bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lack of relationship between eosinophil cationic protein and eosinophil protein X in nasal lavage and urine and the severity of childhood asthma in a 6‐month follow‐up study
Authors: WOJNAROWSKI  , ROITHNER  , KOLLER  , HALMERBAUER  , GARTNER  , TAUBER  , FRISCHER  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundRecent studies suggest that eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil protein X (EPX) may be valuable markers of airway inflammation in various body fluids of asthmatic children. Most of these studies have relied on a single measure of inflammatory markers.ObjectiveWe measured ECP and EPX in nasal lavage fluids (NALF) and urine samples in children with asthma over a 6‐month period to study the relationship between inflammatory markers and clinical severity.MethodsFourteen children with mild persisting asthma (mean age 11.7 years, sd 2.2) were recruited. All patients were on therapy including inhaled steroids. For a 6‐month period asthma severity was monitored by at least monthly physical examination and pulmonary function tests. Daily morning and evening PEF, asthma symptoms and medication were recorded in diaries for the whole study period. Telephone interviews were performed between visits and additional visits were done in case of an increase in asthmatic symptoms or drop of PEF values under 80% of best value. An exacerbation was defined by a fall of FEV1 > 10% and an increase in asthma symptoms and additional need of β2‐agonist. NALF and urine samples were obtained at each visit and analysed for ECP (NALF only) and EPX.ResultsMean observation time was 186.4 days ( sd 19.8). Thirteen patients completed the study. During the study period 11 exacerbations were observed in six patients. No significant associations between PEF, PEF variability (amplitude % of mean), daily symptoms, additional β2‐agonist, FEV1 and MEF50 and nasal ECP, nasal EPX and urinary EPX were found. However, at exacerbations an average increase of nasal ECP (9.3 vs 50.3 μg/L) and EPX (nasal EPX 36.4 vs 141.7 μg/L, urinary EPX 46.4 vs 74.1 μg/mmol creatinine) was observed.ConclusionSerial measurements of ECP and EPX in NALF and urine samples do not provide additional information for the practical management in monitoring childhood asthma.
Role of carbohydrate moieties in IgE binding to allergenic components of Cupressus arizonica pollen extract
Authors: Afferni  , Iacovacci  , Barletta  , Di Felice  , Tinghino  , Mari  , Pini  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundA reduction of IgE immunoreactivity after periodate‐treatment has been previously reported for various glycoprotein allergens.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the role of glycan moiety of a C. arizonica extract in the binding of patients' IgE and to identify the carbohydrates possibly involved.MethodsThe reactivity of IgE with C. arizonica extract, before and after periodate‐treatment, was evaluated by immunoblotting and ELISA inhibition. The specificity of carbohydrate‐reactive IgE was evaluated by ELISA using unrelated glycoproteins with known sugar composition and structure, such as pineapple bromelain, honeybee venom phospholipase A2, and ovalbumin, before and after periodate treatment.ResultsWhen periodate‐treated C. arizonica extract was probed after SDS‐PAGE and immunoblotting with patients' IgE, no reactivity could be detected. Furthermore, a very poor inhibitory activity of the periodate‐treated C. arizonica extract as compared with the untreated sample could be observed in the ELISA inhibition experiments performed using C. arizonica extract as antigen. When phospholipase A2 and bromelain were used as antigens in ELISA, they were recognized by patients' IgE, whereas ovalbumin was negative. Treatment of phospholipase A2 and bromelain with periodate completely abolishes the IgE reactivity.ConclusionA large portion of the IgE reactivity of Cupressaceae‐allergic subjects appears to be associated with sugar moieties of C. arizonica extract which appear to be shared by bromelain and phospholipase A2, thus suggesting that the IgE of patients reacting with such epitopes probably react with β 1 → 2 xylose, α 1 → 3 fucose and/or α 1 → 6 fucose.
T‐cell reaction to local anaesthetics: relationship to angioedema and urticaria after subcutaneous application — patch testing and LTT in patients with adverse reaction to local anaesthetics
Authors: Orasch  , Helbling  , Zanni  , Yawalkar  , Hari  , Pichler  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundLocal anaesthetics are known to elicit T‐cell reactions after epicutaneous application, namely contact dermatitis. In addition, adverse reactions like urticaria and angioedema are rather common after submucosal or subcutaneous injection. The pathogenesis of these side‐effects, which appear frequently hours after application, is unknown, but thought to be not immunoglobulin E‐mediated, since immediate skin tests are mostly negative.ObjectivesWe investigated whether patients who developed urticaria and angioedema after subcutaneous application have a T‐cell sensitization to local anaesthetics, which might be responsible for the symptoms.MethodsTwenty patients with generalized and/or local cutaneous reactions after LA were examined with intradermal testing using a standard panel of six LAs and patch testing using between seven and nine LAs in vaseline and four LAs in PBS. In 10 patients, a lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) was performed.ResultsOnly 2/20 patients had an immediate skin reaction (positive intradermal test), whereas 6/20 patients had a positive delayed skin reaction (positive patch test). In 6/10 subjects the LTT was positive.ConclusionsDelayed appearance of urticaria and angioedema after subcutaneous application of local anaesthetics may be related to a T cell‐ mediated sensitization, which might be detected by patch testing or LTT.
Nasal lavage mediator profile and cellular composition of nasal brushing material during latex challenge tests
Authors: Raulf‐Heimsoth  , Wirtz  , Papenfuss  , Baur  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundRecent studies have shown that airborne latex allergens cause allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the association between the development of rhinitis reactions during workplace‐related inhalative challenge tests and nasal allergic inflammation.MethodsThirty‐two health care workers (HCWs) with suspected respiratory hypersensitivity to latex allergens underwent an inhalative workplace‐related challenge test with powdered latex gloves. Nasal lavage fluid (NALF) and nasal brushing (NAB) material were collected before and after exposure (30 min, 2, 6 and 24 h) to determine mediator and cellular composition. In addition, lung function parameters and nasal flow were recorded. Furthermore, six healthy controls underwent nasal brushing and nasal lavage without latex allergen challenge at the same time intervals.ResultsTwenty‐six HCWs showed acute rhinitis by contact to airborne latex allergen exposure and 10 of them had an additional asthma response. Only in responders, significantly increased eosinophil levels were found 6 h (P < 0.00001) and 24 h (P < 0.0005) post‐challenge when compared with the prechallenge values. The ECP levels measured 2, 6 and 24 h post‐challenge in the responder group were significantly elevated when compared with the prechallenge values as well as with the non‐responders (6 h: P < 0.05, 24 h: P < 0.00001 afterwards). Only in some concentrated NALF samples of responders collected 30 min post‐challenge (seven out of 15) tryptase concentration above the detection limit were found. The NO derivative concentrations in NALF were significantly increased 6 h post‐challenge compared with the prechallenge values (P < 0.05) and were significantly higher in responders than in non‐responders and in controls (P < 0.002). IL‐5 levels increased post‐challenge in the responder group with a pronounced effect 6 h after challenge (P < 0.001). Overall, a variety of parameters was significantly correlated (e.g. ECP with NO derivatives, r = 0.792 P < 0.002).ConclusionsOur data demonstrate for the first time that nasal and bronchial hyperreactivity to airborne latex allergens are associated with an increase of eosinophils and mediators (e.g. ECP, NO derivatives, IL‐5, tryptase) in nasal mucosa. The combined use of NAB (for cells) and NALF (for mediators) appears to be a useful model to monitor nasal inflammation during workplace‐related challenge tests.
T‐cell cytokine pattern at three time points during specific immunotherapy for mite‐sensitive asthma
Authors: Majori  , Caminati  , Corradi  , Brianti  , Scarpa  , Pesci  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundsSeveral lines of evidence indicate that specific immunotherapy may act by modifying the patterns of cytokines produced by helper T cells. However, different protocols have been used and different results obtained.ObjectivesTo quantify the effect of specific immunotherapy on the TH1/TH2 T‐cell cytokine pattern at the single cell level.MethodsWe examined the interferon‐γ/interleukin‐4 ratio in peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from 12 subjects with house dust mite‐sensitive asthma using a flow cytometric method of intracellular cytokine detection. Cytokine production was determined following stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate/ionomycin, a policlonal activator. Subjects were examined at three occasions: before specific immunotherapy, after the 3‐months dose increase phase and after 1 year of treatment. During the treatment year patients kept a diary in which they recorded: (a) symptoms of asthma according to a 0–3 grading (0 = absent, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe); (b) number of puffs (100 μg) per day of salbutamol required to control symptoms; and (c) peak expiratory flow.ResultsSpecific immunotherapy improved clinical indices of disease activity including symptom scores and medication use during the treatment year, and had a marked effect in increasing the interferon‐γ/interleukin‐4 ratio in peripheral blood CD4+ T cells already after the dose increase phase (5.47 ± 1.5 vs 4.07 ± 1.49%, P = 0.03) with and a further rise after 1 year's treatment (16.12 ± 2.8 vs 4.07 ± 1.49 and 16.12 ± 2.8 vs 5.47 ± 1.5%, P = 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). There were no significant changes in the interferon‐γ/interleukin‐4 ratio in peripheral blood CD8+ T cells at the three times of the study.ConclusionsThese data add to view that the efficacy of specific immunotherapy may be attributed to a modified cytokine secretion of CD4+ T cells.
Phleum pratense‐specific T cells of allergic rhinitis patients display a broader recognition pattern than Phleum pratense‐specific serum immunoglobulin E
Authors: Van Neerven  , Arnved  , Ipsen  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe role of allergen‐specific CD4+ T lymphocytes in the pathophysiology of atopic disease is well established. Previous studies on allergen‐specific T‐cell responses have focused on the recognition of single major allergens to identify T‐cell epitopes.ObjectiveHowever, it is not clear whether immune responses to allergen extracts are exclusively targeted at major allergens or whether additional proteins are recognized.MethodsHere we describe the Phleum pratense‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and T‐cell responses of six allergic rhinitis patients. Reactivity was measured to size‐separated fractions of a P. pratense extract as well as to the purified major allergens Phl p 1, Phl p 2/3 and Phl p 5.ResultsThe specificity of the patients' serum IgE, measured in a fluid phase assay, was restricted to one or two of the major allergens. Even though the majority of the patients had IgE antibodies reactive with a single major allergen, one patient reacted with both Phl p 5 and with Phl p 2/3. Analysis of the T‐cell repertoire with P. pratense‐specific T‐cell lines (TCLs) and CD4+ T‐cell clones (TCCs) revealed that at least six different proteins were recognized, including the three major allergens, most notably Phl p 5. Simultaneous production of IL‐5 and interferon (IFN) ‐γ was detected in supernatants of the TCLs stimulated with P. pratense extract and the major allergens.ConclusionThese results indicate that allergic rhinitis patients have a large pool of circulating allergen‐specific CD4+ T cells that recognize many different proteins in an allergenic extract, whereas only a small number of these proteins are recognized by serum IgE.
The role of costimulatory molecules (B7‐1 and B7‐2) on allergen‐stimulated B cells in cedar pollinosis subjects
Authors: Morikawa  , Nagashima  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundB7‐1 (CD80) and B7‐2 (CD86), which are costimulatory molecules in T‐cell activation, play important roles in the differentiation of TH1‐ or TH2‐phenotypes. These molecules were also suggested to play important roles in sensitization to a cedar pollen antigen by blocking studies using neutralizing antibodies, but there have been very few studies concerning the effects following induction by antigen.ObjectiveIn this study, we investigated the roles of B7‐1 and B7‐2 in the differentiation of TH1 and TH2 subsets after stimulation with the antigen in subjects with cedar pollinosis.MethodsSkin‐prick test was performed in nine subjects with pollinosis and in nine normal controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and stimulated with Japanese cedar pollen extract. After in vitro stimulation, the expression of CD80 and CD86 on CD19+ cells was analysed by two‐colour flow cytometry. Culture supernatants were collected for all subjects and the production of type 1 and type 2 cytokines was measured by ELISA.ResultsAfter in vitro stimulation, the expression of CD80 (B7‐1) was upregulated in both pollinosis and control subjects, but no significant difference was observed between the two groups. On the other hand, CD86 (B7‐2) was significantly upregulated following stimulation in pollinosis subjects (P = 0.02). A significantly higher level of IL‐5 (P = 0.04) was produced by PBMCs of pollinosis subjects than by those of normal controls. A significantly higher level of interferon (IFN)‐γ (P = 0.03) was produced by PBMCs of normal controls than by those of pollinosis subjects.ConclusionThese results indicated that TH2 response was predominant in pollinosis subjects, and that CD19+ cells of pollinosis subjects expressed higher levels of B7‐2 than those of control subjects after in vitro stimulation. In pollinosis subjects, B7‐2 rather than B7‐1 may be the costimulatory molecule involved in allergen‐induced activation of PBMCs.
Family patterns of asthma, atopy and airway hyperresponsiveness: an epidemiological study
Authors: Gray  , Peat  , Belousova  , Xuan  , Woolcock  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe patterns of inheritance of asthma have largely been explored using data of symptom history collected by questionnaires which are subject to bias and which may therefore distort the measured relationship.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine family patterns of allergic disease using objective measurements of atopy and of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR).MethodsA large random sample of children aged 8–11 years was studied and 3 months later, their parents were also invited for study. Of the sample of 1655 children, both parents of 661 children were studied. In all subjects, respiratory illness history was measured by questionnaire, atopy by skin tests and AHR by responsiveness to histamine.ResultsThe odds ratio for a child to have AHR if either parent had the same condition was approximately 2.0, which was the same as the odds ratio for wheeze or diagnosed asthma in the presence of the same condition in either parent. The odds ratio for atopy was smaller (approximately 1.4, NS) but the risk of a nonatopic child having AHR if the parent had AHR was 3.0 (P = 0.01). The correlation between weal size in the child and parent was poor and the severity of AHR in the child was only modestly correlated with the severity of AHR in the parent (R = 0.51, P = 0.04).ConclusionThe use of objective measurements did not strengthen the association between atopic or asthmatic conditions in the parent and child, but did suggest that atopy and AHR are inherited independently.
Sensitization to oilseed rape is not due to cross‐reactivity with grass pollen
Authors: Welch  , Jones  , Cullinan  , Coates  , Newman Taylor  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundOilseed rape is an important crop grown in the UK which can cause specific immunological sensitization with clinical symptoms in a relatively small number of the general population. Individuals with immunoglobulin (Ig) E‐mediated allergy to oilseed rape have also been found to be sensitized to other pollen allergens, most frequently being grass pollen. Cross‐reactivity between common grass and oilseed rape would have important implications, especially as their flowering period coincides.ObjectiveWe have investigated whether the cosensitization found in individuals sensitized to both oilseed rape and grass pollen is due to cross‐reactivity.MethodsCross‐reactivity between oilseed rape and grass pollen was determined using RAST, RAST inhibition, Western blotting and inhibition studies with Western blotting.ResultsCompetitive RAST inhibition studies between pollen of oilseed rape and grass failed to show any cross‐reactivity between the pollen types. Self‐inhibition with oilseed rape resulted in 90% inhibition, whereas there was less than 10% inhibition with grass pollen. Western blotting revealed allergens of similar molecular weight in both oilseed rape and grass pollen. Despite allergens of similar molecular weights being present in both pollen types, inhibition immunoblot studies confirmed that the allergens in the two allergens were immunologically distinct.ConclusionThe allergens of oilseed rape and grass pollen, although similar in molecular weights, are immunologically distinct and there is no evidence of cross‐reactivity between them. Individuals allergic to grass pollen will not necessarily develop a specific nasal or airway response to inhaled oilseed rape pollens.
Cord blood levels of immunoglobulin G subclass antibodies to food and inhalant allergens in relation to maternal atopy and the development of atopic disease during the first 8 years of life
Authors: Jenmalm  , Björkstén  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundFactors that either protect from or enhance the development of atopic disease appear to be acting early in life. The gestational environment, including maternal immune responses, such as transplacentally transferred immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies to allergens, may be of importance in this respect, since allergen‐specific immunity has been demonstrated to develop in utero.ObjectiveTo evaluate the relation between cord blood IgG subclass antibodies to allergens, maternal atopy and development of atopic disease in the children.Material and methodsThe study group comprised a cohort of 96 children participating in a prospective study up to 8 years of age. Cord blood IgG subclass antibodies to ovalbumin, β‐lactoglobulin, Bet v 1 and cat dander were analysed by ELISA.ResultsThe levels of all IgG subclass antibodies to ovalbumin and rBet v 1 were higher in newborn infants with an atopic mother, as compared with babies with nonatopic mothers. IgG1 antibody levels to cat and IgG4 antibody levels to β‐lactoglobulin and cat were also higher in atopic than in nonatopic mothers, whereas the other subclass antibody levels to those allergens were similar. High levels of cord blood IgG antibodies to cat and birch, but not to the food allergens, were associated with less atopic symptoms in the children during the first 8 years of life. Moreover, children who developed IgE antibodies to cat had lower levels of IgG antibodies to that allergen at birth.ConclusionsHigh levels of cord blood IgG subclass, especially IgG4, antibodies to food and inhalant allergens are associated with maternal atopy. High levels of IgG antibodies to inhalant, but not food, allergens are associated with less development of atopy in the children.
Characterization of platelet‐activating factor‐induced cytosolic calcium mobilization in human eosinophils
Authors: Oshiro  , Kakuta  , Shimura  , Nara  , Shirato  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundActivated eosinophils play an important role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma and other allergic diseases, and platelet‐activating factor (PAF) is a potent activator of eosinophils.ObjectiveTo characterize the cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) mobilization in human eosinophils in response to PAF.Methods[Ca2+]i responses to PAF were examined in human eosinophils using a microscopic fura‐2 fluorescence‐ratio imaging system.ResultsPAF caused a significant and dose‐dependent increase in (Ca2+)i, which consisted of an initial rapid rise followed by a sustained elevation. This PAF‐induced (Ca2+)i rise was inhibited by WEB 2086, a specific PAF receptor antagonist. The addition of 5 m
m EGTA or 1 m
m Ni2+ to a nominally Ca2+‐free solution did not appreciably reduce the initial rise but significantly inhibited the sustained rise. The application of a protein kinase C inhibitor, Ro31‐8220, augmented the sustained increase by PAF. Thapsigargin, a microsomal Ca2+ ATPase inhibitor, induced no appreciable change in a nominally Ca2+‐free solution but induced a marked increase in (Ca2+)i when changed to a Ca2+‐containing solution.ConclusionsThe initial rapid rise and the following sustained rise in (Ca2+)i by PAF depends on Ca2+ release from the intracellular Ca2+ stores and Ca2+ influx, respectively, which are regulated by protein kinase C in human eosinophils. Furthermore, the so called Ca2+‐capacitative entry is possibly involved in the Ca2+ influx from the extracellular solution in human eosinophils.
Ethnicity, childhood environment and atopic disorder
Authors: Hjern  , Haglund  , Hedlin  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) has demonstrated large differences in the prevalence of atopic disorders in children between different regions in the world. Populations with a higher standard of living and a more westernized lifestyle tend to have higher rates of atopy and asthma. Many hypotheses regarding environmental causes of atopic disorder focus on the early childhood environment.ObjectiveTo study the influence of ethnicity and country of birth for the prevalence of atopic disorders.MethodsThe prevalence of atopic disorders in Swedish residents born in Turkey and Chile, who settled in Sweden as adults in the 1980s, was compared with their own Swedish‐born children and a sample of Swedish‐born parents and their children in interview data from the Survey of Living Conditions in 1996. The study group included 1734 adults 27–60 years of age and their 2964 children aged 3–15.ResultsThe Chilean‐born parents and their children had the highest risk for allergic asthma; adjusted odds ratios (ORs) 2.2 (1.2–4.0) and 2.7 (1.6–4.5), respectively, and allergic rhino‐conjunctivitis; OR 1.6 (1.1–3) and 1.6 (1.1–2.5) in both groups, when compared with the Swedish‐born parents and their children. The Turkish‐born parents and their children had the lowest risk for allergic rhino‐conjunctivitis; both groups had OR 0.6 (0.4–0.9) and the children in this group also had the lowest risk for eczema; OR; 0.4 (0.3–0.7). The risk for all atopic disorders was lower in the Turkish group compared with the Chileans.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that ethnicity is an important determinant of atopic disorder independent of the external childhood environment. The value of international comparisons of environment and risk for atopic disorders can be questioned until more is known about factors related to ethnicity, such as genetic susceptibility and diet, for the development of atopy.