bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of the tryptase release test and the cellular allergen stimulation test (CAST) in mite sensitive patients
Authors: Rossi  , Monasterolo  , Operti  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe stimulation of blood basophils to release mediators in vitro is widely used for diagnosis of allergic diseases. Tryptase release and sulphidopeptideleukotriene production are both triggered by cross‐bridging of adjacent IgE molecules on the surface of IgE‐bearing basophils.ObjectiveWe have compared the sensitivity of tryptase release test (TRT) and cellular allergen stimulation test (CAST) which, respectively, measure tryptase and sulphidopeptideleukotrienes that are produced upon cell stimulation by mite extracts.MethodsBlood was taken from 247 patients with allergy to mites and 137 non‐allergic control subjects. We measured tryptase release from basophils after allergen challenge in vitro by sandwich radioimmunoassay. The sulphidopeptideleukotrienes production was quantified by an ELISA test based on a monoclonal antibody which recognized leukotriene T4 (LTC4) and its metabolites LTD4 and LTE4.ResultsOur data show that both methods are equally effective to distinguish allergic patients from normal controls (P > 0.0001). There was a significant correlation between mite‐specific serum IgE and CAST results (r = 0.69 for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus; r = 0.73 for Dermatophagoides farinae). Correlations between IgE against mites and tryptase values appeared rather poor (r = 0.47 for Dermatophagoidespteronyssinus; 0.49 for Dermatophagoidesfarinae). Moreover, the data were used for the calculation of sensitivity, specificity, prevalence, and overall efficiency (Roc/Galen & Gambino analysis). The results were as follows: 71%, 87%, 64%, 76% (CAST results for Dermatophagoides farinae); 64%, 78%, 53%, 70% (TRT results for Dermatophagoides farinae).ConclusionThe partial discrepancies observed could be interpreted as a consequence of conditions that were technically not optimal. False‐positive results may be due to the action of some non‐specific cytotoxic agent, false‐negative results may be due to hyporesponsive basophils or the low number of cells participating in the reaction and finally, in the case of TRT, to G4 monoclonal antibody to tryptase employed.
Cell lines of pulmonary and non‐pulmonary origin as tools to study the effects of house dust mite proteinases on the regulation of epithelial permeability
Authors: Winton  , Wan  , Cannell  , Gruenert  , J. Thompson  , Garrod  , Stewart  , Robinson  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundAllergenic and non‐allergenic proteinases from house dust mites (HDM) cause loss of adhesion between airway epithelial cells that may result in a loss of functional cohesion between the cells and thus assist in allergen presentation. Improved cellular assay systems are needed to ascertain the mechanisms involved.ObjectivesTo survey a series of epithelial cell lines (Calu‐3, 16HBE14o−, NCI‐H292 and A549 from human airways, and MDCK from dog kidney) and establish their utility for studies of the effects of HDM proteinases from D. pteronyssinus on epithelial permeability. To develop an improved method for measuring changes in epithelial permeability induced by HDM proteinases and other provocants.MethodsThe permeability of epithelial monolayer cultures to mannitol was calculated from measurements of clearance using a technique that permits mathematical estimation and reduction of non‐cellular diffusional constraints. Permeability was studied under control conditions and after perturbation of monolayers with HDM proteinases (separated into serine‐ and cysteine‐proteinase classes) or chelation of extracellular Ca2+. Fluorescent antibody staining was used to investigate whether the cells expressed tight junctions (staining of ZO‐1), desmosomes (staining of desmoplakin) and zonulae adherentes (staining of E‐cadherin).ResultsThe Calu‐3 line was identified as an airway cell line that expressed functional tight junctions, desmosomes and zonulae adherentes. Calu‐3 monolayers exhibited a low clearance and permeability to mannitol, similar to that seen in the extensively characterized MDCK cell line. Clearance and permeability were significantly increased by treatment with either HDM proteinase fraction or by calcium chelation. 16HBE14o− cells also had a low permeability to mannitol under control conditions and expressed a similar repertoire of functional proteins from major intercellular junctions. In contrast, NCI‐H292 and A549 cell lines were functionally deficient in tight junctions, although they did express desmosomes and zonulae adherentes to a greater extent. Epithelial permeability was found to be a more appropriate and sensitive index of epithelial perturbation than was tracer clearance.ConclusionThese results suggest that the Calu‐3 and 16HBE14o− cell lines are useful tools in studying the mechanism of HDM proteinases on airway epithelial cell function. HDM proteinases of both cysteine and serine mechanistic classes were found to perturb epithelial adhesion and function.
Inhibition of interleukin‐5 mediated eosinophil viability by fluticasone 17‐propionate: comparison with other glucocorticoids
Authors: Hagan  , Kita  , Gleich  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundInhaled glucocorticoids are commonly employed to treat patients with asthma. Eosinophils are important effector cells in the pathogenesis of asthma, and, in vitro, glucocorticoids modulate eosinophil viability.ObjectiveUsing this glucocorticoid inhibition of eosinophil viability, we compared the in vitro potencies of several inhaled glucocorticoids with particular attention to fluticasone 17‐propionate.MethodsEosinophils from normal or mildly atopic donors were purified, cultured with cytokines and glucocorticoids, and on day 4, after staining with propidium iodide, analysed by flow cytometry.ResultsEosinophil viability was prolonged by interleukin (IL)‐5 in a concentration‐dependent manner; in contrast, dexamethasone inhibited the IL‐5 effect. Fluticasone 17‐propionate, 1.0–1000 nM, also inhibited the IL‐5 effect in a concentration‐dependent manner; interestingly, at 0.1 nM fluticasone 17‐propionate modestly, but significantly, enhanced eosinophil survival. High concentrations of IL‐5 and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor essentially completely overcame the inhibitory effect of 1000 nM fluticasone 17‐propionate on eosinophil survival. In contrast, although interferon‐γ‐mediated eosinophil viability was inhibited by 1.0–1000 nM fluticasone 17‐propionate, this inhibition was not overcome by increased concentrations of interferon‐γ. Comparison of the glucocorticoid inhibition of eosinophil viability in the presence of 10 pg/mL IL‐5 resulted in these drug IC50 values (in nM): fluticasone 17‐propionate, 1.3; budesonide, 8.5; triamcinolone acetonide, 25; flunisolide, 32; dexamethasone, 94; beclomethasone 17‐monopropionate, 210; beclomethasone 17,21‐dipropionate, 290; and hydrocortisone, >1000.ConclusionFluticasone 17‐propionate's effect on cytokine‐mediated eosinophil viability is similar qualitatively to other glucocorticoid preparations. However, quantitatively, fluticasone 17‐propionate has the most potent suppressive effects on IL‐5 mediated eosinophil viability among the currently available inhaled glucocorticoids in the United States.
Atopy and allergic disorders among adults in Tartu, Estonia compared with Uppsala, Sweden
Authors: JÕgi  , Janson  , BJÖrnsson  , Boman  , BJÖrkstÉN  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundRecent studies in children and adults indicate that the prevalence of atopy and allergic disorders is lower in previously socialist countries in Eastern Europe compared with countries with a market economy while revealed risk factors are similar.ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of atopy among adults in Tartu, Estonia and to compare the prevalence of risk factors for atopy and allergic respiratory diseases in Estonia and Sweden.MethodsAs a part of cross‐sectional study—European Community Respiratory Health Survey—random samples of 20–44 year olds (n = 351 in Tartu and n = 470 in Uppsala) and persons of the same age with asthma like symptoms or on current asthma medication according to a postal questionnaire (n = 95 in Tartu and n = 201 in Uppsala) were interviewed and circulating IgE antibodies were measured.ResultsThe prevalence of atopy was 19% in Tartu and 32% in Uppsala (P < 0.001). The prevalence of sensitization to pollen was twice lower (11.5 vs 23.2; P < 0.001) and the prevalence of pollen associated asthma symptoms was four times lower (1.7 vs 6.8; P < 0.001) in Tartu than in Uppsala while sensitization to pollen was an equally large risk factor for asthma in both centres. Age was inversely related to cat and pollen associated symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis in Uppsala (OR 0.6 and 0.7, respectively, P < 0.05) but not in Tartu.ConclusionsThe prevalence of atopy was lower in Tartu, Estonia than in Uppsala Sweden. Perception of allergic disorders seemed to be lower in Tartu than in Uppsala. Age did not influence the prevalence of atopy nor allergic disorders in Tartu, while in Uppsala age was inversely related to clinical allergy. This could suggest a cohort effect underlying the increasing prevalence of allergy in Western Europe.
The importance of serum IgE for level and longitudinal change in airways hyperresponsiveness in COPD
Authors: Renkema  , Kerstjens  , Schouten  , Vonk  , KOËter  , Postma  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundAirways hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is an important feature of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Little is known about factors that modulate AHR in COPD.ObjectiveTo study these factors, we performed a long‐term, double‐blind, parallel intervention study in 58 male, non‐allergic patients with COPD.MethodsDuring a period of 2 years, patients were treated with inhaled budesonide (1600 μg/day), inhaled budesonide (1600 μg/day) plus oral prednisolone (5 mg/day), or placebo. PC20 histamine was measured at 4‐monthly intervals. The influence of treatment, smoking, age, level of lung function, initial serum IgE level and peripheral blood eosinophils on level and longitudinal change of PC20 histamine was analysed.ResultsDuring follow‐up, PC20 decreased in our group, and this decrease was not influenced by treatment. PC20 tended to decrease faster in current smokers than in ex‐smokers. PC20 was significantly associated with pre‐challenge FEV1 at each time point. Level nor decline of PC20 were significantly related to age. A higher initial serum IgE level was independently associated with a lower PC20. Moreover, a higher initial serum IgE level was associated with a slower annual decline of PC20, regardless of treatment, pre‐challenge FEV1, and other modulating factors. No significant associations were found between initial blood eosinophils and level or decline of PC20.ConclusionWe conclude that AHR increases over time in non‐allergic patients with COPD. Treatment with an inhaled corticosteroid alone or in combination with oral prednisolone does not change this increase. Our study suggests an important role for IgE in the course of the disease, since a higher initial serum IgE level predicts a more favourable course with regard to annual decline of PC20 histamine.
Mechanical ventilation protects one‐storey single‐dwelling houses against increased air humidity, domestic mite allergens and indoor pollutants in a cold climatic region
Authors: Emenius  , Egmar  , Wickman  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundPoor ventilation in modern, highly insulated housing is an important factor in promoting indoor humidity levels to exceed 7 g/kg in cold climatic regions.ObjectiveTo investigate the ventilation rate in houses with different ventilation systems in relation to indoor air humidity, domestic mite allergen levels and volatile organic compounds (VOC).MethodsMeasurements were performed regarding ventilation rate, indoor temperature, air humidity, mattress mite allergen concentrations using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and total indoor VOC in 59 similarly constructed one‐storey single‐dwelling houses. In 22 of the houses, a mechanical supply and exhaust ventilation were installed after construction.ResultsIn only five of the houses with mechanical supply and exhaust ventilation the air exchange rate per hour (ACH) was below 0.5 compared with 24 of the 29 houses with natural ventilation (OR = 0.06, CI 95% 0.01–0.2). None of the 23 houses with an ACH ≥ 0.5 had an absolute indoor humidity (AIH) of 7 g/kg air or more, compared with 10 of the 36 houses with an ACH < 0.5 (P = 0.01 ). In none of the 23 houses with an ACH ≥ 0.5 were concentrations of mite allergen exceeding 2 μg/g of dust found, compared with six of the 36 houses (17%) with an ACH below 0.5 (P = 0.04). Further, 10 of the 34 houses with a total VOC exceeding 200 μg/m3 had mite allergen in mattress dust exceeding 0.5 μg/g, compared with one of the 22 houses with VOC < 200 μg/m3 (P = 0.04).ConclusionThe study shows that in modern, highly insulated, one‐storey single‐dwelling houses in cold temperate regions, mechanical ventilation increases the possibility of reaching an ACH of ≥ 5 which protects against indoor humidity levels contributing to mite survival as well as high levels of indoor air pollutants in winter.
Anaphylactic sensitization to aeroantigen during respiratory virus infection
Authors: O'donnell  , Openshaw  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundVirus infections frequently exacerbate asthma, and in some cases may even precipitate its onset. Although this association is well known, experimental investigation has been hampered by the lack of adequate models.ObjectiveThe effects of acute respiratory virus infection on sensitization to aereoallergen were investigated in this study.MethodsNebulized ovalbumin was used as an aeroantigen in normal mice, and in those infected with respiratory syncytial virus or influenza A.ResultsBoth viruses caused transient illness. Ovalbumin inhalation did not induce specific serum antibodies unless the mice were infected at the time of nebulization. In exposed uninfected mice cutaneous challenge with ovalbumin caused no response, but caused acute systemic illness and collapse if previous pulmonary exposure had occurred during respiratory infection. Mice that collapsed in response to cutaneous ovalbumin were found to have IgG1 specific to ovalbumin that was not found in the other mice. Intracellular cytokine staining of splenocyte cultures showed ovalbumin‐specific production of IL‐4 was enhanced by virus infection during exposure. In CD8+ T cells, ovalbumin‐specific interferon‐γ production was also enhanced by co‐infection with influenza. Both viruses were equally associated with the induction of anaphylaxis.ConclusionThese results show that infection with respiratory viruses powerfully augments cellular and humoral immune responses to aeroantigen and provide an experimental model that allows such effects to be investigated.
Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in tears of atopic patients after conjunctival allergen challenge
Authors: VESALUOMA  , ROSENBERG  , TEPPO  , GRÖNHAGEN‐RISKA  , HAAHTELA  , TERVO  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundProinflammatory cytokines, such as TNFα are involved in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis and asthma.ObjectiveOur aim was to study the tear fluid TNFα levels in atopic patients before and after topical ocular allergen challenge.MethodsThirteen patients were first challenged with topical allergen in the left eye and then dilution buffer in the right eye. Tear fluid samples were collected before the challenges and after 5, 30 and 60 min. Clinical symptoms were scored. Tear fluid TNFα concentrations were measured using a double‐antibody radioimmunoassay. TNFα release rates were calculated using the tear fluid flow in the collection capillary as an estimate for the tear secretion rate.ResultsThe mean baseline TNFα concentrations (ng/L) were 1310 (allergen‐challenged eye) and 967 (control eye), and release rates (pg/min) 1.81 (allergen‐challenged eye) and 1.39 (control eye), respectively. In the allergen‐challenged eye, TNFα concentrations and release rates were 1479 and 4.30 (5 min), 1367 and 3.20 (30 min) and 1426 and 3.80 (60 min). In the control eye, TNFα concentrations and release rates were 746 and 0.67 (5 min), 1001 and 0.92 (30 min) and 1504 and 1.05 (60 min). The release rates of the allergen‐challenged eye were significantly increased at all time points after the challenge when compared with the baseline or the control eye.ConclusionIncreased TNFα release rates suggest that this cytokine is an early mediator of allergy after conjunctival challenge.
Cord blood‐derived human cultured mast cells produce transforming growth factor β1
Authors: KANBE  , KUROSAWA  , NAGATA  , SAITOH  , MIYACHI  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundMast cells frequently accumulate at the site of fibrosis and their contribution has been suspected in the pathogenesis of fibrotic conditions. However, it still remains unknown whether human mast cells synthesize transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1).ObjectiveWe have investigated whether cord blood‐derived human cultured mast cells express messenger RNA (mRNA) for TGF‐β and produce bioactive TGF‐β1.MethodsMast cells were obtained by culturing mononuclear cells from cord blood in the presence of stem cell factor and interleukin‐6. Expression of mRNA for TGF‐β1 was examined by the method of reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Immunocytochemical staining for TGF‐β and growth‐inhibitory assay using Mv1Lu cells were also performed.ResultsThe cultured human mast cells constitutively expressed mRNA for TGF‐β1. With calcium ionophore A23187, the intensity of the PCR‐amplified band for TGF‐β1 was not increased. Immunocytochemical staining showed that the cultured mast cells were positive for both latency‐associated peptide and activated forms of TGF‐β. Bioassay with Mv1Lu cells and R 4‐2 mutant cells showed that mast‐cell conditioned medium had a bioactivity of TGF‐β1.ConclusionCord blood‐derived human cultured mast cells constitutively express mRNA for TGF‐β1 and produce functional TGF‐β1. Because TGF‐β1 has been shown to be highly fibrogenic, these results may highlight a novel role for human mast cells in tissue fibrosis.
Epidemiological study of the prevalence of allergic reactions to Hymenoptera in a rural population in the Mediterranean area
Authors: Fernandez  , Blanca  , Soriano  , Sanchez  , Juarez  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundSystemic allergic reactions to Hymenoptera venom occur in a percentage that varies from 0.4 to 3.3%. Epidemiological studies indicate that from 15 to 25% of the general population can be sensitized to different Hymenoptera venom as well as the fact that the degree of exposure may be related to the prevalence found in those studies.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of insect sting allergy and the venom sensitization in a rural population to three Hymenoptera previously found in the area: Polistes dominulus (Pd), Vespula germanica (Vg) and honey bee (Hb).MethodsA rural community located in the south‐east of Spain, close to the Mediterranean Sea, was selected since the stinging Hymenoptera having been previously identified. A random sample of 310 subjects from the village census was studied. A questionnaire and a serum sample were obtained from every patient. The evaluation was conducted by a family doctor, who focused on the reactions to Hymenoptera sting, age, sex, occupation, atopia, previous Hymenoptera sting, stinging insect, interval to last sting and average stings per year. RAST to Hymenoptera venoms were also determined.ResultsThe prevalence of systemic reactions was 2.3% (57.6% of them had a positive RAST). Large local reactions were found in 26.4% (only 28.5% of them had a positive RAST). Asymptomatic sensitization (positive RAST) was observed in 16.4% of subjects without reaction. Only a weak correlation between subjects with less than 3 years' interval to last sting exposure and positive RAST results was noted, whether they presented with a clinical reaction or not (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe prevalence of systemic sting reactions in our rural community is higher than other general populations in the same Mediterranean area, and similar to other rural populations studied. The degree of exposure influences not only the prevalence found but also the detection of specific serum IgE.
Short‐term preseasonal birch pollen allergoid immunotherapy influences symptoms, specific nasal provocation and cytokine levels in nasal secretions, but not peripheral T‐cell responses, in patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Klimek  , Dormann  , Jarman  , Cromwell  , Riechelmann  , Reske‐Kunz  
Published: March 2003

BackroundBirch pollen allergic rhinitis can be sufficiently treated with specific subcutaneous allergoid immunotherapy (IT). However, little is known about the clinical and immunological effects of short‐term therapy protocols.ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy of a birch pollen allergoid IT using seven preseasonal injections and to evaluate immunological parameters that might explain clinical findings.MethodsThirty‐seven patients were included into the study and randomized to either a symptomatic treatment or allergoid IT plus symptomatic treatment. Patients were examined during the pre‐IT season, at two extraseasonal visits both before and after IT and during the post‐IT season. At each visit, nasal secretion samples were taken and analysed for levels of IL‐4, IL‐5 and IFNγ. In addition, short‐term birch‐specific T‐cell lines (TCLs) were cultured from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 10 patients of the IT group, both before and after IT, and the ratios of lymphocyte subpopulations were determined. Cytokine production by TCLs (IL‐4, IL‐5, IFNγ, IL‐10) and proliferation of TCLs in response to stimulation with birch pollen allergen were measured.ResultsIt was possible to evaluate 27 patients in accordance with the study protocol. Clinical symptoms and medication intake were reduced as a result of the IT as were nasal secretion levels of IL‐5 (P = 0.007). IFNγ was increased in nasal secretions (P = 0.01), while IL‐4 was not measurable in most samples. No effect was found on proliferation of birch pollen‐reactive TCLs, cytokine production by TCLs and the frequency and ratio of CD4+ and CD8bright or CD45RA+ and CD45RO+ cells in peripheral blood (all P > 0.05). Conclusion Preseasonal IT with a birch pollen allergoid is clinically effective in allergic rhinitis and influences cytokine production in the nose, but does not modulate the measured responses of peripheral blood T cells.