bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rye γ‐70 and γ‐35 secalins and barley γ‐3 hordein cross‐react with ω‐5 gliadin, a major allergen in wheat‐dependent, exercise‐induced anaphylaxis
Authors: Palosuo K. , Alenius H. , Varjonen E. , Kalkkinen N. , Reunala T. 
Published: March 2003

Patients with wheat‐dependent, exercise‐induced anaphylaxis experience severe allergic reactions when exercising after ingestion of wheat. The major wheat allergen associated with these reactions is a ω‐5 gliadin, and patients following a gluten‐free diet have remained free of symptoms.The aim of this study was to examine whether allergens cross‐reacting with wheat ω‐5 gliadin are present in rye, barley and oats.Sera from 23 adult patients with wheat‐dependent, exercise‐induced anaphylaxis were examined. Cereal allergens cross‐reacting with wheat ω‐5 gliadin were identified by immunoblot inhibition. The cross‐reactive allergens were purified by gel filtration and reversed‐phase chromatography and submitted to amino acid sequencing. Cross‐reactivity was further studied by IgE ELISA and ELISA inhibition, and in vivo reactivity by skin prick testing.In immunoblotting rabbit anti‐ω‐5 gliadin antibodies bound to 70 kDa and 32 kDa proteins in rye and a 34‐kDa protein in barley, but not to proteins in oats. N‐terminal sequencing identified these proteins as rye γ‐70 secalin, rye γ‐ 35 secalin and barley γ‐3 hordein, correspondingly. In ELISA 21/23 (91%) patients with wheat‐dependent, exercise‐induced anaphylaxis showed IgE antibodies to purified γ‐70 secalin, 19/23 (83%) to γ‐35 secalin and 21/23 (91%) to γ‐3 hordein. In ELISA inhibition ω‐5 gliadin inhibited over 90% of the IgE binding of pooled patient sera to solid‐phase γ‐secalins and γ‐3 hordein. Skin prick testing gave positive reactions to γ‐70 secalin in 10/15 (67%) patients, to γ‐35 secalin in 3/15 (20%) patients and to γ‐3 hordein in 7/15 (47%) patients.The results of this study show that γ‐70 and γ‐35 secalins in rye and γ‐3 hordein in barley cross‐react with ω‐5 gliadin, a major allergen in wheat‐dependent, exercise‐induced anaphylaxis. These findings suggest that also rye and barley may elicit symptoms in patients with wheat‐dependent, exercise‐induced anaphylaxis.
Distribution of HLA‐A, B alleles and polymorphisms of TAP and LMP genes in Korean patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Lee H. J. , Ha S. J. , Han H. , Kim J. W. 
Published: March 2003

Background Atopic dermatitis has been seen to result from multifactorial inheritance, with interaction between genetic and environmental factors. The genetic association may differ according to the ethnic backgrounds.Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the genetic factors in Korean atopic dermatitis patients by studying the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I association and polymorphisms of transporters associated with antigen presentation (TAP) and low‐molecular‐weight polypeptide (LMP) genes.Methods HLA‐A and B genotyping was performed in 53 atopic dermatitis patients and 184 healthy controls using the standard microlymphocytotoxicity technique. TAP1, TAP2, LMP2, and LMP7 gene polymorphisms were anaylzed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP), PCR‐amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS), and PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP).Results Allele frequency of HLA‐A24 was significantly increased in patients with atopic dermatitis compared to controls (P < 0.05). HLA‐B alleles showed no differences in distribution between patients and controls. Genotype, phenotype, and allele frequencies of TAP1 gene also revealed no differences in distribution between patients and controls. Analysis of TAP2 gene polymorphisms showed increased frequencies of the TAP2*C allele and TAP2*A/TAP2*C genotype in atopic dermatitis patients compared to controls (P < 0.05). Distribution of LMP2 and LMP7 gene polymorphisms was similar for patients and controls.Conclusion This study demonstrates an association of atopic dermatitis with HLA‐A24 and TAP2*C alleles in Korean patients. Discrepancy with the previous reports might be related to different patient characteristics and ethnic variations.
cDNA cloning and molecular identification of the major oyster allergen from the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas
Authors: Leung P. S. C. , Chu K. H. 
Published: March 2003

Background Shellfish is one of the most common food allergens. Despite the recent cloning and molecular identification of the major heat stable crustacean allergens in shrimp, lobster and crab, there have been no similar studies on molluscs to which a significant portion of populations allergic to shellfish are also hypersensitive. Recent biochemical evidence suggests that tropomyosin is also an allergen in molluscs, but data on the molecular cloning, nucleotide sequencing, expression and IgE binding to mollusc tropomyosin are lacking.Objective This study was undertaken to clone, identify and determine the primary structure of a major IgE‐reactive mollusc allergen in oyster at the DNA and protein level.Methods We constructed an expression cDNA library from the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. This library was screened for IgE binding clones using sera from 15 subjects with a well‐documented history of type I hypersensitivity reactions to oysters. An IgE reactive clone was selected and sub‐cloned into plasmids for nucleotide sequence determination and expression in E. coli.Results We identified a 1.3‐kb cDNA designated as Cra g 1.03. Expression of Cra g 1.03 in plasmid vector pGEX produced a 59‐kDa recombinant fusion protein reactive to the IgE antibodies from patients with oyster allergies but not non‐allergic controls. Cra g 1.03 has an open reading frame of 233 amino acids and demonstrates marked similarity in amino acid composition and peptide sequence with mollusc and crustacean tropomyosins. Absorption of oyster allergic sera with Cra g 1.03 totally removed IgE reactivity to oyster extract. Moreover, absorption of allergic sera with recombinant shrimp tropomyosin (Met e 1), lobster tropomyosin (Pan s 1) and crab tropomyosin (Cha f 1) removed most of the IgE reactivity to Cra g 1.03.Conclusion Cra g 1.03 is the first oyster allergen identified at the molecular level. Nucleotide and amino acid comparison shows that this protein is the oyster tropomyosin.
The involvement of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 in airway inflammation of patients with acute asthma
Authors: Lee Y. C. , Lee H. B. , Rhee Y. K. , Song C. H. 
Published: March 2003

Background Bronchial asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airway characterized by airway remodelling, and is due at least in part to an excess of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in the airway wall, which leads to subepithelial collagen deposition. Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) is the major proteolytic enzyme that induces bronchial remodelling in asthma. MMP‐9 is also important in the migration of inflammatory cells through basement membrane components.Objectives We evaluated whether airway inflammatory cells correlated with levels of MMP‐9 in acute asthma and we examined the time course of sputum levels of MMP‐9 activity in patients with spontaneous asthma exacerbation.Methods We performed zymographic analysis and checked levels of MMP‐9 by means of enzyme immunoassay. MMP‐9 levels were also evaluated during a spontaneous attack of asthma.Results Pro‐MMP‐9 activities and concentrations of MMP‐9 in asthmatic patients significantly exceeded those of control subjects (P < 0.01). The activities of pro‐MMP‐9 were significantly higher in acute asthmatic patients than in stable asthmatic patients (P < 0.01). The elevated MMP‐9 activities significantly decreased after 7 and 28 days of therapy. In acute asthmatic patients, the levels of sputum MMP‐9 significantly correlated with the total macrophage + neutrophil + eosinophil cell numbers.Conclusion These data suggest that airway inflammation after asthma exacerbation correlates with the overproduction of MMP‐9, which then leads to airway remodelling.
Removal of bronchoalveolar cells augments the late eosinophilic response to segmental allergen challenge
Authors: Hunt L. W. , Gleich G. J. , Kita H. , Weiler D. A. , Schroeder D. R. , Vuk‐Pavlovic Z. , Sur S. 
Published: March 2003

Background In patients with quiescent asthma, macrophages are the most prevalent cells recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Through activation via their FcεRII receptors or by acting as antigen‐presenting cells, macrophages could, in theory, promote the late airway response to allergen.ObjectiveIn order to investigate the importance of macrophages and other airway luminal cells in inducing the late airway response, a novel washout experiment was designed.Methods Five patients with ragweed‐allergic asthma underwent bronchoscopy and segmental bronchial challenge with either normal saline or short ragweed extract in two segments of one lung. In a third segment of the opposite lung, 12 successive BALs (25 mL each) were performed, followed by challenge with an identical dose of short ragweed (washed‐challenged segment). After 24 h, all three challenged segments underwent BAL.Results Initially, in the washed‐challenged segment, over 80% (mean 80.4%, range 68–88%) of the recoverable airway dwelling cells were removed. Unexpectedly, 24 h later these same washed‐challenged segments contained more eosinophils in the BAL than the challenged segments from the opposite lung (P = 0.033).Conclusions Removing the majority of airway luminal cells followed by allergen bronchoprovocation increased the number of eosinophils recovered 24 h after challenge. Our results suggest that in quiescent allergic asthma, the airway luminal cells are protective and attenuate the late eosinophilic response to allergen challenge.
Stressful life events promote the manifestation of asthma and atopic diseases
Authors: Kilpeläinen M. , Koskenvuo M. , Helenius H. , Terho E. O. 
Published: March 2003

Background Psychosocial stress is known to aggravate asthma. Less is known about the impact of stressful life events on the expression of asthma and atopic disorders.Objective To determine whether the onset of asthma, allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis, are associated with stressful life events.Methods A postal survey on risk factors for asthma and atopic diseases was carried out among 10 667 Finnish first‐year university students aged 18–25 years. Stressful life events, (i) severe disease or death of a family member, and (ii) parental or personal conflicts, were retrospectively recorded during the preceding year, 1–5 years, 6–10 years, and more than 10 years prior to the survey response. In a case‐control setting, conditional multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the temporal association between major stressful life events occurring during a period either preceding, concomitant or subsequent with subject's diagnoses.Results Concomitant parental and personal conflicts increased the risk of asthma (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.10–2.69) when adjusted by parental asthma, education and passive smoking at early age. Concomitant severe disease or death of mother, father or spouse (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.09–2.16) and precedent parental and personal conflicts (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.15–2.77) increased the risk of manifestation of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis when adjusted for parental atopic disease, education and passive smoking. Subjects' asthma and atopic dermatitis, but not allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, were related to excess of subsequent stressful life events.Conclusion An association between stressful life events and subjects' asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis is suggested.
Influence of respiratory syncytial virus infection on cytokine and inflammatory responses in allergic mice
Authors: Barends M. , Boelen A. , De Rond L. , Kwakkel J. , Bestebroer T. , Dormans J. , Neijens H. , Kimman T. 
Published: March 2003

Background Th2 lymphocyte responses are associated with inflammation and disease during allergic responses. Exposure to particular environmental factors during the expression of allergy could result in more pronounced Th2‐like immune responses and more severe disease. One factor might be a respiratory virus infection.Objective The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection on the expression of ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced allergy in BALB/c mice.Methods We determined OVA‐specific IgE in serum, cytokine profiles and histopathological lesions in lungs of OVA‐allergic mice after RSV infection.Results OVA sensitization and challenge induced OVA‐specific IgE in serum, Th2 cytokine mRNA expression, and mononuclear and eosinophilic inflammation in the lungs. RSV inoculation during the challenge period enhanced OVA‐induced IL‐4 and IL‐5 mRNA expression in lung tissue. RSV further enhanced the OVA‐induced hypertrophy of mucous cells and eosinophilic infiltration in lung tissue. Surprisingly, RSV infection decreased Th2 cytokine secretion and eosinophilic influx in bronchoalveolar lavage of OVA‐allergic mice. Because inactivated RSV did not influence these responses, replication of RSV appeared essential for the modification of OVA‐induced Th2 cytokine expression. RSV did not change OVA‐specific IgE levels in serum. Furthermore, the RSV‐induced IL‐12 mRNA expression in lung tissue of OVA‐allergic mice was diminished, but IFN‐γ mRNA expression was not affected.Conclusion RSV infection enhanced particular OVA‐induced Th2 cytokine mRNA responses and pulmonary lesions in allergic mice and thus aggravated allergic respiratory disease.
Expression of Th1, Th2 and immunosuppressive cytokine gene transcripts in canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Nuttall T. J. , Knight P. A. , McAleese S. M. , Lamb J. R. , Hill P. B. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Atopic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disease of humans and dogs. Human atopic dermatitis is associated with Th2‐type responses, although Th1 cytokines can be identified in chronic lesions. In contrast, tolerance to environmental allergens in healthy individuals is mediated by regulatory T cells.Objective This study examined the expression of the immunosuppressive cytokines TGF‐β and IL‐10, the Th2‐type cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐6, and the Th1‐type cytokines IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐2, IL‐12p35 and IL‐12p40, in canine atopic dermatitis.Materials and methods RNA was isolated from lesional atopic, non‐lesional atopic and healthy canine skin samples. Semi‐quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reactions (RT‐PCRs) were carried out using specific primers and one‐way analyses of variance used to compare cytokine expression in each group.Results Canine atopic dermatitis was associated with over‐expression of IL‐4 mRNA and reduced transcription of TGF‐β compared with healthy skin (P < 0.05). Higher levels of IFN‐γ, TNF‐α and IL‐2 mRNA were seen in lesional compared with non‐lesional and healthy skin (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in IL‐10, IL‐6, IL‐12p35 or IL‐12p40 transcription between the three groups.Conclusions This is the first report to demonstrate that canine atopic dermatitis is associated with over‐production of IL‐4. Clinical tolerance in healthy individuals appears to be associated with TGF‐β, although it is unclear if this reflects an active mechanism or simply non‐responsiveness of the immune system. Th1 cytokines may be induced by subsequent self‐trauma and secondary infections in atopic skin. We believe that these results better characterize spontaneously occurring canine atopic dermatitis. We further propose that this should be investigated as a possible animal model of human atopic dermatitis.
Mouldy houses influence symptoms of asthma among atopic individuals
Authors: Dharmage S. , Bailey M. , Raven J. , Abeyawickrama K. , Cao D. , Guest D. , Rolland J. , Forbes A. , Thien F. , Abramson M. , Walters E. H. 
Published: March 2003

Background The influence of current levels of indoor fungi on asthma is a controversial issue that needs to be resolved in order to advise patients appropriately.Objective To assess the seasonal variation in indoor fungal levels and the impact of these levels on asthma among mould‐sensitized individuals.Methods Thirty‐five young adults with current asthma and sensitization to fungi were visited four times over 1 year. At each home visit a questionnaire was administered and samples of dust and air were collected. Participants also recorded information on symptoms, peak expiratory flows (PEF) and medication use. Dust samples were analysed for house dust mite allergen (Der p 1) and total fungal biomass (ergosterol). Total and genus‐specific fungal propagules were identified in air samples. Seasonal variation in allergen levels and significant independent effects of fungal levels on peak flow variability (PFV) were identified by repeated measures analysis of variance.Results Significant seasonal variations were observed in viable airborne fungi, ergosterol levels in the floor dust and PFV. PFV correlated significantly with symptom scores and the dose of reliever medication. PFV was also significantly associated with smoking and visible mould. The association between visible mould and PFV was independent of season, smoking and the dose of reliever medication. However, there was no association between total fungi, specific fungi or ergosterol and PFV. Der p 1 levels had no significant influence on asthma, even in HDM‐sensitized individuals.Conclusions Mouldy homes adversely influence asthma in asthmatics sensitized to fungi.
Prevalence of wheeze, bronchial hyper‐responsiveness and asthma in the elderly Chinese
Authors: Choy D. K. L. , Hui D. S. C. , Li S. T. , Ko F. W. S. , Ho S. , Woo J. , Lai C. K. W. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Asthma is a common health problem affecting patients of all ages. Because of the ease of sampling, epidemiological studies have concentrated mainly on the paediatric and general population.Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence of wheeze, bronchial hyper‐responsiveness and asthma amongst our elderly population and deduce any clinical and laboratory risk factors that might identify elderly asthmatics at an earlier stage.Methods Two thousand and thirty‐two elderly Chinese aged ≥ 70 years, randomly selected from a registered list of all recipients of Old Age and Disability Allowances in Hong Kong, were administered a questionnaire on lung health. Two hundred and fifty subjects were invited to attend our laboratory for skin tests and pulmonary function tests and 179 agreed. Of these, 173 (96.6%) and 176 (98.3%) had eosinophil count and serum IgE levels measured, respectively. Two definitions of asthma were used: (1) bronchial hyper‐responsiveness (BHR) plus current wheeze, and (2) history of wheezing without previous diagnostic labels of emphysema or chronic bronchitis.Results Fifteen patients (out of 179: 8.4%) reported wheezing over the past 1 year. Fifty‐one patients (28.5%) demonstrated BHR on spirometry or histamine challenge tests. Seven patients had both symptoms of wheezing and evidence of BHR. The prevalence of asthma using this definition is therefore 3.9% (95% CI 1.6–7.9%). Nine patients had symptoms of wheezing without previous diagnostic labels of chronic bronchitis or emphysema and, using this definition, the prevalence is 5.0% (95% CI 2.3–9.3%). Using multiple logistic regression studies, sex, social class, age, smoking habits, serum IgE levels and eosinophil counts did not predict a diagnosis of asthma using either definition. We found no association between a positive skin test and any respiratory symptoms or illnesses including asthma.Conclusion Wheeze, bronchial hyper‐responsiveness and asthma are prevalent amongst our elderly population. However, there were no identifiable demographic and laboratory risk factors in this study that may help us predict a diagnosis of asthma.
Role of interleukin‐13 in eosinophil accumulation and airway remodelling in a mouse model of chronic asthma
Authors: Kumar R. K. , Herbert C. , Yang M. , Koskinen A. M. L. , McKenzie A. N. J. , Foster P. S. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Interleukin‐13 is believed to be important in asthmatic inflammation and airway hyper‐reactivity.Objective To investigate the role of IL‐13 in chronic asthma, using an improved experimental model of asthma that reproduces most of the morphological features of the human disease.Methods BALB/c mice or gene‐targeted mice deficient in their ability to produce IL‐13 or the IL‐4 receptor α‐chain (IL‐4Rα) were sensitized to ovalbumin and exposed to aerosolized antigen for 30 min/day on 3 days/week for 6 weeks. Intraepithelial eosinophils, accumulation of chronic inflammatory cells in the airway wall, subepithelial fibrosis, epithelial hypertrophy and numbers of mucous cells were quantified histomorphometrically. Airway hyper‐reactivity (AHR) to a cholinergic agonist was assessed by barometric plethysmography.Results Compared with wild‐type animals, IL‐13 ‐/‐ mice exhibited diminished accumulation of eosinophils and chronic inflammatory cells, as well as reduced subepithelial fibrosis, epithelial hypertrophy and mucous cell hyperplasia (P < 0.01 for all comparisons). In contrast, AHR was still demonstrable in IL ‐13 ‐/‐ mice. In IL‐4Rα ‐/‐ mice the inflammatory response, subepithelial fibrosis and AHR were similar to wild‐type mice, although the receptor‐deficient mice had significantly less epithelial hypertrophy and mucous cell hyperplasia.Conclusion These results imply a critical role for IL‐13 in accumulation of intraepithelial eosinophils in chronic asthma, as well as in epithelial and subepithelial remodelling. In addition, they suggest that in chronic asthma, IL‐13 may be capable of signalling via a pathway that does not involve IL‐4Rα.
Studies on the carbohydrate moiety of Pla l 1 allergen. Identification of a major N‐glycan and significance for the immunoglobulin E‐binding activity
Authors: Calabozo B. , Barber D. , Polo F. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Pla l 1, the major allergen of Plantago lanceolata pollen, is a glycoprotein that contains an N‐glycosylation site. Carbohydrate moieties of many allergenic glycoproteins have been reported to be IgE‐binding determinants responsible for cross‐reactivity among different species.Objective To identify the kind of linkages and the type of glycans present in Pla l 1 and to investigate their contribution to the allergic response to this allergen.Methods Pla l 1 was deglycosylated by N‐glycosidase A and the IgE‐binding ability of the unglycosylated protein was evaluated by dot‐blot. Identification of β1 → 2 xylose and/or α1 → 3 fucose residues in Pla l 1 N‐glycan was carried out by incubation with specific antibodies from rabbit antiserum against HRP (anti‐HRP). The contribution of this N‐glycan to total IgE reactivity was analysed quantitatively by pre‐incubation of Pla l 1 with anti‐HRP prior to incubation with sera. The role of the carbohydrate moiety of Pla l 1 in cross‐reactivity was studied by RAST using unrelated glycoproteins with known sugar composition and structure.Results The effectiveness of N‐glycosidase A to deglycosylate Pla l 1 and the ineffectiveness of the treatment with PNGase F indicate that Pla l 1 carries a complex N‐glycan with an α1 → 3 fucose residue in its structure. Furthermore, the presence of β1 → 2 xylose and/or α1 → 3 fucose residues was identified in this N‐glycan by means of an ELISA. Pre‐incubation of Pla l 1 with an anti‐HRP antibody caused a weak but significant reduction in IgE reactivity. Some sera from P. lanceolata‐allergic patients reacted positively with four glycoproteins that bear N‐glycans of complex type but not with fetuine.Conclusions Pla l 1 is a glycoprotein that carries at least a complex, major N‐linked glycan, with a α1 → 3 fucose residue in its structure and probably also a β1 → 2 xylose. This glycan moiety does not seem to constitute a relevant allergenic epitope of Pla l 1.