bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in sputum composition during sputum induction in healthy and asthmatic subjects
Authors: Holz  , JÖrres  , Koschyk  , Speckin  , Welker  , Magnussen  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundInduced sputum is increasingly used to characterize the cellular and biochemical composition of the airways.ObjectiveWe studied whether the composition of induced sputum is different between samples obtained sequentially during one sputum induction.MethodsSubjects with mild asthma (n = 7) or healthy subjects (n = 6) produced sputum during and after three consecutive 10 min periods of hypertonic saline inhalation. Samples were analysed separately for the three periods. To determine the reproducibility of the cellular composition, sputum induction was repeated on another two days.ResultsThe mean percentage of neutrophils decreased significantly (P < 0.01) during sputum induction in asthmatic (36.9, 29.8, 16.3%) and healthy subjects (43.6, 17.2, 18.0%). Correspondingly, percentages of macrophages increased and percentages of eosinophils were 4.9, 3.5, and 3.7% in the asthmatic and 0.6, 0.7, and 0.5% in the healthy subjects, without significant change over the three periods; mean eosinophil numbers were significantly higher in the subjects with asthma (P < 0.05). Reproducibility of percentage cell counts did not markedly depend on sampling periods in terms of coefficients of variation. The concentration of eosinophil cationic protein decreased in both groups during sputum induction (P < 0.01), geometric mean values being 579, 143, 57.4 μg L–1 in the asthmatic and 130, 47.3, 28.4 μg L–1 in the healthy subjects. Similar changes were seen for lactate dehydrogenase.ConclusionThe separate analysis of induced sputum from three consecutive sampling periods of a single induction procedure demonstrated significant changes in their cellular and biochemical composition, both in healthy and mild asthmatic subjects.
Preserved epitope‐specific T cell activation by recombinant Bet v 1‐MBP fusion proteins
Authors: Van Neerven  , Sparholt  , Schou  , Larsen  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundAllergen‐specific T cells play an important role in the allergic immune response, and are thought to be the principal target in specific immunotherapy.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to evaluate if fusion proteins of allergens with bacterial proteins can be used to activate and bias allergen‐specific T cells, and to characterize T cell epitopes.MethodsThe complete gene of Bet v 1, the major birch pollen allergen, was amplified by PCR from birch pollen mRNA, and cloned in pKK223–3. The complete gene or truncated sequences were transferred to pMAL‐c and expressed in E. coli as fusion proteins with maltose binding protein (MBP). The complete fusion protein, and the truncated fusion proteins were used for studies with Bet v 1‐specific T cells.ResultsBet v 1‐specific T cells reacted similarly with purified and crude Bet v 1‐MBP proteins. Therefore, crude preparations were used to study the epitope‐specificity of 11 Bet v 1‐specific T cell clones. Six distinct T cell epitopes were determined in this way. Interestingly, the T cell epitope of three T cell clones, that did not react with synthetic peptides in a previous study, was identified. In addition, the presence of MBP as a fusion partner to Bet v 1 was shown to influence TH2/TH1 cytokine production in T cell lines, but not in established T cell clones.ConclusionUsing crude preparations of recombinant fusion proteins of Bet v 1 with MBP, multiple T cell epitopes were identified in Bet v 1. As T cell activation is preserved in this system, the generation of recombinant allergens with TH1‐inducing proteins as fusion partners might be considered as a T‐cell targeted approach for specific immunotherapy.
Decrease of allergen‐specific T‐cell response induced by local nasal immunotherapy
Authors: Giannarini  , Maggi  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe clinical efficacy and safety of local nasal immunotherapy (LNIT) with lyophilized ‘macronized’ powder has been demonstrated. However, the immunological changes possibly induced by LNIT which may account for the clinical improvement are still unclear.ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of a successful LNIT‐treatment on the allergen‐driven T cell response, cytokine secretion and IgE and IgG antibody production.MethodsThree groups (untreated, subcutaneous immunotherapy‐ SIT‐ and LNIT‐treated) of grass‐sensitive patients suffering from seasonal rhinitic symptoms were ramdomized for the 2‐year study. The proliferative response of PBMC to purified Rye‐1 allergen and serum levels of grass‐specific IgE and IgG were evaluated before treatment and during the 2‐year subsequent pollination periods. The proliferative response of allergen‐specific short‐term T‐cell lines, as well as production of allergen‐driven cytokine by PBMC, were also assessed.ResultsBoth SIT and LNIT induced a significant reduction of symptom scores during the pollination season. SIT, but not LNIT, induced a significant change in serum levels of allergen‐specific IgE and IgG antibody. By contrast, both SIT and LNIT reduced the increase of the proliferative response of allergen‐specific T cells driven by natural allergen exposure and significantly decreased T cell proliferation to low doses of allergen, as shown also by the mitogenic index of allergen‐specific T‐cell lines. A reduced IL‐4 and IFNγ production by PBMC of LNIT‐ and SIT‐treated patients was also observed in the absence of a clearcut TH2‐TH1 switch.ConclusionsThese data suggest that a common mechanism of both LNIT and SIT is the induction of T‐cell tolerance, thus providing a rational basis to explain why LNIT may be clinically successful in allergic patients with rhinits.
Detection and quantification of group 4 allergens in grass pollen extracts using monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Fahlbusch  , MÜller  , Rudeschko  , JÄger  , Cromwell  , Fiebig  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundGrass pollen extracts are complex mixtures consisting of different major allergenic and non‐allergenic components. Phl p 4 is an important allergen, because more than 75% of grass pollen allergic patients produce specific IgE antibodies against group 4 allergens.ObjectiveThis study was designed to investigate the specificity of monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) produced against Phl p 4 and to verify the presence of group 4‐like proteins in different grass pollen. Furthermore the usefulness of MoAbs for quantification of group 4 allergens was studied.MethodsGroup 4 analogues were investigated by immunoblotting and ELISA inhibition using three MoAbs. The specificity of antibodies was studied using isolated group 1 and group 5 allergens. Quantification of group 4 allergen was achieved by a two‐site solid‐phase ELISA. Phl p 4 was purified from whole pollen extract by chromatographic or electrophoretic techniques and used as standard.ResultsThe MoAbs studied bound strongly to proteins from timothy grass pollen extract at a mw of 55 kDa and a pI of 9.0–9.3. Phl p 4 homologes with similar mw were detected in Dactylis glomerata, Festuca pratensis, Holcus lanatus, Poa pratensis, Lolium perenne. Epitope mapping showed that all three MoAb recognized unrelated regions on Phl p 4. A two‐site binding ELISA using MoAbs was developed for determination of Phl p 4 in Phleum pratense extracts. The method was able to evaluate group 4 in mass units with a working range between 150 and 2000 ng/mL. The absolute amounts of group 4 in extracts of several grasses varied considerably but was always less than 1% of the total protein.ConclusionGroup 4 homologes are present in the various grass extracts but to different extents. The group 4 ELISA could be very useful as a additional tool for providing information concerning the composition of grass pollen extracts.
Induced sputum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) measurement in asthma and chronic obstructive airway disease (COAD)
Authors: Gibson  , Woolley  , Carty  , Murree‐Allen  , Saltos  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundInduced sputum is a useful way to monitor airway inflammation in asthma, but cell counts are time‐consuming and labour intensive.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate a novel processing method using eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) as a biochemical marker of sputum eosinophil number and activation in subjects with asthma and other airway diseases. Methods Sputum was dispersed with dithiothreitol and centrifuged to yield cell free supernatant and a cell pellet. The pellet was treated with a cellular lysis buffer to release cell‐associated ECP. ECP was measured in sputum supernatant and in the lysed cell pellet and was compared with sputum eosinophil counts in 31 adults with asthma, chronic obstructive airway disease (COAD), bronchiectasis and healthy controls. The ratio of supernatant to pellet ECP was evaluated as an index of eosinophil degranulation. The effect of sputum processing reagents and storage time on ECP measurement was also evaluated.ResultsECP measured in the cell pellet lysate correlated closely with sputum absolute eosinophil counts across a range of subject groups (r = 0.72, P = 0.004). Sputum eosinophil counts were less well correlated with supernatant ECP levels (r = 0.54, P < 0.05). Incubation with dithiothreitol or lysis buffer did not influence ECP measurement and sputum ECP levels were stable over a 6–9 month period. Sputum supernatant and pellet lysate ECP concentrations were increased in stable asthma, asthma exacerbations and COAD/bronchiectasis (P < 0.05). The ratio of supernatant to pellet ECP was used as an index of eosinophil degranulation and found to be elevated in asthma exacerbations, COAD and bronchiectasis, but not in stable asthma.ConclusionThe measurement of ECP in the sputum cell pellet provides a reliable and efficient estimate of sputum eosinophil counts which can potentially be used in clinical trials and epidemiological surveys. The ECP ratio may be a useful marker of eosinophil activation, and was increased in asthma exacerbation and COAD. The increased ECP in COAD reflects a non‐selective accumulation of eosinophils in this condition.
Persistent cow's milk protein intolerance in infants: the changing faces of the same disease
Authors: Iacono  , Cavataio  , Montalto  , Soresi  , Notarbartolo  , Carroccio  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundRecent research has shown that cow's milk protein intolerance (CMPI) often persists beyond 4 years of age.AimsTo evaluate the clinical and immunological characteristics of a group of infants with persistent CMPI.Patients and methodsTwelve infants (6 m, 6f) with persistent CMPI were followed up from birth until a median age of 5 years. The patients underwent CMP challenge each year to evaluate CMP‐tolerance. As controls we followed 26 infants (12 m, 14 f) with CMPI that resolved within 1–2 years.ResultsA family history of atopic disease was found in 10/12 patients with persistent CMPI and in 10/26 controls (P < 0.01). Clinical presentation changed over time: at onset symptoms were prevalently gastrointestinal, while at the end of the study there was an increased frequency of wheezing and constipation and a higher frequency of delayed reactions to CMP‐challenge than at study commencement (9/12 vs 2/12;P < 0.007). 11/12 infants with persistent CMPI and 3/26 controls (P < 0.0001) presented multiple food intolerance. During the observation period 9/12 infants with persistent CMPI and 2/26 controls showed atopic disease: asthma, rhinitis, eczema (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsPersistent CMPI forms are characterized by: (a) considerable importance of familial atopic disease; (b) change in CMPI manifestations over time and more prolonged delay between CMP consumption and manifestation of symptoms; (c) very high frequency of multiple food intolerance and allergic diseases.
Alimentary allergy to pork. Crossreactivity among pork kidney and pork and lamb gut
Authors: LLÁtser  , Polo  , DE LA Hoz  , Guillaumet  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundA patient suffered from anaphylaxis after the ingestion of pork gut and kidney, but she tolerated pork meat. Clinical symptoms were also triggered upon intake of lamb gut.ObjectiveTo demonstrate an IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity and identify the pork proteins involved. And also, to study the possible cross‐allergenicity among proteins from lamb gut and pork.Methods and resultsThe patient had strong positive skin‐prick test responses to pork kidney, gut and liver, and lamb gut and kidney. RAST technique showed specific IgE to pork kidney, gut and meat. Immunoblotting after SDS‐PAGE disclosed the presence of four prominent IgE‐binding polypeptides in pork kidney (200, 90, 57, and 47 kDa), two in gut (57 and 27 kDa), and three in meat (51, 40, and 28–30 kDa), apart from other weaker radiostained bands in each extract. The binding of IgE to 200 and 90 kDa allergens from pork kidney was inhibited by gut from pork and lamb in immunoblotting inhibition assays. No inhibition was produced by pork meat.ConclusionsA mechanism of IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity has been demonstrated in this case of anaphylaxis provoked by pork products. Four main allergens were detected in pork kidney, two of which (200 and 90 kDa) share allergenic epitopes with proteins from pork and lamb gut. On the other hand, pork meat does not seem to have allergenic epitopes in common with pork kidney.
Cereal α‐amylase inhibitors cause occupational sensitization in the wood industry
Authors: LÓpez‐Rico  , Moneo  , Rico  , Curiel  , SÁnchez‐Monge  , Salcedo  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundCereal flours are used in the wood industry to improve the quality of the glues necessary to produce veneer panels. However, up to now, no cases of sensitization to cereal flour in this kind of industry have been reported. Cereal α‐amylase inhibitors have been previously described as important occupational allergens responsible for baker's asthma.ObjectiveTo determine whether cereal allergens were responsible for occupational sensitization in three wood industry workers.MethodsThe diagnosis was made by clinical questionnaire, physical examination, skin‐prick tests to cereals, CAP and immunoblotting.ResultsThe three patients had positive skin prick tests and CAP to cereal flours. An IgE‐immunoblotting revealed that only low molecular weight proteins (under 20 kDa) were detected by the three sera. These main IgE‐binding proteins were members of the α‐amylase inhibitor family which have been described as one of the group of main allergenic proteins in rye, barley and wheat. The three patients changed their workplace and remain asymptomatic in spite of the fact that they are still in contact with different woods and exposed to high concentrations of wood dust and other chemicals such as formaldehyde.ConclusionProteins from cereal flours are important occupational allergens in some wood industries.
House dust mite allergen (Der p 1) accumulation on new synthetic and feather pillows
Authors: Rains  , Siebers  , Crane  , Fitzharris  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundWe have previously demonstrated that synthetic pillows contain significantly more Der p 1 than feather pillows. The aim of this study was to compare the accumulation of Der p 1 allergen on new synthetic and new feather pillows.MethodsDer p 1 was measured in dust samples from pairs of synthetic and feather pillows placed together on 12 beds over a 12‐month period.ResultsAfter 12 months synthetic pillows contained higher concentrations of Der p 1 (19.28 μg/g; 95% confidence interval: 9.76–38.07) than feather pillows (6.45 μg/g; 2.96–14.05). There was a significant correlation between Der p 1 concentrations of pillows at 12 months and Der p 1 concentrations of the mattresses at the beginning of the study (r = 0.72; P = 0.008 for both types of pillows).ConclusionsSynthetic pillows accumulate Der p 1 more rapidly than feather pillows and the accumulation rate of Der p 1 on pillows is governed by the Der p 1 concentration in the immediate environment they are placed in.
Prevalence of rhinitis, pillow type and past and present ownership of furred pets
Authors: FROSH  , SANDHU  , JOYCE  , STRACHAN  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThere has been no previous work investigating the effects of furred pet ownership and pillow type on the risk of developing rhinitis. Recently, unexpected and unexplained associations of asthma with nonfeather pillows have been reported.ObjectiveWe developed a questionnaire‐based cross‐sectional survey to determine whether the past or present ownership of cats or dogs, or the use of nonfeather pillows contributes to the development of seasonal or perennial rhinitis.MethodsWe surveyed 2555 accompanying friends and relatives of patients attending the outpatients departments at one London hospital in 1996. Individuals with rhinitis were defined as those suffering with three or more symptoms of rhinitis either throughout the year (perennial) or for part of the year (seasonal). Present or childhood ownership of cats or dogs was recorded.ResultsA strong association was seen with nonfeather pillow use and both seasonal [odds ratio (OR) 1.85; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43–2.5] and perennial (OR 2.63; CI 1.67–5.0) rhinitis. However, more than one‐third of rhinitics had changed their pillow type. After restricting the data to exclude subjects who changed their pillow to avoid allergies, the strong association of nonfeather pillow use with perennial rhinitis remained (OR 2.44; CI 1.25–5.0). Adjusting the data to the extreme situation where all former pillow type was feather changes the apparent risk to 0.99 (CI 0.67–1.43). No associations for either seasonal or perennial rhinitis were seen for feather pillows. A weak association of current dog ownership is demonstrated for seasonal rhinitis (OR 1.47; CI 1.01–2.14). No associations were seen for childhood dog ownership or cat ownership at any time with either type of rhinitis.ConclusionsFeather pillow use and the ownership of furred pets appears unlikely to increase the risk of developing perennial or seasonal rhinitis. In fact, in contrast with currently held views, there is evidence that the use of nonfeather pillows may increase the risk.
Attenuation of house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae‐induced airway allergic responses in mice by dehydroepiandrosterone is correlated with down‐regulation of TH2 response
Authors: Yu  , Yang  , Lei  , Chen  , Liu  , Chen  , Liu  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundDehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an abundant androgen in circulation, has important immunomodulating effects on T‐cell differentiation; however, it is not known whether this hormone influences allergic responses.ObjectiveWe have established a murine model of airway inflammation induced by house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f). Der f challenge of sensitized mice would elicit a pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation. In the present study, we employed this model system to explore the effect of DHEA on allergic responses.MethodsFemale BALB/c mice were fed with a standard diet incorporated with 1.5% (w/w) of DHEA for 1 week before sensitization and every other day for an additional 2 weeks after sensitization. After intratracheal inoculation of allergen, the Der f‐induced airway inflammation, immunoglobulin (Ig)E antibody production, and cytokine expression were compared between control and DHEA‐fed mice.ResultsIn control mice the Der f‐induced eosinophilia in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids was accompanied by an increase in production of interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, and interferon IFN‐γ systemically and locally. DHEA supplementation did not affect the body weight of mice. However, in mice that were receiving DHEA, the numbers of eosinophils and lymphocytes in BAL fluids significantly decreased at days 2 and 6 after challenge as compared with control mice. Concomitantly, total IgE antibody concentrations as well as IL‐4, IL‐5, and IFN‐γ levels in BAL fluids or serum also significantly reduced. Immunocytochemical staining of BAL cells revealed that there were fewer IL‐4‐, IL‐5‐, IL‐10‐, but not IFN‐γ‐positive stained cells in DHEA‐fed mice than in mice who consumed unsupplemented diet. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated DHEA decreased the expression of IL‐5 and IL‐10 transcripts in BAL cells.ConclusionsOur results showed that administration of DHEA during allergic sensitization could attenuate the subsequent allergic responses elicited by challenge, and that the suppressive effect of DHEA was associated with a down‐regulation of TH2 response.
House dust mite fauna of tropical Singapore
Authors: Chew  , Zhang  , Ho  , Lee  
Published: March 2003

Introduction and aimsSensitization to house dust mites is very common in the tropics. This study evaluated the dust mite fauna in Singaporean homes.MethodsA total of 134 dust samples from 50 homes were evaluated. Dust mites were isolated, identified and quantified by standard techniques.ResultsDust mites were isolated from 130/134 (97%) samples, with mites identified in all samples from sofas (n = 21) and carpets (n = 13), and 49/50 (98%) and 47/50 (94%) from mattresses and bedroom floors, respectively. All samples from sofas and carpets had more than 500 mites/g compared with 47/50 (94%) and 23/50 (46%) from mattresses and floors, respectively. Blomia tropicalis was the predominant mite (62% of total mites) followed by D. pteronyssinus (16% of total mites). Eight samples had a predominance of Sturnophagoides brasiliensis and Tarsonemus granarius. Other species that accounted ≈ 1% of mites identified included D. farinae, Austroglycyphagus malaysiensis, Cheyletus malaccensis, Malayoglyphus intermedius, Suidasia pontifica and Tyrophagus putrescentiae.ConclusionDust mites were highly prevalent and present in high densities in Singaporean homes with B. tropicalis being the most prevalent species.
Residential characteristics influence Der p 1 levels in homes in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: DHARMAGE  , BAILEY  , RAVEN  , CHENG  , ROLLAND  , THIEN  , FORBES  , ABRAMSON  , WALTERS  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundExposure to house dust mite (HDM) allergens is an important risk factor for childhood asthma. Knowledge of environmental determinants of HDM allergen levels is essential before designing rational avoidance measures.AimTo investigate the effect of domestic characteristics on HDM allergen (Der p 1) levels in Melbourne homes.MethodsDust was collected from bed and floor of the bedrooms in 485 houses over a period of one year. Dust was analysed for Der p 1 levels using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Temperature and relative humidity were measured at the visit. Details of residential characteristics were collected using a questionnaire. Statistically significant predictors of Der p 1 levels (P < 0.05) were identified using multiple linear regression.ResultsHigh levels of Der p 1 were observed in the floors (geometric mean 17.2 μg/g fine dust) as well as in the beds (geometric mean 20.3 μg/g fine dust). Der p 1 levels in the floor dust were significantly lower in winter and spring. They were higher in houses built before 1980 and those with central heating, weather board walls, damp bedrooms or fitted old wool carpets. Der p 1 levels in bed dust were significantly higher in houses built before 1980, with wooden floors built on stumps, with high relative humidity, with visible mould in the room, in beds with an old mattress or in beds without a quilt.ConclusionsWe would encourage construction of homes without carpets, wooden floors on stumps or weather board walls.