bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serological characteristics of peanut allergy
Authors: Clarke  , Kilburn  , O'B. Hourihane  , Dean  , Warner  , Dean  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundPeanut is the most common cause of severe or fatal food‐associated anaphylaxis. Studies indicate that peanut extracts contain many allergenic proteins. The identification of major and minor allergenic components is necessary for standardization of experimental and diagnostic extracts.ObjectiveTo identify further major and minor allergenic components of peanut extract using a large population of peanut allergics, and to relate serological findings to clinical parameters.MethodsThe crude peanut extract was fractionated by fast protein liquid chromatography and the IgE binding proteins identified by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by western blotting. Serum from 89 peanut allergics with a positive history of peanut allergy and elevated specific IgE and control serum from four atopic and four non‐atopic, non‐peanut allergics were used.ResultsNineteen peanut proteins were found to bind IgE from peanut allergic sera. Over 70% of subjects reacted to protein bands of 63 and 17 kDa (consistent with Ara h 1 and Ara h 2, respectively), confirming the importance of these two proteins as major allergens. A high proportion of patient sera also bound proteins at 15, 10, 30, 18 and 51 kDa in decreasing order. The percentage of cases with sensitivity to a 15 kDa protein was found to be higher in patient groups with severe reactions to peanut.ConclusionThis study highlights the diversity of peanut allergens. Diagnostic extracts containing a high proportion of the 15 kDa component may aid in diagnosis.
The role of interleukin‐5, interleukin‐8 and RANTES in the chemotactic attraction of eosinophils to the allergic lung
Authors: Lampinen  , Rak  , Venge  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundBronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from patients with birch‐pollen allergy lavaged during the season showed an elevated chemotactic activity for eosinophils compared with BAL fluid from the same patients before the start of the season.AimThe aim of this study was to identify the eosinophil chemotactic agents in the BAL fluid, to compare these findings with in vitro studies on selected cytokines, and to investigate the interactions between these cytokines.MethodsNeutralizing antibodies for interleukins (IL) ‐2, ‐5 and ‐8, RANTES and leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) were added to the BAL fluid, and the chemotactic activity was tested with eosinophils from allergic donors. Eosinophils from healthy donors were preincubated with IL‐5 in order to mimic the primed state of eosinophils from allergics, and the migration towards recombinant IL‐5, IL‐8, and RANTES in different combinations was measured. Eosinophils from allergic donors were also used.ResultsAnti‐IL‐5, anti‐IL‐8 and anti‐RANTES inhibited the chemotactic activity in the BAL fluid. Recombinant RANTES induced migration, which was enhanced by preincubation of the cells with IL‐5. Only eosinophils from symptomatic allergics responded to IL‐8, and IL‐5 was not sufficient to prime normal eosinophils in vitro to an IL‐8 response. A negative correlation was found between the level of in vivo activation of the cells and their response to IL‐5, and a positive correlation with the response to RANTES.ConclusionIL‐8 and RANTES are important for eosinophil accumulation to the lung of pollen‐allergic asthmatics. IL‐5 alone may not be responsible for the priming of eosinophils in vivo, but is an essential cofactor for the other chemoattractants.
Bronchial eosinophilic infiltration in Crohn's disease in the absence of pulmonary disease
Authors: LOUIS  , LOUIS  , SHUTE  , LAU  , FRANCHIMONT  , LAMPROYE  , RADERMECKER  , DJUKANOVIC  , BELAICHE  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundImmunological and functional bronchopulmonary abnormalities may be present in up to two‐thirds of patients with Crohn's disease. Having recently described a mild increase in methacholine airways responsiveness in these patients, we investigated whether this physiological abnormality is associated with bronchial inflammation since it has previously been described in asthma.MethodsEighteen patients with Crohn's disease and 15 healthy controls matched for age, atopy and smoking habit, were studied. All the subjects underwent a bronchial methacholine challenge (1, 4 and 16 mg/mL) and a sputum induction by inhalation of hypertonic saline (NaCl 4.5%). The sputum samples were analysed for their cellular composition as well as for the levels of several mediators and proteins in the fluid phase, including eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), myeloperoxydase, albumin, α2‐macroglobulin, interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), IgA and IL‐8/immunoglobulin A complexes.ResultsWhen compared to control subjects, patients with Crohn's disease had significantly higher sputum eosinophil counts (14.5% [0–79.9%] vs 0.2% [0–2.3%]; P < 0.001) and ECP levels (26.2 μg/L [4–124.2 μg/L] vs 9.8 μg/L [0–94.2 μg/L]; P < 0.05). However, patients with Crohn's disease had no sign of increased plasma exudation as reflected by sputum levels of albumin and α2‐macroglobulin similar to those seen in control subjects. Furthermore the sputum levels of IL‐8, IgA and IL‐8/IgA complexes were not significantly different between the two groups. The magnitude of the fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s after methacholine inhalation was significantly increased in Crohn's disease patients although it did not correlate with the extent of sputum eosinophilia or with the sputum ECP levels.ConclusionsCrohn's disease patients without any clinical respiratory involvement have airway eosinophilia without local increased plasma exudation. However, bronchial eosinophilia in Crohn's disease per se is not sufficient to induce clinically significant airway hyperresponsiveness, suggesting that other factors than bronchial eosinophilic infiltration are required for the clinical expression of an airway instability.
Specific immunoglobulin E to peanut, hazelnut and brazil nut in 731 patients: similar patterns found at all ages
Authors: Pumphrey  , Wilson  , Faragher  , Edwards  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundPrevious studies have reported reactions to an increasing range of nuts as patients with nut allergy grow older. Most patients with symptoms suggesting nut allergy have specific IgE to more than one nut. Furthermore, fatal reactions have followed eating nuts different from any causing the deceased's previous reactions.ObjectiveTo explore the pattern of specific IgE to three distantly related nuts in patients of all ages with nut allergy.MethodsThis study includes all patients referred to our laboratory for nut allergy testing from January 1994 to August 1998 who were tested for peanut, hazelnut and brazil nut, and had specific IgE to at least one of these nuts. All tests were performed using the Pharmacia Unicap system.ResultsSeven hundred and thirty‐one patients (age 7 months to 65 years, median 6.6 years) had specific IgE > 0.35 kUA/L to at least one of these three nuts: 282 had IgE to one nut, 130 to two nuts, and 319 to all three nuts. When analysed by gender and age quartile, very similar patterns were found in all subgroups though significant age trends and age interactions were found for IgE to individual nuts and combinations of nuts.ConclusionsThe probability of a patient with nut allergy having specific IgE to a particular combination of peanut, hazelnut and brazil nut is similar, whatever their age or sex. The apparent increase in multiple nut reactivity with increasing age may therefore be due to exposure of previously unchallenged sensitivity. The frequency of multiple‐nut specificity is sufficiently high that patients should always be tested for allergy to a range on nuts if they have a history of reacting to any nut.
Possible influences of Staphylococcus aureus on atopic dermatitis — the colonizing features and the effects of staphylococcal enterotoxins
Authors: Morishita  , Tada  , Sato  , Toi  , Kanzaki  , Akiyama  , Arata  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundHeavy colonization of atopic dermatitis (AD) with Staphylococcus aureus is well documented. This phenomenon suggests that S. aureus in AD lesions influences the disease processes of AD.ObjectiveWe describe the importance of the presence of S. aureus and staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B (SEA, SEB) in AD lesions.MethodsWe investigated the colonizing features of S. aureus in AD lesions using electron microscopy, the distribution of SEB in the eczematous skin of AD using immunofluorescence, the effects of SEA and SEB on normal human epidermal keratinocytes in organ culture, and the presence of specific IgE antibodies to SEA and/or SEB in serum of AD patients by enzyme immunoassay.Results S. aureus in AD lesions colonized on and in the horny layers of the eczematous skin. SEB produced by S. aureus was distributed mainly on the dermal‐infiltrated cells, especially on eosinophils. SEA and SEB stimulated expression of ICAM‐1 and HLA‐DR in normal human keratinocytes. More than half of the AD patients in the present study had specific IgE antibodies to SEA and/or SEB in their serum.Conclusion S. aureus and SEs have important roles in the exacerbation and prolongation of AD.
Sensitization to cat without direct exposure to cats
Authors: CHAN‐YEUNG  , MCCLEAN  , SANDELL  , SLUTSKY  , ZAMEL  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundAllergy to pets, particularly cats, is one of the most important determinants of asthma and asthma‐like symptoms in many parts of the world. Cat allergen is found in homes and public places without cats.ObjectiveThe purpose of the study is to investigate the prevalence of sensitization to cat on the island of Tristan da Cunha where cats have been eliminated since 1974.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was conducted in 1993 on all residents on the island including allergy skin testing. Dust samples were collected from 20 homes on the island for measurement of house dust mite and cat allergens.ResultsPositive skin test reaction to cat was present in 57 (20.1%) of all islanders and in six (12.8%) of those born in or after 1975, 1 year after cats had been exterminated. Five of these six residents were born within 5 years of extermination of cats; two of these had attended school outside the island. A low level of cat allergen (Fel d 1) was found in only one out of 20 homes even though house dust mite allergens (Der p 1 or Der f 1) were found in all homes.ConclusionSensitization to cat allergen occurs on the island of Tristan da Cunha where there is no direct exposure to cats. This is due either to the persistence of the allergen after the removal of the animal or to the allergen being brought in on visitors' clothing.
Pollinosis to Ricinus communis (castor bean): an aerobiological, clinical and immunochemical study
Authors: García‐González  , Bartolomé‐Zavala  , Del Mar Trigo‐Pérez  , Barceló‐Muñoz  , Fernández‐Meléndez  , Negro‐Carrasco  , Carmona‐Bueno  , Vega‐Chicote  , Muñoz‐Román  , Palacios‐Peláez  , Cabezudo‐Artero  , Martínez‐Quesada  
Published: March 2003

Background Ricinus communis (castor bean) is a species included into the Euphorbiaceae family, common to all the warm regions of the world. Although the allergenicity of its seed is well known, references are scarce regarding the role played by its pollen as a pneumo‐allergen.ObjectivesTo carry out an aerobiological study of this pollen in the Málaga area (southern Spain); describe the physicochemical characteristics of its most relevant allergens; and to demonstrate the existence of patients with respiratory allergy due to this pollen.MethodsA Burkard spore trap was used for the aerobiological study from 1992 to 1996. Skin prick tests with castor bean pollen extract were performed to 1946 patients with rhinitis and/or asthma. Specific IgE levels were measured in castor bean‐positive SPT patient sera. Immunochemical characterization of the most relevant allergens was performed using electrophoretic techniques. In vitro cross‐reactivity studies using positive patient sera were carried out. Nasal challenge tests were done in 32 subjects randomly selected from the sensitized patient group.ResultsCastor bean is a perennial pollen with total annual pollen levels never exceeding 1%. One hundred and eighteen (7.7%) patients showed positive prick test (74 rhinitis, 36 rhinitis and asthma, eight asthma). Nine were monosensitized. Specific IgE levels were ≥ 0.35 PRU/mL in 39 (33%) of patient sera. Nasal challenge test: 10 subjects presented non‐specific nasal hyperactivity, 15 were positive and seven negative. The molecular masses and isoelectric points of the main IgE‐binding proteins, ranged from ≈ 67–15.5/14.5 kDa and ≈ 4.5–5.5, respectively. Profilin of the extract was purified by poli‐ L‐proline‐Sepharose chromatography and it appeared as one of the most frequent allergens.ConclusionCastor bean pollen is an allergen which causes respiratory (mainly nasal) symptoms.
Sequence analysis and expression of a cDNA clone encoding a 98‐kDa allergen in Dermatophagoides farinae
Authors: Tsai L.‐C. , Sun Y.‐C. , Chao P.‐L. , Ng H.‐P. , Hung M.‐W. , Hsieh K.‐H. , Liaw S.‐H. , Chua K.‐Y. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe important dust mite allergens identified to date are of molecular weights ranging from 14 to 60 kDa. Our previous protein study indicated that the 98‐kDa native paramyosin in Dermatophagoides farinae mite showed IgE reactivity with 82% of the mite‐sensitive asthmatic patients suggesting that it is a novel major mite allergen. This study described the isolation and characterization of the cDNA clone encoding the 98‐kDa mite allergen.MethodsA Dermatophagoides farinae cDNA library was constructed in lambda ZAPII vector and the library was immunoscreened with a monoclonal antibody 642. The cDNA insert was sub‐cloned into M13 sequencing vector for single‐stranded sequencing. The whole cDNA insert was expressed in pGEX‐2T Escherichia coli expression system as a fusion protein with GST. The allergenicity of the recombinant peptides was tested by skin tests and IgE immunoassay. The IgE and IgG immunoassays were performed with sera from 20 mite‐allergic patients.ResultsThe cDNA clone Df642 was 2134 bp long, coding for a polypeptide of 711 amino acid residues. Protein sequence analysis and alignment confirmed that the deduced polypeptide is a mite paramyosin which is truncated slightly at the N‐ and C‐terminuses. In vivo skin tests and in vitro IgE‐binding study showed that 62% (13/21) and 50% (10/20) of the mite‐sensitive asthmatic patients reacted positively with the recombinant Dermatophagoides farinae paramyosin, respectively.ConclusionThe study indicated that 98‐kDa mite paramyosin is an important allergen.
Citrus red mite (Panonychus citri) is the most common sensitizing allergen of asthma and rhinitis in citrus farmers
Authors: Kim  , Son  , Kim  , Park  , Lee  , Cho  , Min  , Kim  
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo evaluate type I hypersensitivity to citrus red mite (Panonychus citri), its prevalence, and relationship to respiratory dysfunction, a cross‐sectional survey was performed among citrus farmers on Cheju Island, Korea.Materials and methodsQuestionnaires, and skin prick test responses to 11 common inhalant allergens and citrus red mite were performed in 181 citrus farmers, and serum‐specific IgE antibodies to citrus red mite were measured by ELISA in sera of 123 subjects. To determine airway hyperresponsiveness, methacholine bronchial provocation tests were performed in 55 subjects who complained of recurrent lower respiratory symptoms.ResultsThe prevalence of asthma‐based on presence of asthmatic symptoms on the questionnaire and airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine, and allergic rhinitis based on presence of nasal symptoms on the questionnaire and positive skin‐test response were 12.1% and 19.3%, respectively. The positive rate of skin responses to one or more of 11 common inhalant allergens excluding citrus red mite was 17.1%, and if citrus red mite was included, 25.9% of farmers had positive responses. On skin prick tests, citrus red mite (16.5%) was the most common sensitizing allergen, followed by cockroach (11.0%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (9.9%), and D. farinae (9.3%). Among farmers with asthma and allergic rhinitis, the positive skin responses to citrus red mite were noted in 54.5 and 68.5%, respectively. Serum‐specific IgE antibodies to citrus red mite were detected in 45 farmers (36.5%) of the 123 tested, and there was significant correlation between specific IgE level and weal (A/H ratio) to citrus red mite (r = 0.57, P < 0.001). The prevalence of asthma was higher in subjects with positive skin responses or high serum‐specific IgE antibodies to citrus red mite than in those without skin response or serum specific IgE (P < 0.05, respectively).ConclusionCitrus red mite is the most important allergen in citrus farmers with asthma and rhinitis in which causative allergen has not been identified. It should be included in the skin test battery for screening the causative allergen in farmers exposed to citrus red mite.
Specific inhibition of TH2‐type cytokine production from human peripheral T cells by terfenadine in vitro
Authors: Munakata  , Umezawa  , Iwata  , Dong  , Yoshida  , Ishii  , Morimoto  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundCytokine imbalance is thought to be one of the causes for allergic diseases. The effect of anti‐allergic drugs on cytokine production from T cells should be examined in a convenient way.ObjectivesTo study the in vitro effect of terfenadine, a prototype non‐sedating H1 receptor antagonist, on cytokine production from activated T cells.MethodsT cells were cultured in the presence of terfenadine on anti‐CD3 mAb and anti‐CD26 mAb‐coated wells, anti‐CD3 mAb and anti‐CD28 mAb‐coated wells, and anti‐CD3 mAb wells with PMA. T‐cell proliferation, along with the concentrations of interleukin (IL) ‐2, interferon (IFN) ‐γ, IL‐4, and IL‐5 were measured.ResultsTerfenadine inhibited T‐cell proliferation and IL‐4 and IL‐5 production under each costimulatory condition tested, whereas it had no effect on IL‐2 and IFN‐γ production.ConclusionsThese results indicate that terfenadine has a specific inhibitory effect on TH2‐type cytokine production induced by several ways of costimulatory activation.
Allergy to bovine β‐lactoglobulin: specificity of human IgE to tryptic peptides
Authors: Sélo  , Clément  , Bernard  , Chatel  , Créminon  , Peltre  , Wal  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundBovine β‐lactoglobulin (Blg) is a major cow's milk allergen. It is the main whey protein, without any counterpart in human milk. Blg chemical hydrolysates appeared to retain most of the immunoreactivity of the native protein. Allergenicity of Blg has already been shown to be associated with the four peptides derived from cyanogen bromide cleavage of Blg.ObjectivesTo map the major allergenic epitopes (e.g. regions of the molecule able to bind IgE) on Blg using specific IgE from sera of 46 milk‐allergic patients as a probe.MethodsDirect and competitive inhibition enzyme immunoassays involving immobilized native protein or purified peptides derived from Blg tryptic cleavage.ResultsSeveral peptides capable of specifically binding human IgEs were identified and were classified according to the intensity and frequency of the responses. The major epitopes appeared to be fragments (41–60), (102–124) and (149–162) recognized by 92, 97 and 89% of sera, respectively, whilst a second group which contained the fragments (1–8) and (25–40) was recognized by 58 and 72% of the population. A third group, comprising peptides (9–14), (84–91) and (92–100), was still detected by more than 40% of sera.ConclusionThree peptides were identified as major epitopes, recognized by a large majority of human IgE antibodies. Numerous other epitopes are scattered all along the Blg sequence.
Composition and stability of allergenic extracts made from gamma‐irradiated rye grass (Lolium perenne) pollen
Authors: Cadot  , Van Hoeyveld  , Ceuppens  , Stevens  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundPhenol is commonly added to allergenic extracts as a bacteriostatic agent, but it is poisonous and also detrimental to proteins, which accelerates extract degradation. Sterilization by gamma‐irradiation of the source material could be an alternative to the use of phenol.ObjectiveTo analyse the potential effects of gamma‐irradiation of pollen on the composition, potency, and stability of the resulting extract, and compare them with those of phenol.MethodsRyegrass (Lolium perenne) pollen was sterilized by gamma‐irradiation at a dose of 25 kGy. Extracts prepared from the irradiated pollen were then compared by electrophoresis techniques and RAST inhibition to extracts, without or with 0.5% phenol, from nonirradiated pollen. In addition, proteolytic activity was compared in extracts from irradiated and nonirradiated pollen. To evaluate the stability of extracts on storage, they were analysed after forced degradation for up to 7 days at 37°C.ResultsWhen fresh extracts were analysed, there were no noticeable differences between the three types, as judged by immunoblotting and RAST inhibition experiments. However, on storage, extracts from irradiated pollen appeared to be superior to extracts from nonirradiated pollen, as some proteins were more stable in the former. This could be related to the lower proteolytic activity we have also observed in extracts from irradiated pollen. In contrast, extracts containing phenol degraded much faster, as proven by all our methods of investigation.ConclusionGamma‐irradiation of pollen did not influence the IgE‐binding capacity of the resulting extracts, but did yield extracts with somewhat improved stability, probably by reducing the proteolytic activity. It may be concluded that gamma‐irradiation of the source material represents a good alternative to the use of phenol for the preparation of allergenic extracts.
Airborne endotoxin exposure and the development of airway antigen‐specific allergic responses
Authors: Wan  , Li  , Lin  
Published: March 2003

Background and objectiveRepeated exposure of aerosolized antigen via respiratory tract can induce immunoglobulin (Ig) E isotype‐specific tolerance to this antigen. However, the atopic individuals often produce a higher titre of IgE in response to airborne environmental allergens. The mechanisms of this differential regulation of airway allergen‐specific immune responses are not fully understood. This study investigated the role of airborne endotoxin on the initiation of antigen‐specific airway allergic responses.MethodsELISA methods for detection of isotypes of antigen‐specific antibodies and competitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for detection mRNA of cytokines were used. In addition, Liu stain method was used to analyse the amounts of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.ResultsMice pre‐exposed with airborne endotoxin mounted significantly higher amounts of OVA‐specific IgE antibody responses to inhaled OVA than those OVA‐only sensitized mice. Inhaled endotoxin could downregulate repeated airway antigen exposure‐induced IgE isotype‐specific tolerance and increase antigen‐induced lung eosinophils infiltration.ConclusionsThese data show that airborne endotoxin exposure could potentiate allergen‐specific airway inflammation. The results should have potential implications for understanding the development of allergen‐induced airway allergic responses.