bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrocortisone enhances allergen‐specific IgE production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from atopic patients with high serum allergen‐specific IgE levels
Authors: Cho Y.‐J. , Hong S.‐J. , Moon H.‐B. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundAlthough there is convincing evidence that human B cells can be induced to produce IgE by a combination of interleukin 4 (IL‐4) and hydrocortisone (HC) in atopic subjects, it is still uncertain if this performs the same functions in allergen‐specific IgE synthesis.ObjectiveThis study was designed to investigate the differences of IgE regulation between atopics and nonatopics, interactions of HC with IL‐4, and the correlation between in vitro total IgE, allergen‐specific IgE synthesis and serum IgE levels.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 16 atopic asthma patients sensitive to Dermatophagoides farinae and seven nonatopic controls were cultured with IL‐4 and/or HC. Total IgE and D. farinae‐specific IgE in culture supernatant were measured by ELISA and FAST.ResultsIL‐4 increased total IgE synthesis in PBMCs from both atopics and nonatopics, whereas, HC had this effect only in some atopics who showed spontaneous IgE production in vitro. HC acted synergistically with IL‐4 in total IgE synthesis. Their effects were more remarkable in cases with lower total serum IgE levels. PBMCs from eight of 16 atopics produced D. farinae‐specific IgE in vitro either spontaneously or by IL‐4 and/or HC. HC had more profound effects than IL‐4 in these patients. They also showed higher total IgE synthesis by HC, and higher specific serum IgE levels than the others. IL‐4 and/or HC did not induce any D. farinae‐specific IgE synthesis by PBMCs from nonatopics.ConclusionHC had a more profound effect than IL‐4 on the induction of D. farinae‐specific IgE synthesis in atopic patients with high serum allergen specific IgE levels. Further studies to determine the causes of these effects, such as the presence of long lived allergen specific B cells as the result of the priming effect of IL‐4 in vivo, may be needed.
Relation between exhaled carbon monoxide levels and clinical severity of asthma
Authors: Yamaya M. , Hosoda M. , Ishizuka S. , Monma M. , Matsui T. , Suzuki T. , Sekizawa K. , Sasaki H. 
Published: March 2003

Carbon monoxide (CO) can be detected in exhaled air and is increased in asthmatic patients not treated with corticosteroids. However, it is uncertain whether exhaled CO is related to severity of asthma.To study whether exhaled CO is related to severity of asthma in clinical courses, exhaled CO concentrations were measured on a CO monitor by vital capacity manoeuvre in 20 mild asthmatics treated with inhaled β2‐agonists alone, 20 moderate asthmatics treated with inhaled corticosteroids, and 15 stable asthmatics treated with high dose inhaled corticosteroids and oral corticosteroids once a month over 1 years. Exhaled CO concentrations were also measured in 16 unstable severe asthmatics who visited the hospital every 7 or 14 days for treatment with high dose inhaled corticosteroids and oral corticosteroids.The mean values of exhaled CO in severe asthma over 1 year were 6.7 ± 9.5 p.p.m. (n = 31, mean ± SD) and significantly higher than those of non‐smoking control subjects (1.2 ± 0.9 p.p.m., n = 20, P < 0.01). Exhaled CO concentrations in unstable severe asthmatics were significantly higher than those in stable severe asthmatics. However, exhaled CO concentrations in mild and moderate asthmatics did not differ significantly from those in non‐smoking control subjects (P > 0.20). There was a significant relationship between the exhaled CO concentrations and forced expiratory volume in one second in all asthmatic patients.These findings suggest that exhaled CO concentrations may relate to the severity of asthma and measurements of exhaled CO concentrations may be a useful means of monitoring airway inflammation in asthma.
Measurement of personal exposure to aerosols of Nephrops norvegicus (Scampi) using a monoclonal‐based assay
Authors: Griffin P. , Allan L. , Gibson M. , Elms J. , Wiley K. , Curran A. D. 
Published: March 2003

Background The industrial processing of scampi (Nephrops norvegicus) generates bioaerosols which can cause occupational respiratory disease in exposed individuals. The objective of this study was to develop a monoclonal antibody‐based immunoassay to measure scampi proteins collected using standard personal air sampling methods.Methods A monoclonal antibody was generated which predominantly bound to a single 97 Kd scampi protein, which we have shown to be a major allergen. This protein was shown by SDS PAGE immunoblotting to be present in various aqueous extracts from wastes produced during scampi processing. A quantitative immunoslotblot method was developed to quantify scampi from air sample filters.Results We demonstrated the utility of this method by showing a significant difference (P = 0.015) in the level of exposure of two groups of 12 workers processing scampi at a traditional open workstation (GM = 607 ng m−3) and at an enclosed workstation (GM = 451 ng m−3).Conclusion We conclude that this assay can be used, in conjunction with health surveillance, to monitor exposure and the efficacy of measures to reduce exposure to airborne scampi allergen in an occupational environment.
Serum interleukin‐5 in aspirin‐induced asthma
Authors: Mastalerz L. , Sanak M. , Szczeklik A. 
Published: March 2003

Background Eosinophilopoetic cytokine IL‐5 enhances cysteinyl‐leukotriene (cys‐LT) synthesis in eosinophils in vitro. In patients with aspirin‐induced asthma (AIA) bronchial biopsies revealed eosinophil infiltration and a marked increase in IL‐5 positive cells.Objective We wondered whether in AIA patients the bronchial IL‐5 increase is reflected in peripheral blood, and if so, whether it is related to overproduction of cys‐LT.Methods In 11 stable patients with AIA, 32 with ATA (aspirin‐tolerant asthma) and in 16 controls we measured serum IL‐5 concentrations and urinary LTE4, believed to reflect global cys‐LT production.Results Serum IL‐5 was detectable in 12 of 43 asthmatics, but in none of the control subjects. It was highest in the ATA group and differed significantly from the controls. There was no significant difference in IL‐5 levels between: (i) the asthmatic groups studied, and (ii) AIA patients and controls. No relationship was found between serum IL‐5 and urinary cys‐LT.Conclusion Overexpression of IL‐5 reported in the airways of aspirin‐sensitive patients with asthma was not reflected in their blood. If IL‐5 affects cys‐LT production, it is rather in the bronchi of the patients than in the blood.
Linkage to atopy on chromosome 19 in north‐eastern Italian families with allergic asthma
Authors: Venanzi S. , Malerba G. , Galavotti R. , Lauciello M. C. , Trabetti E. , Zanoni G. , Pescollderungg L. , Martinati L. C. , Boner A. L. , Pignatti P. F. 
Published: March 2003

Background Allergic asthma is a multifactorial disease for which there is a widely assessed, although poorly understood, genetic involvement. Genome‐wide screens reported evidence for linkage of allergic asthma‐related phenotypes to several chromosomal locations. Markers on chromosome 19 have been linked to allergic asthma phenotypes in different populations in independent studies.Objective The aim of this study was to perform a genetic linkage analysis on chromosome 19 to search for DNA markers linked to phenotypes related to allergic asthma.Methods Using non‐parametric multipoint linkage analysis on a total of 22 random DNA markers in 2 stages, a sample of 111 families (542 subjects) from north‐eastern Italy, recruited through an asthmatic allergic proband, was investigated. Phenotypes examined were: clinical asthma, total serum elevated IgE, skin prick test positivity, bronchial hyper‐responsiveness, and atopy defined as skin prick test positivity and/or elevated IgE. Simulation studies were performed to confirm the significance of the results.Results A novel linkage of atopy and skin prick test positivity to marker D19S601 (19q13.3) was found. Modest evidence for linkage of atopy, skin prick test positivity, and IgE was also found to marker D19S591 (19p13.3). Simulation analysis for atopy gave an NPL‐Z > 3.326 in 2 replicates out of 1000 (P = 0.002) for D19S601, and an NPL‐Z > 2.56 in 16 replicates out of 1000 (P = 0.016) for D19S591.Conclusions On chromosome 19, suggestive linkage of atopy and skin prick test positivity with marker D19S601 (19q13.3) and modest evidence of linkage of marker D19S591 (19p13.3) to the atopic phenotypes investigated were found. These results suggest that these regions may contain susceptibility loci associated to atopic phenotypes.
Immuno‐regulatory cytokines in asthma: IL‐15 and IL‐13 in induced sputum
Authors: Komai‐Koma M. , McKay A. , Thomson L. , McSharry C. , Chalmers G. W. , Liew F. Y. , Thomson N. C. 
Published: March 2003

Background The importance of Th2‐type lymphocyte function in asthmatic airway inflammation is well recognized, but less is known about the factors which regulate the function of these lymphocytes in asthma. The macrophage‐derived cytokine, interleukin (IL)‐15 has a number of T cell regulatory properties which might be of relevance to asthma and its treatment.Objective The aims were to identify and quantify the T cell regulatory cytokine IL‐15 in induced sputum samples from asthmatic patients, in comparison with IL‐13, and to relate the levels of these cytokines to treatment with inhaled steroids.Methods Induced sputum was collected from 16 asthmatics (eight steroid and eight non‐steroid treated) and eight normal controls. IL‐15 and IL‐13 levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA) in sputum. IL‐15 levels were also measured in sputum cell culture supernatants and localized to specific sputum cells by immuno‐cytochemistry.Results IL‐15 levels were increased and IL‐13 levels were decreased in sputum fluid from steroid‐treated compared with non‐steroid‐treated asthmatics. IL‐15 was localized specifically to macrophages and the proportion of these cells expressing IL‐15 correlated with sputum fluid IL‐15 and IL‐15 levels in cell culture supernatants, and all were higher in the steroid‐treated asthmatics.Conclusion IL‐15 and IL‐13 production appears to be reciprocally regulated by steroid therapy in asthma patients. The steroid‐associated increase in IL‐15 may regulate a fundamental shift away from an inflammatory Th2‐type environment in asthma and may be an essential component of the cytokine modulation underlying the therapeutic benefit of corticosteroids in this condition.
Sodium cromoglycate attenuates pulmonary inflammation without influencing bronchial responsiveness in healthy subjects exposed to organic dust
Authors: Larsson K. , Larsson B.‐M. , Sandström T. , Sundblad B.‐M. , Palmberg L. 
Published: March 2003

Background Inhalation of organic dust from a pig house induces airway inflammation and increases bronchial responsiveness to methacholine in healthy subjects.Objective To study whether sodium cromoglycate influences the airway inflammatory reaction and the increase in airway responsiveness induced by inhalation of organic dust.Methods Bronchoalveolar and nasal lavages, and bronchial methacholine challanges were performed and blood samples were drawn in 32 healthy subjects before and after exposure to dust in a pig farm. Sodium cromoglycate was inhaled (20 mg, twice a day) and administered intranasally (5.2 mg, twice a day) by 16 and a corresponding placebo was given to the other 16 healthy controls for two weeks prior to exposure.Results Exposure induced a significant increase in inflammatory cells and soluble components (pro‐inflammatory cytokines, inflammatory mediators) in bronchoalveolar and nasal lavage fluid in both groups. The increase in neutrophils, interleukin (IL)‐6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α as well as myeloperoxidase and soluble intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)‐1 in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was significantly reduced by treatment with sodium cromoglycate. Although sodium cromoglycate inhalation largely influenced a variety of inflammatory indices in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid it had no effect on the increase in bronchial responsiveness to methacholine.Conclusion Sodium cromoglycate alters the airway inflammatory response to inhaled organic dust without influencing the dust‐induced increase in bronchial responsiveness to methacholine.
Wheezing in relation to atopy and environmental factors in Estonian and Swedish schoolchildren
Authors: Annus T. , Björkstén B. , Mai X.‐M. , Nilsson L. , Riikjärv M.‐A. , Sandin A. , Bråbäck L. 
Published: March 2003

Background The prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases is significantly lower in post socialist Eastern Europe than in Western industrialized countries. The reason for this difference is largely unknown. Different types of childhood wheezing could be related to different risk factors.Objective To compare the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, asthma and atopic diseases among Estonian and Swedish schoolchildren and to evaluate characteristics for wheezing in the two countries.Methods In a prevalence study, population‐based random samples of 10–11‐year‐old schoolchildren in Tallinn (n = 979), Estonia and in Linköping (n = 911) and Östersund (n = 1197), Sweden were studied by a parental questionnaire and skin prick tests (SPT). All 275 children with wheeze in the past 12 months and 710 randomly selected controls within the original cohorts were invited to a case‐control study involving a parental questionnaire, examination for flexural dermatitis and bronchial challenge with hypertonic saline. The study adhered to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase II protocol.Results The prevalence of current wheezing was similar (8–10%) in the three centres, while diagnosed asthma and atopic symptoms were more common in Sweden and cold‐related respiratory symptoms were more prevalent in Estonia. Frequent wheezing was more common in Sweden than in Estonia (but significantly so only in Östersund). Wheezing children in Sweden had a high rate of positive SPT (49% in Linköping and 58% in Östersund) bronchial hyper‐responsiveness (BHR) (48% in Linköping and Östersund) and anti‐asthmatic treatment (63% in Linköping and 81% in Östersund). In Estonia, the proportion of wheezing children with positive SPT, BHR and anti‐asthmatic treatment was only 26%, 13% and 17%, respectively. Domestic crowding was inversely related to wheezing in one of the study areas (Östersund). The mean baseline forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was higher in Estonia than in Sweden, both in wheezing and non‐wheezing children.Conclusions Our study suggested that although wheezing symptoms were equally common in Estonia and Sweden, they were less severe in Estonia. More frequent symptoms and a high rate of atopy, BHR and anti‐asthmatic medication characterized wheezing children in Sweden. In contrast, BHR, atopy and medication were uncommon among wheezing children in Estonia.
The tryptase inhibitor APC‐366 reduces the acute airway response to allergen in pigs sensitized to Ascaris suum
Authors: Sylvin H. , Dahlbäck M. , Van Der Ploeg I. , Alving K. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Tryptase is a mast cell serine protease that is released during mast cell degranulation. It has been implicated as an important enzyme in the pathophysiology of asthma, but its role in this disease is not fully elucidated.Objective In this study, we investigated the effects of a tryptase inhibitor, APC‐366, on the acute allergic airway reaction in specific pathogen‐free pigs sensitized to the antigen Ascaris suum.Methods APC‐366 (5 mg in 1 mL of water, each dose) was given as an aerosol to seven pigs two times (t); at t = − 60 min and t = − 15 min Control pigs received water. Ascaris antigen (in 2 mL saline) was nebulized to the airways over approximately 5 min at t = 0. All aerosols were generated with an ultrasonic nebulizer.Results The allergen challenge caused an acute reaction with a significant increase in airway resistance (Raw) in the control pigs from 3.3 ± 0.6 cmH20/l/s to 10.2 ± 2.3 cmH20/l/s, while in the APC‐366‐treated pigs, the Raw increased from 2.6 ± 0.4 cmH20/l/s to 4.5 ± 0.7 cmH20/l/s (P < 0.05 compared to controls). The dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn) decreased significantly in the control pigs, but not in the APC‐366‐treated animals. The histamine concentration in urine in the control pigs was elevated immediately after allergen challenge, while this release was markedly reduced in the APC‐366‐treated pigs.Conclusion The tryptase inhibitor APC‐366 reduces the acute airway response to allergen significantly. There is also a reduced elevation in urine histamine concentration after challenge in the treated pigs, compared to controls. These results indicate that inhibition of mast cell tryptase might be a useful anti‐allergic treatment in asthma.
Prevalence of occupational allergy to bell pepper pollen in greenhouses in the Netherlands
Authors: Groenewoud G. C. M. , De Jong N. W. , Van Oorschot‐van Nes A. J. , Vermeulen A. M. , Van Toorenenbergen A. W. , Mulder P. G. H. , Burdorf A. , De Groot H. , Van Wijk R. Gerth 
Published: March 2003

Background An increasing number of allergic complaints appear to have occurred among bell pepper greenhouse employees.Objective The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of work‐related allergic symptoms and the prevalence of sensitization to specific occupational allergens and its determinants.Methods We studied 472 employees who were invited to answer an extensive questionnaire and to be tested on location with inhalant allergens and home‐made extracts of the bell pepper plant. In addition, peak expiratory flow monitoring and RASTs were performed.Results Work‐related symptoms were reported in 53.8% of all cases. Sensitization to the bell pepper plant was found in 35.4%. Positive reactions to leaf, stem and/or juice, however, were associated in nearly 90% with sensitization to pollen, which appeared to be most important allergen of the plant. Sensitization to the bell pepper plant and inhalant atopy were considered the most important risk factors for the occurrence of work‐related symptoms of the upper airways (PRR 2.63, CI 2.11–3.25 and PRR 2.25, CI 1.82–2.79) as well as of the lower airways (PRR 4.08, CI 2.38–7.00 and PRR 3.16, CI 1.87–5.33).Conclusion There is a surprisingly high prevalence of work‐related respiratory symptoms (53.8%) in bell pepper horticulture. In two‐thirds of the employees, symptoms at work were associated with an IgE‐mediated allergy due to the high and chronic exposure to bell pepper pollen. Complaints at work without specific sensitization to bell pepper pollen can be caused by non‐specific hyper‐reactivity or atopy to other occupational allergens. The extent of this occupational allergy has important consequences for the health care of this large, still growing occupational group.
Lipoteichoic acid from Staphylococcus aureus induces Th2‐prone dermatitis in mice sensitized percutaneously with an allergen
Authors: Matsui K. , Nishikawa A. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground We found previously that lipoteichoic acid (LTA) from Staphylococcus aureus has the ability to induce Th2 cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). However, it is not known whether LTA can induce a Th2‐dominant cytokine response in the skin of AD patients.Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of LTA in mice sensitized percutaneously with a house dust mite antigen (MA) through barrier‐disrupted skin, as an experimental animal model of AD.Methods Mice were sensitized with MA by a single topical application to barrier‐disrupted abdominal skin. Seven days after the sensitization, the mice were challenged on the dorsal skin by LTA to elicit localized skin inflammation. The cytokine response in the dorsal skin was investigated by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and immunohistological analysis. The infiltration of inflammatory cells in the skin was also observed by histological staining.Results Injection of LTA into the dorsal skin of MA‐sensitized mice, which show a Th2‐dominant cytokine response against the homologous antigen, increased the expression of mRNA for IFN‐γ, IL‐4 and IL‐5, but not IL‐2. Immunohistological analysis demonstrated that levels of IFN‐γ, IL‐4 and IL‐5 transcripts corresponded with those of protein synthesis. In addition, the dorsal skin of MA‐sensitized mice challenged with LTA showed significantly increased numbers of neutrophils, eosinophils, mononuclear cells and mast cells compared with control mice challenged with LTA.Conclusion These results suggest that LTA has the ability to induce localized Th2‐prone dermatitis in an allergen‐independent manner in the skin of AD patients and may explain the role of colonization with S. aureus in AD patients.
Interaction among human leucocyte antigen–peptide–T cell receptor complexes in cow's milk allergy: the significance of human leucocyte antigen and T cell receptor–complementarity determining region 3 loops
Authors: Sakaguchi H. , Inoue R. , Kaneko H. , Watanabe M. , Suzuki K. , Kato Z. , Matsushita S. , Kondo N. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Allergic individuals respond to only a few specific antigens, therefore allergic diseases are characterized by antigen specificity. Clarification of the mechanism of antigen specificity will lead to progress in the therapy of allergic diseases.Objectives The purpose of this study is to determine the specific association among T cell epitopes, antigen‐presenting molecules and T cell receptor (TCR), and to determine the TCR usage in the pathogenesis of allergies using antigen‐specific T cell clones (TCCs). The results can clarify the mechanism of the antigen specificity of allergic diseases, and provide new therapeutic possibilities using analogue peptides.Methods Short‐term T cell clones specific to β‐lactoglobulin (BLG) were established from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from five patients allergic to cow's milk. We then identified the T cell epitopes and antigen‐presenting molecules, and examined TCR usage. We also determined the sequence of the TCR‐complementarity‐determining region 3 (CDR3).Results Six TCCs established from the five patients recognized three different peptides, and BLGp97–117 was recognized by four of the six TCCs. BLGp101–112 (KYLLFCMENSAE) was the core sequence in the fragment. Sequence analysis of TCR by the RT‐PCR method revealed a marked heterogeneity in TCR usage, and similar amino acid sequences were recognized in the CDR3 region. Four of the six TCCs recognized BLG in association with human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐DRB1*0405 as antigen‐presenting molecules.Conclusion We proposed the motif of the interaction between the HLA‐DRB1*0405 allele and antigen peptide, and suggested that HLA‐DRB1*0405 is an immunoregulatory gene product for T cell responses to BLG.