bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specific serum IgE in the diagnosis of egg and milk allergy in adults
Authors: Norgaard A. , Bindslev‐Jensen C. , Skov P. Stahl , Poulsen L. K.
Published: May 2007

Levels of specific serum IgE to cow's milk, whole hen's egg, egg white, and egg yolk were compared to the outcome of double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge ‘DBPCFC) with fresh egg and/or milk in 21 adults with a case history of immediate hypersensitivity to egg and/or milk. Specific serum IgE was measured by four different commercially available tests and by an inhouse Maxisorp RAST using freshly prepared food extracts. Sensitivities and negative predictive accuracies were generally high with egg white and milk, but low with egg yolk. Specificities and positive predictive accuracies were low for all allergens and tests. Changing the cutoff levels did not improve the ability of the tests to predict clinical allergy. Among commercially available test allergens, egg white gave the most consistent results in levels and class scores, and the highest degree of concordance with DBPCFC, whereas egg yolk and milk varied more. Applying freshly prepared food extracts in Maxisorp RAST did not improve diagnostic value. Measuring specific serum IgE levels in control subjects tolerant to egg/milk showed that false positive reactions occurred frequently among patients with another food allergy and atopic dermatitis, whereas most tests were likely to be negative in pollen‐allergic and nonallergic volunteers. In conclusion, specific IgE measurements with egg white and milk were useful for exclusion of symptomatic hypersensitivity to egg and milk in patients with a positive history, whereas DBPCFC is still mandatory in patients with positive history and positive test. Measuring egg‐yolk‐specific IgE or using freshly prepared food extracts for specific IgE measurements added no further diagnostic information. The rate of clinically insignificant positive test results seems to be influenced by the prevalence of other food allergies and/or atopic dermatitis in the population under study.
Influence of H1‐receptor antagonists on adhesion molecules and cellular traffic
Authors: Bagnasco M. , Canonica G. W.
Published: May 2007

Bagnasco M, Canonica GW. Influence of H1‐receptor antagonists on adhesion molecules and cellular traffic.
Clinical studies with cetirizine in allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria
Authors: Broide D.
Published: May 2007

Broide D. Clinical studies with cetirizine in allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria.
V. Mechanisms of tolerance and sensitization in the intestine and other organs of the body
Authors: Strobel Stephan
Published: May 2007

The intestinal tract is the major immunological organ of the human body.

The gut associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) play an important role in the suppression of adverse reactions to foods and in the induction of “Oral Tolerance”.

Immunologically mediated clinical reactions to foods exist outside the gut environment and can affect virtually all organ systems.
Clinical and immunologic evaluation of workers exposed to glutaraldehvde
Authors: Curran A. D. , Burge P. S. , Wiley K.
Published: May 2007

We describe immunologic responses in subjects exposed to glutaraldehyde (GA) who were diagnosed as having occupational asthma, or who described work‐related respiratory symptoms. A series of GA‐modified proteins was characterized, and used to analyse sera from 20 GA‐exposed workers and 21 unexposed workers for IgE antibodies. Inhibition studies were used to determine the specificity of binding. The reaction of GA with albumin in different molar ratios produced a range of modified proteins, which were used to measure specific IgE antibodies. A significant difference between exposed and unexposed subjects with serum IgE less than 150 kU/1 could be detected for GA‐specific IgE antibodies (P= 0.026), and 31% of exposed workers with occupational asthma had antibody levels greater than the unexposed population (mean +2.5 SD). False‐positive results were obtained with serum from unexposed workers who had total IgE levels greater than 150 kU/l, but this binding was not inhibited by GA‐modified proteins. We report the first evidence of immunologic sensitization in some workers exposed to GA. However, GA may behave like many other low‐molecular‐weight chemicals in that specific antibodies can be detected in only a small percentage of exposed workers who report work‐related respiratory symptoms.
Bindine affinities of allergens from pollen, mites, and house dust for specific IgG subclass antibodies
Authors: Boluda L. , de la Cuadra B. , Berrens L.
Published: May 2007

The distribution and affinity of IgG subclasses against various aeroallergens were assessed by inhibition of specific antibody binding. Two parameters from the dose‐response curves were taken as indicative of antibody affinity: the point of 50% inhibition and the value of the slopes on double‐log plots. It was found that IgG4 antibody specific for aeroallergens (i.e., from pollens of several species of Gramineae, Olea europaea, and Parietaria judaica and from house dust) usually exhibits high affinity, except for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. High binding affinity was also displayed by IgGl subclass antibodies against the allergens of O. europaea and P. judaica. Distinct IgG subclass affinity profiles were observed for the allergens of grass pollen (i.e., Holcus lanatus) and dust mites (i.e., D. pteronyssinus). These results demonstrate that IgG subclass distribution, as well as antibody affinity, depends on the nature of the sensitizing allergen.
Th1/Th2 response profiles to the major allergens Cry j 1 and Cry j 2 of Japanese cedar pollen
Authors: Sugimura K. , Hashiguchi S. , Takahashi Y. , Hino K. , Taniguchi Y. , Kurimoto M. , Fukuda K. , Ohyama M. , Yamada G.
Published: May 2007

Cry j 1 and Cry j 2 are known to be the major allergens of Japanese cedar pollen. A comparative study was carried out on the immune responses to stimulation with Cry j 1 and Cry j 2 in 24 symptomatic patients and six nonallergic subjects. In T‐cell proliferation assays, mean stimulation indexes (SI) were 10.6 for Cry j 1 and 11.7 for Cry j 2 stimulation, respectively, in the allergic patients. Two of the nonallergic subjects showed strong T‐cell proliferation to both allergens, while the remainder did not. All the allergic subjects (17/17) showed high titers of anti‐Cry j 1 IgE antibody at a mean value of 165 U/ml, whereas only 64% responded to Cry j 2 with low titers at a mean value of 26 U/ml. Nonallergic subjects did not respond with IgE production. Allergic subjects were further examined for their cytokine production profiles. All allergic subjects tested (16/16) produced high levels of interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) in response to Cry j 1 with a mean value of 918 pg/ml, while only five subjects showed significant elevation of IFN‐γ production in response to Cry j 2 with a mean value of 679 pg/ml. The remainder produced small amounts of IFN‐γ. Cry j 1 induced higher levels of interleukin (1L)‐10 gene expression than did Cry j 2 stimulation, while both allergens induced IL‐4 expression at a similar level. The IL‐12 p35 gene was constitutively expressed, whereas the IL‐12 p40 gene expression in Cry j 1‐stimulated cells was elevated eightfold over that of nonstimulated cells. Increased expression of the IL‐12 p40 gene was negligible in Cry j 2‐stimulated cells. Thus, Cry j 1 stimulated mixed features of Th1 and Th2‐like responses, while Cry j 2 played a minor role in inducing IgE production and cytokine (IFN‐γ, IL‐10, and IL‐12) production, except for IL‐2 production and strong T‐cell proliferative activity. Therefore, it was concluded that Cry j 1 is the more important allergen, and that T‐cell proliferation assays do not necessarily reflect the level of allergenicity.
In vivo relevance of CD30 in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Caproni M. , Bianchi B. , D'Elios M. M. , De Carli M. , Amedei A. , Fabbri P.
Published: May 2007

CD30 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in lesional skin biopsies of eight patients with active atopic dermatitis (AD) and three patients with allergic contact (nickel‐induced) dermatitis (ACD). CD30 expression was also assessed in a large panel of CD4 + and CDS + T‐cell clones generated from the skin biopsies of four patients with AD. Finally, the levels of soluble CD30 (sCD30) were measured in the serum of 41 patients with AD, 19 patients with ACD, and 60 healthy controls. In all specimens of lesional AD skin, where the great majority of infiltrating cells were CD4+ T cells, remarkable numbers of cells were CD30+, whereas virtually no CD30 + cells were found in the skin of patients with ACD. In CD4+ T‐cell clones generated from the lesional AD skin, most of which produced both interleukin (IL)‐4 and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) (Th0–like cells) or IL‐4 and 1L‐5, but not IFN‐γ (Th2–like cells), CD30 expression directly correlated with the ability to produce IL‐4 and IL‐5, but was inversely related to IFN‐γ production. High levels of sCD30 (correlated with disease activity: r= 0.618) were detected in the serum of most AD patients, whereas there was no increase of sCD30 levels in the serum of patients with ACD. These data support the view that Th0/Th2–type responses predominate in the skin of patients with AD and suggest that the presence of CD30 + T cells in tissues and/or increased levels of sCD30 in biologic fluids are indicative of Th2–dominated responses.
Studies of bronchial asthma induced by chironomid midges (Diptera) around a hypereutrophic lake in Japan
Authors: Hirabayashi K. , Kubo K. , Yamaguchi S. , Fujimoto K. , Murakami G. , Nasu Y.
Published: May 2007

There have been few reports on hypersensitivity to chironomid midges in bronchial asthmatic patients around the area of hypereutrophic natural lakes, which have been notorious as an environmental hazard due to the massive occurrence of adult chironomids during several periods of the year. Our study investigated IgE antibodies to chironomid midges in bronchial asthmatic patients around the Lake Suwa area in comparison with those of the Matsumoto area (control area). A total of 123 adult patients with bronchial asthma were investigated by measurement of IgE antibodies with extracts of three chironomid midges (Chironomus yoshimatsui, C. plumosus, and Tokunagayusurika akamusi), mite, and silkworm. In addition, in the allergy testing, 12 common inhalant antigens were used. Of 123 adult patients with bronchial asthma, 65 (52.8%) produced positive allergy tests. Thirty‐three (50.8%) were positive to mite, 28 (43.1%) to silkworm, 11 (16.9%) to C. yoshimatsui, eight (12.3%) to C. plumosus, and three (4.6%) to T. akamusi. We compared our results with the previous reports. The number of positive tests to silkworm in the Lake Suwa area was higher than in other areas. However, C. plumosus and T. akamusi showed a lower number of positive reactions. We considered the lower positive number of C. plumosus and T. akamusi tests in the Lake Suwa area to be related to the advanced age of patients in this area. The chironomids are an important cause of asthma, together with mite and silkworm, in the Lake Suwa area, but affect old asthmatic patients less than asthmatic children.
Occupational asthma and rhinitis caused by ash (Fraxinus excelsior) wood dust
Authors: Fernández‐Rivas M. , Pérez‐Carral C. , Senent C. J.
Published: May 2007

An 18‐year‐old man who worked in a furniture factory reported rhinitis and asthma when he was exposed to ash wood dust. Monitoring of the patient's peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) when off work and at work showed increased variations of PEFR at work. Basal PC20 methacholine was 1.41 mg/ml. A bronchial provocation test (BPT) with a 1: 1000 w/v ash wood dust extract induced a dual asthmatic response with a 7.5‐fold increase of nonspecific bronchial responsiveness. Intradermal testing with ash wood extract elicited a positive immediate response. IgE antibodies against ash wood were found in the patient's serum with a RAST value of 0.57 PRU/ml. Similar skin tests, BPT, and RAST with ash wood dust performed in control patients were all negative. All the studies performed suggest that our patient had occupational rhinitis and asthma caused by exposure to ash wood dust in which a type I immunologic mechanism was implicated.
The presence of latex can induce false‐positive skin tests in subjects tested with penicillin determinants
Authors: Terrados S. , Blanca M. , Justicia J. L. , Moreno F. , Mayorga C.
Published: May 2007

Latex allergens are ubiquitous, and exposure may occur from different sources in the medical environment and in daily life. The observation that subjects with latex allergy were skin test positive lo major and minor to explain these findings. A group of 20 subjects with a history of allergy to latex and with positive skin tests for, but good tolerance of, penicillins was studied. The presence of latex contaminants was studied by RAST and RAST inhibition. Sixteen of the subjects were positive lo at least one of the penicillin determinants used, and 14 (87%) of these were positive to at least two determinants. Repetition of skin tests using the container without a stopper changed the skin test results lo negative in almost all cases, indicating that some trace contaminants had still been present RAST‐inhibition studies showed that in all penicillin determinants there were trace amounts of latex allergens varying between 3 and 0.03 μg/ml. These results indicate that skin tests with penicillin in subjects allergic to latex may give false‐positive results and lead to such patients being falsely diagnosed as allergic to betalactams when penicillins are stored in containers with rubber stoppers.
Prevalence of lysozyme sensitization in an egg‐allergic population
Authors: Frémont S. , Kanny G. , Nicolas J. P. , Moneret‐Vautrin D. A.
Published: May 2007

An egg protein, lysozyme, is a still unlabeled additive currently used in cheese preparation. Furthermore, the WHO‐FAO committee considers it innocuous. However, 31% of children and 8% of adults with food allergies are allergic to eggs. This work aimed to determine the percentage of patients sensitized to lysozyme from a population of egg‐allergic patients. Specific IgE was determined with Cap RAST in 52 patients clinically allergic to egg. Thirty‐five percent of egg‐allergic patients had antilysozyme IgE. Given this high incidence of lysosozyme sensitization, it seems that the presence of lysozyme should be indicated on food labels.
Low‐dose cyclosporin A in the treatment of severe chronic idiopathic urticaria
Authors: Toubi E. , Blant A. , Kessel A. , Golan T. D.
Published: May 2007

In a limited number of severe chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) patients, low‐dose cyclosporin A (CsA) treatment was found to be effective. This open study aimed to extend this clinical observation and determine the safety of treatment with CsA. In addition, it aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of the autologous serum skin test (AST) in such patients, and whether this test is affected by CsA treatment. Thirty‐five patients who suffered from severe CIU (score 3), and who were followed for 6 months (using a clinical urticaria‐severity score [range 0–3]) were divided into three groups: 19/35 were treated for 3 months with low‐dose CsA, and thereafter followed for an additional 3 months; 6/35 dropped out of protocol treatment; and 10/35 untreated patients (followed for the same period) served as a disease controls. In the treated group, no side‐effects were observed, and by the end of treatment, 13/19 (68%) patients were in full remission (score 0) and the remainder scored 1. In contrast, the 10 CsA‐untreated patients scored 3 for the whole follow‐up period of 6 months. Positive AST was found in 14/35 (40%) of patients, whereas none were detected in 20 healthy control subjects. AST neither correlated with disease activity nor predicted response to treatment. This uncontrolled study shows that low‐dose CsA is effective in treating CIU patients, and can be given safely for 3 months. However, CIU patients requiring initially high doses of glucocorticosteroids and with a long clinical history are less amenable to CsA treatment.
Detection of mosquito saliva‐specific IgE antibodies by capture ELISA
Authors: Brummer‐Korvenkontio H. , Palosuo K. , Palosuo T. , Brummer‐Korvenkontio M. , Leinikki P. , Reunala T.
Published: May 2007

We developed an IgE‐capture ELISA and measured mosquito saliva‐specific IgE antibodies in 27 children sensitive to mosquito bites. Children with large 15‐min bite wheals had significantly higher (P < 0.0005) mosquito saliva‐specific IgE levels than children with small wheals. In the latter group, the saliva‐specific IgE level was significantly higher (P=0.031) than the levels of six infants never exposed to mosquitoes. A positive correlation (r=0.65; P=0.0002) was found between the size of the 15‐min wheal and the mosquito saliva‐specific IgE antibody levels. These results further support the role of mosquito saliva‐specific IgE antibodies in the pathogenesis of mosquito‐bite whealing. Compared to immunoblotting, IgE‐capture ELISA provides a quantitative method to measure mosquito saliva‐specific IgE antibodies.
Analysis of cross‐reactive allergens from American and German cockroaches by human IgE
Authors: Wu C.‐H. , Luo S.‐F. , Wong D. W.
Published: May 2007

Serum from atopics hypersensitive to the American cockroach were examined for their specific IgE to American and German cockroaches by the fluoroallergosorbent test (FAST). Of 44 sera tested, 86.4% (38/44) contained IgE to American and German cockroaches, and 13.6% (6/44) were found to be positive for American cockroach alone by FAST. Nine individual sera containing IgE antibodies to both cockroaches were used to analyze the cross‐reacting allergens in the crude American and German cockroach extracts by FAST inhibition and immunoblotting. FAST‐inhibition studies showed various degrees but similar inhibition of binding of human IgE to solid‐phase American cockroach extract. Proteins from both cockroach extracts were separated on SDS‐PAGE followed by immunoblotting, and the results showed considerable heterogeneity in the IgE‐binding patterns with each of the cockroach extracts for the same nine individual sera. Components with apparent molecular weights of 60, 52, 49, 38, and 12 kDa from both the American and German cockroaches were able to bind IgE antibody. These results suggest the presence of cross‐reactive allergens in the American and the German cockroaches.
Can an antihistamine delay appearance of hay fever symptoms when given prior to pollen season?
Authors: Stern M. A. , Darnell R. , Tudor D.
Published: May 2007

Mizolastine is a new, nonsedating antihistamine providing satisfactory symptom relief in allergic conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the onset of hay fever symptoms could be delayed in patients known to suffer seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms if mizolastine was given before the pollen season. This double‐blind study involved 342 patients, randomly allocated to once‐daily 10 mg mizolastine (n= 115), once‐daily 120 mg terfenadine (n= 116), or placebo (n= 111) groups. All patients started treatment on 1 May, before the onset of the grass pollen season. The prophylactic effect of test drugs was assessed on their ability to delay the time to the first hay fever crisis of the season, which was defined by the occurrence of one of the following events: use of rescue medication, study withdrawal because of treatment failure, or total diary symptom score over 18. Active treatments prolonged the time to the first crisis by approximately 1 week (mizolastine 55 days, terfenadine 57 days) in comparison with placebo (50 days) (survival curve analysis: Logrank test, P= 0.01; Wilcoxon test, P= 0.03). Tolerability was satisfactory and comparable between groups. Thus, mizolastine can be safely used to delay and to treat symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Urinary leukotriene E4 and 11‐dehydrothromboxane B2 in patients with aspirin‐sensitive asthma
Authors: Oosaki R. , Mizushima Y. , Mita H. , Shida T. , Akiyama K. , Kobayashi M.
Published: May 2007

The objective of this study was to define the participation of cysteinyl leukotrienes (LTs) or thromboxane A2 in the pathogenesis of aspirin‐sensitive asthma (ASA). Leukotriene E4 (LTE4) and 11‐dehydrothromboxane B2 (11DTXB2) values in spot urine were measured in 22 asthmatics with a history of aspirin sensitivity and in 17 without such a history of aspirin‐sensitive asthma [NASA]) in the outpatient clinic. The urinary LTE4 value was significantly higher in ASA patients than in NASA (340±47 vs 65±15 pg/mg·cr, P<0.001), but there was no significant difference in urinary 11DTXB2 between the two groups (891±77 vs 657±90 pg/mg·cr). A high value of LTE4 was not associated with type of asthma, severity of disease, oral prednisolone treatment, sex, or age. A higher value of 11DTXB2 was observed in the atopic type than the nonatopic type in ASA (1086±111 vs 697±147 pg/mg·cr, P<0.05). No correlation was observed between urinary LTE4 and 11DTXB2 in either ASA or NASA. In conclusion, LTs may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ASA, and TXA2 in the pathogenesis of the atopic type in ASA.
Occupational allergy in saffron workers
Authors: Feo F. , Martinez J. , Martinez A. , Galindo P. A. , Cruz A. , Garcia R. , Guerra F. , Palacios R.
Published: May 2007

Sensitization to the flower of saffron, a plant commonly grown in Spain for commercial purposes, and its clinical significance as an occupational allergen were studied. The prick test and RAST, with saffron pollen, stamen, and pistil extracts, were used to evaluate the cutaneous and specific antibody responses in the studied population. Provocation tests in patients with clinical findings were used to verify the implication of saffron components in these symptoms. Fifty saffron workers were evaluated. Three of them were sensitized to saffron pollen and stamen proteins, giving prick and RAST positive values. One patient presented asthma, showing a positive bronchial provocation test, and two patients rhinoconjunctivitis, showing positive conjunctival provocation tests. Of a general allergic population of 237, 10 patients also presented cutaneous test and IgE positive to saffron. Saffron allergens (from pollen and stamens) were characterized by SDS‐PAGE immunoblotting. A relevant allergen of 15.5 kDa with profilinic nature was detected and further purified by high‐resolution gel filtration chromatography. No allergenic components were demonstrated in pistils. Cross‐reactivity of saffron extracts was evaluated by RAST inhibition with respect to other pollen species commonly causing sensitization in the same area of study. A significant degree of cross‐reactivity was demonstrated between saffron and Lolium, Salsola, or Olea. The identification of the protein components involved in the cross‐reactions was investigated by blot inhibition.
Infections preventing atopy: facts and new questions
Authors: Matricardi P. M.
Published: May 2007

Matricardi PM. Infections preventing atopy: facts and new questions.
Immunotherapy with partially purified and standardized tree pollen extracts. IV. Results from long‐term (6‐year) follow‐up
Authors: Jacobsen L. , Nüchel Petersen B. , Wihl J. Å. , Løwenstein H. , Ipsen H.
Published: May 2007

The long‐term effect of tree pollen extract immunotherapy was investigated 6 years after termination of the treatment. Subjective symptom evaluation of 36 patients 6 years after a 3‐year period of immunotherapy showed that rhinitis and asthma symptoms remained at the improved level reached just after termination of the treatment. Some 86% of the rhinitis patients and 68% of the asthma patients maintained improvement. None of the rhinitis patients developed asthma in the study period. Skin prick tests reflected the outcome of the subjective symptom assessment. The skin sensitivity of the patients decreased significantly during immunotherapy, and the skin reactions 6 years after specific immunotherapy were still significantly lower than the pretreatment levels. Total IgE and birch‐specific IgE levels were constant throughout the study period, and both the affinity and epitope specificity of the IgE antibodies of the patients were the same before, during, and 6 years after treatment. In conclusion, specific immunotherapy reduces symptoms in patients suffering from rhinitis and asthma, and the effect is maintained 6 years after termination of the treatment. Specific immunotherapy seems to prevent long‐term development of asthma in rhinitis patients. IgE measurements do not reflect the overall status of the patients.
Nonspecific binding of IgE to allergens
Authors: Jensen‐Jarolim E. , Vogel M. , Zavazal V. , Stadler B. M.
Published: May 2007

Nonspecific IgE binding to allergens was observed in testing myeloma IgEs, namely, IgE‐VL and IgE‐PS, chimeric IgE (IgE‐JW8), and the recombinant IgE Fce peptide CH1–CH4, in two different immunoassays. This binding was concentration‐dependent but detectable only at higher IgE concentration. In RAST inhibition, IgE‐allergen interactions could be reduced by using either matching or nonmatching allergens. In order to test whether the nonspecific binding of IgE to allergens was due to carbohydrate interaction, myeloma IgEs and the chimeric IgE were desialized with neuraminidase. Desialized samples were equally well recognized by xenogenic antibodies as native IgEs, but binding of IgE to FcE receptors on basophils was affected by the treatment, as shown in the histamine‐release assay. Desialization of IgE affected also its binding capacity to allergens in RAST: binding of chimeric IgE was reduced, but nonspecific binding of myeloma IgE‐VL was enhanced. Hence, nonspecific allergen‐IgE binding may be partly due to a lectin‐like interaction, but may depend mostly on the tertiary structure of IgE. Thus, nonspecific IgE‐allergen interactions might present a problem 1) at high IgE concentration, and 2) depend on the grade of sialization of IgE, which might affect its conformation. This may explain why patients with elevated total IgE levels often have multiple weak positive RASTs with non‐cross‐reactive allergens.
Recidivous acute urticaria caused by Anisakis simplex
Authors: Montoro A. , Perteguer M. J. , Chivato T. , Laguna R. , Cuéllar C.
Published: May 2007

This study aimed to determine the cause of acute recidivous urticaria in patients who usually eat fish or other seafood. Twenty‐five patients were studied. The skin prick test with larval Anisakis simplex extract was performed; total and specific IgE against A. simplex was measured with the CAP System; specific antibodies to A. simplex were determined by ELISA; and immunorecognition patterns of the sera were studied by Western blot. Nineteen patients showed specific IgE to A. simplex, but specific IgE to Ascaris was demonstrated in only two patients. No patients reacted to Toxocara canis or Echinoccocus granulosus antigens with the same test. The skin prick test was positive in 16 patients, in two of them persisting for 48 h. Five patients showed neither skin reaction nor specific IgE to A. simplex. Sera showed specific immunoglobulin levels against A. simplex larval crude extract, by both ELISA and Western blot. Likewise, specific immunoglobulin levels against excretory‐secretory antigen were also measured by ELISA. Only one patient showed sensitization to fish. A. simplex was found to be the main cause of acute recidivous urticaria in patients who usually eat fish and are not sensitized to it.
Expression of CD23 antigen and its ligands in children with intrinsic and extrinsic asthma
Authors: Aberle N. , Gagro A. , Rabatić S. , Reiner‐Banovac Ž. , Dekaris D.
Published: May 2007

The role of the low‐affinity IgE receptor CD23 in immune reactions has been further emphasized by recent discoveries of novel surface ligands for CD23: CD21, CD11b, and CD11c. We previously observed the difference between the expression of CD23 and CD21 antigens in children suffering from extrinsic asthma when compared to healthy controls. In the present study, we investigated the expression of CD23 and its ligand CD21 on CD20+B cells in 44 asthmatic children (23 allergic and 21 nonallergic) using three‐color immunofluorescence analysis. In addition, the expression of two other ligands for CD23, CD11b, and CD11c, on T cells (CD3+), a subpopulation of T cells (CD4+ and CD8+), natural killer cells (CD56+), and monocytes (CD14+) was tested by two‐color immunofluorescence analysis in 12 allergic and 14 nonallergic children. We found that children with extrinsic asthma had higher levels of CD23+ B cells than those with intrinsic asthma. No difference was observed in the percentage of either CD23+CD21+ or CD23‐ CD21+ B cells. The CD11b antigen was expressed on each tested population, but only on CD4+ T cells was CD11b significantly increased in children with extrinsic asthma. CD11c was expressed mainly on monocytes, and no difference was observed between tested groups. The increased percentage of CD11b antigen on CD4+ T cells and the increased percentage of CD23 antigen on B cells in children with extrinsic asthma provide further evidence of the immunologic differences between intrinsic and extrinsic asthma.
*IgE antibodies against midge and moth found in Japanese asthmatic subjects and comparison of allergenicity between these insects
Authors: Komase Y. , Sakata M. , Azuma T. , Tanaka A. , Nakagawa T.
Published: May 2007

The specific IgE antibodies to moth (Bombyx mori) and midge (Chironomus yoshimatsui) were measured by the Pharmacia CAP system in 51 house‐dust‐mite‐sensitive asthma patients. None of these patients had definite histories of exposure to these insects or apparent evidence of insect‐induced asthma symptoms. The RAST‐inhibition assay was performed to investigate cross‐allergenicity between these two insects. Furthermore, IgE immunoblotting was done to study the IgE‐binding components in moth and midge extracts. Thirty (59%) of these patients showed positive IgE antibodies to moth, while 25 (49%) showed positive IgE antibodies to midge. Those frequencies of positivity were similar to that for Japanese cedar pollen, which is well known to cause allergy. A significant correlation (r=0.863) was observed between IgE antibody liters of these two insects. The results from the RAST‐inhibition assay indicated cross‐allergenicity between these insects and also the existence of species‐specific allergens. Fifteen IgE‐binding components in moth extract were observed. The most frequent IgE‐binding protein was the 79‐kDa (84.2%), followed by the 72‐kDa (78.9%), the 82‐kDa (57.9%), and the 76‐kDa (57.9%) proteins. Those were considered to be major allergens in moth. Twenty‐four IgE‐binding components in midge extract were observed. However, no IgE‐binding protein to which over 50% of patient sera reacted was observed. These results suggest that these two insects may be considered to bear important allergens and that there is cross‐allergenicity between these insects as well as species‐specific allergens.
Immunogenicity and antigenicity of a partially hydrolyzed cow's milk infant formula
Authors: Chirico G. , Gasparoni A. , Ciardelli L. , De Amici M. , Colombo A. , Rondini G.
Published: May 2007

We evaluated the immunogenicity and antigenicity of a formula based on partially hydrolyzed cow's milk whey protein in infants at risk of atopy and in controls. Total IgE and specific IgE, IgG, and IgG4 subclass antibodies against egg albumin and cow's milk α‐lactalbumin, casein, and β‐lactoglobulin were measured by radioimmunoassay of cord blood and of peripheral blood at 5 days and 6 months of life in five groups of infants: 16 breast‐fed infants at risk of atopy (group 1), 21 partially hydrolyzed whey formula‐fed infants at risk of atopy (group 2), 14 formula‐fed infants at risk of atopy (group 3), 10 breast‐fed control infants (group 4), and 13 formula‐fed control infants (group 5). Total IgE concentration was significantly lower in group 2 at 6 months than in groups 3 and 5 infants and similar to that observed in groups 1 and 4 infants. The concentration of specific antiegg and anti‐cow's milk protein IgG and of specific anti‐cow's milk α‐lactalbumin and β‐lactoglobulin IgG4 subclass antibodies was significantly reduced in group 2 as compared to group 3 infants and similar to that found in breastfed infants. In conclusion, the partially hydrolyzed formula was less immunogenic and antigenic than a traditional formula and was as immunogenic and antigenic as breast milk.
Soluble CD30 in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Frezzolini A. , Paradisi M. , Ruffelli M. , Cadoni S. , De Pità O.
Published: May 2007

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease in which a pathogenetic role of Th2 cells has been supposed. This study investigated the presence of soluble CD30 (sCD30), an activation marker of T‐cell clones able to produce Th2‐type cytokines, in sera from pediatric patients affected by AD (n=25) with no symptoms of asthma or rhinitis. The severity of the disease was graded by both the SCORAD and Costa et al. clinical scoring systems. Serum levels of sCD30 were significantly higher in patients with AD in respect to both normal donors (n=20) and urticaria patients (n= 10), and a positive correlation between serum sCD30 and clinical score was found (r=0.508; P=0.01) when AD patients were evaluated by Costa et al.'s method. Furthermore, a significant association (r‐=0.443; P=0.027) between sCD30 and serum levels of the soluble interleukin (IL)‐2 receptor (sIL‐2R) was observed in AD. The presence of high amounts of sCD30 in atopic patients seems to confirm the role of this molecule as an activation marker useful for in vivo evaluation of a Th2 immune response, and the correlation observed with both clinical score and sIL‐2R levels indicates the role of sCD30 as an additional marker of disease activity in pediatric patients with AD.
Allergy to the ornamental indoor green plant Tradescantia ‘Albifloxia’
Authors: Wüthrich B. , Johansson S. G. O.
Published: May 2007

Wüthrich B, Johansson SGO. Allergy to the ornamental indoor green plant Tradescantia ‘Albifloxia’.

We report on a 32‐year‐old atopic female office employee with a moderate tree pollinosis who also suffered from indoor‐related perennial rhinoconjunctivitis. Once when she repotted her two ornamental nonflowering green plants of the genus Tradescantia‘synonym: Albifloxia; family Commelinaceae’, she immediately experienced itching of the face, throat, and conjunctiva; swelling of the lips; and dyspnea and wheezing. Skin prick tests with the leaves of Tradescantia ‘T. albifloxia and T. fluminensis’‘Ta and Tf’ were strongly positive as was the specific IgE to Ta leaves extract. On RAST inhibition studies, no cross‐reactivity was found between Ta and Ficus benjamina‘weeping fig’, a nonflowering green plant, which produces, in its milky sap, an important respiratory allergen. Green plants should be considered potential indoor allergens and tested in plant‐keepers referred for allergologic investigation.
Relevance of pollen‐specific IgE levels to the development of Apiaceae hypersensitivity in patients with birch pollen allergy
Authors: Asero R.
Published: May 2007

Asero R. Relevance of pollen‐specific IgE levels to the development of Apiaceae hypersensitivity in patients with birch pollen allergy.

A large clinical/serologic study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Apiaceae ‘carrot, celery, and fennel’ hypersensitivity in patients with birch pollen allergy, and to investigate its relationship with apple and hazelnut allergy and with birch pollen‐specific IgE levels. A total of 196 birch pollen‐hypersensitive patients with oral allergy syndrome ‘OAS’ caused by different vegetable foods were examined in the cross‐sectional part of the study. Of this total, 195 patients had apple and/or hazelnut allergy, and 103 had Apiaceae sensitivity; only one patient had Apiaceae allergy alone. Apiaceae‐positive patients showed significantly higher birch pollen‐specific IgE levels than negative ones ‘median 13 vs 7 AU/ml; P < 0.0001’. The prospective part of the study was performed on 103 birch pollen‐hypersensitive patients who were OAS‐free at the time of the first visit and were periodically followed‐up for OAS. Patients who developed Apiaceae sensitivity showed much higher birch‐specific IgE levels than patients who developed apple/hazelnut allergy only ‘median 15.5 vs 8.5 AU/ml; P < 0.05’, whereas those who remained OAS‐free showed the lowest specific IgE levels ‘median 5 AU/ml’. This study suggests that most Apiaceae determinants cross‐react with apple or hazelnut determinants, whereas only some apple or hazelnut determinants cross‐react with Apiaceae‐allergenic determinants; moreover, it shows that birch‐specific IgE levels heavily influence the onset of OAS as a whole, and probably play a critical role in the development of allergies to distinct vegetable foods as well.
Anisakis simplex, a relevant etiologic factor in acute urticaria
Authors: Pozo M. D. Del , Audicana M. , Diez J. M. , Muñoz D. , Ansotegui I. J. , Fernández E. , García M. , Etxenagusia M. , Moneo I. , de Corres L. Fernández
Published: May 2007

Del Pozo MD, Audícana M, Diez JM, Muñoz D, Ansotegui IJ, Fernández E, García M, Etxenagusia M, Moneo I, Fernández de Corres L. Anisakis simplex, a relevant etiologic factor in acute urticaria.

Anisakis simplex, a parasite of fish and cephalopods, can induce IgE‐mediated reactions. This study aimed to determine the etiologic role of A. simplex in patients affected by urlicaria/angioedema ‘AE’ or anaphylaxis. We studied 100 adult subjects suffering acute episodes of urticaria/AE, by anamnesis, prick tests with A. simplex and fish‐mix extracts, and total and specific IgE to both A. simplex and cod. The following criteria of A. simplex allergy were considered: 1’ urticaria/AE within 6 h after fish ingestion; 2’ specific IgE to A. simplex; 3’ positive prick test to A. simplex extract; 4’ exclusion of other suspected causes. Double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge was not carried out because ethical considerations forbid challenge with a parasite. Specific IgE to A. simplex‘<0.7 kU/1’ was found in 22 subjects, but only eight were diagnosed as having A. simplex allergy. Other allergens were involved in 37 patients, and 55 cases were considered idiopathic. Specific IgE to fish ‘<0.7 kU/1’ was found in two patients, but only one was diagnosed as having fish allergy. We concluded that A. simplex is an important etiologic factor in acute urticaria. We suggest that it should be considered in cases of urticaria/AE or anaphylaxis, especially after fish ingestion.
Allergens in pepper and paprika
Authors: Leitner A. , Jensen‐Jarolim E. , Grimm R. , Wüthrich B. , Ebner H. , Scheiner O. , Kraft D. , Ebner C.
Published: May 2007

Mugwort and birch pollen allergy are frequently associated with IgEmediated hypersensitivity to celery and spices. We analyzed 22 sera from patients with the mugwort‐birch‐celery‐spice syndrome for IgE binding to the spices pepper and paprika by immunoblotting. Immunoblot results revealed two major allergens of 28 and 60 kDa in pepper and a 23‐kDa allergen together with allergens of higher molecular weight in paprika. In immunoblot‐inhibition studies, crude mugwort, birch pollen, and celery extracts significantly reduced the IgE binding to pepper and paprika allergens. However, no inhibition was achieved with rBet v 1 and rBet v 2, suggesting that no homologs of these birch proteins act as allergens in pepper or paprika extracts, N‐terminal sequence analysis of the 14‐ and 28‐kDa pepper and 23‐kDa paprika allergens revealed no homology to known allergens. The 28‐kDa pepper allergen showed homology to a wheat germin protein, and the 23‐kDa paprika allergen was identified as a homolog of a osmotin‐like or pathogenesis‐related protein in tomato. Therefore, we conclude that the IgE cross‐reactivity in the mugwort‐birch‐celery‐spice syndrome to the spices pepper and paprika is not caused by homologs of Bet v 1 and profilin, N‐terminal amino acid sequence analysis of the main allergens in pepper and paprika indicate a relation to frequently occurring plant proteins.
Peach allergy pattern: experience in 70 patients
Authors: Cuesta‐Herranz J. , Lázaro M. , de las Heras M. , Lluch M. , Figueredo E. , Umpierrez A. , Hernandez J. , Cuesta C.
Published: May 2007

We report the clinical characteristics of peach allergy encountered in a population of peach‐allergic patients. We evaluated 165 patients. The 70 peach‐allergic patients were diagnosed through clinical history, the skin prick‐prick test, and open oral challenge and rub tests to peach. As a pollinic control group. 95 pollen‐allergic patients were also evaluated. Some 49% of the patients were male and 51% female. The mean age was 20±8 years. Oral allergy syndrome (86%) was the most common symptom, followed by contact urticaria (61%) and systemic symptoms (26%). Some 67% of the patients were allergic to peach pulp, and 36% reported symptoms related to canned peach. Canned peach and pulp symptoms were statistically associated (P<0.01), and symptoms to canned peach were more frequently reported by patients with systemic symptoms (f <0.05). On evaluation of the peach‐allergic patients" characteristics, three risk factors ‐ allergy to peach pulp, allergy to canned peach, and peach allergy in non‐pollen‐allergic patients ‐ were found, indicating development of systemic symptoms on eating peach. Most of the peach‐allergic patients (81%) also had pollen allergy, which was linked to a higher prevalence of asthma (73%) than in the pollen‐allergic patients of the control group (48%): this difference was statistically significant (f <0.01). Finally, two groups were clearly defined by the seriousness of the peach allergy ‐ the non‐pollen‐allergic patients were more predisposed to the occurrence of systemic symptoms (>50%), and the pollen‐allergic patients to asthma (>70%).
Mizolastine therapy also has an effect on nasal blockade in perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
Authors: Bachert C. , Brostoff J. , Scadding G. K. , Tasman J. , Stalla‐Bourdillon A. , Murrieta M. , Group RIPERAN Study
Published: May 2007

Background Mizolastine is a new, nonsedating antihistamine with additional anti‐inflammatory properties, providing relief in allergic rhinitis and urticaria. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of 10 mg o.d. mizolastine given to patients with perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

Methods This double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study involved 257 patients suffering from the disease for more than 10 years. They were allocated, after a 1‐week placebo run‐in, to receive mizolastine (n = 133) or placebo (n = 124) for 4 weeks.

Results Mizolastine‐treated patients showed significantly greater alleviation of nasal symptoms, with a mean decrease of 36% compared with pretreatment score, compared to a mean decrease of 10% in placebo patients (P<0.001). Nasal blockade responded favorably to mizolastine compared to placebo and was associated with a significant reduction in rhinoscopy findings (P=0.030). Likewise, the mean ocular symptom score decreased 40% in mizolastine‐treated patients compared to 7% in the placebo group (P<0.003). The safety profile of mizolastine was satisfactory and similar to that of placebo.

Conclusions In patients suffering from perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, mizolastine is a safe and potent treatment. Mizolastine's pronounced effect on nasal blockade could possibly be linked to its anti‐inflammatory properties.
Delayed‐type hypersensitivity to subcutaneous enoxaparin
Authors: Méndez J. , Sanchis M. E. , de la Fuente R. , Stolle R. , Vega J. M. , Martinez C. , Armentia A. , Sánchez P. , Fernández A.
Published: May 2007

Background Enoxaparin and other low‐molecular‐weight heparins are widely used to prevent and treat thromboembolic disorders. Cutaneous reactions secondary to enoxaparin injections include delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions described as erythematous, infiltrated plaques at injection sites. We studied three cases of erythematous infiltrated plaques after enoxaparin injection in order to establish the allergenic importance of this low‐molecular‐weight heparin.

Methods Patch tests were performed with sodium heparin, calcium heparin, calcium enoxaparin, and calcium nadroparin, A subcutaneous test with calcium heparin and an intravenous challenge test with sodium heparin were done, A punch biopsy was obtained from an erythematous plaque in one patient.

Results Patch tests were negative to calcium heparin in all patients, positive t o enoxaparin and nadroparin in two patients, and positive to sodium heparin i n one patient. In two patients, the subcutaneous challenge test was positive, the intravenous challenge test was negative, and the histopathologic appearance of the biopsy resembled a delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction. Conclusions TTiese cases provide evidence of type IV hypersensitivity and the possibility of crossed‐allergenicity among unfractionated heparin and low‐molecular‐weight heparins. We show that the subcutaneous challenge test is the most reliable diagnostic measure.
Occupational asthma caused by exposure to asparagus: detection of allergens by immunoblotting
Authors: Lopez‐Rubio A. , Rodriguez J. , Crespo J. F. , Vives R. , Daroca P. , Reaño M.
Published: May 2007

Background Vegetables of the Liliaceae family, such as garlic or onion, have been reported to cause occupational asthma. However, there are few data on adverse reactions to asparagus. We evaluated the role of asparagus as a cause of asthma in a patient with respiratory symptoms occurring at work (horticulture) and studied relevant allergens.

Methods A 28‐year‐oId man complained of rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma when harvesting asparagus at work. Eating cooked asparagus did not provoke symptoms. A positive skin test reaction was observed with raw asparagus, Aiternaria atternata. and grass‐pollen extracts. The methacholine test demonstrated mild bronchial hyperresponsiveness. The patient had an immediate asthmatic response after challenge with raw asparagus extract. Bronchial provocation tests with boiled asparagus, A. aiternata. and control extracts were negative. Two unexposed subjects with seasonal allergic asthma did not react to the raw asparagus extract.

Results The double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge with raw asparagus was negative. Serum asparagus‐specific IgE was 13.9 kUA/1. By SDS‐PAGE immunoblot, at least six IgE‐binding components, ranging from 22 to 73 kDa, were detected only in raw asparagus.

Concltisions We report a case of occupational asthma caused by asparagus inhalation, confirmed by specific bronchoprovocation. Immunoblot analysis showed that asparagus allergens are very labile and quite sensitive to heat denaturation.