bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression and localization of the cysteinyl leukotriene 1 receptor in human nasal mucosa
Authors: Shirasaki H. , Kanaizumi E. , Watanabe K. , Matsui T. , Sato J. , Narita S. , Rautiainen M. , Himi T. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground The cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLT) are lipid mediators that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Pharmacological studies using CysLTs indicate that two classes of receptors, named CysLT1 and CysLT2 receptor, exist. The former is sensitive to the CysLT1 antagonist currently used to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis. Recently, the cDNA for human CysLT1 and CysLT2 receptor have been cloned, making it now possible to study the gene expression of CysLTs receptors.Objective We have used reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) to study the gene expression of CysLT1 and CysLT2 receptor and in situ hybridization to determine the distribution of CysLT1 receptor mRNA in human nasal mucosa. In addition, the distribution of the CysLT1 receptor protein was studied by immunohistochemistry.Methods Human turbinates were obtained after turbinectomy from six patients with nasal obstruction refractory to medical therapy. Total RNA was isolated from human nasal mucosa and both CysLT1 and CysLT2 receptor mRNA was detected in these tissues by using RT‐PCR. For in situ hybridization study of human nasal mucosa, we used biotin‐labelled oligonucleotides probes encoding human CysLT1 receptor cDNA. To identify the cells expressing the CysLT1 receptor protein, double immunostaining was performed by using anti‐CysLT1 receptor antibody and monoclonal antileucocyte antibodies.Results RT‐PCR analysis of total nasal RNA demonstrated the expression of both CysLT1 receptor and CysLT2 receptor mRNA. In situ hybridization indicated high levels of CysLT1 receptor hybridization in blood vessels and the interstitial cells, but a sparse signal in airway epithelium and submucosal glands. The immunohistochemical studies revealed that anti‐CysLT1 receptor antibody labelled eosinophils, mast cells, macrophages, neutrophils and vascular endothelial cells in the nasal mucosa.Conclusion The results may have an important clinical implication and also promote further investigation of the regulation of CysLT1 receptor in health and disease.
Materno–fetal passage of nutritive and inhalant allergens across placentas of term and pre‐term deliveries perfused in vitro
Authors: Loibichler C. , Pichler J. , Gerstmayr M. , Bohle B. , Kiss H. , Urbanek R. , Szépfalusi Z. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground The pre‐ and postnatal environment appears to be of crucial importance for the manifestation of allergic diseases, which often begin during infancy. Although T cell reactivity of fetal origin to a range of common allergens is present in most cord blood samples, the immunological basis remains unclear.Objective In order to test the hypothesis of transplacental allergen transfer we studied double‐sided open ex vivo perfusion experiments of isolated placental cotyledons with the nutritive allergens beta‐lactoglobulin (BLG) and ovalbumin (OVA) and the inhalant major birch pollen allergen Bet v1.Methods Placentas of full‐term and pre‐term newborns were obtained immediately after delivery to recover functionally active maternal and fetal circulations. Thus, a fetal artery and a fetal vein were cannulated and perfused with pure medium (fetoplacental circulation), whereas the intervillous space of placentas was flushed with allergen containing medium by puncture of the basal plate (maternoplacental circulation). Samples that were collected throughout the perfusion experiment from fetal venous outflow were tested by allergen‐specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for the presence of allergens indicative of materno–fetal transplacental passage.Results We observed transplacental transfer of BLG, OVA and Bet v1 in placentas of term as well as premature deliveries. The respective allergen was readily detectable in fetal effluent at the beginning of the perfusion experiment and allergen levels reached a plateau after about 2 h. The steady state transfer rate of BLG and OVA in term placentas was 0.012% ± 0.001 and 0.013% ± 0.001 of total dose, i.e. 130.21 ± 7.41 ng/mL and 115.83 ± 6.07 ng/mL, respectively. The observed transfer rate of Bet v1 after 2 h of perfusion was 0.155% ± 0.034 of total dose, that is 2.41 ± 1.36 ng/mL. Transplacentally transferred concentration of BLG and OVA in pre‐term placentas increased continuously throughout perfusion time from 5.32 ± 0.92 ng/mL at 1 min to 87.53 ± 21.93 ng/mL at 120 min and 1.35 ± 0.31 ng/mL at 1 min to 112.87 ± 5.25 ng/mL at 150 min, respectively.Conclusion Allergen‐specific cord blood reactivity may be attributed to low levels of allergens crossing the human placenta and providing the fetus with the necessary stimulus for T cell priming.
Allergens, Der p 1, Der f 1, Fel d 1 and Can f 1, in newly bought mattresses for infants
Authors: De Boer R. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground To avoid allergen exposure of newborn babies, the use of a new mattress for the baby bed may be recommended. However, it is not certain that new mattresses are always free of allergens.Objective In the present study the allergen content of new infant mattresses was investigated.Methods Dust samples were vacuumed from 90 new mattresses for infant beds bought in 50 different Dutch shops, and the concentrations of Der p 1, Der f 1, Fel d 1 and Can f 1 were determined by radioimmunoassays.Results Most mattresses contained some allergen and often the allergen concentrations were surprisingly high. Only 15 of the 90 mattresses contained no detectable amounts of any of the four allergens. The highest concentration found for each allergen was 3.1, 46.5, 20.2 and 95.7 µg/g of dust, respectively. However, the total amount of allergen in a mattress was still rather low because the new mattresses contained only modest amounts of dust. Baby mattresses more often contained an increased allergen load than the larger, standard‐sized, infant mattresses. This may be caused by differences in manufacturing procedure. Also, mattresses that were sold without a plastic encasement more often contained an increased allergen load.Conclusions It is advisable to buy a mattress that is wrapped in plastic, but it may still contain a substantial amount of allergen. Thorough vacuuming of a newly bought mattress before it is installed on a child's bed, is also advisable. After instalment, regular vacuuming of the mattress and washing of the bed linen as well as measures to eliminate allergen reservoirs in other parts of the house are important, because our observations indicate that mattresses easily pick up allergens from the environment.
T cell cytokine responses to outer membrane proteins of Haemophilus influenzae and the house dust mite allergens Der p 1 in allergic and non‐allergic subjects
Authors: Epton M. J. , Hales B. J. , Thompson P. J. , Thomas W. R. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Haemophilus influenzae are ubiquitous colonizers of the nasopharynx, Little is known about the T cell cytokine responses to the antigens of these bacteria and whether or not the responses may interact with responses to aeroallergen.Objective To measure the T cell cytokine responses to conserved outer membrane protein antigens of Haemophilus influenzae and to house dust mite allergen of subjects allergic to the house dust mite and of subjects without allergic sensitization.Methods T cell responses were measured by in vitro proliferation and cytokine release from peripheral blood monocytes (PBMC). The allergen used was Der p 1 and outer membrane proteins were recombinant polypeptides representing the OMP6 and D15 antigens.Results The PBMC of most subjects had proliferative responses to OMP6 and D15, which were highly correlated. The pattern of cytokine release was Th1 biased with high levels of IFN‐γ and usually little IL‐5 or IL‐13 although PBMC from a few subjects did release IL‐5 independent of allergic status. IL‐10 release was readily detected. There was no difference in the anti‐OMP cytokine response of PBMC from subjects without any known allergy and the responses of PBMC from subjects who were highly allergic to house dust mite. The responses to the Der p 1 allergen showed the expected Th2 cytokine release.Conclusion The outer membrane protein antigens of the ubiquitous colonizing bacteria Haemophilus influenzae induce Th1 cytokine responses which are similar for PBMC from non‐allergic individuals and subjects with a high degree of allergy to the perennial house dust mite allergen and strong Th2 responses to Der p 1.
Phage‐displayed Bet mim 1, a mimotope of the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1, induces B cell responses to the natural antigen using bystander T cell help
Authors: Schöll I. , Wiedermann U. , Förster‐Waldl E. , Ganglberger E. , Baier K. , Boltz‐Nitulescu G. , Scheiner O. , Ebner C. , Jensen‐Jarolim E. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground and objective In previous studies we have generated mimotopes of Bet v 1, the major birch pollen allergen, by biopannings of phage‐display random peptide libraries. In the present study, we analysed the humoral and cellular immune response to Bet v 1‐mimotopes.Methods The mimotope CFPYCYPSESA, designated Bet mim 1, was used for intraperitoneal immunizations of BALB/c mice in phage‐displayed form. For examination of the humoral immune response, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) experiments were applied. Stimulation capacities were investigated in cultured mouse splenocytes and in humoral Bet v 1‐specific T cell clones.Results We demonstrated that the Bet mim 1‐induced murine antibody response against Bet v 1 was predominated by the IgG1 isotype. In these mice only the phage‐displayed mimotopes, but neither the allergen nor the synthetic Bet mim 1‐mimotopes were able to stimulate proliferation of cultured splenocytes. Using Bet v 1‐specific T cell clones of allergic patients, phage‐displayed and synthetic mimotopes were unable to stimulate T cell proliferation. Moreover, tolerance induction to Bet v 1 in mice by intranasal administration of Bet mim 1‐phages or Bet mim 1‐peptide failed.Conclusion Taking these results together, our data indicate that Bet mim 1 mimics a Bet v 1‐epitope on the B cell but not on the T cell level. We suggest that the phage itself is responsible for the recruitment of T cells providing bystander help in the formation of a mimotope‐specific humoral response.
The relationship of alcohol consumption to total immunoglobulin E and the development of immunoglobulin E sensitization: the Copenhagen Allergy Study
Authors: Linneberg A. , Petersen J. , Nielsen N. H. , Madsen F. , Frølund L. , Dirksen A. , Jørgensen T. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Several studies in patient populations have reported a positive association between alcohol consumption and serum total IgE. Furthermore, we have previously reported a positive association between alcohol consumption and the prevalence of skin prick test (SPT positivity) to inhalant allergens in a population‐based cross‐sectional study.Objective To investigate the relationship of alcohol consumption to levels of serum total IgE and the development of IgE sensitization to inhalant allergens.Methods In 1990, self‐reported consumption of alcohol, serum total IgE, SPT positivity and specific IgE positivity to inhalant allergens were assessed in 1112 subjects, aged 15–69 years, participating in a population‐based cross‐sectional study in Copenhagen, Denmark. In 1998, they were invited to a follow‐up and 734 were re‐examined (participation rate 69.0%). Adjustment for potential confounders was performed by using multivariable regression analyses.Results In non‐atopic (specific IgE negative) subjects there was a positive association between alcohol consumption and the concentration of total IgE (P = 0.001). During the follow‐up period, 45 and 33 subjects developed SPT positivity and specific IgE positivity, respectively. There was no significant association between alcohol consumption and the development of SPT positivity or specific IgE positivity. However, the risk of developing SPT positivity tended to increase with increasing consumption of alcohol (P = 0.055).Conclusions This epidemiological study confirms that alcohol consumption has an influence on levels of serum total IgE. A significant association between alcohol consumption and the development of IgE sensitization was not established. However, there seems to be a lack epidemiological data on this issue.
Analysis of the sensitization profile towards allergens in central Africa
Authors: Westritschnig K. , Sibanda E. , Thomas W. , Auer H. , Aspöck H. , Pittner G. , Vrtala S. , Spitzauer S. , Kraft D. , Valenta R. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Almost no information is available regarding the prevalence of IgE‐mediated allergies and the disease‐eliciting allergens in tropical Africa.Objective To study IgE‐mediated allergies and the allergen profile in allergic patients from Zimbabwe.Methods The frequency of sensitization to common environmental allergen sources was determined by skin prick testing in 650 allergic patients from Zimbabwe. Fifty representative sera were analysed for IgE reactivity to 20 respiratory and 20 food allergen extracts by multiallergen extract testing. The IgE reactivity profiles to recombinant pollen and mite allergens were compared between grass pollen‐ and mite‐sensitized patients from Zimbabwe and central Europe. Sera from grass pollen‐allergic patients were also analysed for IgE reactivity to nitrocellulose‐blotted natural timothy grass and Bermuda grass pollen allergens.Results IgE‐mediated allergies were found to be common in Zimbabwe. Similar to the situation in central Europe, mites and grass pollens represented the most prevalent allergen sources. However, the IgE reactivity profiles determined with single recombinant pollen and mite allergens revealed interesting differences between the European and African patients, which most likely reflect the local allergen exposure.Conclusions The striking differences regarding sensitization to grass pollen and mite allergens between African and European patients revealed by recombinant allergen‐based testing emphasize the need for component‐resolved allergy testing to optimize allergy prevention and therapy in different populations.
Humoral and cellular responses to gliadin in wheat‐dependent, exercise‐induced anaphylaxis
Authors: Lehto M. , Palosuo K. , Varjonen E. , Majuri M.‐L. , Andersson U. , Reunala T. , Alenius H. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Wheat‐dependent, exercise‐induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA) is a severe allergy where wheat ingestion together with physical exercise induces anaphylaxis. We have previously shown that patients with WDEIA have IgE antibodies against gliadin proteins and identified ω‐5 gliadin (Tri a 19) as a major allergen.Objective The aim of this study was to examine gliadin‐specific IgG subclass, IgA and IgE antibodies, basophil histamine release and cell‐mediated responses in WDEIA.Methods Sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained from patients with WDEIA and from controls without wheat allergy. Serum antibodies to crude gliadin extract (CGE) and purified ω‐5 gliadin were measured by ELISA and basophil reactivity by histamine‐release test. Gliadin‐induced cell‐mediated responses were assessed by lymphocyte proliferation assay, and cytokine mRNA expression with real‐time quantitative PCR.Results All patients with WDEIA, but none of the controls, had IgE antibodies to CGE and ω‐5 gliadin. Both allergens released high levels of histamine from the basophils of patients with WDEIA. Levels of IgA antibodies to CGE and ω‐5 gliadin were significantly elevated in the patients, but the distribution of IgG subclass antibodies showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Proliferative responses of PBMC to CGE were increased in patients with WDEIA, and stimulation of PBMC with CGE caused, both in patients and in controls, a clear induction of IL‐10 mRNA. Compared with the controls, induction of IL‐10 mRNA expression in patients with WDEIA was significantly (P < 0.01) suppressed.Conclusion These results suggest that, in addition to IgE antibodies against ω‐5 gliadin, specific IgA antibodies may be involved in the pathogenesis of WDEIA. Decreased expression of IL‐10 mRNA in PBMC during gliadin stimulation may facilitate the development of gliadin‐specific T cell responses.
Analysis of sequential immunoglobulin E‐binding epitope of Japanese cedar pollen allergen (Cry j 2) in humans, monkeys and mice
Authors: Tamura Y. , Kawaguchi J. , Serizawa N. , Hirahara K. , Shiraishi A. , Nigi H. , Taniguchi Y. , Toda M. , Inouye S. , Takemori T. , Sakaguchi M. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica; CJ) pollinosis has been reported to occur naturally in Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata) as well as in humans. Most human patients and monkeys with pollinosis have specific IgE for Cry j 2, a major allergen of CJ pollen.Objective The main purpose of this study was to identify IgE B cell epitopes of Cry j 2 using a synthetic peptide in humans, monkeys and mice.Methods We synthesized 38 overlapping peptides that span the entire length of Cry j 2. We examined the B cell epitopes of Cry j 2 that are recognized by IgE in the sera of human patients and monkeys with pollinosis and immunized mice using synthetic peptides of Cry j 2. We also examined the reaction of Cry j 2‐specific mouse monoclonal IgG antibodies to the peptides. Furthermore, we conducted a histamine release assay with leucocytes from a pollinosis patient using human serum albumin (HSA) conjugated with the peptides as a B cell epitope.Results We found that 16 of the 20 pollinosis patients who had specific IgE to Cry j 2 also exhibited IgE reaction with some Cry j 2 peptides. Of these 16 patients, 10 exhibited IgE reaction with Cry j 2 peptide no. 13 (121GQCKWVNGREICNDRDRPTA140). Five of the seven monkeys with CJ pollinosis exhibited a reaction with peptide no. 13. Furthermore, IgE in mice immunized with Cry j 2 and two mouse monoclonal IgG antibodies reacted with peptide no. 13. Peptide no. 13‐conjugated HSA showed the release of histamine from basophils. Furthermore, to determine the minimum epitope in peptide no. 13, we conducted an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay inhibition test. The core of the epitope in humans, monkeys and mice was 124KWVNGREI131.Conclusion We found that 124KWVNGREI131 is an important B cell epitope recognized by IgE in humans, monkeys and mice.
Marked improvement of the basophil activation test by detecting CD203c instead of CD63
Authors: Boumiza R. , Monneret G. , Forissier M.‐F. , Savoye J. , Gutowski M.‐C. , Powell W. S. , Bienvenu J. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground The flow cytometric basophil activation test by detection of CD63 expression has been developed as an alternative method for in vitro diagnosis of IgE‐mediated reactions to various allergens. Despite promising initial studies, the test remains disappointing in terms of sensitivity. CD203c has recently been demonstrated as a specific activation marker of basophils that is rapidly up‐regulated after allergen challenge in sensitized patients.Objective The goal of the present study was to compare basophil activation tests by using either CD203c or CD63 in the diagnosis of immediate‐type allergy to latex.Methods Twenty‐seven patients (health care workers of our institution) who developed clinical features evocative of allergy after contact with latex were included and classified into two groups. Group 1 (n = 16) comprised true allergic patients who presented with typical signs of immediate allergic reaction associated with a positive skin test (prick test). Group 2 (n = 11) consisted of patients whose clinical history was not typical and had negative skin test. Twelve healthy subjects were also studied as controls. We compared the sensitivity of two triple‐staining flow cytometric protocols measuring basophil activation after latex stimulation: CD45‐IgE‐CD63 and CD45‐IgE‐CD203c.Results The CD203c protocol showed a higher sensitivity than the CD63 protocol (75% vs. 50%). In comparison, latex‐specific IgE sensitivity was found to be 69%. Furthermore, the magnitude of the basophil response was significantly higher with CD203c in comparison with CD63. Specificity was 100% for both protocols.Conclusion Due to superior gating of basophils and a higher range of activation in response to allergen, the basophil activation test is markedly improved by use of CD203c instead of CD63.
Endemic (African) Kaposi's sarcoma presenting as a plantar tumour
Authors: Papadavid E. , Yu R. C. , Katsambas A. , Koumantaki E. , Chu A. C. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
We present a case of the aggressive variant of African endemic Kaposi's Sarcoma (AKS) which presented as a large fungating and ulcerated plantar mass. Our patient responded extremely well to chemotherapy with no recurrence for 9 months after treatment completion. AKS is one of the most common cutaneous neoplasms in black Africans and although rare in Europe, it may be seen more frequently in the future because of the ease of international travel. The existing classification of KS into five different types (classic, African-endemic, iatrogenically immunocompromised patients, epidemic HIV-related and Mediterranean-endemic) cannot address fully the many anomalies described in the disease. The detection of a new herpes simplex-like viral DNA sequence (HHV-8) in different types of KS helps to explain some of the enigma described in this disease.
Searching for candidate genes in the new millennium
Authors: Bleck O. , McGrath J. A. , South A. P. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Completion of the entire sequence of the human genome is having a profound effect on the strategies biological scientists use to identify disease-associated genes. Laborious positional cloning approaches and traditional functional studies are gradually being transformed by emerging genomic and proteomic databases. Some of the exciting challenges investigators now face are the identification of new genes, determining the function of these genes, defining disease associations, and elucidating correlation between genotype and phenotype. To demonstrate how investigative methods for single-gene disorders are changing, we illustrate one possible approach in the search for the gene underlying the autosomal recessive genodermatosis, acrodermatitis enteropathica.