inheritance of atopy susceptibility, they are likely to be multiple in number and likely to involve interaction with other (exogenous) environmental exposures.
A comparison of the effects of oral cetirizine and inhaled beclomethasone on early and late asthmatic responses to allergen and the associated increase in airways hyperresponsiveness
Authors: BENTLEY A. M. , WALKER S. , HANOTTE F. , DE VOS C. , DURHAM S. R.
Published: April 2006

Background
Cetirizine is a non‐sedating H1 antihistamine which is effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and urticaria. It inhibits eosinophil and basophil chemotaxis in late cutaneous allergic reactions in skin windows. Its effect on early (EAR) and late asthmatic reactions (LAR) is less certain.

Methods
We examined the effect on EAR and LAR of 3 days treatment with oral cetirizine (15mg twice daily) compared with a single dose of inhaled beclomethasone 10min prior to allergen challenge in a placebo‐controlled (oral and inhaled) doubleblind cross‐over design with three treatment arms separated by 14 days.

Results
Cetirizine did not significantly inhibit either the EAR or LAR documented by maximum percentage fall in FEV1 (0‐3 and 6‐9h) or as area under the curve (AUC between 0 and 3 and 6–9 h), Beclomethasone inhibited the LAR compared with placebo (P = 0.02) when expressed as AUC (6–9h). This did not quite reach statistical significance (P = 0.06) when expressed as maximal percentage late fall in FEV1 between 6 and 9h. A greater than twofold increase in airways responsiveness to methacholine was observed 3h after challenge which was significantly reduced by beclomethasone compared with placebo (P < 0.02) and cetirizine (P < 0.05). The data suggest that oral cetirizine does not significantly inhibit either the EAR or LAR. Beclomethasone inhibited both the early increase in airways responsiveness and the subsequent LAR. Our study also confirms the view that early increases in airway responsiveness precede the late response and suggests that these associated events are not dissociable by the pharmacological treatments employed in this study.
Risk factors for latex allergy in patients with spina bifida
Authors: MICHAEL T. , NIGGEMANN B. , MOERS A. , SEIDEL U. , WAHN U. , SCHEFFNER D.
Published: April 2006

Objective and methods
In order to study risk factors for latex allergy in patients with spina bifida, we investigated 165 patients with spina bifida (mean age 9 years). Besides answering a questionnaire, patients underwent skin‐prick testing and determination of specific serum IgE to latex as well as a screening test for specific IgE to environmental allergens. A total of 80 patients(49%) were sensitized to latex according to the presence of specific IgE to latex.

Results
Skin‐prick tests (SPT) with high ammonia latex milk were performed in 81 of our patients with spina bifida and were positive in 36 patients (46%). Concordance of SPT with specific IgE in serum was good. Nineteen out of 165 patients suffered from a clinically relevant latex allergy: five patients had a history of systemic reactions to latex (e.g. severe bronchospasm, anaphylactic reactions), mostly during surgery. Fourteen patients reported clinical symptoms while inflating a balloon; all these 19 patients were sensitized to latex. Number of operations ranged from one to 26 (mean 5 operations). Concentration of specific IgE to latex in serum correlated well with increasing numbers of operations. Some 32/76 patients (41%) with spina bifida who were sensitized to latex showed an atopic disposition, while 21 out of 81 latex‐negative patients (26%) were atopic. Of 300 consecutive sera (mean age of patients 9 years) sent to our laboratory for routine determination of specific IgE, 144 (48%) were positive in terms of specific IgE to environmental allergens, of which 247144 (17%) were sensitized to latex.

Conclusions
From our data we conclude that in order to minimize risk of severe systemic clinical reactions, all patients with spina bifida should be screened for their individual risk of latex allergy to plan preventive measures before operations. Main risk factors for latex allergy seem to be: more than five operations, atopic predisposition, history of clinical symptoms while inflating a balloon, and a sensitization with a CAP‐class of ± 4.
Mite control with low temperature washing. I. Elimination of living mites on carpet pieces
Authors: BISCHOFF E. R. C. , FISCHER A. , LIEBENBERG B. , KNIEST F. M.
Published: April 2006

Background
Washing of delicate textiles at low temperature combined with mite control is one of the important aims for domestic mite prevention.

Objectives
Estimation or assessment of mite numbers without and after the application of detergents or detergents with mite control additive. Trials at low temperature, detergents and washing as usual at household conditions (programme of a household washing machine).

Methods
The domestic mite Dermatophagoides farinae can be cultured on carpet samples under favourable conditions, and the breeding success monitored in terms of population and distribution using the free mite mobility test. The mite containing carpets were cut into pieces in order to investigate the effects of washing at low temperature with different commercial detergents with and without an additive for mite control. The heat escape method was used to assess the number of mites remaining on the carpet pieces.

Results
The estimation of the mite populations on different carpet pieces before and after washing showed that between 40 and 60% of the mites were able to resist washing, rinsing, spinning and drying. The allergen containing dust, however, was flushed out. In contrast, complete mite control was achieved by the application of the same detergents together with an additive.

Conclusion
Mite control by low temperature washing is possible with a mite control additive provided that a concentration of benzyl benzoate of about 0.03% is achieved in the washing suds.
Inhibition of airways inflammation by dexamethasone is followed by reduced bronchial hyperreactivity in BP2 mice
Authors: EUM S.‐Y. , CRÉMINON C. , HAILE S. , LEFORT J. , VARGAFTIG B. B.
Published: April 2006

Background
Infiltration of inflammatory cells in the airways is a constant characteristic of asthma and is considered to result in bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR). We have recently developed a tnodel of BHR using a selection of mice, named BP2, which display eosinophil‐dependent BHR following antigen challenges. An anti‐IL‐5 antibody suppressed antigen‐induced eosinophil recruitment to the airways and BHR in BP2 mice.

Objective
To investigate the implication of infiltrated inllammatory cells in the induction of BHR in mice.

Methods
The effects of glucocorticosteroid dexamethasone on airways eosinophilia and BHR were observed.

Results
Administration of dexamethasone at the dose of 1.25 mg/kg i.p. 1 h before each of four antigen provocations suppressed the airways eosinophilia and BHR in response to intravenous 5‐HT and to aerosolized rnethacholine, as well as IL‐5 production in the BALF and in the serum. By contrast, dexamethasone failed to reduce anaphylactic bronchoconstriction.

Conclusions
These results suggest that dexamethasone exerts its inhibitory effects on antigen‐induced airways eosinophilia in mice by inhibiting IL‐5 production, but that it does not block the liberation of anaphyiactic mediators in tnice.
Immunohistological analysis of ‘negative’ patch test sites in atopic dermatitis
Authors: BUCKLEY C. , POULTER L. W. , RUSTIN M. H. A.
Published: April 2006

Background
Variable results have been obtained when patients with atopic dermatitis (AD)) have been patch tested with allergens known to produce a positive prick lest. The significance of patch test results in our understanding of the pathogenesis of AD therefore remains questionable.

Objective
This study was designed to determine the relevance of either positive or negative patch test results in relation to the expression of cell mediated immunity to allergens in patients with AD.

Methods
Thirty‐five patients with AD exhibiting patch test positivity to one or more aeroallergens on ‘tape stripped’ areas of the back were retested without prior tape stripping. Nine patients again showed positivity to one or more allergens while 26 failed to show positive reactions. In six of the positive patients both positive and negative patch tests were observed. Skin biopsies were taken from these matched positive and negative patch test sites as well as from an area of uninvolved skin. Samples were frozen and cryostat sections were analysed with immunohistological techniques using monoclonal antibodies to investigate the distribution of immunocompetent cells.

Results
All positive patch tests exhibited characteristics of a cell mediated immune response. The negative patch test sites were also found to contain evidence of mononuclear cell infiltration. Both negative and positive patch test sites showed significantly greater proportions of T cells compared to uninvolved skin. No increase in numbers of RFD1 positive and RFD7 positive macrophages were observed in either positive or negative patch test sites. Expression of CD23 by CD1 positive Langerhans cells was raised in both negative and positive patch tests compared to uninvolved areas. A significant increase in the population (RFD7+, CD23+) was seen in positive patch test sites compared to uninvolved skin. An increase in the proportion of RFD1 positive cells expressing CD23 was also seen in both negative and positive patch tests compared to uninvolved skin.

Conclusions
This paper demonstrates that immunological reactions are promoted at ‘non‐tape stripped’ patch test sites where no clinical evidence of reactivity is seen. Together the data demonstrate that the presence of systemic cell mediated immunity to specific allergens identified in patients by positive patch test, may also be present when no clinical signs are seen at the patch test site.
Development of atopic disease during childhood and its prediction by Phadiatop Paediatric
Authors: Lilja G. , Öman H. , Johansson S. G. O.
Published: April 2006

Background
Evaluating in vivo and/or in vitro tests for ‘early’ prediction of childhood allergy is of interest in paediatric allergology.

Objective
To determine whether the measurement of Phadiatop Paediatric (PP) during early childhood could be used to predict the development of atopic disease during the first 5 years of life among infants with a family history of atopic disease.

Methods
Phadiatop Paediatric was evaluated in 134 infants. The analysis was performed at 6 months, at 18 months and at 5 years of age and the numbers of available serum samples were 61, 85 and 134, respectively. The potential capacity of the test to predict the development of atopic disease was studied by relating the result of the test, a positive or a negative score, to the cumulated incidence of atopic diseases from birth to 18 months of age and from birth to 5 years of age.

Results
Three of four children with a positive PP at 6 months of age developed clinical signs/symptoms of atopic disease before 18 months and all four before 5 years of age. The predictive value of a positive test at 18 months for symptoms before 5 years of age was 80% (12/15). If the diagnostic criterion, instead of clinical signs/symptoms of atopic disease, was at least one positive skin‐prick test to major food or inhalant allergens, the predictive value of a positive PP‐test at 18 months decreased to 53% (8/ 15).

Conclusion
Although the presence of circulating IgE antibodies, as detected by Phadiatop Paediatric, can predict the development of atopic diseases during childhood, the usefulness of the test is limited by its low sensitivity (22‐47%).
Effect of experimental rhinovirus 16 colds on airway hyperresponsiveness to histamine and interleukin‐8 in nasal lavage in asthmatic subjects in vivo
Authors: GRÜNBERG K. , TIMMERS M. C. , SMITS H. H. , de KLERK E. P. A. , DICK E. C. , SPAAN W. J. M. , HIEMSTRA P. S. , STERK P. J.
Published: April 2006

Background Asthma exacerbations are closely associated with respiratory virus infections. However, the pathophysiological consequences of such infections in asthma are largely unclear.

Objective To examine the effect of rhinovirus 16 (RV16) infection on airway hypersensitivity to histamine. and on interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) in nasal lavage.

Objective Twenty‐seven non‐smoking atopic, mildly asthmatic subjects participated in a placebo‐controlled, parallel study. A dose of 0.5–2.9 ± 104 TCID50 RV16 or placebo was nasally administered. Cold symptoms were recorded by questionnaire throughout the study. Histamine challenges were performed at entry, and on days 4 and 11 after inoculation. Nasal lavages were obtained at entry, and on days 2 and 9. The response to histamine was measured by PC20 (changes expressed as doubling doses: DD). IL‐8 levels were obtained by ELISA, and were expressed in ng/ml.

Results RV infection was confirmed by culture of nasal lavage and/or by antibody titre rise in each of the RV16‐treated subjects. Among the 19 RV16‐treated subjects, eight developed severe cold symptoms. Baseline FEV1 did not change significantly during the study in either treatment group (P= 0.99). However, in the RV16‐treated subjects there was a decrease in PC20 at day 4, which was most pronounced in those with a severe cold (mean change ± SEM: –1.14 ± 0.28 DD, P= 0.01). In addition. IL‐8 levels increased in tbe RV16 group at days 2 and 9 (P < 0.001). The increase in nasal IL‐8 at day 2 correlated significantly with the change in PC20 at day 4 (r=–0.48, P= 0.04).

Conclusion We conclude that the severity of cold, as induced by experimental RV16 infection, is a determinant of the increase in airway hypersensitivity to histamine in patients with asthma. Our results suggest that this may be mediated by an infiammatory mechanism, involving the release of chemokines such as IL‐8.
Characterization of the 33‐kilodalton major allergen of Penicillium citrinum by using MoAbs and N‐terminal amino acid sequencing
Authors: SHEN H.‐D. , LIN W.‐L. , LIAW S.‐F. , TAM M. F. , HAN S.‐H.
Published: April 2006

Background The 33 kD component has been identified as a major allergen ofPenicillium citrinum, the most prevalent Penicillium species in the Taipei area of Taiwan.

Objective This study analyses the isoforms, antigenic cross‐reactivity and the N‐terminal amino acid sequence of the 33 kD allergen of P. citrinum.

Methods The composition of isoforms and antigenic cross‐reactivity was analysed by SDS‐PAGE and 2D‐immunobIotting using MoAbs generated. The N‐terminal sequence was analysed by using an automatic gas/liquid phase sequencer.

Results Two MoAbs (55A and 34H) against the 33 kD allergen were generated in the present study. In addition to the 33 kD component. MoAb 34H also showed immunoblot reactivity to other components in the crude extract of P. citrinum. Analysed by 2D‐immunoblotting. at least six different isoforms of the 33 kD component with pl values ranging from 6.75 to greater than 7.0 were shown to be reactive to both MoAbs and IgE antibodies in serum of an asthmatic patient. Different immunoblot patterns were observed when both MoAbs were reacted with four different strains of P. citrinum used in the present study. Among another six different Penicillium and four different Aspergillus species tested, only an immunoblot reactivity of MoAb 55 A to the 33 kD component of P. brevicompactum was observed. In 2D‐immunoblotting. components of P. brevicompactum with an MW of about 33 kD and pi values similar to those of the 33 kD component of P. citrinum reacted with MoAb 55A and IgE antibodies in serum of the asthmatic patient. The N‐terminal amino acid sequence of the 33 kD component of P. citrinum was determined to be ANVVQSNVP which was identical to the first 9 N‐terminal amino acids of a heat‐labile alkaline serine proteinase from P. citrinum.

Conclusion Results obtained in the present study suggest that the 33 kD major allergen of P. citrinum may be an alkaline serine proteinase.