bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence of eosinophil, neutrophil, and mast‐cell mediators in the effusion of OME patients with and without atopy
Authors: Hurst D. S. , Venge P. 
Published: March 2003

Background: This study was designed to measure the involvement of eosinophils, neutrophils, and mast cells in the middle ear of patients with OME and to see whether that inflammatory response differed depending on whether or not the patient was atopic.Methods: Levels of ECP, MPO, and tryptase were measured in effusion from 97 patients whose atopic status was determined by in vitro testing with 12 inhalants and five foods.Results: Seventy‐nine of 97 OME patients (81%) were atopic, among whom 86% (68/79) had elevated levels of effusion ECP, and 64% (23/36) had elevated tryptase. Mean ECP was 166 μg/l vs 3.38 μg/l, mean MPO was 6231 μg/l vs 116 μg/l, and mean tryptase was 4.8 μg/l vs 1.34 μg/l in atopic vs nonatopic ears. Total serum IgE did not differ between atopics and nonatopics (P=0.28).Conclusions: The inflammatory response by eosinophils, neutrophils, and mast cells in the middle ear was distinctly different between atopic and nonatopic patients (P<0.001). This study provides evidence that eosinophils and mast cells, both essential to a Th‐2 driven immune response, are present in the majority of ears with chronic OME, and supports the hypothesis that middle‐ear mucosa, like that of the rest of the upper respiratory tract, is capable of an allergic response.
Indoor air pollutants in schools: nasal patency and biomarkers in nasal lavage
Authors: Norbäck D. , Wålinder R. , Wieslander G. , Smedje G. , Erwall C. , Venge P. 
Published: March 2003

Background: There is growing concern about the respiratory health aspects of the indoor air quality in schools. Methods: A standardized investigation, including nasal lavage (NAL), measurement of the nasal cavity by acoustic rhinometry, and hygienic measurements of airborne pollutants was performed in classrooms, outside the pollen season. All 279 school personnel working in the main buildings of 12 randomly selected primary schools in an urban community in central Sweden (Uppsala) were invited to enroll in the study; 234 (84%) participated. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), lysozyme, and albumin were analyzed in NAL. Crude statistical analysis, as well as multiple regression analysis, was performed, controlling for room temperature, age, sex, current smoking, and a history of atopy. Results: Most classrooms (83%) did not meet the Swedish ventilation standards. A lower degree of nasal patency was found at higher concentrations of respirable dust, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), formaldehyde, and total molds, and in the presence of Aspergillus sp. in the classroom air. The most consistent findings were observed for formaldehyde, NO2, and Aspergillus sp., related to both decreased nasal patency and increase of ECP and lysozyme in NAL. The presence of yeast was associated with an increase of ECP and lysozyme in NAL, but was not related to nasal patency. Conclusions: Ventilation flow was below current hygienic standards in the classrooms. Air pollutants in the classroom air may influence nasal patency and inflammatory response in the nasal mucosa.
PCR‐based cloning, isolation, and IgE‐binding properties of recombinant latex profilin (rHev b 8)
Authors: Rihs H‐P. , Chen Z. , Rozynek P. , Baur X. , Lundberg M. , Cremer R. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Profilin (Hev b 8) in natural rubber latex (NRL) has been assumed to be an important allergen. Since latex profilin has a molecular mass similar to two other latex allergens (Hev b 1 and Hev b 6.03) in the 14‐kDa range, it is difficult to obtain sufficient amounts of purified native profilin for investigations and diagnostics. The present study aimed to produce recombinant latex profilin (rHev b 8) and study its IgE‐binding reactivity. Methods: A profilin‐specific cDNA encoding the latex profilin from Hevea brasiliensis leaves was synthesized and subcloned, and the rHev b 8 was overexpressed in fusion with the maltose‐binding protein (MBP) in E. coli. The IgE‐binding reactivity of rHev b 8 was studied by immunoblotting, immunoblot inhibition experiments, and the Pharmacia CAP method, with 25 sera from health‐care workers with latex allergy and 17 sera from latex‐sensitive spina bifida patients. Results: rHev b 8 was found to have 131 amino acids and a sequence identity of 75% with birch profilin (Bet v 2). Analysis by the CAP system revealed the presence of rHev b 8‐specific IgE antibodies in two out of 17 sera from spina bifida patients and in five out of 25 sera (20%) from health‐care workers. Two subjects of the latter group with rHev b 8‐specific IgE showed negative results in the skin prick tests with tree‐pollen extracts and had no IgE to rBet v 2, indicating the presence of IgE‐binding epitopes on the Hev b 8‐molecule which do not cross‐react with birch profilin. Immunoblot inhibition assays using MBP‐rHev b 8 as inhibitor confirmed the presence of latex profilin in the NRL extract. IgE binding to the native latex profilin could be completely inhibited by the MBP‐rHev b 8. Conclusions: Latex profilin represents a minor allergen in NRL and may have IgE‐binding epitopes different from Bet v 2.
Dendritic cell number is related to IL‐4 expression in the airways of atopic asthmatic subjects
Authors: Bertorelli G. , Bocchino V. , Zhuo X. , Zanini A. , Bernini M. V. , Damia R. , Di Comite V. , Grima P. , Olivieri D. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Airway dendritic cells are essential for stimulating naive T cells in response to inhaled antigen and for the development of allergic sensitization. IL‐4 in vitro can distinguish dendritic cell lines from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Our study had the following aims:

to compare the distribution of CD1a+ dendritic cells and IL‐4+ cells, in the bronchial mucosa of asthmatics and controls
to determine the relationship between the numbers of CD1a+ dendritic cells and IL‐4+ cells in the bronchial mucosa of asthmatics
to determine whether CD1a+ cells express the IL‐4 receptor.

Methods: Twenty atopic asthmatic and eight normal subjects were studied. In each subject, bronchoscopy with bronchial biopsies was performed. CD1a, IL‐4, and IL‐4 receptor expressions were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.Results: The number of CD1a+ and IL‐4+ cells was significantly higher in asthmatics than controls. The number of CD1a+ cells was positively correlated to the number of IL‐4+ cells. Bronchial biopsy serial section studies showed that CD1a+ cells express the receptor for IL‐4.Conclusions: These results suggest that an increased amount of IL‐4 may play a physiopathologic role in maintaining the dendritic cell pool in vivo. Therefore, because of possible IL‐4 activity on antigen‐presenting cells in T‐cell immune responses to allergens, an important new role of IL‐4 in asthma inflammation can be envisaged.
Identification of four novel potato (Solanum tuberosum) allergens belonging to the family of soybean trypsin inhibitors
Authors: Seppälä U. , Majamaa H. , Turjanmaa K. , Helin J. , Reunala T. , Kalkkinen N. , Palosuo T. 
Published: March 2003

Background: We have previously identified patatin (Sol t 1) of potato tubers as a major food allergen among atopic children. In addition to Sol t 1, concomitant IgE binding to other, then unidentified, potato proteins was observed. Methods: Purification and identification of the putative allergens were done by both standard and advanced methods of protein chemistry. The patient series comprised 39 children with positive skin prick test (SPT) to raw potato. Immunoblotting and ELISA were used to examine IgE‐binding ability and skin prick testing to assess in vivo reactivity of the purified potato proteins. Results: Four IgE‐binding potato proteins with molecular masses ranging from 16 to 20 kDa were purified and identified as cathepsin D‐, cysteine‐, and aspartic protease inhibitors belonging to the family of soybean trypsin inhibitors (Kunitz type). The proteins were designated Sol t 2, Sol t 3.0101, Sol t 3.0102, and Sol t 4. In ELISA, 51% of the sera of the 39 atopic children showed specific IgE to Sol t 2, 43% to Sol t 3.0101, 58% to Sol t 3.0102, and 67% to Sol t 4, respectively. All these four allergens were able to produce positive wheal‐and‐flare responses in SPT. Conclusions: In addition to Sol t 1, potato tubers contain several proteins belonging to the family of soybean trypsin inhibitors against which atopic children with positive SPT responses to raw potato have in vitro and in vivo reactive IgE antibodies.
Calreticulin is an interleukin‐3‐sensitive calcium‐binding protein in human basophil leukocytes
Authors: Lyngholm M. J. , Nielsen H. V. , Holm M. , Schiøtz P. O. , Johnsen A. H. 
Published: March 2003

Background: IL‐3 enhances basophil histamine release upon stimulation with any known secretagogue. The molecular mechanism behind this regulation is not known, although some observations suggest that IL‐3 modulates the calcium part of the signal transduction mechanism. The inhibitory action of glucocorticoids on basophils can be reversed by stimulation with IL‐3. Methods: Calcium‐binding proteins in the basophil cell line KU812 were identified by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, Calcium‐overlay assay, N‐terminal sequence analysis, and mass spectometry. The presence of the same proteins in purified human basophil leukocytes was established by comigration of KU812 and human basophil proteins on the two‐dimensional gels. The expression of the calcium‐binding proteins in the absence and presence of IL‐3 and/or anti‐IgE was determined by densitometric measurement of the spots on the two‐dimensional gels. Results: Calreticulin was identified on the two‐dimensional gel of KU812 proteins. A protein with exactly the same migration pattern was found on the gels of proteins from purified human basophils. Immunoblotting with a specific anti‐human calreticulin antibody confirmed that this protein was calreticulin. Subsequent analysis showed that the expression of calreticulin in the basophils is upregulated twofold upon stimulation with rhIL‐3, even in doses below those needed for enhancement of histamine release. Conclusions: The expression of calreticulin in human basophil leukocytes is regulated by IL‐3. Calreticulin is known to modulate IP3‐dependent Ca2+ influx in different cell systems, and calreticulin overexpression inhibits steroid‐induced transcriptional activation. Therefore, modulation of calreticulin expression may be one mechanism by which IL‐3 exerts its effects on human basophils.
A baker's occupational allergy to flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella)
Authors: Mäkinen‐Kiljunen S. , Mussalo‐Rauhamaa H. , Petman L. , Rinne J. , Haahtela T. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Allergy to insects is common. However, few reports cover occupational sensitization to flour moth (Ephestia [syn. Anagasta] kuehniella). We describe a baker who suffered from IgE‐mediated occupational respiratory allergy to flour moth. Methods: The skin prick test (SPT) and serum IgE tests were used to evaluate the patient's sensitivity to flour moth. Allergen cross‐reactivity with mites was evaluated in IgE‐inhibition studies. Clinical sensitivity was evaluated by nasal challenge test. Pulmonary function tests were repeatedly monitored. Results: SPT with flour moth gave a 6‐mm wheal, and an elevated level of flour moth‐specific IgE was measured in the patient's serum (1.9 PRU/ml, RAST class 2). Immunoblotting with the patient's serum revealed at least seven heavy IgE‐binding bands with molecular masses of 22, 35, 43, 53, 65, 77, and >86 kDa in the extract of flour moth. Allergen cross‐reactivity with mites was demonstrated in inhibition studies. Immediate‐type allergy to flour moth was confirmed by nasal challenge. Increased daily variability of PEF values was observed during workplace exposure. Conclusions: A baker's occupational respiratory allergy to flour moth was confirmed.
Epidemiology of food allergy/food intolerance in adults: associations with other manifestations of atopy
Authors: Schäfer T. , Böhler E. , Ruhdorfer S. , Weigl L. , Wessner D. , Heinrich J. , Filipiak B. , Wichmann H‐E. , Ring J. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Food allergy and food intolerance (FA/FI) are believed to be frequent medical problems; however, information from epidemiologic studies in adults is scarce. The objective was to determine the frequency of FA/FI and allergic sensitization to food in a large adult sample. Furthermore, the associations between FA/FI and other outcomes of atopy were studied. Methods: Within a population‐based, nested, case‐control study, a standardized interview was performed to obtain detailed information on FA/FI and the history of atopic diseases. In addition, a skin prick test with 10 common food and nine aeroallergens was performed. Results: Overall, 20.8% of the 1537 studied subjects (50.4% female, age median 50 years) reported FA/FI (women 27.5%, men 14.0%; OR 2.35, CI 1.80–3.08). Nuts, fruits, and milk most frequently led to adverse effects, and the sites of manifestation were oral (42.9%), skin (28.7%), gastrointestinal (13.0%), systemic (3.2%), and multiple (12.2%). One‐quarter of the subjects (25.1%) were sensitized to at least one food allergen in the prick test, with hazelnut (17.8%), celery (14.6%), and peanut (11.1%) accounting for most of the positive reactions. The corresponding frequency estimates for the representative study base (n=4178) were 15.5% for reported adverse reactions and 16.8% for allergic sensitization. Relevant concomitant sensitization to food and aeroallergens was observed. Food‐allergic subjects (positive history and sensitization to corresponding allergen) suffered significantly more often from urticaria, asthma, atopic eczema, and especially hay fever (73.1%) than controls (3.0%). Furthermore, hay fever was treated significantly more often in subjects who suffered from concomitant food allergy. Conclusions: FA/FI in adults is frequently reported and associated with other manifestations of atopy. Hay fever in conjunction with FA/FI tends to be clinically more severe since therapeutic needs are enhanced.
Effects of in vitro treatment with fluticasone propionate on natural killer and lymphokine‐induced killer activity in asthmatic and healthy individuals
Authors: Di Lorenzo G. , Esposito Pellitteri M. , Drago A. , Di Blasi P. , Candore G. , Balistreri C. , Listì F. , Caruso C. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Topical corticosteroids are beneficial in the treatment of allergic respiratory disorders; they exert effects on a number of cells involved in allergic inflammatory reactions. On the other hand, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐unrestricted cytotoxicity (i.e., natural killer [NK] cell activity) may play a role in the inflammatory allergic reaction. The objective was to gain insight into the mechanisms of the therapeutic effects of fluticasone propionate (FP), an inhaled corticosteroid used in asthma and rhinitis therapy. Therefore, we evaluated the NK and lymphokine‐activated killer (LAK) activity of effector cells in vitro treated or not with FP. Methods: Evaluations were made on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs), obtained from healthy volunteers (n=10) and from asthmatic atopic subjects (n=10) with allergy to Parietaria. Results: Asthmatic patients had significantly increased NK activity (P=0.0008), and interleukin (IL)‐2‐ (P=0.0005) and interferon (IFN)‐α‐induced LAK activities (P=0.0005). In both groups, FP 10−7 M significantly reduced NK activity (P<0.0001), IL‐2‐induced LAK activity (P<0.0001), and IFN‐α‐induced LAK activity (P<0.0001). Similar results were obtained with FP 10−8 M. Conclusions: Since MHC‐unrestricted cytotoxicity has been implicated in the development of allergen‐induced eosinophilic airway inflammation, inhibition of NK and LAK activity by FP may contribute to the steroid therapeutic effect in asthma.
Characterization of cross‐reacting allergens in mango fruit
Authors: Paschke A. , Kinder H. , Zunker K. , Wigotzki M. , Steinhart H. , Weßbecher R. , Vieluf I. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Allergic reactions to mango fruit have become increasingly important. A cross‐reaction between mango fruit, various other foods, and respiratory allergens has been assumed but not investigated until now. Methods: The sera of nine patients were used to characterize cross‐reacting allergens in mango fruits by EAST inhibition and immunoblot inhibition. Results and Conclusions: EAST inhibition and immunoblot inhibition demonstrated that cross‐reactions between mango fruits, mugwort pollen, birch pollen, celery, and carrot are based on allergens related to Bet v 1 and Art v 1, the major allergens of birch and mugwort pollen, respectively.
Genetic susceptibility to asthma and atopy among Chinese in Singapore – linkage to markers on chromosome 5q31–33
Authors: Shek L. P‐C. , Tay A. H. , Chew F. T. , Goh D. L. M. , Lee B. W. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Asthma and atopy are complex genetic traits, influenced by the interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors. Linkage of these traits to chromosome 5q31–33 has been shown in other populations, but has not been well studied in the Chinese. We studied linkage between asthma and atopy with markers on chromosome 5q31–33 in the Singapore Chinese. This region contains many candidate genes, including the cytokine gene cluster. Methods: We recruited 88 Chinese families with at least two affected offspring, totaling 373 subjects, with 125 and 119 sib‐pairs for atopy and asthma, respectively. All individuals were genotyped with 19 polymorphic microsatellite markers spanning a distance of 41 cM along chromosome 5q31–33. Affected sib‐pair and multipoint linkage analysis was performed. Results: There was evidence for linkage of the asthma and atopy phenotypes with three markers, D5S2110, D5S2011, and D5S412 (P values of 0.001 to 0.00001). Multipoint analysis further substantiated this (nonparametric linkage scores of 1.8–2.9). These findings suggest that susceptibility genes for asthma and atopy are found in this region in the Chinese. Conclusions: This study has shown linkage of atopy and asthma to chromosome 5q31–33 in a heterogeneous Chinese population. These findings further substantiate the notion that chromosome 5q31–33 contains “universally” important susceptibility genes for these traits.
No linkage and association of atopy to chromosome 16 including the interleukin‐4 receptor gene
Authors: Haagerup A. , Bjerke T. , Schiøtz P. O. , Dahl R. , Binderup H. G. , Kruse T. A. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Several susceptibility genes for atopy have been suggested in recent years. Few have been investigated as intensively as the interleukin‐4‐receptor α (IL4Rα) gene on chromosome 16. The results remain in dispute. Therefore, in a robust design, we tested for association of type I allergy to the IL4R variations I50V and Q576R, and investigated chromosome 16 for atopy candidate regions in general. Methods: We identified 100 Danish allergy sib‐pair families. Five conservative phenotypes for type I allergy were defined and evaluated. The IL4R variations were genotyped in trios and evaluated by the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT). Multipoint linkage analysis and exclusion mapping were conducted with sib‐pairs analyzed for 17 microsatellite markers. Results: No evidence for association or linkage to the IL4R polymorphisms was found (P values: 0.12–0.90). Linkage analysis did not support linkage of any of the phenotypes to chromosome 16. Major parts of chromosome 16 were excluded as candidate regions harboring oligogenes for type I allergy. Conclusions: We found chromosome 16 unlikely to harbor strong candidate genes for type I allergy. The role of the IL4Rα gene in the inheritance of atopy was insignificant in the Danish population. The use of conservative allergy phenotypes in the search for genes predisposing to atopic disease was discussed.
Effects of budesonide and fluticasone propionate in a placebo‐controlled study on symptoms and quality of life in seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Ciprandi G. , Canonica W. G. , Grosclaude M. , Ostinelli J. , Brazzola G. G. , Bousquet J. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Intranasal glucocorticosteroids are effective in seasonal allergic rhinitis. This study compared the efficacy of budesonide (Rhinocort ®Turbuhaler®) and fluticasone propionate (Flixonase®) in this respect.Methods: Patients (n = 280) were randomized to receive budesonide, 140 µg (delivered dose) once daily, fluticasone, 200 µg once daily, or matching placebos for 5 weeks. The primary efficacy variable was the change in combined nasal symptom (nasal blockage, runny nose, sneezing) scores. Quality of life was measured in 121 patients by means of the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) and the Short‐form Health Survey (SF‐36).Results: Both steroids significantly reduced combined nasal symptoms, compared with placebo. There was no significant difference between the two treatments. Substantial or total symptom control was achieved in 89.9% of the budesonide‐treated patients, compared with 88.7% with fluticasone and 42.7% with placebo. Four of the five domains of the RQLQ were significantly improved with budesonide, whereas with fluticasone only two domains were improved. Budesonide significantly improved scores in five out of eight domains of the SF‐36, whereas no domains were improved with fluticasone.Conclusion: There was no significant difference in efficacy between budesonide and fluticasone in this study. However, greater improvements in quality of life were seen with budesonide than with fluticasone.
Decreased apoptosis and distinct profile of infiltrating cells in the nasal polyps of patients with aspirin hypersensitivity
Authors: Kowalski M. L. , Grzegorczyk J. , Pawliczak R. , Kornatowski T. , Wagrowska‐Danilewicz M. , Danilewicz M. 
Published: March 2003

Background:  Patients with aspirin‐hypersensitive rhinosinusitis/asthma suffer from a severe form of hyperplastic rhinosinusitis with recurrent polyposis. We aimed to assess the presence of apoptotic cells in nasal polyps from aspirin‐hypersensitive (AH) and aspirin‐tolerant (AT) patients with rhinosinusitis as related to the characteristics of local inflammation.Methods: Nasal polyps obtained from 16 AH patients and 36 AT patients (17 atopic and 19 nonatopic) were stained for eosinophils and metachromatic cells, and in parallel immunocytochemistry was performed to detect CD45RO+, HLA‐DR+, CD8+ and CD68+ positive cells. Apoptotic cells were detected by a nick‐end labelling technique, TUNEL.Results:  The density of apoptotic cells in AH polyps (5.5 + 1.5 cells/mm2) was significantly lower as compared to both atopic (18.7 + 3.8 cells/mm2; P < 0.02;) and nonatopic (21.3 + 5.2 cells/mm2; P < 0.01) AT polyps. The number of eosinophils, mast cells, and CD45RO+ cells were significantly increased in AH compared to AT polyps (P < 0.001), and the density of HLA‐DR+ cells in AH patients was higher than in nonatopic (P < 0.02), but not in atopic AT patients. While in AH patients the duration of rhinosinusitis correlated inversely with the number of apoptotic cells (r = − 0.67; P < 0.04), in contrast, in AT atopic patients the duration of rhinosinusitis showed positive correlation with apoptosis (r = 0.89; P < 0.003).Conclusions:  We conclude, that decreased apoptosis of inflammatory cells in nasal polyps from ASA‐hypersensitive patients, reflects a distinct mechanisms of local inflammation and may be related to persistence and severity of the disease in these patients.