bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro and in vivo effect of glucocorticoids on IgE and IgG subclass secretion
Authors: KLEBL F.H. , WEBER G. , KALDEN J. R. , NÜSSLEIN H. G. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryHydrocortisone (HC) as well as its synthetic derivatives have been shown to strongly enhance interleukin‐4 (IL‐4)‐induced in vitro IgE synthesis. To investigate possible effects on IgG subclasses, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were incubated with different glucocorticosteroids in the absence or presence of IL‐4. The glucocorticoids alone led to a strongly enhanced secretion of IgG 1, IgG2 and IgG3, but not IgG4. The addition of IL‐4 induced marked increases in IgG1 and IgG4, no changes in IgG3, but a consistent decrease in IgG2 synthesis. In order to find out whether these profound in vitro effects of corticosteroids are also reflected by changes in antibody serum levels during steroid treatment, 10 healthy volunteers took 25 mg prednisone for 7 consecutive days. We could not observe any significant changes of IgE or IgG subclass serum levels during or after this period. However, cell cultures performed after the glucocorticoid treatment revealed a marked decrease in the ability to produce IgG4 and a significantly lower potential to produce IgE in response to IL‐4 alone or IL‐4 and HC. We conclude that, although strongly implicated by the in vitro results, glucocorticosteroid treatment does not result in an increased allergy risk.
House dust mite allergen (Der p I) and respiratory symptoms in children: a case‐control study
Authors: VERHOEFF A. P. , VAN STRIEN R. T. , VAN WIJNEN J. H. , BRUNEKREEF B. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe association between house dust mite allergen in house dust and childhood respiratory symptoms was investigated in a case‐control study of 259 children with reported chronic respiratory symptoms and 257 control children without reported respiratory symptoms. The Der p I concentration in floor dust of the living room and bedroom and in mattress dust was determined using an enzyme immunoassay. Venous blood samples were taken from all children for serum IgE determination against house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) by radioallergosorbent assay (RAST). A questionnaire was administered to the parents of the children to elicit information about the home, about changes made to the home in the past in relation to respiratory symptoms, and about a number of risk factors for childhood respiratory disease. In 83% of the dwellings of cases and 89% of those of controls, Der p I concentrations higher than 2000 ng/g were found, and in 54% of the dwellings of cases and 57% of those of controls, the concentrations exceeded 10 000 ng/g dust. In a crude analysis, cases were generally exposed to lower Der p I concentrations than controls. Restriction of the analysis to cases sensitized to dust mites, and non‐sensitized controls, taking the type of floor covering into account, showed not significantly higher Der p I concentrations in bedroom floor dust of cases. However, restriction of the analysis to cases sensitizied to dust mites and cases not sensitized to house dust mites — adjusting for allergen avoidance measures taken in the past — revealed a positive association between the Der p I concentrations in bedroom floor dust and mattress dust and sensitization. This finding indicates that allergen avoidance measures modify current exposure to Der p I. This obscures the relationship between the exposure to mite allergens and sensitization, and hampers the estimation of the association between exposure to house dust mite allergens, sensitization and the development of respiratory symptoms.
Total serum IgE and FEV1 by respiratory symptoms and obstructive lung disease in adults of a Norwegian community
Authors: OMENAAS E. , BAKKE P. , EIDE G. E. , ELSAYED S. , GULSVIK A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground: The importance of total serum IgE level on lung function impairment has not been established in a general population.Objective: The aim of this cross‐sectional community study was to examine the relationship between total serum IgE and level of lung function in adults, and whether this relationship differed by sex, age, smoking habits or by respiratory symptom and disease status.Methods: A stratified random sample of 18–73 year old adults from the general population were invited to spirometry and serum analyses of total and specific IgE. Of 1512 subjects invited, 82% met and performed complete examinations.Results: Increasing level of total serum IgE was related to reduced lung function (P<0.01) given as sex, age, and height standardized residuals of one second forced expiratory volume (SFEV1). Subjects with total serum IgE in the highest vs the lowest tertile had a mean SFEV1 of ‐0.58 vs ‐0.28, corresponding to age and height adjusted FEV1 differences of 120 and 150mL in women and men, respectively. The relationship between IgE and lung function impairment did not differ significantly by sex, age or smoking habits. In subjects with obstructive’lung disease increasing level of total serum IgE was more negatively associated with lung function level than in subjects with respiratory symptoms alone. No relationship was observed in a symptomatic subjects. This was confirmed in a multiple linear regression analysis adjusting for sex, age, smoking habits and lifetime smoking consumption showing that SFEV1 was predicted by an interaction between total serum IgE level and symptom and disease status (P < 0.01). This interaction remained after excluding subjects (n= 105) having specific IgE antibodies.Conclusion: Increasing total serum IgE level was associated with progressively lower lung function in a general adult population after taking other predictors of impaired Spiro metric lung function into account, though dependent on the subjects’respiratory symptom and disease status. Variation in prevalences of respiratory symptoms and obstructive lung disease in previous examined populations may thus explain conflicting observations of the association between total IgE and airflow impairment.
The differential release of eosinophil granule proteins. Studies on patients with acute bacterial and viral infections
Authors: KARAWAJCZYK M. , PAUKSEN K. , PETERSON C. G. B. , EKLUND E. , VENGE P. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground: Harlier in vitro studies have suggested that the eosinophil may release its granule proteins selectively depending on the stimulus to which the cell is exposed.Objective: The object of the present study was to study the question of selective release in vivo by means of serum measurements of the two eosinophil granule proteins eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) in acute infections.Methods: Fourty‐six subjects with acute infections were studied before treatment, 20 with bacterial infections and 26 with viral infections. Serum ECP, EPO and MPO were measured by specific RIA.Results: In acute bacterial infections ECP, but not EPO. was significantly raised in serum (P < 0.0001) compared with non‐infected healthy subjects. In acute bacterial infections ECP was significantly correlated to the levels of the neutrophil marker myeloperoxidase (MPO) (rs= 0.96, P < 0.0001) but not to EPO. In acute viral infections neither ECP nor EPO were on average raised. However, almost 20% the patients had elevated levels of both proteins. In the viral infections the serum‐levels of ECP and EPO were correlated (rs= 0.63, P < 0.001), but no correlation was found with MPOConclusion: It is concluded that eosinophils are activated during acute bacterial infections and that this activation results in the preferential mobilisation of ECP. The simultaneous assay of the two eosinophil proteins, ECP and EPO. may give new insight into the role of the eosinophil in disease.
A placebo‐controlled study of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray and beclomethasone dipropionate in perennial rhinitis: efficacy in allergic and non‐allergic perennial rhinitis
Authors: SCADDING G. K. , LUND V. J. , JACQUES L. A. , RICHARDS D. H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground: Fluticasone propionate is a new potent, topically active corticosteroid with ncgligahle oral bioavailability. Data on its comparative efficacy in perennial allergic and non‐allergic rhinitis are limited.Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray (FPANS) 200μg once or twice daily with beclomethasone dipropionate aqueous nasal spray (BDP) 200μg twice daily and placebo in patients with allergic and nonallergic perennial rhinitis.Methods: The 12‐week study had a multicenlre, double‐blind, randomized, parallel group design. Efficacy was assessed from symptom scores recorded on daily diary cards.Results: FPANS 200μg once or twice daily was significantly better than placebo but not better than BDP in relieving the nasal symptoms of rhinitis. FPANS at either dose was equally effective in the treatment of allergic and non‐allergic perennial rhinitis. There were few adverse events and no treatment‐related abnormalities in laboratory measurements in either FPANS‐treated group. Comparisons between treatment groups indicated that FPANS was as well tolerated as placebo and BDP at the doses studied.Conclusions: In the majority of patients FPANS 200μg once daily is as effective as BDP 200μg twice daily in the relief of perennial allergic rhinitis.
Clonal analysis of CD4 mediated accessory function on the effector activity of human CD4+ T cell subsets
Authors: LAMB J. R. , FAITH A. , HIGGINS J. A. , VERHOEF A. , SCHNEIDER P. , YSSEL H. , O'HEHIR R. E. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground: It has been reported for the peripheral T cell repertoire that CD4 molecules may enhance adhesion between T cells and antigen presenting cells and, through their physical association with T cell antigen receptors, contribute to signal transduction.Objective: The aims of this study were to determine if the modulation of CD4 molecules had differential effects on T cell recognition, antigen induced cytokine (IL‐4 and IFNγ), release and the induction of specific anergy for human TH‐0, TH‐1 and TH‐2 cells.Methods: A panel of anti‐CD4 antibodies was examined for its ability to modulate T cell proliferation, cytokine production and tolerance induction in house dust mite (TH‐0 and TH‐2) and influenza haemagglutinin (TH‐1) specific human CD4+ T cell clones all restricted by DRB1*1101 and isolated from dust mite allergic individuals.Results: We observed that anti‐CD4 antibodies may inhibit or enhance antigen mediated T cell proliferation, which may reflect the differential requirements of T cells for selective functions of CD4. Furthermore, IFNγ and IL‐4 production was differentially modulated depending on the specificity of the anti‐CD4 antibody and the clone of T cells. However, pretreatment of T cells with anti‐CD4 antibody alone neither induced nor enhanced the susceptibility of T cells to peptide mediated anergy.Conclusion: Antigen recognition by different subsets of human CD4+ T cells has differential requirements on CD4, whereas the induction of specific anergy appeared to be independent of the functions of CD4 molecules. Antigen induced IFNγ production was more susceptible than IL‐4 to the inhibitory effects of anti‐CD4 antibodies. Furthermore, it appeared that certain anti‐CD4 antibodies can dissociate antigen induced IFNγ and IL‐4 production, and may downregulate IFNγ synthesis without inhibiting antigen dependent proliferation.
Cloning, sequencing and expression in Escherichia coli of Pha a 1 and four isoforms of Pha a 5, the major allergens of canary grass pollen
Authors: SUPHIOGLU C. , SINGH M. B. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground: The pollen of canary grass, which was introduced as a pasture grass from Europe, is a major allergen source in the external environment of southern Australia. This study was performed to characterize the major recombinant allergens of canary grass pollen. It is anticipated that recombinant allergens may be useful in diagnosis and immunotherapy of grass pollen induced allergies.Objective: To clone major canary grass pollen allergens and assess their nucleotide and amino acid sequence homologies with other grass pollen allergens. This sequence information may then be useful in T and B cell epitope mapping studies.Methods: A canary grass pollen λgtl 1 cDNA expression library was constructed and screened with sera of grass‐pollen‐sensitive patients. IgE‐reactive clones were isolated, sub‐cloned into Escherichia coli, sequenced and, along with the deduced amino acid sequences, compared with other sequences in nucleotide and amino acid databases.Results: One of the clones encoded the group 1 allergen of canary grass pollen, Pha a 1, with a deduced amino acid sequence identity of 88.8% with Lol p 1, from rye‐grass pollen, 88.1% with Hol 1 1, from velvet grass pollen and 86.6% with Phi p 1, from timothy grass pollen. The other clones (e.g. clones, 5, 14, 28, 29) encoded polymorphic forms of Pha a 5. These polymorphic forms showed between 60.6–95.5% nucleotide and 40.1–81.7% deduced amino acid sequence identities with each other. Moreover, they shared significant sequence identity with other group 5 allergens from rye‐grass, timothy and Kentucky bluegrass pollens.Conclusions: Group 1 and four isoforms of group 5 allergens of canary grass pollen have been cloned and upon sequencing demonstrated strong nucleotide and amino acid sequence identities with other group 1 and 5 grass pollen allergens.
Effects of PBMC‐derived histamine‐releasing factors on histamine release from human skin and lung mast cells
Authors: OKAYAMA Y. , BRZEZIŃSKA‐BŁASZCZYK E. , KUNA P. , KAPLAN A. P. , CHURCH M. K. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground: A field of study which has attracted much recent interest is the ability of mononuclear cells and neutrophils to interact with hislamine releasing cells by production of specific histamine releasing factors (HRFs). However, almost all of these studies have been performed on basophils rather than human mast ceils.Objective: We have investigated the effects of lyophilized fractions of HRF preparations on histamine release from human skin and lung mast cells.Methods: Lyophilized fractions of HRF preparations include crude supernatant from mononuclear cell/platelet (crude), void peak from union exchange chromatography column (void), second peak from anion exchange chromatography (peak 2), neutrophil‐activating peptide‐2 (NAP‐2), which was purified from void peak at molecular weight of 8‐12 kDa, and monocyte chemotactic‐activating factor (MCAF). Mast cells were enzymatically dispersal.Results: Crude (24.2μg/mL‐2.42mg/mL), void (5.4μg/mL‐0.54mg/mL). peak 2 (3.5μg/mL‐0.35mg/tnL), and NAP‐2 (1‐20μg/mL) failed to release hislamine from lung mast cells. In skin mast cells, only higher concentrations of crude and void caused minimal release of histamine. MCAF up to micromolar concentrations failed to have an effect on mast cells from either source, However, these HRFs induced histamine release from human basophils. We also explored whether HRFs and stem cell factor could act as either priming agents for each other or for anti‐IgE. The response of skin mast cells to all these preparations was not enhanced by preincubation in stem cell factor at 1 ng/mL. nor did the HRFs and MCAF enhance the response of skin mast cells to anti‐IgE.Conclusion: These results suggest that these HRFs have no significant effect on dispersed human cutaneous and lung mast cells.
Evaluation of the allergic/irritant potential of air pollutants: detection of proteins modified by volatile organic compounds from oilseed rape (Brassica napus ssp. oleiferd) using electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry
Authors: BUTCHER R. D. , GOODMAN B. A. , DEIGHTON N. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Upward trends in allergy and asthma rates have been reported in most western societies, including the UK, where around 15–20% of the population now suffer from allergy or asthma. Scientific proof of the causes of these increases relics on accurate assessment of exposure and standardized diagnostic tests, such as for specific IgE in blood serum and skin testing. For many air pollutants it has proven difficult to assess an individual's exposure outside an occupational environment and reliable test development is hampered by not knowing whether an allergic or irritant mechanism is involved. These problems are particularly evident in the controversial issue of whether airborne releases from oilseed rape can cause health effects.Objective
To develop a method for evaluating the allergic/irritant potential of air pollutants and to assess whether the volatile organic compounds emitted by oilseed rape have this potential.Methods
Proteins were exposed in vitro to volatile organic compounds emitted by oilseed rape. Electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry was used to detect any resultant protein modifications.Results
Dimethyl disulphide. thiocyanic acid methyl ester and 2‐methyl‐propaneni‐trile were able to modify human proteins. In addition, two isothiocyanates which can be emitted by damaged oilseed rape also have this ability. The major products emitted by undamaged oilseed rape, terpenes, a sesquiterpene and a terpene alcohol did not have this property, but the possible role of their oxidized products is discussedConclusion
Some of the volatile organic compounds emitted by oilseed rape have the potential to be allergens irritants. Standardized modified proteins produced by this method should prove useful for biomonitoring human exposure in molecular epidemic‐logical studies as well as in diagnostic tests. This method should find further application in investigations into the possible health effects of other environmental pollutants.
Quantitation of the major allergen of severalParietariapollens by an anti‐Par 1 monoclonal antibody‐based ELISA. Analysis of crossreactivity among purified Par j 1, Par o 1 and Par m 1 allergens
Authors: AYUSO R. , CARREIRA J‐ , POLO F. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackgroundPlants of the genusParietaria, Urticaceae family, represent a major cause of pollinosis in the Mediterranean area. DifferentParietariaspecies crossreuct to a great extent, but studies on the crossreactivity among the major allergens of these pollens have not been carried out so far.ObjectiveTo develop an immunochemical method to quantify the majorParieiarin judaicaallergen. Par j 1, as well as to verify the presence of Par j 1‐like proteins in different Urticaceae pollens. These proteins would be purified in order to study the cross‐reactivity among them.MethodsImmunoaffinity chromatography with a monoclonal antibody, solid‐phase enzyme‐linked immunoassays and SDS‐PAGE.ResultsA monoclonal antibody‐based ELISA for the quantisation of Par j 1 has been developed. The assay has a sensitivity of 0.2 ng/mL and shows a high correlation with the allergenic activity ofP. judaicaextracts determined by radioallergosorbent assay (RAST) inhibition.By means of this assay, proteins homologous to Par j I were detected inP. officinalisandP. mauritanica. These proteins (Par o 1 and Par m 1, respectively) were purified by affinity chromatography using the same monoclomal antibody employed in the ELISA. Crossed‐inhibition experiments demonstrated that Par j 1. Par o 1. and Par m 1, competed for the binding of specific IgE from aP. judaica‐sensitive patients serum pool.ConclusionThe results here described suggest that shared allergenic epitopes are present in the three main allergens investigated, which may simplify the diagnosis and therapy forParietariaallergy.
Molecular cloning and immunological characterization of the house dust mite allergen Der f 7
Authors: SHEN H.‐D. , CHUA K.‐Y. , LIN W.‐L. , HSIEH K.‐H. , THOMAS W. R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
The allergen Der p 7 from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus has been defined by molecular cloning and shown to be an important specificity in 50% of miteallergic patients.Objective
This study compares the cDNA sequence and serological reactivity of Der f 7 from D. farinae with Der p 7. Method cDNA encoding Der f 7 was amplified by polymerase chain reaction. sequenced and expressed as a fusion with glutathione‐S‐transferase for IgE and monoclonal antibody binding studies.Results
Der f 7 cDNA encoded a 213 polypeptide containing a predicted 17 amino acid leader sequence, no cysteines and a single N‐glycosylation site similar to Der p 7. The predicted 196 residue mature polypeptide had 86% identity lo Der p 7 and a calculated molecular weight of 22 34SDa. No homologues were found in searches of the data banks. The Der f 7 fusion protein showed a single band of 46 k Da by sodium dodccyl snlfute‐polyaerylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGF) and reacted with IgE antibodies in 19/41 (46%) of sera from asthmatic children. The degree of binding was usually 30% of that to Der p 7 consistent with the exposure of the patients to D. Pteronyssinus. Monoclonal antibodies (WH9 and WH22) against Der p 7 reacted with Der f 7 but inhibition studies showed a 10‐fold difference in reactivity.Conclusion
Der f 7 has a predicted 213 residue polypeptide with 86% homology and serological cross reactivity to Der p 7.
Fine‐structure mapping of genes providing susceptibility to asthma on chromosome 5q31–q33
Authors: LEVITT R. C. , HOLROYD K. J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn summary, the fine‐structure mapping of chromosome 5q31–q33 for genes providing susceptibility to asthma will involve multiple steps. High resolution linkage analyses, will better define the‘critical’ region harbouring a gene(s) determining risk factors such as BHR and elevated serum IgE in asthma. The chromosomal region specified will be subcloned (YACs) and assembled into overlapping fragments providing a physical map that includes the relative positions of markers and candidate genes. Gene candidates will be scrutinized for genetic mutations on the basis of their chromosomal location and the likelihood of their involvement in the pulmonary inflammatory response central to the patho‐physiology of asthma. If none of the known candidate genes mapped to the critical region of chromosome 5q are shown to cause asthma, new genes expressed within cells in lung and potentially important in asthma will be identified by direct selection and exon trapping. These reagents and studies will facilitate the process of gene discovery in allergy and asthma, and lead to new diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic approaches to this common disorder.
Early and late onset asthmatic responses following lysine‐aspirin inhalation in aspirin‐sensitive asthmatic patients
Authors: PARK H. S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryInhalation of aerosolized lysine‐aspirin (L‐ASA) has been described as an alternative diagnostic method in aspirin‐sensitive asthma. To further understand the pathogenetic mechanism of aspirin‐sensitive asthma, we performed L‐ASA (Inyesprin®) bronchoprovocation test (BPT) in 51 asthmatic patients (45 non‐atopic and six atopic asthma). Twenty‐six patients showed significant bronchoconstriction after the inhalation of L‐ASA. Bronchoprovocation test produced immediate asthmatic responses in 13 cases as well as dual asthmatic responses in four cases, whose late onset asthmatic response was noted at 4–7 h after L‐ASA inhalation. We conclude that L‐ASA bronchoprovo‐cation might be a useful method for the diagnosis and investigation of aspirin‐sensitive asthma. However, L‐ASA inhalation can also induce late onset asthmatic responses.