bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

SummaryBackground
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

SummaryBackground
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

SummaryBackground
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

SummaryBackground
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

SummaryBackground
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

SummaryBackground
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

SummaryBackground
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

SummaryBackground
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

SummaryBackground
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

SummaryBackground
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

SummaryBackground
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

SummaryBackground
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.