bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical and immunologic evaluation of Cedrus deodara pollen:a new allergen from India
Authors: Rawat A. , Singh A. , Singh A. B. , Gaur S. N. , Kumar L. , Roy I. , Ravindrun P. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Allergy to pollen from gymnosperms is well documented in the West. However, many allergenic species are native to the Himalayan region of India, and Cedrus deodara (Pinaceae) was selected for allergologic investigation. The objective was to define the allergologic and immunochemical aspects ofC. deodara pollen. Methods: Pollen antigen from C. deodara (CD) was prepared and characterized by biochemical and biologic assays. Specific IgE binding was determined by means of ELISA and immunoblotting. Results: CD pollen antigen caused marked skin sensitivity in 7.5% of an atopic population. A significantly elevated level of CD‐specific IgE antibodies was observed in 65.8% of the skin‐positive patients. Immunoblotting showed protein fractions of 37, 44, 58, and 78 kDa with 100% binding with the patients’ sera suspected to be due to carbohydrate moieties. Conclusions: Patients from the Himalayan region, where CD occurs naturally, were sensitized more than patients from distant places. The immunochemical characterization revealed multiple protein fractions from low to very high molecular mass (14–126 kDa) mostly in the acidic pI range. CD pollen has been recognized as a new allergen from India for the first time.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease and asthma: an intriguing dilemma
Authors: Astarita C. , Gargano D. , Cutajar M. , Napolitano A. , Manguso F. , Abbate G. F. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is characterized by typical reflux symptoms and multiple atypical extraesophageal symptoms. Gastric asthma is a prominent extraesophageal manifestation of GORD. There is persistent debate about the pathophysiologic mechanisms triggering asthma by GOR. Methods: We conducted a review of the literature. Results: The pathogenic mechanism could be either a vagally transmitted reflex or an intratracheal aspiration of refluxed material. In both hypotheses, the role of inflammatory mediators has been proposed. Conclusions: Neurogenic inflammation is a good theoretic basis for a pathogenic interpretation of the disorder. In atopic patients, food allergy has been recently proposed as a possible cause of GOR and associated respiratory symptoms, and it should be considered in the diagnostic work‐up of all patients with GORD.
Pocket 4 in the HLA‐DRB1 antigen‐binding groove: an association with atopy
Authors: Torres‐galván M. J. , Quiralte J. , Blanco C. , Castillo R. , Carrillo T. , Pérez‐aciego P. , Sánchez‐garcía F. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Many studies have attempted to identify an association between HLA genes and atopy, given the role of HLA molecules in the regulation of the immune response. In the case of house‐dust mites, it is difficult to find an association with a particular HLA allele, due to the complexity of the allergen. The objective was to investigate whether HLA‐DRB1 functional groups are better correlated with the atopic disease in our population than DRB1 alleles. Methods: The method was reanalysis of the HLA‐DRB1 data of a previous case/control study. Results: The “Dr” group was found to be associated with the atopic disease in our population. Conclusions: Grouping HLA‐DRB1 alleles into functional categories may assist in the search for predictive factors in relation to atopic disease.
Fel d 1 production in the cat skin varies according to anatomical sites
Authors: Carayol N. , Birnbaum J. , Magnan A. , Ramadour M. , Lanteaume A. , Vervloet D. , Tessier Y. , Pageat P. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Fel d 1 is the major cat allergen,inducing asthma in sensitized individuals. It is produced by the skin and lies on fur. Recently, it was established that the amount of Fel d 1 on fur varies among anatomical sites. However, it is not known whether the allergen production by skin varies in parallel. The objective was to compare the Fel d 1 production by male cat skin in two anatomical sites, the face and the chest, in order to correlate it with Fel d 1 amounts on fur, and to assess the reaccumulation of Fel d 1 after washing. Methods: Ten intact male cats were shaved under general anesthesia at both areas, and the fur was collected. The skin was washed and the washing fluid collected for Fel d 1 assays. Fel d 1 levels were measured in μg/g fur and ng/cm2 skin by ELISA before and after washing and 48 h later. Results: In skin washing, the mean Fel d 1 level was significantly higher in the face (1015.2±821.6 ng/cm2) than the chest (115.2±66.8 ng/cm2). In the fur, the respective levels were 63.6±34 and 29.6±13.6 μg/g. In the skin sample taken after skin washing, the level of Fel d 1 dropped to 25.1±25.7 ng/cm2 on the face and to 22±17.4 ng/cm2 on the chest. After 2 days, skin Fel d 1 levels returned to basal values, with higher values on the face than the chest. Conclusions: This study shows that Fel d 1 levels on the skin are dramatically higher on the facial area than chest. This anatomical variation is concordant with the levels of Fel d 1 found on fur. Washing reduces levels of major allergen on cat skin and fur, but the accumulation on skin is restored within 2 days.
Urinary eosinophil protein X in children with atopic dermatitis: relation to atopy and disease activity
Authors: Øymar K. , Bjerknes R. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Parameters of eosinophil inflammation have been suggested as markers of disease activity in atopic dermatitis (AD), but the value of urinary eosinophil protein X (U‐EPX) in children with AD, as well as the influence of allergic sensitization, is not known. Methods: We measured U‐EPX in 59 atopic and 29 nonatopic children with mild (n=32), moderate (n=34), and severe (n=22) AD, as well as in 64 controls. Results: U‐EPX was increased in children with AD (110; 67–164 μg/mmol creatinine, median; quartiles) compared to controls (62; 41–95, P<0.001). Children with mild (97; 63–164, P<0.01), moderate (108; 67–157, P<0.01), and severe disease (152; 99–202, P<0.001) had levels of U‐EPX higher than controls. U‐EPX was significantly higher in children with severe AD than in mild and moderate disease (P<0.05 for both). Children with AD and a positive skin prick test (120; 81–176) had higher levels of U‐EPX than children with a negative skin prick test (87; 56–155, P<0.05). Conclusions: U‐EPX is significantly increased in children with AD and may reflect disease activity. U‐EPX may also reflect differences in eosinophil activation between those sensitized and those not sensitized to common allergens.
Cytokine production from peripheral whole blood in atopic and nonatopic asthmatics: relationship with blood and sputum eosinophilia and serum IgE levels
Authors: Bettiol J. , Bartsch P. , Louis R. , De Groote D. , Gevaerts Y. , Louis E. , Malaise M. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The cytokine network is thought to be essential in orchestrating airway inflammation in asthma. Although evidence has accumulated to suggest that atopic asthma is a Th2 disease, much less is known about nonatopic asthma. Methods: We have compared the production of IL‐4, IL‐6, IFN‐γ, and TNF‐α from peripheral blood leukocytes between atopic (n=21) and nonatopic (n=22) asthmatics and healthy nonatopic subjects (n=20). Peripheral blood was incubated for 24 h either without stimulus or with LPS or PHA. Cytokines were measured by the immunotrapping technique (Dynamic Immunoassay). Results: When compared to healthy nonatopic subjects, both atopic and nonatopic asthmatics showed increased blood and sputum eosinophilia associated with raised total serum IgE levels. Similarly, both asthma groups displayed spontaneous, endotoxin‐induced overproduction of IL‐6. Enhanced spontaneous, endotoxin‐induced release of IL‐4 combined with reduced spontaneous IFN‐γ production was seen only in atopic asthma. In this group of patients, the production of IL‐4 was related to the extent of blood and sputum eosinophilia. In nonatopic asthmatics, serum levels of IgE were inversely related to the production of IFN‐γ. Conclusions: Both atopic and intrinsic asthma display raised blood and airway eosinophilia, raised total serum IgE, and overproduction of IL‐6 from peripheral blood. Atopic asthma is also characterized by impaired spontaneous release of IFN‐γ and increased production of IL‐4 that correlates with the magnitude of eosinophilic inflammation.
Expression of eotaxin in induced sputum of atopic and nonatopic asthmatics
Authors: Zeibecoglou K. , Ying S. , Meng Q. , Kay A. B. , Robinson D. S. , Papageorgiou N. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The chemokine eotaxin has been implicated in airway eosinophilia in atopic asthma. We have compared airway eosinophils and eotaxin expression in induced sputum from well‐matched atopic and nonatopic asthmatics. Methods: Eosinophil numbers, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and the expression of eotaxin were examined in induced sputum from atopic asthmatics (AA=11), nonatopic asthmatics (NAA=11), and atopic (AC=12) and normal (NC=10) controls. Slides were prepared for differential cell counts by Romanowsky stain, and ECP levels were measured by RIA. Eotaxin expression was detected by in situ hybridization, with 35S‐labelled riboprobes and immunocytochemistry. Results: The numbers of eosinophils and ECP concentration were increased in the sputum of AA and NAA compared with AC and NC (P<0.05). The numbers of eotaxin mRNA+ and immunoreactive cells were increased in NAA, but not AA, when compared with controls (P<0.05). Eotaxin immunoreactive cells in NAA were significantly higher than in AA (P<0.05).Eotaxin was expressed predominantly by macrophages, eosinophils, and epithelial cells. In NAA, but not AA, the numbers of eotaxin mRNA+ cells were correlated with histamine PC20 (r=−0.81, P<0.01) and eosinophil numbers in sputum (r=0.7, P<0.05). Conclusions: Eotaxin production by macrophages, eosinophils, and epithelial cells may play a more pronounced role in airway eosinophilia in nonatopic than in atopic asthma.
Low‐dose theophylline does not exert its anti‐inflammatory effects in mild asthma through upregulation of interleukin‐10 in alveolar macrophages
Authors: Oliver B. , Tomita K. , Keller A. , Caramori G. , Adcock I. , Chung K. F. , Barnes P. J. , Lim S. 
Published: March 2003

Background: There is accumulating evidence that theophylline has anti‐inflammatory or immunomodulatory effects. This may be, in part, mediated via an upregulation in the production of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)‐10. We determined whether low‐dose theophylline (LDT) would increase the production of IL‐10, and attenuate the production of proinflammatory cytokines by alveolar macrophages. Methods: In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover study involving 15 steroid‐free patients with mild asthma, fiberoptic bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were performed at the end of the treatment and placebo periods. Alveolar macrophages were cultured in vitro, and we measured their release of IL‐10, GM‐CSF, and TNF‐α. We also measured IL‐10 production in whole blood together with the number of monocytes and T cells expressing intracellular IL‐10 by flow cytometry. Results: LDT did not increase the production of IL‐10, or attenuate the production of GM‐CSF or TNF‐α by alveolar macrophages. However, after theophylline treatment, there was a significant reduction in mean (SD) (95% CI) BAL eosinophil number from 3.4 (1.7)% (95% CI 2.4–4.4) to 1.7 (1.0)% (95% CI 1.1–2.3) compared with placebo (P<0.05). Similarly, there was no increase in whole‐blood IL‐10 release or in the number of monocytes and T cells expressing intracellular IL‐10 after treatment. Conclusions: LDT has an anti‐inflammatory effect in asthma; however, this effect is not mediated via the production of IL‐10 or the attenuation of GM‐CSF or TNF‐α. The mechanisms of theophylline activity remain to be determined.
Predictors of group 5 grass‐pollen allergens in settled house dust: comparison between pollination and nonpollination seasons
Authors: Fahlbusch B. , Hornung D. , Heinrich J. , Jäger L. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Some sensitive pollen‐allergic patients may experience perennial symptoms, and for these patients it is vitally important to know the concentration of grass‐pollen allergens in their homes. The main objective of this study was to detect predictors associated with high grass allergen concentration in settled house dust during and outside the grass pollination season. Methods: We detected group 5 grass‐pollen allergens in dust samples from randomly selected homes of three counties in the region of Sachsen‐Anhalt: Hettstedt (n=183), Zerbst (n=152), and Bitterfeld (n=119). Dust samples were collected from the floors of living rooms (LR) and children's rooms (CR) from April 1996 to March 1998. Results: Phl p 5 was detected in settled house dust in 91% of the homes. The range was between undetectable (<30 ng/m2) and 4300 ng Phl p 5/m2 sampling area during grass pollination, and 1300 ng Phl p 5/m2 outside the pollination season, respectively. We observed a partially higher concentration of indoor allergenic activity several weeks after the grass‐pollen peak. A positive association was found between Phl p 5 levels and total dust amounts throughout the year. Thus, we assume that grass allergens accumulate in settled house dust. During pollination, the Phl p 5 levels are 1.8 times higher in homes where vacuuming of carpets takes place only once a week or less than in those vacuumed daily. Furthermore, higher concentrations of Phl p 5 in settled floor dust can be expected in homes located within suburban areas (mean ratio [MR] 1.74) and prefabricated slab buildings (MR=1.54). Conclusions: Quite high levels of Phl p 5 accumulate in settled house dust even during periods when no grass pollen is present in the atmosphere. The removal of dust by frequent cleaning reduces the indoor exposure to grass allergens. Such information is essential to train patients in allergen avoidance.
Increased serum nitrate levels in infants with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Taniuchi S. , Kojima T. , Hara Mt K. , Yamamoto A. , Sasai M. , Takahashi H. , Kobayashi Y. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) is still unknown. A recent study has shown that inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is expressed in the atopic skin lesion, suggesting the involvement of nitric oxide in the skin inflammation of AD. The purpose of the study was to examine serum nitrate (NO3) levels in relation to the disease severity in children with AD. Methods: Serum nitrate levels were assessed in relation to the skin scores in 88 patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) (aged 0.4–8 years: mean±SD, 2.2±1.9, 41 boys and 47 girls) and 12 nonatopic children (aged 0.8–4 years: mean±SD, 1.8±0.9, seven boys and five girls). Results: Serum nitrate levels of patients with AD were significantly increased as compared to nonatopic controls and were also correlated with the disease severity. The skin scores were significantly correlated with serum nitrate levels as well as peripheral eosinophil counts. Conclusions: Our results indicate that nitric oxide may be involved in the pathogenesis of vasodilation and erythema in AD skin.
Serum CD23 is not altered in gastroall_ergic anisakiasis, but correlates with the production of specific IgE and the amount of polyclonal stimulation
Authors: Daschner A. , Cuéllar C. , Alonso‐Gómez A. , Pascual C. Y. , Martín‐Esteban M. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Previous studies have shown elevated serum levels of the cytokines IL‐4 and sCD23 in atopic patients and parasitic disease. Gastroall_ergic anisakiasis is an acute parasitic disease, accompanied by IgE‐mediated clinical symptoms and an important increase of specific and total IgE. Methods: Sixteen patients with acute urticaria/angioedema due to parasitism by Anisakis simplex after intake of raw or undercooked fish were selected, and serum samples were taken in the emergency room within 24 h (day 0; n=16), after 1 month (n=16), and after 6 months (n=10). Serum samples were studied for specific IgE against A. simplex, total IgE, sCD23, and IL‐4. Results: Mean values for sCD23 did not change in the observation period. Only 4/16 serum samples showed measurable IL‐4 levels. Specific IgE and total IgE levels were found to be elevated after 1 month; after 6 months, they fell to nearly basal values. There was a positive correlation between sCD23 and specific IgE at day 0 and follow‐up (r=0.55–0.69, P<0.026); a positive correlation beween sCD23 and total IgE (r=0.54–0.62, P<0.056). Basal sCD23 could moderately predict the percentual increment of total IgE in the first month (r=0.56, P<0.038). Conclusions: Thus, it seems that interindividual variability of sCD23 is an important factor, with higher values predisposing to more production of unrelated IgE, independently of the parasite's action.
School education and allergic sensitization in adults
Authors: Schäfer T. , Ruhdorfer S. , Weigl L. , Wessner D. , Heinrich J. , Wichmann H. ‐ E. , Ring J. 
Published: March 2003

Background: There is evidence of an association between socioeconomic status (SES) and atopy mainly from studies in children which investigated atopic diseases and parental SES. We determined the association of allergic sensitization, as measured by skin prick test (SPT) and allergen‐specific IgE (RAST), and SES in a population‐based study in adults. Methods: Within a population‐based, nested, case‐control study, a standardized interview was performed and allergic sensitization to common aeroallergens was determined by SPT and RAST. Results: A total of 1537 adults (50.4% female, age: median 50.0, range 28‐78 years) were investigated, half of whom (50.2%) exhibited at least one positive RAST result according to the study design. SPT reactivity was 37.3% in this group and was estimated to be 26.1% in the representative study base of 4178 adults. Within increasing categories of school graduation (none; after 8, 10, 13, and >13 years), the prevalence of SPT (20.5%, 31.3%, 44.0%, 44.2%, 48.1%; P trend <0.0001) and RAST reactivity (35.0%, 48.0%, 52.3%, 48.4%, 58.4%; P trend=0.004) increased continuously. Similar results were obtained when testing this association on the level of single allergens. After control for age, sex, and parental history of atopic diseases, all but the first odds ratios for SPT remained significant (first category=reference, 2.06, 3.21, 3.88, 3.96). The same model for RAST reactivity revealed a similar result with effect estimate for the last category being significant (first category=reference, 1.89, 2.08, 2.10, 2.81). Conclusions: Allergic sensitization (SPT and RAST) to common aeroallergens in adults follows a significant and linear association with school education.
Asthma and allergy in Russian and Norwegian schoolchildren: results from two questionnaire‐based studies in the Kola Peninsula, Russia, and northern Norway
Authors: Selnes A. , Odland J. Ø. , Bolle R. , Holt J. , Dotterud L. K. , Lund E. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Previous studies have shown that the prevalence of asthma and allergy in children is lower in Eastern than Western Europe. Methods: We have compared the prevalence of asthma, respiratory symptoms, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis in schoolchildren aged 7–13 years in a questionnaire‐based study conducted in the city of Nikel on the Kola Peninsula, Russia, in 1994 (n=1143) and another conducted in northern Norway in 1995 (n=8676). Results: The prevalence of diagnosed asthma was 5.1% in Russian children and 8.6% in Norwegian children; RR=0.58 (95% CI: 0.44–0.76). The prevalence of all respiratory symptoms was higher in Russian children. The prevalence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis was 16.9% in Russian children and 22.1% in Norwegian children: RR=0.74 (95% CI: 0.65–0.85). The prevalence of atopic dermatitis was 7.4% in Russian children and 19.7% in Norwegian children; RR=0.38 (95% CI: 0.31–0.46). Conclusions: We conclude that the prevalence of diagnosed asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis was higher in Norwegian than Russian schoolchildren. The higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms in Russian children probably reflects a higher prevalence of undiagnosed, nonallergic asthma.
Working with male rodents may increase risk of all_ergy to laboratory animals
Authors: Renström A. , Karlsson A.‐S. , Malmberg P. , Larsson P. H. , Van Hage‐Hamsten M. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Our aim was to study the risk of laboratory animal all_ergy (LAA) among research staff working in laboratories separate from the animal confinement area. The roles of atopy and exposure intensity in LAA were studied with special regard to exposure to male rodents, who excrete higher levels of urinary all_ergens than female rodents. Methods: Eighty rodent‐exposed subjects gave blood samples for the analysis of total IgE, Phadiatop, and specific IgE against rat (RUA) and mouse urinary all_ergens (MUA), and answered questionnaires. Air samples were collected for RUA and MUA aeroall_ergen measurement in both laboratories and animal confinement facilities. Results: Twenty percent of the subjects had IgE >0.35 kU/l to RUA and/or MUA, and 32% had experienced animal work‐related symptoms, although 90% of aeroall_ergen samples from the research department laboratories were below the detection limit (<0.26 ng RUA per m3 and <0.8 ng MUA per m3). Atopy (positive Phadiatop), total IgE >100 kU/l, other all_ergies (especiall_y to other animals), or more than 4 years of exposure significantly increased laboratory animal sensitization and symptoms. Working with mainly male rodents gave odds ratios (95% CI) of 3.8 (0.97–15) for sensitization and 4.4 (1.4–14) for symptoms. Subjects with both exposure to mainly male rodents and atopy or elevated total IgE had a 10‐fold higher frequency of sensitization than exposed subjects with neither risk factor. Conclusions: A majority of subjects with a combination of exposure to mainly male rodents and atopy or elevated total IgE developed sensitization to and symptoms from laboratory animals. Current low exposure seems to maintain the presence of specific IgE. Further measures must be undertaken to provide a safe workplace for laboratory animal workers.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids in maternal diet, breast milk, and serum lipid fatty acids of infants in relation to atopy
Authors: Kankaanpää P. , Nurmela K. , Erkkilä A. , Kalliomäki M. , Holmberg‐Marttila D. , Salminen S. , Isolauri E. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The increased consumption of n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) has been shown to coincide with the increased prevalence of atopic diseases. We aimed to investigate whether maternal diet and atopic status influence the PUFA composition of breast milk and the serum lipid fatty acids of infants. Methods: Maternal diet was assessed by a food questionnaire. The PUFA composition of breast milk obtained at 3 months from 20 allergic and 20 healthy mothers and of their infants' (10 atopic and 10 nonatopic/group of mothers) serum lipids was analyzed. Results: Although no differences in maternal PUFA intake were observed, the breast milk of allergic mothers contained less γ‐linolenic acid (18:3 n‐6) than that of healthy mothers. Similarly, atopic infants had less γ‐linolenic acid in phospholipids than healthy infants, although n‐6 PUFA were elevated in other serum lipid fractions in atopic infants. The serum lipid fatty acids in atopic infants did not correlate with those in maternal breast milk. Conclusions: Our results suggest that dietary n‐6 PUFA are not as readily transferred into breast milk or incorporated into serum phospholipids, but may be utilized for other purposes, such as eicosanoid precursors, in allergic/atopic individuals. Subsequently, high dietary proportions of n‐6 PUFA, or reduced proportions of regulatory PUFA, such as γ‐linolenic acid and n‐3 PUFA, may be a risk factor for the development of atopic disease.