bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decreased production of IFNγ and increased production of IL‐6 by cord blood mononuclear cells of newborns with a high risk of allergy
Authors: LIAO S. Y. , LIAO T. N. , CHIANG B. L. , HUANG M. S. , CHEN C. C. , CHOU C. C. , HSIEH K. H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
The underlying mechanisms of elevated IgE level in atopic patients are still obscure, however, extensive efforts have been tried to identify an immunological parameter as a predictor of atopy.Objective
This study compared the difference in cytokine production by cord blood mononuclear cells between new borns with high‐risk of allergy (family allergy score, FAS ± 3) and those with low‐risk (FAS = 0).Methods
Following stimulation with PHA(100 μg/mL) and PMA (1 ng/mL), the cytokines produced by cord blood CD4+ T cells in the presence of monocytes were measured by ELISA kits and the mRNA was detected by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) technique.Results
Our results showed: CD4+ T cells in the presence of monocytes and isolated monocytes from the high‐risk group produced a much greater amount of IL‐6, either spontaneously or after stimulation, than did those of the low‐risk group; CD4+ T cells of low‐risk group produced a significantly greater amount of interferon gamma (IFNγ) than did those from the high‐risk group; IL‐4 cannot be detected by ELISA kit, and only a trace amount of IL‐4 mRNA was detected by RT‐PCR technique; cord blood basophils stimulated with PHA and PMA could produce a significant amount of IL‐4; there was an inverse correlation between the production of IFNγ and cord blood IgE level (high‐risk group, r ‐ 0.647, n = 17) and the number of natural killer (NK) cells (CD3− CD16+ CD56+) was signiticantly lower in high‐risk group than for low‐risk group.Conclusion
Our data suggested increased production of IL‐6 and decreased production of IFNγ of cord blood mononuclear cells appear to be the hallmark of newborns from the high‐risk population.
Latex allergy can induce clinical reactions to specific foods
Authors: BEEZHOLD D. H. , SUSSMAN G. L. , LISS G. M. , CHANG N.‐S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryObjective
The purpose of this study was to investigate crossreactivity between latex and foods, to identify crossreacting IgE binding proteins, and to assess the clinical significance.Methods
Forty‐seven latex allergic patients and 46 non‐latex allergic patient controls were studied. Allergen sensitization was determined by skin‐prick testing (SPT) and allergenic proteins were identified by immunoblot reactivity and amino acid sequence analysis.Results
Immunological reactivity to foods was found to be common, occurring in 33 latex‐allergic individuals but in only seven controls (P < 0.000001); 100 of 376 (27%) food skin‐prick tests were positive in the latex‐allergic subjects. Twenty‐seven out of 100 positive food SPTs were associated with chnical symptoms. Seventeen patients manifested a clinical allergy to at least one food including 11 with anaphylaxis, and 14 with local sensitivity reactions. Positive food skin tests occurred most frequently with avocado (53%), potato (40%), banana (38%), tomato (28%), chestnut (28%), and kiwi (17%). Latex‐allergic patients (23%) recognize a protein that had sequence homology to a broad class of plant proteins known as patatins. Crossreactivity between latex and several potato proteins was observed by immunoblot inhibition analysis.Conclusions
Sensitization to latex has extensive crossreactivity with certain foods and leads to clinical allergic reactions. Potatoes and tomatoes are newly reported cross‐reacting foods. Plant proteins with structural homology to latex proteins may predispose to food allergy.
Immunohistochemical detection of GM‐CSF, IL‐4 and IL‐5 in a murine model of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: CHU H. W. , WANG J. M. , BOUTET M. , BOULET L. P. , LAVIOLETTE M. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and IL‐5 are important in tissue eosinophil accumulation and high IgE production in allergic inflammatory reaction.Objective
We examine lung GM‐CSF, IL‐4 and IL‐5 expression in a murine model of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) characterized by eosinophil and lymphocyte lung infiltration and elevated serum IgE level.Methods
C57BL/6 mice were intranasally treated three times a week for 1, 2 or 3 week(s) with Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) antigen or saline and were sacrificed on days 7, 14 and 21. Immunohistochemical analyses for GM‐CSF, IL‐4 and IL‐5 were performed on lung sections.Results
Af treatment induced a remarkable pulmonary eosinophil influx. Increased numbers of lung T lymphocytes and GM‐CSF positive cells were observed on days 14 and 21. IL‐4 and IL‐5 positive cells were increased significantly only on day 14. Immunostained serial sections showed that most (≥98%) cytokine positive cells were CD3 positive. Few eosinophils (<2% of cytokine positive cells) were immunoreactive for GM‐CSF and IL‐5. Significant correlations were found between the number of GM‐CSF and IL‐5 positive cells, and the number of eosinophils in Af‐treated lung (r = 0.62, P < 0.05 and r = 0.52, P < 0.05, respectively), and between the number of IL‐4 positive cells and the serum total IgE level (r = 0.64, P<0.01).Conclusions
Our data suggest a role for T lymphocyte GM‐CSF, IL‐4 and IL‐5 in Af‐induced mouse pulmonary eosinophilia and increased serum IgE production and further support the importance of T helper (TH) cells in the pathogenesis of ABPA.
Effects of systemic corticosteroids on cutaneous histamine secretion and histamine‐releasing factor in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria
Authors: PARADIS L. , LAVOIE A. , BRUNET C. , BÉDARD P.M. , HÉBERT J. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Enhanced skin mast cell releasability of histamine, increased production of histamine releasing factor (HRF), and cutaneous inflammatory process are the hallmarks of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CU). Although H1‐antihistamines are known to alleviate the symptoms effectively in most cases, systemic corticosteroids (CS) are given in more resistant patients. Their mode of action remains a matter of controversy.Objectives
In the present study, the effects of a 7‐day course of CS or placebo on histamine content and HRF production iti non‐lesional skin of 19 CU patients were examined.Methods
Using the skin chamber technique, HRF production and histamine content were assessed in normal‐appearing skin of patients with CU over a 2‐h observation period. Those two parameters were measured before and after treatment, in a double‐blind fashion.Results
No significant changes occurred in any parameters after placebo treatment. In contrast with this, significant decrease of HRF activity was observed after 1 week of oral methylprednisolone while no change was documented for histamine secretion. Conclusion These data suggest that CS therapy improves symptoms of CU in association with a decreased production of HRF in uninvolved skin.
Evidence of a strong, positive association between atopy and the HLA class II alleles DR4 and DR7
Authors: ARON Y. , DESMAZES‐DUFEU N. , MATRAN R. , POLLA B. S. , DUSSER D. , LOCKHART A. , SWIERCZEWSKI E. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
Atopy, with or without associated asthma, provides a useful model for evaluating the genetic factors that control human immune responsiveness. HLA class II gene products are involved in the control of immune responses.Objectives
We investigated whether susceptibility or resistance to the disease was associated with HLA class II genes.Methods
Blood samples were obtained from two groups of unrelated European‐born white adults: 56 atopic patients (52 of them with asthma) and 39 healthy controls with no personal or familial history of asthma or atopy. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes. The exons of DQA1, DQB1, DRB and DPBl genes were selectively amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Geno‐typing was carried out by digestion of the amplified DNA products with allele‐specific endonucleases (PCR‐RFLP), which can recognize allelic variations in the polymorphic exon.Results
We found no significant difTerences in the frequency of DPBl alleles between patients and controls. HLA class II DR4 and DR7 alleles were present in 39.2% of the patients and in 2.5% of the healthy subjects (Pc*2± 3.9 10−3). Conversely, DQA1*0103 and DQB1*0502 alleles were more frequent in the control subjects. These results confirm a previous study of an extended pedigree, which showed that DR4 and DR7 alleles were absent in all healthy members of the family and were frequently observed in atopic and/or in asthmatic subjects.Conclusion
We observed that HLA‐DR 4 and DR7 alleles are significantly implicated in their susceptibility to the disease and suggest that this susceptibility is more related to atopy than to specific responses to allergens. According to previous studies, we could also submit that in atopic patients with asthma, DR4 alleles at the least, could be more closely associated with atopy than with asthma per se. Conversely, we suggest that some allelic DQA1 and DQB1 sequences might confer protection against the disease.
Rat basophil leukaemia (RBL) cells sensitized with low affinity IgE respond to high valency antigen
Authors: COLLINS A. M. , BASIL M. , NGUYEN K. , THELIAN D. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
The very low concentrations of IgE antibodies in serum tnake investigations of the affinity of allergen‐specific antibodies extremely difficult. In the absence of such studies, the fact that low IgE concentrations are capable of inducing powerful effector function has encouraged the view that IgE antibodies are typically high affinity antibodies. Yet the phenomenon of allergic cross‐reactivity suggests that lower affinity IgE antibodies may sometitnes be of clinical significance.Objectives
To investigate the effect of antibody affinity upon mast cell sensitivity in an in vitro model.Methods
Rat basophil leukaemia (RBL) cells were sensitized with one of three monoclonal IgE antibodies which bind to trinitrophenyiated proteins with varying affinity. Serotonin release was measured after challenge of sensitized cells with trinitrophenyiated human serum albumin (TNP‐HSA).Results
Low valency TNP3‐HSA failed to stimulate degranulation of RBL cells sensitized with SPE‐7 anti‐DNP IgE, which binds TNP with low affinity. However, upon challenge with high concentrations (1250 ng/mL) of TNP8‐HSA, or as little as 10 ng/mL of highly substituted TNP23‐HSA, low levels of degranulation were seen. A similar relationship between antigen valency and cell sensitivity was seen with cells sensitized with the H‐le‐DNP anti‐DNP IgE. which binds with moderate affinity to TNP proteins.Conclusion
High valency antigen is capable of activating RBL cells sensitized with low affinity antibody. This has important implications for our understanding of allergic sensitization. It also suggests that the long‐rccognized relationship between antigen valency and RBL cell sensitivity may partly reflect the high functional affinity of cell‐bound IgE when directed against multivalent antigen.
The effect of inhaled and intranasal sodium cromoglyeate on symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections
Authors: ÅBERG N. , ÅBERG B. , ALESTIG K. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground
A well established drug for the treatment of asthma and allergy, sodium cromoglycale, was found in open trials to be useful as a symptomalic treatment for upper respiratory tract infections.Objective
To compare the efficacy of inhaled and intranasal sodium cromoglyeate and matching placebos on the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.Methods
Adult subjects with symptoms of runny nose, throat pain, or cough for less than 24 h were recruited. They were treated for 7 days using a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, group comparative design. The medication given was: sodium cromoglyeate dry powder 20mg per inhalation in spincaps; sodium cromoglycate aqueous nasal spray delivering 5.2mg per dose; or matching placebo as dry powder and nasal spray. One spincap and one spray per nostril were taken every 2h during waking hours on days 1 and 2 and then four times daily on days 3–7. Severity of nine symptoms (general malaise, body aches and pains, chills and shivering, snzeening, nasal running, nasal blocking, sore throat, cough and voice disturbance) was recorded twice daily by subjects on diary cards, using a scale of 0 (absent) to 3 (severe).Results
The sludy was conducted between February and April 1993. One hundred and eighteen patients aged 21–63 years (mean 41 years) were included. Symptoms resolved faster (P < 0.001) and the severity in the last three days of treatment was significantly less in patients treated with sodium cromoglycate than with placebo (P < 0.05‐day 5; P < 0.01‐day 6; P < 0.001‐day 7). Side‐effects were local and mild and did not differ between the treatment groups.Conclusion
Sodium cromoglyeate administered both by inhalation and intranasally is an effective treatment for the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. Its combined safety and efficacy would make it an acceptable form of treatment for these conditions.
Fluticasone propionate: topical or systemic effects?
Authors: HOWLAND W. C. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIntranasal corticosteroids have been shown to be more effective than oral antihistamines for the treatment of scasonai allergic rhinitis. However, there are some who question whether intranasalty administered corticosteroids should be used due to potential systemic effects. Fluticasone propionate, a potent corticosteroid with high specificity for the glucocorticoid receptor, is available as an aqueous nasal spray for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. To determine whether the efficacy of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray (FPANS) was due to direct topical effects on the nasal mucosa or to indirect systemic effects following absorption from the nasal mucosa or from the swallowed portion of an intranasal dose. FPANS 200 μg once daily was compared with oral fluticasone propionate 5 mg or 10 mg once daily or placebo for 2 weeks in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. These oral dosages were chosen to yield low but consistent plasma fluticasone propionate concentrations. Both clinician‐ and patientrated scores for nasal obstruction, rhinorrhoea, sneezing, and nasal itching were significantly lower in the intranasal fluticasone propionate group compared with both oral fluticasone propionate groups. A separate plaeebo‐controlled study was conducted in patients with perennial rhinitis to detennine if administration of FPANS 200 μg once daily Ibr 1 year was associated with adverse systemic effects. At the 1‐year assessment, there were no significant eflects on bone mineral density or on biochemical markers of bone turnover. Similarly, there was no evidence of posterior subcapsular cataracts nor of glaucoma. Furthermore, there were no significant effects on hypothalamie‐pituitary adrenal axis function as assessed by plasma cortisol and 24‐h urinary cortisol response to the 6‐h cosyntropin stimulation test. These data confirm that the eflicacy of FPANS for the treatment of allergic rhinitis results from direct topical eflects, thus reducing the likelihood of adverse systemic effects.
Prenatal allergen contact with milk proteins
Authors: SZÉPFALUSI Z. , NENTWICH I. , GERSTMAYR M. , JOST E. , TODORAN L. , GRATZL R. , HERKNER K. , URBANEK R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground Cellular proliferation to various allergens (Dermatophagoides pleronyssinus, β‐lactoglobulin, bovine serum albumin, ovalbumin) has been found in cord blood cells. Whether this reflects a sensitization during foetal life is uncertain.Objective We studied the cellular reactivity and cytokine production of cord blood cells in response to cow's milk proteins in a randomely selected group of newborns. The delineation of possible in utero allergen contact was attempted.Objective Cord blood mononuclear cells from 39 neonates were incubated with cow's milk proteins (α‐lactalbumin, β‐lactoglobulin, casein, α‐casein, β‐casein, k‐casein, bovine serum albumin) for 7 days, and proliferation was assessed by incorporation of [3H]thymidine. Cord blood cell‐derived interferon‐γ (IFNγ) and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) secretion was evaluated in response to allergen or phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation.Results A pronounced proliferation of cells stimulated with α‐lactalbumin (ALA; mean stimulation index 8.0, 95% confidence interval 5.2–10.8), β‐lactoglobulin (BLG; mean stimulation index 5.9, 95% confidence interval 3.2–8.6) and α‐casein (2.6, 95% confidence interval 2.9–9.1), as opposed to unstimulated cells in medium, was found. No correlation was found between cellular proliferation to milk proteins and parental atopy, maternal total IgE or cord blood IgE. IFNγ production (but not IL‐4) was inducible by PHA (range 429–1810 pg/ml), but only in one individual upon stimulation with BLG. Preferentially, reduced IFNγ levels were found in individuals with positive parental allergic history.Conclusion The recognition of allergen by cord blood cells indicates that allergen priming must occur prenatally. The relevance for subsequent sensitization is unclear.
Peptide leukotrienes mediate acetaldehyde‐induced bronchial hyper‐responsiveness in guinea‐pigs
Authors: FUJIMURA M. , MYOU S. , AMEMIYA T. , TACHIBANA H. , KITA T. , MATSUDA T. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground We previously reported that inhaled acetaldehyde, a metabolite of ethanol atid a maiti factor in alcohol‐induced asthma, causes bronchial hyper‐responsiveness (BHR) in asthmatics. However, the mechanisms are unclear.Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate a role of a peptide leukotriene (LT) in acetaldehyde‐induced BHR.Methods Effects of LT antagonists, ONO‐1078 (O.l‐l.Omg/kg) and ICI‐198, 615 (0.03–0.3 mg/kg), on acetaldehyde‐induced bronchoconstriction and BHR to inhaled methacho‐line were examined using a modified Konzett‐Rössler method in guinea pigs.Results Aeetaldehyde at 0.8mg/ml, which failed to induce significant changes in Pao (pressure at the airway opening), enhanced an increase in Pao induced by subsequent inhalations of ascending doses (50–200 μg/ml) of methacholine. suggesting a potentiating effect of acetaldehyde oti bronchial responsiveness. Although ONO‐1078 had no inhibitory effect on bronchoconstriction caused by ascending doses (5.0–20 mg/ml) of acetaldehyde, ONO‐1078 and ICI‐198, 615 reduced the acetaldehyde‐induced BHR.Conclusion Acetaldehyde causes BHR via LT release in guinea‐pigs.
Prevalence of latex allergy in hospital staff in Hong Kong
Authors: LEUNG R. , HO A. , CHAN J. , CHOY D. , LAI C. K. W. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground The prevalence of latex allergy in healthcare workers in Asian populations is unknown.Methods We studied 1472 employees in a teaching hospital in Hong Kong using written questionnaires and 133 respondents underwent skin prick testing to latex glove eluates and common allergens.Results Glove‐related symptoms were common and 455 (30.9%) reported one or more symptoms, the majority of which could be classified as glove dermatitis (GD). On the other hand, symptoms suggestive of latex allergy such as urticaria, rhinitis, wheeze and asthma, were encountered less frequently and were noted by 3.3%. In particular, one developed asthma and two had wheezing, but there was no report of anaphylaxis. A total of 9.9% reported allergic symptoms from contact with other latex devices, in particular, rubber bands, rubber boots, goggles and swimming. Nine subjects (6.8%) had positive skin test to one or more of the five latex extracts. All were atopic to common allergens. Skin test positivity to latex and banana extracts was positively correlated (P < 0.05). In univariate logistic regression, daily glove use, personal history of allergic disease and history of allergic symptoms to latex‐containing devices other than gloves were significant risk factors for both GD and LA. Nurses were more likely to complain of GD and workers with positive skin test to latex were 8.6 times more likely to have symptoms of LA. In multiple logistic regression, the remaining significant associations were between history of daily glove use and GD (OR = 50.11, 95% CI 15.88–158.13), and between positive latex skin test and LA (OR = 8.14, 95% CI 1.27–52.36).Conclusion Glove‐related symptoms are common in healthcare workers in Hong Kong. Gloved healthcare workers are at risk of becoming sensitized to latex, and those with positive latex skin tests, long glove exposure time and frequent glove changes are at risk of clinical latex allergy.
Royal jelly consumption and hypersensitivity in the community
Authors: LEUNG R. , HO A. , CHAN J. , CHOY D. , LAI C. K. W. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground Royal jelly consumption has recently been linked with acute asthma, anaphylaxis and death. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted to detennine the prevalence of and the relationship between royal jelly consumption and hypersensitivity reactions.Methods 1472 hospital employees of a teaching hospital in Hong Kong completed a questionnaire on royal jelly consumption and related allergic symptoms, and 176 questionnaire respondents and 300 consecutive asthma clinic patients were skin tested to royal jelly.Results Royal jelly consumption was high, with 461 out of 1472 subjects (31.3%) having taken royal jelly in the past. A total of nine subjects reported 14 adverse reactions to royal jelly, including urticaria, eczema, rhinitis and acute asthma. Thirteen out of 176 questionnaire respondents (7.4%) and 23 out of 300 consecutive asthma clinic attendees (7.3%) had positive skin test to pure royal jelly. All but one of the 36 subjects with positive royal jelly skin test were atopic to other common allergens. Positive associations were found between positive royal jelly skin test and atopy (OR = 33.73, 95% CI 4.51 to 252.11), adverse reactions to royal jelly and a history of clinical allergy (OR = 2.88, 95% CI 0.72 to 11.58), but not between royal jelly symptoms and previous royal jelly intake.Conclusion Royal jelly consumption is high in the community of Hong Kong. Atopic individuals are at high risk of sensitization to royal jelly but the precise relationship between royal jelly use, positive royal jelly skin test and clinical manifestations of adverse reactions to royal jelly, remains to be defined.
Aspirin‐induced asthma and HLA‐DRB1 and HLA‐DPB1 genotypes
Authors: DEKKER J. W. , NIZANKOWSKA E. , SCHMITZ‐SCHUMANN M. , PILE K. , BOCHENEK G. , DYCZEK A. , COOKSON W. O. C. M. , SZEZEKLIK A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground Aspirin‐induced asthma (AIA) affects one in 10 individuals with adult‐onset asthma. It is not known if aspirin sensitivity is due to immune mechanisms or to interference with biochemical pathways.Objective The study aimed to test for possible involvement of the genes of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) in AIA.Methods HLA‐DPB1 and HLA‐DRB1 genotyping was carried out by DNA methods in 59 patients with positive challenge tests for AIA and in 48 normal and 57 asthmatic controlsResults The DPB 1*0301 frequency was increased in AIA patients when compared with normal controls (19.5% vs 5.2%, Odds Ratio = 4.4, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.6–12.1, P= 0.002), and compared with asthmatic controls (4.4%, OR = 5.3, 95%CI= 1.9–14.4, P= 0.0001). The frequency of DPB 1*0401 in AIA subjects was decreased when compared with normal controls (28.8% vs 49.0%, OR = 0.42, 95%CI = 0.24–0.74, P= 0.003) and asthmatic controls (45.6%, OR = 0.48, 95%CI = 0.28–0.83, P= 0.008). The results remained significant when corrected for multiple comparisons. There were no significant HLA‐DRB 1 associations with AIA.Conclusion The presence of an HLA association suggests that immune recognition of an unknown antigen may be part of the aetiology of AIA.