bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human immunoglobulin isotype profiles produced in response to antigens recognized by monoclonal antibodies specific to Anisakis simplex
Authors: Lorenzo  , Iglesias  , Audícana  , García‐Villaescusa  , Pardo  , Sanmartín  , Ubeira  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundAnisakis simplex is a medically important pathogen which not only causes anisakiasis but may provoke allergy reactions, ranging from mild urticaria to anaphylactic shock.ObjetiveTo investigate anti‐Anisakis isotype profiles in anisakiasis and Anisakis allergy patients.MethodsCapture ELISA techniques were used to investigate the isotype profiles of antibodies specific for two defined Anisakis simplex antigens, in serum from Japanese patients with confirmed anisakiasis and from Spanish patients with allergy to Anisakis. The antigens were ‘UA2R antigens’ (two proteins with MW of 48 and 67 kDa, recognized by our monoclonal antibody UA2) and ‘UA3R antigens’ (two proteins with MW of 139 and 154 kDa, recognized by our monoclonal antibody UA3).ResultsConsidering IgG, the two most frequent isotypes in the response to the UA2R antigens were IgG1 and IgG2, with IgG4 detected in only one case; in response to the UA3R antigens, by contrast, the two most frequent isotypes were IgG1 and IgG4 (though IgG2 remained reasonably frequent). As regards potential utility for serodiagnosis, 95% of the Japanese anisakiasis patients and 84% of the allergy patients showed detectable IgG1 antibodies to the UA3R antigens. Furthermore, all allergy patients showed IgE antibodies to these antigens.Conclusion Anisakis simplex contains antigens that induce responses which are differentially regulated. Because of their immunogenicity, immunodominance and allergenic nature, we consider that the 139/154‐kDa antigens recognized by our MoAb UA3 are good candidates for use in tests for the diagnosis of anisakiasis and of the allergy caused by this parasite.
Long‐term effects of corticosteroid nasal spray on nasal inflammatory cells in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis
Authors: Holm  , Godthelp  , Fokkens  , M. Severijnen  , Mulder  , Vroom  , Rijntjes  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe effect of long‐term topical nasal corticosteroid therapy on nasal inflammatory cells is unclear.ObjectivesTo investigate the long‐term effect of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray (FPANS) on nasal mucosal inflammatory cells and efficacy in a 1‐year study in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.MethodsIn a 1‐year, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of duration we investigated the influence of a topical corticosteroid (FPANS), on Langerhans' cells (CD1a+ cells), T cells, mast cells, eosinophils and macrophages in nasal mucosa in 42 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis. Efficacy was evaluated by nasal symptom score.ResultsThe FPANS group experienced significantly less sneezing and nasal itching compared with the placebo group. The total symptom score in the FPANS group declined significantly in comparison with baseline (P = 0.007) and placebo group (P = 0.009). After 1 year of active treatment, a significant decrease was seen in the epithelium in numbers of Langerhans' cells, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ cells, mast cells and eosinophils. In the lamina propria, there was a significant decrease in eosinophils.ConclusionThese findings show that FPANS treatment results in a decrease of nasal inflammatory cells. Furthermore, the efficacy of FPANS improves after prolonged treatment.
Eosinophil protein X and eosinophil cationic protein as indicators of intestinal inflammation in infants with atopic eczema and food allergy
Authors: Majamaa  , Laine  , Miettinen  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of allergic intestinal inflammation in infants with food allergy and atopic eczema before and after elimination diet, and to evaluate the use of eosinophil protein X (EPX) and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in the monitoring of inflammatory activity.MethodsThe study material comprised 25 infants with atopic dermatitis and food allergy. Thirteen healthy infants served as controls. Faecal and serum samples were collected before an elimination diet (on the first visit to the hospital) and approximately 3 months later for the determination of EPX and ECP.ResultsBefore the elimination diet, infants with atopic dermatitis demonstrated markedly higher faecal concentrations of EPX and ECP than healthy controls (P = 0.0003, P < 0.0001, respectively). The faecal concentrations of EPX and ECP showed a distinct decrease as a result of an adequate elimination diet in patients with favourable clinical response (P = 0.0027, P = 0.004, respectively).ConclusionsThe results indicate the presence of marked intestinal inflammation in patients with atopic dermatitis and food allergy. The determination of faecal ECP and especially of faecal EPX provides a promising noninvasive tool in monitoring intestinal inflammation and disease activity in infants with atopic eczema and food allergy.
Total and specific IgE (house dust mite and intestinal helminths) in asthmatics and controls from Gondar, Ethiopia
Authors: Selassie  , Stevens  , Cullinan  , Pritchard  , Jones  , Harris  , Ayres  , Newman Taylor  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe role, if any, of parasitosis in the development of asthma remains incompletely understood; both ‘protective’ and ‘predictive’ associations have been reported. We report a study which examined immunoglobulin (Ig) E responses to two common helminths in asthmatics living in Ethiopia.ObjectiveTo compare the frequencies of specific IgE antibodies to Ascaris and Necator species and to Der p 1 among 84 adult asthmatics and a referent group of nonasthmatics.MethodsA case‐control analysis.ResultsTotal IgE levels were not different between the two groups. The presence of specific IgE to Der p 1 was strongly associated with asthma (P = 0.001). Raised levels of Ascaris‐(P = 0.010) and Necator‐ (P = 0.001) specific IgE antibodies were more common among referents; there were no associations between specific IgE production to Der p 1 and either of the two parasites.ConclusionThese findings confirm the association between Der p 1 sensitization and asthma among urban, adult Ethiopians. While they also indicate a negative relationship with two indicators of helminth infestation it appears that this is not mediated through the immunological response to common aeroallergens.
Indoor determinants of Der p 1 and Der f 1 concentrations in house dust are different
Authors: Gross  , Heinrich  , Fahlbusch  , Jäger  , Bischof  , Wichmann  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundExposure to mite allergens is a major risk factor for sensitization and the development of asthma. Der p 1 and Der f 1 content in homes and probably the proportion of both antigens is highly variable even in the same geographical area.ObjectiveWe investigated specific indoor determinants of Der p 1 and Der f 1 concentrations in house dust of two German cities, Erfurt and Hamburg (n = 405 homes).MethodsMite allergen levels were determined using monoclonal antibodies against Der p 1 and Der f 1 by the ELISA method. Indoor relative humidity and temperature were monitored continuously in the homes over 1 week. The characteristics of homes and occupants were assessed by questionnaire to obtain information on factors which may have an impact on the mite antigen concentration in house dust. These determinants were studied by multivariate regression analysis.ResultsThe correlation between concentrations of Der p 1 and Der f 1 inside the homes was weak (r = 0.29–0.35), indicating that different determinants are relevant. Concentrations of the allergens were significantly higher on lower floors (ratios 2–8 times, Der p 1, Der f 1), on old mattresses (ratios 3–13 times, Der p 1, Der f 1), in post‐war buildings (ratio 6 times, Der p 1), for non‐central heating (ratio 2 times, Der p 1), for old carpets (ratio 3 times, Der p 1) and for the presence of a dog in the house (ratio 3 times, Der f 1). Furthermore, mite concentration increases with raising relative humidity (ratio 1.03 per 1%, Der p 1) and with decreasing temperature (ratio 0.86 per 1 °C, Der p 1) indoors.ConclusionBoth Der p 1 and Der f 1 concentrations should be measured in house dust, since they are only weakly correlated and have different determinants.
Biochemical and immunological characterization of a recombinant precursor form of the house dust mite allergen Der p 1 produced by Drosophila cells
Authors: Jacquet  , Haumont  , Massaer  , Daminet  , Garcia  , Mazzu  , Jacobs  , Bollen  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe major house dust mite allergen Der p 1 elicits strong IgE antibody responses in patients suffering from mite allergy.ObjectiveThis study reports the expression and characterization of a recombinant precursor form of Der p 1 secreted as ProDer p 1 from insect cells.MethodsThe cDNA coding for ProDer p 1 was cloned downstream to the gp67 signal peptide, starting from commercial cDNA encoding Der p 1 and PCR‐amplified ProDer p 1 genomic fragment. ProDer p 1, expressed in Drosophila cells and purified from culture medium, was compared to Der p 1 isolated from mite culture, in terms of glycosylation, enzymatic activity as well as IgG‐ and IgE‐binding capacity.ResultsSequence analysis of the genomic clone of ProDer p 1 revealed that, besides two introns in the mature Der p 1 coding sequence, two introns were also present in the propeptide coding sequence. ProDer p 1 was purifed to homogeneity by a combination of ion‐exchange, hydroxyapatite and gel filtration chromatographies. The precursor form of Der p 1 could be processed in vitro into mature Der p 1 under acidic and reducing conditions. Carbohydrate analysis clearly indicated that ProDer p 1 expressed from insect cells was glycosylated and that glycan structures were located only in the prosequence. ProDer p 1 displayed a similar immunoreactivity towards IgE, monoclonal and polyclonal IgG antibodies compared to natural Der p 1. Specific activity measurements using synthetic substrates clearly indicated that, contrary to natural Der p 1, ProDer p 1 was totally enzymatically inactive.ConclusionsThe expression of an enzymatically inactive and highly antigenic ProDer p 1 zymogen molecule could be a suitable strategy for the development of in vitro diagnosis test as well as for specific immunotherapy.
Transepithelial migration of activated eosinophils induces a decrease of E‐cadherin expression in cultured human nasal epithelial cells
Authors: Kobayashi  , Terada  , Hamano  , Numata  , Konno  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe damage of respiratory epithelium in allergic diseases has a close correlation with the extent of eosinophil infiltration. It seems to be a good possibility that eosinophil infiltration could induce the changes in the expression of the epithelial cell adhesion molecules, which play a key role in the maintenance of structural and functional rigidity of epithelium.ObjectiveWe observed the expression of E‐cadherin in cultured human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) to study whether could it be affected by transepithelial migration of inflammatory cells, especially eosinophils.Methods In vitro study of the transmigration assay was designed using various types of inflammatory cells and HNEC monolayers. Various assays of each experimental group were done under the stimulation of interleukin‐5 (IL‐5) and/or platelet activating factor (PAF). Subsequently immunohistochemistry for E‐cadherin was performed in the HNECs. The intensity of immunofluorescence of E‐cadherin was quantified using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) system and compared before and after the transmigration.ResultsThe mean intensity of immunofluorescence for E‐cadherin decreased significantly after the transmigration of any types of inflammatory cells. Above all, the migration of eosinophils treated with IL‐5 and PAF had an eminent effect on the decrease, whereas the degranulation extracts derived from eosinophils activated by IL‐5 and secretory IgA (sIgA) did not affect the intensity.ConclusionThis work suggests that transepithelial migration of inflammatory cells can directly induce the decrease in epithelial E‐cadherin expression. Furthermore, the most prominent change was induced by transmigration of activated eosinophils, which might be caused by some mechanisms independent of the eosinophil contents. The decrease in E‐cadherin expression may trigger the damage of epithelial barrier, which contributes to the pathogenesis of allergic diseases.
Lipid‐transfer proteins as potential plant panallergens: cross‐reactivity among proteins of Artemisia pollen, Castanea nut and Rosaceae fruits, with different IgE‐binding capacities
Authors: DÍaz‐Perales A. , Lombardero M. , SÁnchez‐Monge R. , GarcÍa‐Selles F. J. , Pernas M. , FernÁndez‐Rivas M. , Barber D. , Salcedo G. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundLipid‐transfer proteins (LTPs), but not Bet v 1 homologues, have been identified as major allergens of apple and peach in the Rosaceae fruit‐allergic population in the Mediterranean area. Many of these patients show cosensitization to mugwort pollen. LTPs have an ubiquitous distribution in tissues of many plant species, and have been proposed as a novel type of plant panallergens.ObjectiveWe sought to isolate LTPs from Artemisia pollen and from a plant food not belonging to the Rosaceae family, such as chestnut nut, and to compare their amino acid sequences and IgE‐binding capacities with those of apple and peach LTPs.MethodsAllergens (LTPs) were isolated by different chromatographic methods (gel‐filtration, ion exchange and/or reverse‐phase HPLC), and characterized by N‐terminal amino acid sequencing and MALDI analysis. Specific IgE‐quantification and immunodetection, as well as immunoblot and ELISA inhibition assays, were carried out using sera from patients allergic to both apple and peach.ResultsPurified LTPs from Artemisia pollen and from chestnut seed showed molecular masses about 9 700d, and 43–50% sequence identity with the equivalent allergens of apple and peach in the first 30 N‐terminal residues, which comprise about one third of the total amino acid sequence. A similar degree of sequence identity (50%) was found between the Artemisia and chestnut proteins. Both isolated LTPs bound specific IgE of sera from Rosaceae fruits allergic patients. However, substantially lower values of specific IgE‐binding and maximum ELISA inhibition percentages were obtained for Artemisia and chestnut LTPs when compared to those from apple and peach.ConclusionLTPs from Artemisia pollen and chestnut crossreact with allergens (LTPs) of Rosaceae fruits, but significant differences in specific IgE‐binding capacities were observed among members of the plant LTP family. Thus, further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical significance of the observed cross‐reactivities of plant LTPs.
Intolerance to hydrolysed cow's milk proteins in infants: clinical characteristics and dietary treatment
Authors: Carroccio A. , Cavataio F. , Montalto G. , D'Amico D. , Alabrese L. , Iacono G. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundMultiple food intolerance in infants, including intolerance to extensively hydrolysed proteins (HP), is often difficult to treat. However, few data have been reported on clinical outcome and dietary treatment of these patients.AimsTo evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with HP‐intolerance and the long‐term outcome of treatment with ass' milk.Patients and MethodsThis study included 21 HP‐intolerant infants (15 males, median age at diagnosis 2 months) treated with an ass' milk‐based diet and 70 cow's milk (CM) intolerant infants (40 males, median age at diagnosis 3 months) treated with casein hydrolysate milk‐based diet. All patients were followed‐up for a median period of 4 years. Both HP‐intolerance and intolerance to other foods were diagnosed according to the double‐blind placebo‐controlled procedure. Formal CM‐challenges were conducted at yearly intervals until tolerance was demonstrated. At diagnosis and after one year of the respective diets, the following growth parameters were determined: relative weight for sex and age, relative weight for height and height z‐score.ResultsDuring the study period, multiple food intolerance was documented in 21/21 HP‐intolerant infants (ass' milk group) and in 20/70 infants with CM‐intolerance but tolerating HP (casein hydrolysate group) (P < 0.0001). In the ass' milk group, the more frequent food intolerances were toward soya, oranges, tomatoes and fish; goat's milk intolerance was demonstrated in five out of six patients receiving this food, and sheep's milk derivatives intolerance in four out of seven; these patients tolerated ass' milk. During the study period 3/21 patients in the ass' milk group became ass' milk intolerant; they showed vomiting (one cases) or diarrhoea (two cases). A lower percentage (52%) of patients in the ass' milk group became CM‐tolerant during the study period than in the casein hydrolysate group (78%) (P < 0.01) and the age of the children at CM‐tolerance was higher in the ass' milk than in the casein hydrolysate‐treated children (P < 0.05). At diagnosis, a higher frequency of cases with elevated serum total IgE and specific IgE to CM antigens (P < 0.01) was observed in the ass' milk group. No difference was recorded between the two treatment groups in any of the growth parameters considered either at diagnosis or during the follow‐up.ConclusionsHP‐intolerant patients showed a higher frequency of persistent food intolerance and of multiple food intolerance than patients tolerating casein hydrolysate. Ass' milk feeding was confirmed as a safe and valid treatment of the most complicated cases of multiple food intolerance.
Efficacy and tolerability of fluticasone propionate nasal drops 400 μg once daily compared with placebo for the treatment of bilateral polyposis in adults
Authors: Keith P. , Nieminen J. , Hollingworth K. , Dolovich J. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundChronic eosinophilic rhinosinusitis underlies a range of respiratory disorders including nasal polyposis. Surgical and medical methods are used to control polyps, with topical steroids commonly being used for their anti‐inflammatory properties. Fluticasone propionate nasal drops (FPND) is a formulation developed specifically for an effective and well tolerated corticosteroid treatment of nasal polyposis.ObjectivesTo assess efficacy and tolerability of FPND in the treatment of bilateral nasal polyposis in adults.MethodsThis multicentre, randomized, parallel‐group study compared FPND 400 μg once daily (o.d.) with placebo for 12 weeks in adult patients with mild to moderate bilateral polyposis. The primary efficacy endpoint was visual assessment of polyp size by the physician at monthly clinic visits. Nasal blockage, rhinitis, peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), olfactory function and requirement for polypectomy were also assessed at visits. The patients kept diary card records of symptoms, PNIF, and use of rescue antihistamine. Additional safety data were provided by a 12‐week open extension, when all patients received FPND 400 μg o.d.ResultsAfter 12 weeks double‐blind treatment with FPND (n = 52) or placebo (n = 52), polyp size was reduced in 27% and 16% of patients, respectively; clinical reduction of nasal blockage significantly favoured FPND over placebo (55% vs 22%; P = 0.002), and clinic PNIF had increased significantly with FPND (by 52 L/min vs −3 L/min for placebo; P < 0.001). Diary card measurements showed significant benefits of FPND vs placebo for daily PNIF, nasal blockage, rhinitis and use of loratadine rescue medication. Both treatments were well tolerated and no serious adverse events occurred during randomized treatment. Epistaxis was more frequent with FPND than placebo but was generally mild and did not result in withdrawals. Mean serum cortisol levels did not change significantly with either treatment.ConclusionThis study showed FPND 400 μg o.d. to be an effective and well tolerated treatment for bilateral nasal polyposis in adults.
The transmembrane protein occludin of epithelial tight junctions is a functional target for serine peptidases from faecal pellets of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
Authors: Wan H. , Winton H. L. , Soeller C. , Taylor G. W. , Gruenert D. C. , Thompson P. J. , Cannell M. B. , Stewart G. A. , Garrod D. R. , Robinson C. 
Published: March 2003

There have been only a few studies of how allergens cross the airway epithelium to cause allergic sensitization. House dust mite fecal pellets (HDMFP) contain several proteolytic enzymes. Group 1 allergens are cysteine peptidases, whilst those of groups 3, 6 and 9 have catalytic sites indicative of enzymes that mechanistically behave as serine peptidases. We have previously shown that the group 1 allergen Der p 1 leads to cleavage of tight junctions (TJs), allowing allergen delivery to antigen presenting cells.In this study we determined whether HDMFP serine peptidases similarly compromise the airway epithelium by attacking TJs, desmosomes and adherens junctions.Experiments were performed in monolayers of MDCK, Calu‐3 or 16HBE14o‐epithelial cells. Cell junction morphology was examined by 2‐photon molecular excitation microscopy and digital image analysis. Barrier function was measured as mannitol permeability. Cleavage of cell adhesion proteins was studied by immunoblotting and mass spectrometry.HDMFP serine peptidases led to a progressive cleavage of TJs and increased epithelial permeability. Desmosomal puncta became more concentrated. Cleavage of TJs involved proteolysis of the TJ proteins, occludin and ZO‐1. This was associated with activation of intracellular proteolysis of ZO‐1. In contrast to occludin, E‐cadherin of adherens junctions was cleaved less extensively. Although Calu‐3 and 16HBE14o‐cells expressed tethered ligand receptors for serine peptidases, these were not responsible for transducing the changes in TJs.HDMFP serine peptidases cause cleavage of TJs. This study identifies a second general class of HDM peptidase capable of increasing epithelial permeability and thereby creating conditions that would favour transepithelial delivery of allergens.
Alpha‐1‐antitrypsin is present in the specific granules of human eosinophilic granulocytes
Authors: Johansson B. , Malm J. , Persson T. , Janciauskiene S. , Andersson P. , Carlson J. , Egesten A. 
Published: March 2003

Eosinophils may be found at sites of inflammation, for example in asthma, allergy and helminthic infestation, but their role in human inflammatory disease is unclear.In the present study, we investigated the presence of alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (AAT), a serine proteinase inhibitor, in human eosinophils.When lysates of highly purified eosinophils were subjected to Western blotting, with a chemiluminescent substrate, immunoreactive bands were seen. An ELISA was developed to measure the AAT content, which was found to be about 100 ng/5 × 106 eosinophils, about 50 ng/5 × 106 neutrophils, and about 25 ng/5 × 106 monocytes. Immunoelectron microscopy showed localization of AAT to the specific granules of eosinophils. During prolonged incubation of eosinophils, no significant increase in the total amount of AAT could be detected by ELISA. However, there was an increased level of AAT in the medium, in parallel with a decrease in the intracellular AAT content, suggesting release of preformed AAT. Apparent complex formation between iodinated elastase and AAT in eosinophil lysates provided evidence that the AAT is functionally active.On the basis of these findings it is suggested that by releasing AAT, eosinophils may, in a microenvironment, play a role in counteracting the tissue damage caused by serine proteinases released by neutrophils in inflammatory conditions.