bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Provocations with perfume in the eyes induce airway symptoms in patients with sensory hyperreactivity
Authors: Millqvist E , Bengtsson U , Löwhagen O 
Published: March 2003

Background: In earlier studies, we have shown that patients with a history of sensory hyperreactivity develop asthma‐like symptoms when exposed to strong scents, even if they cannot smell any scent. Methods: For study of possible pathophysiologic mechanisms behind sensory hyperreactivity, the patients' airways and eyes were separately exposed to a common inducing factor, perfume. Eleven patients with a history of hyperreactivity to chemical trigger factors, such as perfume, were provoked single‐blindly in a placebo‐controlled, randomized study. During airway exposure, the eyes were covered and, during the eye exposure, the patients inhaled fresh air. A special face mask or a nose clip was used to avoid any smell. Results: During the 30‐min exposure to perfume, there was a gradual increase in three main symptoms; i.e., eye irritation, cough, and dyspnea, after both the airway and eye exposures. The increases were significant compared with placebo. Conclusions: Asthma‐like and other symptoms, such as irritation of the eyes, may be induced by exposure of both the airways and the eyes in patients with sensory hyperreactivity. This points to the importance of studying the sensory nervous system, not only in the airways, but also in other organs.
Strain‐dependent induction of allergic rhinitis without adjuvant in mice
Authors: Okano M , Harn Jr DA , Abe M , Wang M‐M , Satoskar AR , Nishizaki K , Masuda Y , Okano M , Yoshino T 
Published: March 2003

Background: To date, no murine models have been reported to show the induction of both antigen‐specific IgE and nasal eosinophilia, two of the major hallmarks of allergic rhinitis, after local sensitization in the absence of adjuvants, a phenomenon which reflects natural exposure. In this report, we attempted to establish a murine model representing an initiation of allergic rhinitis. Methods: BALB/c, CBA/J, and C57BL/6 mice were sensitized intranasally to Schistosoma mansoni egg antigen (SEA) solely. After repeated sensitization, serum Ab titers, nasal eosinophilia, and cytokine production by nasal lymphocytes were determined. Results: BALB/c mice produced SEA‐specific IgE after repeated sensitization. High‐dose sensitization to SEA induced IgE production in CBA/J mice, while C57BL/6 mice did not show the production throughout the period observed, suggesting that IgE production was regulated genetically. BALB/c mice also exhibited nasal eosinophilia after the nasal challenge. In addition, nasal lymphocytes sensitized with SEA intranasally produced significant amount of IL‐5 in vitro. Conclusions: These results suggest that intranasal sensitization with SEA in the absence of adjuvants induces a Th2 immune reaction, reflecting the hallmarks of the initiation of allergic rhinitis both in vivo and in vitro, which is genetically regulated.
Early increase in urinary leukotriene E4 (LTE4) is dependent on allergen dose inhaled during bronchial challenge in asthmatic subjects
Authors: Bancalari L. , Conti I. , Giannessi D. , Lazzerini G. , Dente F. L. , De Caterina R. , Paggiaro P.L. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Urinary leukotriene E4 (LTE4) excretion is a good marker of the rate of total body production of sulfidopeptide leukotrienes released during allergen challenge. Methods: Twenty‐three subjects with allergic asthma were challenged with inhaled allergen, and the urinary excretion of LTE4 was determined by immunoenzymatic assay (associated with HPLC separation) at various intervals after challenge. Results: Allergen challenge caused an early airway response (EAR) with a drop in FEV1 of 40.3±9.9%. This was associated with an increase in urine LTE4 excretion for 0–3 h after allergen inhalation (296±225.25 pg/mg creatinine) in comparison with baseline values obtained during the night before challenge (101.02±61.97 pg/mg creatinine). Urinary LTE4 excretion was significantly higher in subjects who inhaled a higher dose of allergen during challenge (LTE4 during EAR: 211±192 pg/mg creatinine in subjects with inhaled total dose of allergen <0.1 biologic units; 408±223 pg/mg creatinine in subjects with inhaled total dose >0.1 biologic units). All subjects showed a late airway response (LAR) to allergen of different severity, from mild (FEV1 fall: 15–20%) to severe (>30%); no correlation was found between the increase in urine LTE4 excreted during LAR (3–7 h after challenge) and the severity of LAR, but only subjects with severe LAR showed a significant increase in LTE4 during LAR in comparison with baseline value. Conclusions: A release of sulfidopeptide leukotrienes, as evaluated by urinary LTE4 excretion, can be documented during EAR and LAR to allergen in relation to the dose of inhaled allergen, and it can represent a useful index of the events underlying the airway inflammatory responses during allergen challenge.
Regulation of ICAM‐3 and other adhesion molecule expressions on eosinophils in vitro. Effects of dexamethasone
Authors: Juan M. , Vilardell C. , Yagüe J. , Picado C. , Mullol J. , Roca‐Ferrer J. , Fuentes M. , Pérez M. , Picado C. , Juan M. 
Published: March 2003

Background: ICAM‐3 has been recently identified as the third leukocyte‐function associated‐1 (LFA‐1) ligand. ICAM‐3 is expressed in eosinophils, but its regulation has not been studied. The objective of this study was to investigate the differential expression of ICAM‐3 and other adhesion molecules (AM) on the surface of eosinophils. We also evaluated the effects of dexamethasone on AM expression. Methods: Normodense eosinophils were isolated from peripheral blood and incubated with calcium ionophore A23187 (calcimycin) with and without dexamethasone. Expression of AM was assessed by flow cytometry and expressed as fluorescence mean intensity (FMI). Results: Peripheral blood eosinophils constitutively expressed low levels of ICAM‐1 and ICAM‐2 (<10 FMI), moderate levels (10–50 FMI) of CD29 and L‐selectin, and high levels (>50 FMI) of ICAM‐3, LFA‐1, and Mac‐1. Calcium ionophore (1 μM) significantly increased Mac‐1 and ICAM‐1 expression at 6 and 24 h. L‐selectin expression decreased at 6 and 24 h, but ICAM‐2, ICAM‐3, LFA‐1, and CD29 expression did not show any significant change after calcium ionophore stimulation. Dexamethasone decreased ICAM‐3 and increased L‐selectin basal expression, and it caused a dose‐related inhibition of calcium ionophore‐induced ICAM‐1 expression. Conclusions: These findings suggest that some AM, such as ICAM‐1, Mac‐1, and L‐selectin, may be involved in adhesion during eosinophil activation and that glucocorticoids may prevent airway inflammation by regulating the expression of AM in eosinophils. The role of ICAM‐3, a leukocyte AM highly expressed in resting eosinophils, remains to be clarified.
Immune responses to Aspergillus antigen in IL‐4‐/‐ mice and the effect of eosinophil ablation
Authors: Kurup VP , Murali PS , Xia J‐Q , Fink JN , Choi HY , Coffman RL 
Published: March 2003

Background: Exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus allergens results in enhanced total serum IgE and peripheral blood eosinophils in mice. The associated pulmonary inflammation and immunologic responses are comparable to those detected in human allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Allergen‐induced cytokines are thought to regulate the inflammatory and immune responses in these animals. Methods: In the present study, we exposed C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice to A. fumigatus antigen. Both wild‐type and IL‐4 knockout phenotypes of animals of both strains were used. Some animals were also treated with anti‐IL‐5 or anti‐IFN‐γ. Total serum IgE, Aspergillus species IgG subclass, peripheral blood eosinophils, and lung histology were studied. Results: The results demonstrate similar lung inflammation in all wild‐type and IL‐4‐/‐ animals exposed to A. fumigatus antigen. Similarly, in spite of the diverse immune response produced by the anticytokine treatment, no major differences were detected among any of the animal groups studied. Conclusions: It can be concluded that A. fumigatus exposure in an immunologically unaltered host is predominantly of a Th2 type, and that depletion of the Th2 cytokine leads to a similar lung inflammation but with a characteristic Th1 response, suggesting that the pathogenesis of allergic aspergillosis is the result of multiple induction pathways.
The frequency of phospholipase A2 binding of basophilic granulocytes does not decrease during bee‐venom‐specific immunotherapy
Authors: Irsch J , Löhndorf A , Radbruch A , König C , Krieg T , Hunzelmann N , Tesch H , Merk H , Radbruch A 
Published: March 2003

Background: The major allergenic component of bee venom is phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Methods: In this study, PLA2 was used to analyze and enrich PLA2‐binding cells from peripheral blood by high gradient magnetic cell sorting. Results: In normal donors, the frequency of allergen (PLA2)‐binding cells among peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as determined by flow cytometry is below 0.1%, whereas in bee‐venom‐allergic patients, PLA2‐binding cells are readily detectable at frequencies of up to 2.3%. In severely bee‐venom‐allergic patients, many basophilic granulocytes are present, as defined by anti‐CD9, CD25, and CD38 mAb, comprising up to 95% of the PLA2‐binding cells. From blood of allergic and normal donors, about equal absolute numbers of allergen‐binding CD19/21‐positive B cells can be enriched. Severe anaphylactic reactions (Mueller grade IV) and failure of or adverse reactions during immunotherapy are associated with high numbers of circulating allergen‐binding basophils. Interestingly, in the patients studied, the number of PLA2‐binding basophilic granulocytes did not markedly change during rush immunotherapy and up to 6 months of maintenance immunotherapy. Conclusions: The specific and reproducible enrichment of PLA2‐binding cells provides a new tool for the analysis and monitoring of effector cells in bee‐venom‐allergic patients with immediate‐type hypersensitivity.
Survey of recognition and utilization of guidelines for the diagnosis and management of bronchial asthma in Japan
Authors: Makino S. , Miyamoto T. , Nakajima S. , Kabe J. , Baba M. , Mikawa H. , Furusho M. , Fukuda K. , Nakagawa T. , Naitou H. 
Published: March 2003

Background: In Japan in 1993, the Japanese Society of Allergology (JSA) developed guidelines for diagnosis and management of asthma (JGL), which were based on the concept that asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airway. Methods: This survey study was intended to investigate the recognition and utilization of JGL among physicians who had treated asthma. The survey comprised two methods: a quantitative mail survey and a qualitative door‐to‐door survey conducted by trained interviewers. Results: In the mail survey, a total of 1028 physicians responded; 552 members of the JSA and 476 nonmembers. Ninety‐four percent of JSA members were aware of adult asthma management guidelines, while 53 nonmembers were aware of them. Although approximately half of the physicians, both member and nonmember, found differences between the asthma management policies in JGL and their previous policies, most of them utilized JGL, once they read it. In the qualitative door‐to‐door survey, 80–90% of physicians evaluated JGL as good after they read it. Conclusions: JGL was recognized and utilized by most JSA members, but only half of nonmember physicians were aware of JGL, although they utilized JGL after they read it. Further action to implement JGL among nonspecialist physicians is needed to improve management of asthma.
2S methionine‐rich protein (SSA) from sunflower seed isan IgE‐binding protein*
Authors: Kelly J. D. , Hefle S. L. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Sunflower seed contains 2S albumins that in other crops have been associated with allergenicity. The sunflower seed methionine‐rich 2S albumin (SSA) may be an IgE‐binding protein responsible for anaphylactic reactions in some sunflower seed‐sensitive subjects. The objective was to demonstrate that SSA is an IgE‐binding protein. Methods: SSA was purified and the amino‐acid sequence determined. The degree of purity of SSA was evaluated by silver staining, and its IgE‐binding capacity by immunoblotting with serum from a subject with a convincing clinical history of anaphylaxis to sunflower seed. Results: The amino‐acid sequence confirmed that the purified protein was the mature form of the methionine‐rich storage protein SSA from sunflower seed (Helianthus annuus). The SSA was specifically recognized by IgE from the serum of the sunflower seed‐allergic subject. Conclusions: SSA is an IgE‐binding protein, and subjects allergic to sunflower seed whose IgE binds to SSA are at risk of developing allergic reactions if they consume SSA.
Marker antigens to assess exposure to molds and their allergens.I. Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Wijnands L. M. , Deisz W. D. C. , Van Leusden F. M. 
Published: March 2003

Background:  Exposure to molds and mold products in the indoor environment may lead to allergies, asthma, or respiratory complaints in general. Enumeration of viable parts of molds in the environment is insufficient to estimate exposure. Therefore, other methods have to be developed. Methods:

Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) was grown under various circumstances (22°C and 30°C, high and low water activity) in the laboratory. At various moments during culture, extracts were taken, and antigen and allergen content was examined by acrylamide electrophoresis and immunoblot. Results:  In extracts of the culture filtrate, two antigens were found to be produced under all studied growth conditions (common antigens). In the extracts of the water‐soluble portion of the mycelium, one common antigen was found. Conclusions:
The three common antigens may serve as marker antigens for exposure to Af and its products. In view of the simultaneous presence of two of these common antigens with Af allergens, these two marker antigens may be used to estimate exposure to allergens of Af.
A new method for collecting airborne allergens
Authors: Parvaneh S. , Ahlf E. , Elfman L. H. M. , Van Hage‐Hamsten M. , Elfman L. , Nybom R. 
Published: March 2003

xxBackground: Measurement of airborne allergens has hitherto been done with the use of fixed‐location pumps or personal air samplers. Our objective was to find out whether ionizers could be good tools for collecting airborne allergens. As a model we have used cat allergen (Fel d 1). We have compared Fel d 1 levels collected by the ionizer at different time periods, as well as comparing Fel d 1 levels obtained with the ionizer with those of low‐ and high‐volume pumps. Methods: Dust samples from floors and air samples collected with ionizers and pumps, obtained in 31 homes with cat, 23 homes without cats, and 28 day‐care centres, were analysed for cat allergen content (Fel d 1) by ELISA. Results: Fel d 1 was present in the reservoir in all homes with cats, ranging from 660 to 375000 ng/g (GM 75000) and in the air collected by the ionizer from 2.0 to 204 ng/24 h (GM 19.3). The allergen in homes without cat varied from <55 to 1800 ng/g (GM 166). Corresponding levels in air were found in two of these homes (2.3 and 7.3 ng/24 h). There was a correlation between the number of cats and the amount of airborne cat allergen (r: 0.47; P<0.05). The levels in day‐care centres were <55 to 3070 ng/g in dust (GM 360) and <1.1 to 7.9 ng/24 h in the air (GM 1.6). We obtained a moderately strong correlation between air and dust samples in homes with cats (rs: 0.64; P<0.001) and in day‐care centres (rs: 0.49; P<0.05). We found that a collection period of 24 h is preferable for the ionizer. The intrahome reliability coefficient was nearly two times higher for the ionizer (r: 0.69) than the pump (r: 0.39). Conclusions: The ionizer seems to be a good tool for monitoring the environment. It is easy to use and silent and does not disturb the airflow in the room.
Occupational all_ergic contact urticaria to yucca (Yucca aloifolia), weeping fig (Ficus benjamina), and spathe flower (Spathiphyllum wall_isii)
Authors: Kanerva L. , Estlander T. , Petman L. , Mäkinen‐Kiljunen S. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Occupational contact urticaria (CU) from plants is often reported, but it is less often attributed to decorative houseplants. We present an atopic gardener and caretaker of plants who developed CU when occupationall_y exposed to weeping fig, spathe flower, and yucca. Methods: Sensitization was evaluated by skin prick tests (SPT) and analyses for IgE antibodies. Results: SPT were positive to all_ three plants, and IgE antibodies were found to weeping fig and spathe flower. SPT were also performed with several decorative houseplants in more than 600 patients. Positive SPT was found to weeping fig (12%), African milk tree (8.3%), yucca (5.8%), Chinese rose (4.7%), massangana (4.6%), bird's nest fern (3.2%), and spathe flower (3.2%). Conclusions: Our study indicates that SPT and tests for IgE antibody are useful in detecting occupational CU caused by houseplants.
Clinical health education for patients with asthma‐like symptoms but negative asthma tests
Authors: Ringsberg K. C. , Timpka T. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Patients with asthma‐like symptoms but negative asthma tests often state that they lack strategies to cope with their symptoms. The aim of the study was to determine whether a problem‐based health education program had a beneficial effect on the participants' experience of symptoms and subjective health. Methods: Thirty‐eight patients, consecutively drawn from an outpatient clinic for asthma and allergy, were randomly allocated to an intervention group (I group, n=18) and a control group (C group, n=20). The I group, divided into three subgroups, met on seven occasions over 5 months. The program had a multidisciplinary approach, used exercises inspired by cognitive behavioral therapy, and was performed according to the principles of problem‐based learning. All patients answered the Nijmegen Symptom Questionnaire (NQ) and the SF‐36 health survey before and 2 months after the training was terminated. Results: Before the program, there were no significant differences between the groups in their earlier experience of symptoms. After it, the I group scored significantly lower on shortness of breath (P=0.001) and central tetany (P=0.05) than the C group. On both test occasions, the asthma‐like patients scored lower on all variables of the SF‐36 than the reference groups of asthmatics and healthy subjects. No significant differences were seen between the I group and the C group except for vitality, in which the C group scored lower before the intervention. Conclusions: Patients with asthma‐like symptoms but negative asthma tests benefit from taking part in a problem‐based health education program. It mainly reduces the frequency of symptoms.
Functional human IgE specific for Dermatophagoides farinae antigen is produced in SCID mice reconstituted with peripheral mononuclear cells derived from healthy persons and patients with asthma
Authors: Noma T. , Yoshizawa I. , Kawano Y. , Matsuura N. , Nakajima T. , Aoki K. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Whether normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) transferred to severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice produce specific IgE remains unclear. Methods: Mice received injections of Dermatophagoides farinae antigen (Df)‐stimulated PBMCs from healthy persons (IgE RAST score of 0). Results: High titers of Df‐specific IgE were detected. The Df‐specific IgE activity produced was comparable to or higher than that produced by cells from patients with asthma although the time to maximal production was longer. IgE derived from PMBCs of healthy persons or patients with asthma induced histamine release from cultured human basophils that had been stimulated with Df antigen or an anti‐IgE antibody. Treatment of Df‐stimulated PBMCs with a high dose, but not a low dose, of interleukin‐4 stimulated production of Df‐specific IgE by PMBCs from healthy persons or patients with asthma. In contrast, intravenous injection of IFN‐γ into reconstituted SCID mice decreased Df‐specific IgE production by PBMCs from patients with asthma. In PMBCs from healthy persons, IgE class‐switching may occur later and block the effects of treatment with IFN‐γ. Conclusions: PBMCs from healthy persons and persons with asthma have clones reactive to allergen and produce functional IgE specific for relevant antigens in mite‐sensitive bronchial asthma.
Sublingual tryptase and ECP in children treated with grass pollen sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT): safety and immunologic implications
Authors: Marcucci F. , Sensi L. , Frati F. , Senna G. E. , Canonica G. W. , Parmiani S. , Passalacqua G. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The clinical safety of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has been repeatedly confirmed; nevertheless, the possible onset of local oral symptoms is still a concern, and nothing is known about the pathogenesis of this effect. We aimed to determine whether the administration of SLIT in allergic children can evoke an IgE‐mediated reaction, by measuring the levels of sublingual tryptase and ECP. Methods: Thirty children (7–12 years old) with allergic rhinitis/asthma due to grass pollen were prescribed SLIT. In these children, an allergen‐specific nasal challenge was performed, and nasal tryptase and ECP were measured before and after. Sublingual ECP and tryptase were also assessed before the SLIT, after 1 month, and after 6 months of treatment. Ten matched allergic children and 10 healthy ones served as controls for the baseline levels of sublingual ECP and tryptase. Results: The levels of nasal tryptase and ECP significantly increased after nasal challenge (P<0.001), whereas no change during the SLIT course (at the beginning, after 1 month, and after 6 months) could be detected in sublingual tryptase either before or after SLIT administration. The sublingual ECP significantly decreased after 6 months of SLIT. The baseline levels of nasal tryptase and ECP were significantly higher in allergic subjects than in healthy controls, as was the level of sublingual ECP. Conclusions: In the presence of an IgE‐mediated reaction (ASNC), a significant increase of tryptase and ECP can be seen. When SLIT is administered, such a phenomenon does not occur; therefore, SLIT does not elicit any IgE reaction in the mouth. It is noteworthy that allergic subjects display higher levels of nasal ECP and tryptase than healthy subjects, even when symptom‐free, and these observations may indicate the presence of subclinical inflammation.
Eotaxin but not MCP−3 induces eosinophil influx into nasal fluid in allergic patients
Authors: Górski P. , Wittczak T. , Walusiak J. , Pałczyński C. , Ruta U. , Kuna P. , Alam R. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Eotaxin and MCP‐3 (CC chemokines), owing to their preferential action on eosinophils, seem to be the very importance in the patophysiology of allergic rhinitis and asthma. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of intranasally administered eotaxin and MCP‐3 after specific allergen priming on the influx of inflammatory cells and their soluble mediators into the nasal mucosa.Methods:  Eotaxin and MCP‐3 have been applied intranasally at the increasing doses of 1, 5 and 10 µg to allergic patients after allergen priming. The ‘nasal pool’ technique was used. The cell count and biochemical parameters in nasal lavage were evaluated before 30 min, and 4 and 24 h after the challenge with chemokines.Results:  Both eotaxin and MCP‐3 induced the increase in clinical ‘score’ lasting till 24 h. Eosinophil influx into nasal mucosa after provocation with eotaxin was also observed. The challenge with MCP‐3 did not induce any significant changes in nasal lavage fluid.Conclusions:  Eotaxin is likely to play an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic conditions in humans. MCP‐3 did not induce inflammatory cell influx into nasal mucosa. The role of this chemokine in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation is difficult to assess and requires further studies.