bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Candida albicans mannan‐ and protein‐induced humoral, cellular and cytokine responses in atopic dermatitis patients
Authors: SAVOLAINEN  , KOSONEN  , LINTU  , VIANDER  , PÈNE  , KALIMO  , TERHO  , BOUSQUET  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe cytokine observed most often in atopic dermatitis (AD) is IL‐4, but a role for IL‐5 and IFN‐γ in the late and delayed phase reactions has been suggested. In AD with head, neck and shoulder distribution, hypersensitivity to saprophytic yeasts is an important pathogenetic factor. The yeast allergens include both the mannan polysaccharides and the proteins. Mannans are major cross‐reacting allergens likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of AD.ObjectiveTo characterize the humoral, lymphoproliferative and cytokine (IL‐2, 4, 5 and IFN‐γ) responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) induced by Candida albicans mannan and protein antigens in AD.MethodsFifteen AD patients and seven healthy controls were included. Ficoll‐isolated PBMCs were stimulated by PHA and laboratory‐generated mannan and protein extracts of C. albicans. Lymphocyte proliferation was measured and cytokine production was studied by ELISA. The antigen‐specific IgG and IgE antibodies were analysed by ELISA and nitrocellulose RAST.ResultsIn AD mannan (P < 0.005) and protein (P < 0.002), specific IgE levels were higher than in healthy controls. Both mannan and protein‐specific lymphoproliferations (both: P < 0.02) were higher in AD than in healthy controls. Mannan, but not protein, induced long lasting IL‐2 and IL‐4 productions from 24 h lasting up to 66–96 h and IL‐5 and IFN‐γ productions with elevated levels at 66 and 96 h. The mannan‐induced IL‐2 (P = 0.015) and IFN‐γ (P < 0.005) were increased in AD as compared with healthy controls. Significant correlations were seen between the protein‐induced proliferation responses and both serum total IgE (r = 0.59, P < 0.01) and protein‐specific IgE (r = 0.65, P < 0.005). The mannan‐induced IL‐2 responses correlated with the specific IgE (r = 0.62, P < 0.01) and proliferation (r = 0.51, P < 0.02) and S‐IgE level (r = 0.71, P < 0.002). Mannan‐induced IL‐4 and IFN‐γ productions also correlated (r = 0.43, P < 0.05).Conclusions C. albicans mannan induced elevated IL‐2 and IFN‐γ responses in AD patients. The correlations of the cytokine responses with mannan‐induced IgE and proliferation responses suggest that C. albicans mannan induced TH1 type cytokine responses are involved in AD.
Effects of ONO‐1078 (pranlukast) on cytokine production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with bronchial asthma
Authors: Tohda  , Nakahara  , Kubo  , Haraguchi  , Fukuoka  , Nakajima  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundONO‐1078 (pranlukast) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist developed in Japan. This drug has been shown to be useful in oral treatment of bronchial asthma. The present study was undertaken to assess the effects of this drug on the production of cytokines in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with asthma under stimulation with specific antigens.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells from mite antigen‐positive asthmatic patients (immunoglobulin E RAST score > 3) were incubated for 72 h in the presence of mite antigen (10 μg/mL). The supernatant of the culture was subjected to enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to quantify interleukin (IL) ‐4, IL‐3, IL‐5, and granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF). Other peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the same patients were incubated for 72 h in the presence of both mite antigen (10 μg/mL) and ONO‐1078 (0.5, 1, or 10 μg/mL), followed by ELISA of the supernatant to quantify the cytokines.ResultsProduction of IL‐4, IL‐5, and GM‐CSF by mononuclear cells under stimulation with mite antigen was markedly suppressed when they were exposed to ONO‐1078 at a concentration of 10 μg/mL.ConclusionThe results suggest that ONO‐1078 acts directly on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and that blockade of leukotriene receptors on blood mononuclear cells by the cysteinyl‐leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) pranlukast (ONO‐1078) can dose‐dependently inhibit release of immunoreactive TH2‐type cytokines (IL‐3, IL‐4, GM‐CSF, and possibly IL‐5), but not of the TH1‐type cytokine IL‐2, when stimulated by mite allergen in vitro. The data may provide clues to the mechanism by which a number of LTRA including zafirulukast and montelukast can reduce airway, sputum and blood eosinophil counts in clinical asthma. It supports animal studies showing that anti‐IL‐5 antibodies partially block cys‐LT‐induced airway eosinophilia, suggesting that cys‐LTs may cause secondary release of IL‐5 from an unknown cell‐type.These findings indicate that ONO‐1078 suppresses the production of IL‐4 (a cytokine that affects IgG antibody production), IL‐5, and GM‐CSF (cytokines that affect eosinophil activation) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells under stimulation with specific antigens in patients with bronchial asthma. Because of its anti‐inflammatory effects, ONO‐1078 should be useful in the treatment of bronchial asthma.
Circadian variation of urinary eosinophil protein X in asthmatic and healthy children
Authors: Storm Van'S Gravesande  , Mattes  , Grüntjens  , Kopp  , Seydewitz  , Moseler  , Kuehr  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundIt is suggested that urinary eosinophil protein X (EPX) is a noninvasive tool to monitor bronchial inflammation in asthmatic children. However, circadian variation of the number and activation of eosinophils might possibly influence urinary EPX excretion.ObjectiveMeasurements of urinary EPX (radioimmunoassay) were used to investigate circadian variation of eosinophilic activation and to monitor bronchial inflammation in children with asthma before and after treatment with corticosteroids.MethodsUrinary EPX excretion (μg/mmol creatinine) was measured in the morning and afternoon in 22 stable asthmatics and in 16 nonatopic, nonasthmatic controls to investigate circadian variation. Additionally, EPX excretion in the afternoon was analysed in 21 children with chronic asthma before and after 6 weeks of treatment with inhaled corticosteroids, and in seven children within 24 h of admission due to an asthma exacerbation and again 3 months after discharge.ResultsEPX excretion in the first morning urine sample of the day compared with the afternoon urine sample was significantly higher both in children with asthma (n = 22; mean ± standard deviation: 179.7 ± 97.3 vs 60.9 ± 40.7 μg/mmol creatinine, P = 0.0001) and in nonatopic nonasthmatic controls (n = 16; 114.5 ± 57.1 vs 53.4 ± 29.0 μg/mmol creatinine, P = 0.0001). EPX excretion decreased significantly after 6 weeks of anti‐inflammatory treatment in the group of children with chronic asthma (n = 21; 124.7 ± 84.6 vs 87.5 ± 61.9 μg/mmol creatinine, P = 0.02) and in the group of children with an acute asthma exacerbation 3 months after discharge (n = 7; 233.2 ± 174.5 vs 75.8 ± 59.5 μg/mmol creatinine, P = 0.02).ConclusionThis study suggests a circadian variation of EPX excretion in children with asthma and in nonatopic, nonasthmatic controls. Measurement of EPX excretion is helpful monitoring therapy in asthmatic children if circadian variation is considered.
Activation of fibroblasts in collagen lattices by mast cell extract: a model of fibrosis
Authors: Berton  , Levi‐Schaffer  , Emonard  , Garbuzenko  , Gillery  , Maquart  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundMast cells are resident connective tissue cells able to secrete numerous inflammatory mediators in response to tissue aggression and might be implicated in the fibrotic processes.ObjectivesTo study the effects of mast cell products on fibroblast activity in connective tissues.MethodsMast cell extract was prepared by sonication of pure mast cell preparations obtained by peritoneal lavage of rats and added to the culture medium of fibroblast‐populated collagen lattices.ResultsMast cell extract was able to decrease the contraction of the collagen lattices, to stimulate total protein and collagen synthesis, and to increase the expression and activation of gelatinase A/MMP‐2.ConclusionThese data are consistent with the hypothesis that mast cells in connective tissue may be responsible for fibroblast activation at the early phases of tissue repair and fibrosis.
Window pane condensation and high indoor vapour contribution − markers of an unhealthy indoor climate?
Authors: Emenius  , Korsgaard  , Wickman  
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate whether window pane condensation and indoor vapour contribution ≥ 3 g/m3 could be used as indicators of defective air change rate, high indoor humidity and high mite allergen concentration in mattress dust.MethodsActual ventilation rate, indoor temperature, air humidity (AIH/RH) and concentrations of mite allergen were measured in 59 houses and compared with received outdoor temperatures and air humidity. Indoor vapour contribution defined as the difference between the indoor and the outdoor vapour concentration was calculated. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and accuracy were calculated for window pane condensation and high vapour contribution (≥ 3 g/m3), as indicators of defective ventilation (< 0.5 ACH), high indoor humidity (≥ 7 g/kg and ≥ 45% RH) and high mite allergen concentration in mattress dust (≥ 2 μg/g).ResultsAll houses with high humidity and high mite allergen concentrations were positive for the two indicators (high sensitivity), but with a specificity of only 50% so that half of the houses with reported condensation and high vapour contribution turned out to be low pollution houses with adequate high ventilation levels. Both indicators had high negative predictive values and absence of the two indicators almost certainly (97–100%) excluded high indoor pollution with high humidity and high mite concentrations. Overall more than 70% of the dwellings were correctly classified by the two indicators.ConclusionAbsence of window pane condensation on double‐glazed windows and low indoor vapour contribution (< 3 g/m3) during the winter are true markers of a dwelling without high indoor air humidity and without high mite allergen concentrations in mattress dust in houses in a cold temperate climate with subzero outdoor temperatures. The presence of the two indicators is associated with a 18–45% risk of high humidity and mite allergen concentrations so in this latter group further measurements are needed for correct classification.
Austrian children living on a farm have less hay fever, asthma and allergic sensitization
Authors: Riedler  , Eder  , Oberfeld  , Schreuer  
Published: March 2003

Background and objectivesIn some studies, the prevalence of hay fever and asthma has been found to be lower in children from rural areas than in children from an urban environment. We hypothesized that living on a farm might be protective against development of allergic sensitization and allergic diseases.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional survey, parents of 2283 children aged 8–10 years from a mostly rural area in Austria answered a standardized questionnaire on allergic diseases and environmental factors. 1137 children performed a skin prick test to seven local allergens.ResultsThe prevalence of hay fever (3.1 vs 10.3%, P = 0.0002), asthma (1.1 vs 3.9%, P = 0.017) and a positive skin prick reactivity to at least one of the common local allergens (18.8 vs 32.7%, P = 0.001) was significantly lower in children living on a farm than in children from a non‐farming environment. In a multivariate logistic regression model, adjusting for genetic background, parent education, living and housing conditions and dietary factors did not change the odds ratio for the association of farming and allergic sensitization. Only after including ‘regular contact with livestock and poultry’ into the model did the odds ratio change significantly (cOR 0.48 95% CI 0.30–0.75 to aOR 0.75 95% CI 0.37–1.52) indicating an association between regular contact with farm animals and reduced risk of atopic sensitization.ConclusionPossible explanations for the lower prevalence of hay fever, asthma and allergic sensitization in children living on a farm might be the development of immunotolerance or the stimulation of TH1 cells and suppression of TH2 cells by increased exposure of farm children to microbial antigens in the stables or farmhouses.
Selected recombinant Aspergillus fumigatus allergens bind specifically to IgE in ABPA
Authors: Kurup  , Banerjee  , Hemmann  , Greenberger  , Blaser  , Crameri  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundAllergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity lung disease resulting from exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus allergens. Patients with ABPA show elevated Aspergillus‐specific serum IgE, a major criterion used in the diagnosis of the disease. Crude culture filtrate and mycelial antigens have been used widely to demonstrate IgE antibody to Aspergillus in the sera of patients. While these antigens have been useful in the diagnosis of ABPA, occasionally they present inconsistency in their reactivity and lack of specificity. Although in recent years, a number of purified A. fumigatus allergens have been produced by molecular cloning, no attempt was made to evaluate them systematically.ObjectiveTo evaluate the recombinant proteins from A. fumigatus for their IgE antibody binding, we studied sera from ABPA patients and controls by antigen specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).MethodsRecombinant Aspergillus allergens Asp f 1, f 2, f 3, f 4, and f 6 were studied for their specific binding to IgE in the sera of ABPA patients, A. fumigatus skin prick test positive asthmatics, and normal controls from the USA and Switzerland. The sera were blinded and studied by ELISA in two different laboratories.ResultsAll the recombinant allergens showed IgE antibody binding with sera from patients with ABPA, whereas only fewer asthmatics and normal sera showed significant binding. The three selected recombinant allergens together reacted with all the ABPA patients studied.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that Asp f 2, f 4, and f 6 can be used in the serodiagnosis of ABPA, while IgE antibody binding to Asp f 1 and f 3 was not specific.
Effects of once daily dosing with inhaled budesonide on airway hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation following repeated low‐dose allergen challenge in atopic asthmatics
Authors: Gauvreau  , Sulakvelidze  , Watson  , Inman  , Rerecich  , O'Byrne  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundRepeated low‐dose allergen challenge increases airway hyperresponsiveness and sputum eosinophils in atopic asthmatics. Inhaled corticosteroids attenuate the airway responses to high‐dose allergen challenge, but have not been evaluated against repeated low dose challenge.ObjectiveThis study evaluates the effects of once daily treatments of two doses of inhaled budesonide on airway responses to repeated low‐dose allergen challenge.MethodsEight atopic asthmatics with a dual airway responses to inhaled allergen were recruited into a randomized, double‐blind crossover, placebo‐controlled study. In the mornings of four consecutive days (day 1‐day 4), subjects inhaled budesonide 100 μg, 400 μg, or placebo, 30 min before inhaling a concentration of allergen causing a 5% early fall in FEV1. Airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine and sputum eosinophils were measured at baseline, on the afternoon of day 2, day 4, and 24 h after the last challenge. There was a 1‐week washout between each of the three treatment periods.ResultsThe repeated low‐dose allergen challenge induced increases in the percentage sputum eosinophils from 2.0 ± 0.7% at baseline to 16.6 ± 7.1% on day 4 (P = 0.002), and this effect was reduced by once daily budesonide 100 μg to 5.6 ± 1.8% (P = 0.01) and by once daily budesonide 400 μg to 3.1 ± 0.9% (P = 0.004). Also, the allergen‐induced methacholine airway hyperresponsiveness which occurred by day 4 (P = 0.03) of the repeated low dose challenge was inhibited by budesonide 400 μg (P = 0.017).ConclusionBoth budesonide 100 μg and 400 μg inhaled once daily significantly reduces allergen‐induced sputum eosinophilia after repeated low dose challenge; however, only the higher dose also attenuates the allergen‐induced airway hyperresponsiveness.
Comparison of the efficacy, safety and quality of life provided by fexofenadine hydrochloride 120 mg, loratadine 10 mg and placebo administered once daily for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Van Cauwenberge  , Juniper  ,   THE STAR STUDY INVESTIGATING GROUP
Published: March 2003

BackgroundAs there have been no previously published studies, this multinational, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel group study compared the efficacy, safety and impact on quality of life (QoL) in seasonal allergic rhinitis patients (SAR) of fexofenadine and loratadine (with placebo), when administered once daily.MethodsSix hundred and eighty‐eight SAR patients were randomized to receive fexofenadine HCl 120 mg, loratadine 10 mg or placebo, once daily for 2 weeks. The key parameters were the change from baseline in: mean 24‐h reflective total symptom scores (TSS); sum of four individual symptom scores, excluding nasal congestion; instantaneous TSS; individual symptom scores including nasal congestion; and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ). Adverse events were recorded.ResultsMean 24‐h reflective and instantaneous TSS were significantly reduced by both fexofenadine HCl (both P ≤ 0.0001) and loratadine (P ≤ 0.001 and P ≤ 0.005, respectively) compared with placebo (n = 639). Among individual symptom scores, fexofenadine HCl was significantly better than loratadine in improving 24‐h reflective itchy, watery, red eyes, as well as relieving nasal congestion (P ≤ 0.05 for both). Fexofenadine HCl was also significantly better than loratadine (P ≤ 0.03) and placebo (P ≤ 0.005) in improving QoL, and the differences were of a magnitude considered to be clinically relevant. Loratadine had no statistically significant effect on QoL compared with placebo. The incidence of adverse events was low and similar across all treatment groups.ConclusionFexofenadine HCl and loratadine administered once daily are effective and well tolerated in SAR. In this study, fexofenadine HCl was significantly more effective than loratadine in relieving eye symptoms and nasal congestion. Furthermore, fexofenadine was significantly better than loratadine in improving QoL.
Probiotics in the management of atopic eczema
Authors: Isolauri E. , Arvola T. , SÜtas Y. , Moilanen E. , Salminen S. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundOver the last two decades the incidence of allergic diseases has increased in industrialized countries, and consequently new approaches have to be explored.ObjectiveThe potential of probiotics to control allergic inflammation at an early age was assessed in a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study.MethodsA total of 27 infants, mean age 4.6 months, who manifested atopic eczema during exclusive breast‐feeding and who have had no exposure to any infant or substitute formula were weaned to probiotic‐supplemented, Bifidobacterium lactis Bb‐12 or Lactobacillus strain GG (ATCC 53103), extensively hydrolysed whey formulas or to the same formula without probiotics. The extent and severity of atopic eczema, the growth and nutrition of infants, and concentrations of circulating cytokines/chemokines and soluble cell surface adhesion molecules in serum and methyl‐histamine and eosinophilic protein X in urine were determined.ResultsThe SCORAD score reflecting the extent and severity of atopic eczema was 16 (7–25) during breast‐feeding, median (interquartile range). After 2 months, a significant improvement in skin condition occurred in patients given probiotic‐supplemented formulas, as compared to the unsupplemented group; χ2 = 12.27, P = 0.002. SCORAD decreased in the Bifidobacterium lactis Bb‐12 group to 0 (0–3.8), and in the Lactobacillus GG group to 1 (0.1–8.7), vs unsupplemented 13.4 (4.5–18.2), median (interquartile range), in parallel with a reduction in the concentration of soluble CD4 in serum and eosinophilic protein X in urine.ConclusionThe results provide the first clinical demonstration of specific probiotic strains modifying the changes related to allergic inflammation. The data further indicate that probiotics may counteract inflammatory responses beyond the intestinal milieu. The combined effects of these probiotic strains will guide infants through the weaning period, when sensitization to newly encountered antigens is initiated. The probiotic approach may thus offer a new direction in the search for future foods for allergy treatment and prevention strategies.
Is allergen skin test reactivity a predictor of mortality? Findings from a national cohort
Authors: Gergen Peter J. , Turkeltaub Paul C. , Sempos C. T. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe importance of atopy on subsequent mortality is controversial. A clearer understanding is important as atopy is increasing worldwide.ObjectiveTo determine the influence of allergen skin test reactivity on observed mortality of a national cohort.MethodsBaseline health status and atopic status (allergen skin testing) was measured as part of the second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II), a representative sample of the US population, during the years 1976–80. Vital status and cause of death were assessed through December 31, 1992 for all examinees 30 years of age or older at baseline (n = 9252) as part of the NHANES II Mortality Study (NH2MS). The analytic sample contained 8179 men and women after excluding missing data. Allergen skin test reactivity was defined as weal ≥ 3 mm to one of eight 1 : 20 (w/v), 50% glycerinated (‘No US Standard of Potency’) allergens licensed by the FDA: house dust, cat, dog, Alternaria, mixed giant/short ragweed, oak, perennial rye grass, and Bermuda grass. Survival analyses were conducted using multivariate adjusted Cox regression models to evaluate the association between atopy and all‐cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality.ResultsThere was no association between allergen skin test reactivity and all cause mortality: 30–44 years RR = 1.07 (95% CI 0.63–1.84); 45–59 years RR = 1.10 (0.78–1.55); 60–75 years RR = 1.07 (0.91–1.25). Results were unchanged when cancer or heart disease mortality were examined separately. The presence or absence of allergic symptoms, using the flare to define skin test reactivity, eliminating deaths in the first 5 years of follow‐up, or eliminating individuals with pre‐existing conditions did not alter the findings.ConclusionsAtopy, defined by allergen skin test reactivity, with or without symptoms, is not a predictor of subsequent mortality.