bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of a 36‐kDa olive‐pollen allergen by in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Martínez A , Asturias JA , Palacios R , Martínez J , Sanz Ml , Sánchez G , Oehling A 
Published: March 2003

Background: Ole e 1 has been considered the major allergen of olive (Olea europaea) pollen. Some other relevant allergens (Ole e 2, 3, 4, and 6) have been recently described. This work aimed to study the IgE‐binding frequency of a 36‐kDa protein from O. europaea pollen in a large population of olive‐allergic patients, its allergenic reactivity in vivo, and its presence in olive pollens of different origin, as well as in other relevant allergenic pollens. Methods: Identification of IgE‐binding components from O. europaea pollen extracts was elucidated by inhibition of SDS–PAGE immunoblotting using recombinant profilin (Ole e 2) and Ole e 1 molecules. The IgE‐binding frequency of the 36‐kDa protein was estimated by Western blot in a sample of 120 sera from olive‐allergic patients. The cutaneous test with the 36‐kDa protein was performed by intradermoreaction in allergic patients and control subjects. Results: Exactly 83% of the sera from O. europaea‐allergic patients recognized a protein with an apparent molecular weight of 36 kDa, under reducing conditions. It was detected by sera from monosensitized and polysensitized patients, showing a higher IgE frequency than the major allergen Ole e 1 (59%) and the minor profilin (Ole e 2) allergen (27%). Similar reactivity rates (79%) was found by intradermal test. Extracts from olive pollens collected in California presented a much higher amount (around 16‐fold on average) of the 36‐kDa protein than those from pollens of Spanish origin. The presence of similar allergens was detected only in closely related species (Syringa, Fraxinus, Ligustrum), and not in other common allergenic pollens. Conclusions: The 36‐kDa protein constitutes a major allergen for olive‐sensitized patients, but it is not equally represented in O. europaea pollens of different origins. Abbreviations: BSA: bovine serum albumin; PVDF: polyvinylidene difluoride; SDS–PAGE: sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; TBS: Tris borate saline buffer.
Sublingual immunotherapy: a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial with Parietaria judaica extract standardized in mass units in patients with rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, or both
Authors: Purello‐D'Ambrosio F. , Gangemi S. , Isola S. , La Motta N. , Ricciardi L. , Puccinelli P. , Parmiani S. , Savi E. 
Published: March 2003

Background: New routes of administering immunotherapy in respiratory allergy are being studied as an alternative to conventional injective immunotherapy. We carried out a study to evaluate the clinical efficacy and effects of sublingual immunotherapy in patients with Parietaria judaica‐induced respiratory allergy. Methods: A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled design was followed. Thirty patients with P. judaica rhinoconjunctivitis, mild asthma, or both were randomly chosen for sublingual immuno‐therapy (14 patients) or placebo treatment (16 patients). The patients underwent preseasonal rush induction treatment followed by coseasonal maintenance treatment during the Parietaria pollen season. Symptom and drug scores, as well as specific IgE and specific IgG4, were recorded. Results: Significantly lower symptom and drug scores were found (P=0.04), especially during the Parietaria pollination period, in the immunotherapy group. No significant difference in specific IgE and specific IgG4 was detected between the active and placebo groups; a statistically significant increase of specific IgE was detected in both groups (P=0.05). No patient undergoing active sublingual immunotherapy reported local or systemic side‐effects. Conclusions: Our data suggest that sublingual immunotherapy is both clinically effective and safe in treating patients with Parietaria‐induced rhinoconjunctivitis and mild asthma.
p38 MAP kinase regulates RANTES production byTNF‐α‐stimulated human pulmonary vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Hashimoto S. , Gon Y. , Asai Y. , Asai Y. , Machino T. , Jibiki I. , Takeshita I. , Anazawa H. , Horie T. 
Published: March 2003

Background: RANTES plays an important role in the production of allergic inflammation of the airway through its chemotactic activity for eosinophils. However, the intracellular signal regulating RANTES expression in human pulmonary vascular endothelial cells has not been determined. In the present study, therefore, we examined the role of p38 mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase in RANTES production by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α‐stimulated pulmonary vascular endothelial cells in order to clarify the signal transduction pathway regulating RANTES production by pulmonary vascular endothelial cells. Methods: We examined p38 MAP kinase activation, and the effect of SB 203580, as the specific inhibitor for p38 MAP kinase, on p38 MAP kinase activity and RANTES production by TNF‐α‐stimulated human pulmonary vascular endothelial cells. Results: The results showed that TNF‐α induced RANTES production and p38 MAP kinase activity in human pulmonary vascular endothelial cells. Abrogation of p38 MAP kinase activity by SB 203580 repressed TNF‐α‐induced p38 MAP kinase activity and RANTES production. Conclusions: These results indicate that p38 MAP kinase plays an important role in the TNF‐α‐activated signaling pathway which regulates RANTES production by human pulmonary vascular endothelial cells.
Anaphylactic reaction to young garlic
Authors: Pérez‐pimiento Aj , Santaolalla M , De Paz S , Fernández‐parra B , Domínguez‐lázaro A. R , Moneo I 
Published: March 2003

Background: Garlic is well known to cause contact dermatitis and asthma. However, it is a very rare cause of food allergy. We present the case of a 23‐year‐old woman with previous history of allergy to pollen and dried fruit, and food‐dependent, exercise‐induced anaphylaxis for which no specific food could be identified as responsible, who experienced an anaphylactic reaction after eating young garlic. Methods: Skin prick tests and specific IgE immunoassay with several pollens and foods were performed, as well as the prick‐prick test with young garlic and SDS–PAGE followed by immunoblotting IgE to young garlic and other Liliaceae species, mustard, sesame, parsley, celery, hazelnut, almond, and pollen of birch and mugwort. Results: Skin prick tests and specific IgE were mainly positive for grass, plane tree, and mugwort pollen; peanut; hazelnut; walnut; almond; and mustard. Prick‐prick tests with young garlic and garlic were positive. Total IgE was 113 U/ml. SDS–PAGE immunoblotting showed IgE‐binding bands at 12 kDa to young garlic, garlic, onion, and leek extracts. Similar bands could also be detected with mugwort pollen and hazelnut extract. Conclusions: We describe IgE‐mediated reaction to young garlic in a patient sensitized to pollen and dried fruit.
Intractable pruritus in HIV infection: immunologic characterization
Authors: Milazzo F , Piconi S , Trabattoni D , Magni C , Coen M , Capetti A , Fusi ML , Parravicini C , Clerici M 
Published: March 2003

Background: Severe, intractable pruritus, often associated with erythematopapular skin lesions and hypereosinophilia, is a condition observed in some nonatopic, HIV‐infected patients. We performed immunovirologic analyses of this condition. Methods: Immunologic (mitogen‐stimulated production of cytokines, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha [TNF‐α], and soluble CD23; serum levels of soluble CD23, ICAM‐1, TNF‐α, IgG, IgE, and IgA) and virologic (HIV viral load) parameters were analyzed in six patients with therapy‐resistant pruritus. Hypereosinophilia was present in all these patients. Results were compared to those of seven HIV‐seropositive individuals similar to the first one in terms of CD4 counts and clinical staging, but without pruritus. Results: Hypereosinophilia; hyper‐IgE and hyper‐IgA; augmented interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, and sCD23; and reduced interferon‐gamma production by mitogen‐stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were detected when patients with pruritus were compared to HIV controls. HIV viral load was also augmented in patients in whom pruritus was present. Conclusions: The results suggest that therapy‐resistant, intractable pruritus accompanied by hypereosinophilia may be used to define a subset of HIV‐seropositive individuals showing prototypic hyperactivation of humoral immunity, and in whom augmented HIV viral load is present.
Cellular infiltration and cytokine mRNA expression in perennial allergic rhinitis
Authors: Varga EM , Jacobson MR , Till SJ , Masuyama K , O'Brien F , Durham SR , Rak S , Lund V , Scadding GK , Hamid QA 
Published: March 2003

Background: Allergen challenge in allergic rhinitis patients leads to local eosinophilia and Th2‐type cytokine expression. Natural exposure to grass pollen is additionally characterized by epithelial mast‐cell infiltration. We hypothesized that perennial allergic rhinitis is also associated with T‐cell and eosinophil infiltration of the nasal mucosa, local Th2‐type cytokine expression, and increased numbers of nasal epithelial mast cells. Methods: Nasal biopsies from perennial allergic rhinitis patients and controls were analysed by immunocytochemistry for different cell populations and in situ hybridization for cytokine mRNA‐expressing cells. Results: Perennial allergic rhinitis was associated with increased numbers of submucosal CD3+ T cells (P=0.05), EG2+ activated eosinophils (P=0.01), and CD68+ macrophages (P=0.01) compared to controls. Epithelial, but not submucosal, tryptase‐positive mast cells were also elevated in rhinitics compared to controls (P=0.01). The numbers of cells expressing interleukin (IL)‐5 were higher (P=0.01) and the numbers of cells expressing IL‐2 were lower (P=0.04) in rhinitic patients than controls. There were no significant differences for either IL‐4 or interferon‐gamma between the groups. Conclusions: Perennial allergic rhinitis is characterized by mast‐cell migration into the epithelium; submucosal infiltration by T cells, eosinophils, and macrophages; and an imbalance in local T‐cell cytokine production in favour of enhanced IL‐5 and reduced IL‐2 expression.
Effects of maternal allergen‐specific IgG in cord blood on early postnatal development of allergen‐specific T‐cell immunity
Authors: Prescott S. L. , Holt P. G. , Jenmalm M. , Björkstén B. 
Published: March 2003

Background:A wide body of epidemiologic evidence indicates that as yet unknown maternal factor(s) can influence susceptibility to allergic disease in the offspring. It is also well established that the induction of allergen‐specific T‐cell memory is frequently initiated in utero, and it is likely that maternal factors exert their influence during this period.Methods:This study examines the relationship between maternally derived allergen‐specific IgG subclass antibodies and cellular immune responses (lymphoproliferation and cytokine production) against the same allergens in 49 subjects tested at birth and at 2 years of age. Polyclonal production of the Th1 cytokine IFN‐γ was also examined in the cord‐blood samples.Results:At birth, there were positive correlations between both house‐dust mite (HDM)‐ and ovalbumin (OVA)‐specific IgG subclass levels in cord blood, maternal atopy, and the magnitude of perinatal lymphoproliferative responses to respective allergens. Inverse relationships were also observed between cord‐blood IgG antibody titres and allergen‐specific production of some Th2 cytokines. However, there were no consistent relationships between cord‐blood allergen‐specific IgG antibodies and subsequent immune responses to allergens when the same subjects were retested at 2 years of age. An inverse relationship was observed between maternal history of atopy and perinatal IFN‐γ production capacity.Conclusions:Our results suggest that transplacental transfer of allergen‐specific IgG antibody is unlikely to be a major mechanism for maternal regulation of allergen‐specific immunity in infancy. An alternative possibility is that maternal effects may operate by influencing IFN‐γ production by T cells in the offspring.
Allergenic cross‐reactivity of olive pollen
Authors: González E. M. , Villalba M. , Rodríguez R. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Sera of patients allergic to olive (Olea europaea) pollen were used to analyze the IgE cross‐reactivity between olive‐pollen extract and other pollens obtained from phylogenetically unrelated species. Methods: We used IgE immunostaining of pollen extracts blotted to nitrocellulose membranes after SDS–PAGE and inhibition analysis of this binding. Results: A high inhibition of the IgE binding on olive‐pollen extract was exhibited by birch, mugwort, pine, and cypress pollens, suggesting that these extracts contain proteins which share common epitopes and thus can be recognized by olive‐allergic sera. IgE binding to Gramineae pollen extracts was not inhibited by olive‐pollen extract, indicating a primary sensitization of the patients to these species. From the inhibition assays, the presence of an allergen of 45 kDa in the olive pollen, which has no homologous counterparts in other allergenic species, has been inferred. Conclusions: Olive pollen contains allergens which cross‐react with pollens from unrelated species, a fact that could simplify the diagnosis and treatment of pollinosis.
Levels of house‐dust‐mite allergen in homes of nonallergic people in Pavia, Italy
Authors: Moscato G. , Perfetti L. , Galdi E. , Pozzi V. , Minoia C. 
Published: March 2003

Background: HDM distribution varies between geographic areas and may be affected by housing characteristics. We quantified Der p 1 and Der f 1 and assessed the relationships between their levels and housing characteristics in homes of nonallergic subjects. Methods: Der f 1 and Der p 1 were measured by ELISA in dust samples from living‐room floors and mattresses of 44 homes of nonallergic subjects in Pavia. Information about household characteristics was obtained by questionnaire. Results: Der p 1 and Der f 1 concentrations (μg/g dust, median) were 0.34 and 7.8 on mattresses, and 0.15 and 0.83 on living‐room floors. Higher Der f 1 levels on mattresses were associated with synthetic pillows (P<0.05), and (only when expressed as μg/m2) with bedding washing temperature of ≤60°C (P<0.05). Der f 1 levels were higher on the living‐room floors of homes located on lower (≤first) floors (P<0.05). Good correlations were found between Der p 1 and Der f 1 expressed as μg/g dust and μg/m2 on both mattresses and living‐room floors. Conclusions: In homes of nonallergic subjects in northern Italy, Der f 1 exceeded the threshold for sensitization in a high proportion of mattress samples.
Imbalanced switch of the IGHG (immunoglobulin constant heavy G chain) Gm(bfn) genes in atopic childhood asthma
Authors: Oxelius V‐A. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The IGHG genes on chromosome 14q32, 5′μδγ3 γ1α1 γ2 γ4 εα2 3′, as studied by Gm allotypes, are involved in the inheritance of atopy. The 5′μδ b f α1 n γ4 εα2 3′, Gm(bfn) haplotype of the genetic B1‐cell variant has been found to be associated with the atopic phenotype of children with bronchial asthma. Methods: An indirect competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for quantitation in serum of the alternative serum Gm allotypes from the γ3‐, γ1‐, and γ2 loci and radial immunodiffusion for quantitation of IgG subclasses were used. Children with the genetic B1‐cell variants B1/B1 (=Gm[bfn/bfn]), B1/B2 (=Gm[bfn/bf‐n]), and B1/B4 (=Gm[bfn/ga‐n]) and bronchial asthma were investigated and compared to healthy children of the same age and B‐cell type. Results: The three groups with B1/B1, B1/B2, and B1/B4 cells exhibited increased IgE. In both homozygous and heterozygous B1 or Gm(bfn), the serum G1m(f) levels from γ1 loci were significantly downregulated to 75% of normal, while G2m(n) from γ2 loci were significantly upregulated to about double the normal level. In heterozygous patients with additional B2 or B4 cells, the G2m(‐n) levels from γ2 loci were instead downregulated. G1m(a) from γ1 of B4 cells was also downregulated. Conclusions: Children with atopic bronchial asthma demonstrated an imbalanced class switch in rearrangement of the genes for IgG. The activity of G1m(f) from the γ1 locus was downregulated, but G2m(n) from γ2 was upregulated together with the closely situated ε locus downstream of the IGH genes. Low levels of G1m(f), G1m(a), and G2m(‐n) indicated a low pressure of infections. The imbalanced activation of the IGH genes in more hygienic environments might be one explanation of the increased prevalence of atopy in children in recent decades.
Generic or disease‐specific quality of life scales to characterize health status in all_ergic rhinitis?
Authors: Kremer B. , Klimek L. , Bullinger M. , Mösges R. 
Published: March 2003

Background:  In patients with all_ergic rhinitis (AR), various instruments have been validated for the measurement of quality of life (QOL), which may be greatly reduced. However, it is not clear which QOL instruments should be used for the different types of AR and whether they are sensitive to treatment. Methods:  The QOL of patients suffering from symptomatic seasonal AR (sSAR) (before and during treatment with a topical or systemic antihistamine), symptomatic perennial AR (sPAR), and asymptomatic seasonal AR (aSAR) was determined with the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) as disease specific and with the Munich Life Dimension List (MLDL) and the Visual Analogue Scale for Quality of Life (VAS‐QOL) as generic QOL instruments. Results:  The different forms of AR were associated with typical QOL patterns. In sSAR, we found severe limitation of the global QOL, reduced global life satisfaction, high ranking of practical problems, high limitation of activity, and a high degree of disturbance in all_ subscales of the RQLQ. In sPAR, there were moderate limitation of the global QOL, normal global life satisfaction, high ranking of practical problems, moderate limitation of activity, and a high degree of disturbance by common symptoms. Under antihistamine treatment, both systemic and nasal, a significant improvement of QOL parameters was found, reaching the levels of patients with aSAR after 2 weeks. Conclusions:  QOL instruments can distinguish the impairment resulting from sSAR from that of sPAR and are sensitive to treatment with topical and systemic antihistamines. However, as the RQLQ was not designed to measure the short‐term variations of disease status that appear in SAR, it may not demonstrate the rapid improvement of QOL under antihistamine treatment.
Clinical evaluation of Pharmacia CAP System™ RAST FEIA amoxicilloyl and benzylpenicilloyl in patients with penicillin allergy
Authors: Blanca M. , Mayorga C. , Torres M. J. , Reche M. , Moya C. , Rodriguez J. L. , Romano A. , Juarez C. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The diagnosis of IgE‐mediated immediate reactions to penicillins can be supported by in vivo or in vitro tests using classical benzylpenicillin determinants. The wide variety of β‐lactams and the description of new specificities requires a re‐evaluation of the different tests available. The objective was to evaluate the diagnostic capacity of Pharmacia CAP System™ RAST FEIA amoxicilloyl c6 (AXO) and benzylpenicilloyl c1 (BPO) in patients with a documented IgE‐mediated penicillin allergy. Methods: We studied 129 patients in five groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 had developed an immediate reaction after penicillin treatment. Group 1 (n=19) were skin test positive to amoxicillin (AX) and/or BPO and/or minor determinant mixture (MDM); group 2 (n=29) were skin test positive to AX but negative to BPO and MDM; and group 3 (n=26) were skin test negative to all determinants, the diagnosis being confirmed by a previous repetitive history or controlled administration. Two control groups, one with nonimmediate reactions – group 4 (n=25) – and one with good tolerance to penicillin – group 5 (n=30) – were included. All samples were analyzed in vitro for AXO and BPO, and the results compared to the in vivo diagnosis. Results: AX was the drug most often involved. In group 1, 53% were in vitro positive for AXO and 68% for BPO, but 74% had at least one positive test result. In group 2, only 10% had a positive in vitro test to BPO compared to 41% to AXO. In group 3, 42% had positive BPO and/or AXO in vitro tests. In the control groups 4 and 5, the negative in vitro results for AXO were 96% and 100%, and for BPO 100% and 97%, respectively. A positive correlation between specific IgE levels and the time interval from the reaction to the evaluation was found only for group 3. Conclusions: This in vitro assay is beneficial for evaluating subjects allergic to β‐lactams. It is necessary to test for specific IgE to AXO in addition to BPO in patients with immediate allergic reactions after AX. The combination of in vivo and in vitro tests for estimating IgE antibodies to penicillins is important because of the existence of patients with a positive history but negative skin test.
Eosinophilia, interleukin‐5, and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha in asthmatic children
Authors: Hughes J.M. , Rimmer S.J. , Salome C.M. , Hodge L. , Liu‐Brennan D. , Woolcock A.J. , Armour C.L. 
Published: March 2003

Background: There are few paediatric studies of the interrelationships between inflammatory markers and asthma severity. We therefore assessed the relationships between eosinophil‐associated markers, cytokines, and asthma severity in asthmatic children aged 8–12 years. Methods: Forty‐five children were tested twice, 2 weeks apart. Asthma severity was measured in terms of symptoms, lung function, medication needs, and histamine responsiveness. Peripheral inflammatory markers measured included eosinophil numbers, serum ECP, IL‐5, and TNF‐α and mononuclear cell IL‐5, and TNF‐α production. Results: Histamine responsiveness was correlated with circulating eosinophils (r=0.56, P=0.0001) and serum ECP (r=0.54, P=0.003). Eosinophilia was increased in children with severe as opposed to mild airway hyperresponsiveness (P=0.02) and those who lost days at school as opposed to those who did not (P=0.01). There were no other associations between markers of asthma severity and inflammation. Children taking inhaled corticosteroids had lower serum IL‐5 levels than those on β‐agonists±cromolyn (mean and 95% CI: 20.5 [11.7–35.7] pg/ml vs 64.3 [26.6–155.4] pg/ml; P=0.04). Cellular IL‐5 production correlated with serum TNF‐α (r=0.63, P=0.0062) and IL‐5 (r=−0.59, P=0.005). Conclusions: Serum levels of TNF‐α and IL‐5 were not related to peripheral eosinophilia and asthma severity in these children but were related to their own cellular production ex vivo. This study confirms that eosinophilia is the index of inflammation that is most closely related to the clinical severity of childhood asthma.