bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative allergenicity studies of native and recombinant Blomia tropicalis Paramyosin  (Blo t 11)
Authors: Ramos J. D. A. , Teo A. S. M. , Ou K. L. , Tsai L. C. , Lee B. W. , Cheong N. , Chua K. Y. 
Published: December 2004

Background:
The complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding for Blo t 11, a 102 kD allergen from Blomia tropicalis (Bt) was isolated, expressed and characterized previously. This study aimed to isolate the native Blo t 11 allergen and compare its allergenicity with the recombinant forms.Methods: Native Blo t 11 (nBlo t 11) was isolated from crude Bt extract by immuno‐affinity chromatography, analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and Western blot, and verified by MALDI‐TOF MS. Recombinant full‐length Blo t 11 (rFL‐Blo t 11) and its immunodominant peptide (fD) were expressed as glutathione S‐transferase (GST)‐fusion proteins in Escherichia coli. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) reactivity of the Blo t 11 allergens were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and skin prick test. The inhibition capacity of the nBlo t 11 against fD and vice versa was determined by absorption studies.Results: Affinity purified nBlo t 11 was susceptible to degradation with the major degraded product resolved at ∼66 kD. The nBlo t 11 was confirmed by immunoblot analysis and MALDI‐TOF MS that generated 13 peptides with complete identity to the deduced amino acid sequence of Blo t 11. Comparative in vitro and in vivo allergenicity tests and the cross inhibition studies between the native and recombinant Blo t 11 showed that recombinant fD, but not the rFL‐Blo t 11, has comparable IgE reactivity with the native counterpart.Conclusions: This comparative study confirmed that the recombinant peptide fD contains the main immunodominant region of Blo t 11. This recombinant peptide, instead of the full‐length protein, is a good candidate for diagnostic and therapeutics development for mite allergy.
Enhanced soluble interleukin‐5 receptor alpha expression in nasal polyposis
Authors: Gevaert P. , Bachert C. , Holtappels G. , Novo C. P. , Van der Heyden J. , Fransen L. , Depraetere S. , Walter H. , van Cauwenberge P. , Tavernier J. 
Published: December 2004

Background: Alternative splicing of the interleukin‐5 receptor alpha (IL‐5Rα)‐subunit leads to the generation of a signalling, membrane‐anchored (TM) isoform, or a secreted [soluble (SOL)], antagonistic variant. Given the key role of IL‐5 in eosinophil function, we investigated SOL IL‐5Rα expression pattern in an eosinophil‐associated disease such as nasal polyposis (NP).Methods: An SOL IL‐5Rα enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were established and applied in serum, nasal secretion and nasal tissue of controls (n = 12), and NP patients (n = 42) with or without asthma.Results: Analysis of serum, nasal secretion, and nasal tissue samples revealed that SOL IL‐5Rα protein concentrations were significantly increased in NP vs control tissue. Within the NP group, there was a significant up‐regulation of SOL IL‐5Rα in patients with systemic airway disease. These findings were confirmed at the mRNA level, using an optimized real‐time reverse‐transcriptase PCR procedure.Conclusions: This report demonstrates SOL IL‐5Rα transcript and protein up‐regulation in NP. Soluble IL‐5Rα differentiates nasal polyps with or without concomitant asthma. As SOL IL‐5Rα is strongly up‐regulated for disease and has antagonistic properties in vitro, our studies shed new light on the mechanisms of specific immunomodulatory therapies, such as anti‐IL‐5.
In utero exposure to lead and cord blood total IgE. Is there a connection?
Authors: Annesi‐Maesano I. , Pollitt R. , King G. , Bousquet J. , Hellier G. , Sahuquillo J. , Huel G. 
Published: December 2004

Background: Lead exposure and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) have been shown to be positively related in animals and humans even at lead levels below those recognized as toxic. In the last decades, exposure to lead has become more frequent in urban areas of industrialized as well as of developing countries where IgE‐mediated allergy prevalence has also increased.Methods: We examined for the first time the relationship between in utero exposure to lead and cord blood total IgE in two samples of 137 and 237 mother–newborn pairs, respectively, recruited in Paris.Results: Cord blood IgE was positively related to hair lead level at birth, providing an integrated measure of long‐term exposure in utero, in each cohort (Spearman's coefficient r = 0.32, P < 0.001 and r = 0.19, P < 0.01, respectively) and in the combined cohort (r = 0.21; P < 0.01). The relationship appeared to be more pronounced in newborns of nonallergic mothers (r = 0.24; P < 0.01) than in those of allergic mothers (r = 0.12). This could be due to the fact that familial history of allergy, the strongest determinant of IgE development, may overshadow the influence of lead on IgE in the offspring.Conclusions: Our findings suggest a possible intervention of environmental exposure besides genetic factors in early life development of IgE production. Further studies are needed to confirm the finding.
The epidemiology of atopic dermatitis in Italian schoolchildren
Authors: Girolomoni G. , Abeni D. , Masini C. , Sera F. , Ayala F. , Belloni‐Fortina A. , Bonifazi E. , Fabbri P. , Gelmetti C. , Monfrecola G. , Peserico A. , Seidenari S. , Giannetti A. 
Published: December 2004

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is common in children in industrialized countries. Only one large population study on its prevalence has been conducted in Italy, based on self‐report questionnaire. The present study was designed to estimate the prevalence of AD in schoolchildren in Italy by dermatologists’ assessment and by UK Working Party criteria, and to investigate associated symptoms and factors.Methods: Cross‐sectional survey on a random sample of 9‐year‐old schoolchildren from seven Italian cities. Children were examined by experienced dermatologists. Parents and teachers answered standardized questionnaires.Results: Of the 1369 children examined, 88 had a diagnosis of AD, with an estimated point prevalence of 5.8% (95% CI 4.5–7.1) in the reference population. The reported lifetime prevalence was 15.2 (95% CI 12.2–18.2) for AD, 11.9% (95% CI 9.0–14.8) for asthma, and 17.6% (95% CI 14.6–20.7) for rhino‐conjunctivitis. The strongest associated factor was the presence of AD in at least one parent. No association of AD with maternal smoking during pregnancy, birth weight, maternal age at the time of the child birth and breast‐feeding was observed. The environmental characteristics of the house and the school did not correlate with the prevalence of AD. Episodes of lower respiratory tract infections were associated with asthma, and to a lower extent also with AD and rhinitis.Conclusions: The prevalence of doctor‐diagnosed AD in Italian schoolchildren is comparable to those reported for other developed countries. Family history of atopy was the single most important associated factor, while the complex interplay of environmental factors remains to be elucidated.
Allergen‐reactive antibodies are found in nasal fluids from patients with birch pollen‐induced intermittent allergic rhinitis, but not in healthy controls
Authors: Benson M. , Reinholdt J. , Cardell L. O. 
Published: December 2004

Background: Increased levels of allergen‐reactive immunoglobulins (Igs) have been reported in nasal fluids from patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis (IAR) sensitive to ragweed and grass. The aims of this study were to make a detailed characterization of nasal fluid Igs in birch pollen‐induced IAR.Methods: Nasal fluids were obtained from 23 patients with birch pollen‐induced IAR during and after the birch pollen season, and from 20 healthy controls. Nasal fluid total and Bet v 1‐reactive (IgA), IgE and IgG as well as albumin were analyzed by immunoassays. The integrity of IgA and IgG, and the molecular form of IgA were assessed by Western blotting and column fractionation, respectively.Results: Nasal fluid total IgE and IgG, but not IgA, were higher in patients compared with controls. Western blotting indicated no significant degradation of IgA (including S‐IgA) and IgG. Most of the IgA, including Bet v 1‐reactive antibodies, was of the secretory form and of the IgA1 subclass. Bet v 1‐reactive IgA and IgG were present in all patients, but was mostly nondetectable in controls. No significant differences in the levels of Bet v 1‐reactive IgA and IgG were found in patients during the birch pollen season compared with off season. Both Bet v 1 and Bet v 2‐reactive IgE were nondetectable in most samples.Conclusions: Nasal fluid Bet v 1‐reactive IgA and IgG were found in all patients with birch pollen‐induced IAR, but not in controls. However, no significant differences were found between patients during and after the birch pollen season.
Distinct delayed T‐cell response to β‐methasone and penicillin‐G in the same patient
Authors: Scala E. , Giani M. , Pastore S. , Pallotta S. , Guerra E. C. , Pirrotta L. , Locanto M. L. , Frezzolini A. , De Pità O. , Puddu P. 
Published: December 2004

Background: Multiple drug allergy syndrome is a clinical condition characterized by reactions against more than one different class of, both pharmacologically and structurally, unrelated drugs. Scanty data are available to date about a multiple drug delayed hypersensitivity syndrome. Our aim was to report the case of a delayed reaction to both β‐methasone (β‐MT) and penicillin‐G (pen‐G) occurring in the same patient, and analyse β‐MT‐ and pen‐G‐specific T‐cell Lines (TCLs) with regard to their specificity, phenotype and cytokine profile.Methods: We generated two drug‐specific TCLs from biopsies at the site of positive intradermal reactions, and analysed their immunophenotype, T‐cell receptor Vβ (TCR‐Vβ) domains expression and cytokine profile.Results: We demonstrated the specificity of the T cells isolated from positive intradermal test reactions to pen‐G and β‐MT through the strict dose‐dependent proliferation in response to drug‐pulsed autologous antigen presenting cells. Fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis revealed a predominance of CD4+ cells in the inflammatory cell infiltrate of intradermal test with β‐MT, while a predominance of CD8+ T cells in the site of delayed reaction to pen‐G was found. The drug specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were heterogeneous, with regard to TCR‐Vβ usage. CD8+ pen‐G‐TCL displayed a preferential T helper 2 (Th2) profile, while a substantially heterogeneous pattern of cytokine production characterized specific β‐MT TCL.Conclusion: The study describes the coexistence in the same patient of a delayed hypersensitivity to both penicillin G and β‐MT, driven, respectively, by pen‐G‐specificTh2‐skewed CD8+ and β‐MT specificTh0 CD4+ T cells. This case further support the existence of a multiple drug allergy syndrome also for delayed hypersensitivity.
The IL1A genotype is associated with nasal polyposis in asthmatic adults
Authors: Karjalainen J. , Joki‐Erkkilä V‐P. , Hulkkonen J. , Pessi T. , Nieminen M. M. , Aromaa A. , Klaukka T. , Hurme M. 
Published: December 2004

Background: Nasal polyposis (NP) is a chronic inflammatory disease often found coexisting with asthma. As this disorder tends to cluster in families, a genetic predisposition has been suggested. Interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) has been proposed to play a role in the pathogenesis of NP.Methods: We analysed the single G‐to‐T base exchange polymorphism in exon 5 at +4845 of the gene encoding IL‐1α (IL1A) and the C‐to‐T base exchange polymorphism at −511 of the gene encoding IL‐1β (IL1B) in a population‐based sample of adult asthma patients (n = 245). The data were assessed for correlation with data on history of NP and other phenotype‐related characteristics.Results: The prevalence of NP in our study group was 14.3%. The distribution of the IL1A genotype differed significantly between asthmatics with and without NP (P = 0.005). The risk of NP was markedly increased in allele G homozygous subjects (OR = 2.73; 95%CI = 1.40–5.32). In the case of IL1B we found no significant associations. Asthmatics with NP had more symptoms than others, but lung function and blood eosinophil counts were similar.Conclusions: Our study demonstrates an association of IL1A with NP inasthmatic patients and addresses the role of IL‐1α as an inflammatory modulator in the pathogenesis of this disease.
Severe drug rashes in three siblings simultaneously
Authors: Johnson‐Reagan L. , Bahna S. L. 
Published: December 2004

Background: Adverse reactions to drugs commonly occur sporadically. Certain individuals seem to have an increased susceptibility to develop reactions to multiple drugs. Genetic predisposition has not been elucidated. Our objective was to describe a case of three siblings who developed severe rashes to the same drug simultaneously.Methods: Review of the patients’ medical records for information on the clinical course, and comparing their serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels initially and during follow‐up.Results: The rashes were compatible with erythema multiforme and Stevens‐Johnson syndrome and developed in the three siblings within 1–3 weeks after the intake of thiabendazole. Follow‐up of serum Ig levels did not show any particular pattern, except for an initial mild to moderate elevation in IgG, IgA and IgM.Conclusions: The occurrence of such severe cutaneous drug reaction in the three siblings to the same drug suggests a genetic predisposition to adverse drug reactions.
Specific sensitization to the common housefly (Musca domestica) not related to insect panallergy
Authors: Focke M. , Hemmer W. , Wöhrl S. , Götz M. , Jarisch R. , Kofler H. 
Published: December 2004

Background: Allergy to houseflies is rare. We report a case of respiratory allergy from occupational exposure to houseflies in a farmer.Case report: A 30 year‐old female farmer with a long‐standing history of grass pollen allergy observed for 2 years rhino‐conjunctivitis and mild asthma when entering livestock stables and barns. Allergy retesting revealed sensitization to various pollens but not to animal danders. Houseflies (Musca domestica) occurring on the farm in great quantity were suspected by the farmer herself as the causative agent.Results: Skin prick testing with housefly was positive in the patient and negative in four controls. Experimental radioallergosorbant test was class 3 positive. Sensitization to house dust mite, storage mites and cockroach was not detectable. Western blots with housefly extracts revealed immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐binding to bands of 70, 50, and approximately 16 kDa. Tropomyosin in the housefly extract (35 kDa) was recognized by a tropomyosin reference serum but not by the patient. In enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) inhibition assays using housefly as the solid phase, IgE‐binding of the patient was inhibited by 75% by M. domestica and by 44% by the closely related lesser housefly (Fannia canicularis), but not by extracts from blowfly (Lucilia spp.), fruit fly (Drosophila spp.), horsefly (Haematopota pluvialis) and mosquito (Culex pipiens). The IgE‐binding of the tropomyosin control serum was inhibited by 60–80% by all species.Conclusions: In accordance with previous reports, this case demonstrates that respiratory sensitization to insects may be highly specific. According to ELISA inhibition, cross‐sensitization in the present case was restricted to species of the family of true flies (Muscidae).
How long does the effect of birch pollen injection SIT on apple allergy last?
Authors: Asero R. 
Published: December 2004

Background: Recent studies showed that injection specific immunotherapy (SIT) with birch pollen extract greatly reduces or cures the associated apple allergy in a large proportion of birch pollen‐allergic patients. However, the long‐term efficacy of SIT for apple allergy has not been assessed.Objective: To evaluate the duration of the effect of injection SIT with birch pollen extract on apple allergy in birch pollen‐allergic patients.Methods: Thirty birch pollen‐allergic patients showing both the clinical disappearance of apple allergy and a negative SPT with fresh apple at the end of their injection SIT course were followed‐up at 12‐month intervals from 6 months after SIT was stopped. Apple tolerance as well as SPT was assessed on all occasions. Fifty‐seven birch pollen‐allergic subjects without apple allergy and not submitted to SIT regularly followed‐up for the onset of oral allergy syndrome (OAS) were used as controls.Results: The overall prevalence of OAS after 30 months of follow‐up did not differ between patients and controls. Although most patients became re‐sensitized to apple by SPT over time, >50% of them were still able to tolerate eating the fruit at the 30‐month follow‐up visit.Conclusion: Although most patients show a ‘natural’, gradual propensity to apple re‐sensitization (a consequence of prolonged and repeated inhalation of birch pollen responsible for primary sensitization?), the clinical effects of injection SIT on food allergy seem rather long lasting.
Frequency and intensity of responses to mite patch tests are lower in nonatopic subjects with respect to patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Seidenari S. , Giusti F. , Pellacani G. , Bertoni L. 
Published: December 2004

Background: So far the issue of patch tests with mite allergens in subjects not affected by atopic dermatitis (AD) has been poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and intensity of responses to atopy patch tests with Dermatophagoides in non‐AD subjects, and to compare them to the ones observed in AD patients.Methods: Patch tests were performed, employing a mixture of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and farinae at two different concentrations (20 and 40% pet.), on 75 non‐AD subjects, including 33 patients with allergic rhinitis and 42 healthy volunteers, and on 210 AD patients, as controls.Results: Positive responses to 20% mite patch tests were observed in 17 non‐AD subjects (23%) and in 102 AD ones (49%). The former showed a lower intensity of the responses, with a mean score of 1.4 compared with 2.1 in atopics.Conclusions: Although positive responses to mite patch tests are also observable in subjects without AD, their frequency and intensity are significantly lower compared with AD patients.
Are asthma and allergies in children and adolescents increasing? Results from ISAAC phase I and phase III surveys in Münster, Germany
Authors: Maziak W. , Behrens T. , Brasky T. M. , Duhme H. , Rzehak P. , Weiland S. K. , Keil U. 
Published: December 2004

Objective: To assess time trends in symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic eczema among children in Münster, Germany.Methods: Two cross‐sectional surveys 5‐years apart (1994/1995, 1999/2000) using ISAAC core written and video questionnaires and applying the ISAAC protocol. Two main age groups (6–7 and 13–14 year olds) were designated with information collected by parental and self‐report for both age groups, respectively. A school‐based sample of 7744 participants in the 1994/1995 survey and 7962 participants in the 1999/2000 survey was recruited. In the first and second surveys, response rates for the 6–7 year olds were 81 and 82%, respectively, while for the 13–14 year olds response rates were 94% in both. Analyses focus on the change in 12‐month prevalence of symptoms of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema.Results: There is a tendency towards an increase in current symptoms for all three conditions and in both age groups, but more so among girls. Indices of diagnosis either remained the same or increased in parallel to the increase in symptoms. Indices of severity also showed a homogenous increase in the 5‐year study period.Conclusions: Our study shows that symptoms of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema are increasing, reflecting a change in the morbidity of these conditions in our population.
Further characterization of IgE‐binding antigens from guinea pig hair as new members of the lipocalin family
Authors: Fahlbusch B. , Rudeschko O. , Schlott B. , Henzgen M. , Schlenvoigt G. , Schubert H. , Kinne R. W. 
Published: December 2004

Background: Guinea pigs are important sources of inhalant allergens in home and working environments. However, little is known about the molecular characteristics and the relevant epitopes of guinea pig allergens. Recently, several allergens have been identified in hair extract and urine, and the major allergen Cav p 1 (20 kDa) has been characterized.Objective: The aim of the present study was to isolate and to characterize a further major allergen from guinea pig hair with 17 kDa.Methods: Guinea pig hair extract was fractionated using anion exchange chromatography and reverse‐phase high performance liquid chromatography. Analyses were carried out by sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, 2D‐PAGE, immunoblotting, immunoblot inhibition, glycoprotein detection, and N‐terminal amino acid sequencing.Results: The nonglycosylated 17 kDa allergen, which was named Cav p 2, was purified to homogeneity. On the basis its 15 N‐terminal residues, there was 69% identity with a sequence of Bos d 2, an allergenic protein from cow dander belonging to the lipocalin family. The 2D‐immunoblotting analyses of guinea pig hair extract demonstrated that Cav p 2 and Cav p 1, contained several isoforms with pI values ranging from 3.6 to 5.3. The 2D‐immunoblot inhibition disclosed cross‐reactive IgE epitopes on the allergens Cav p 2 and Cav p 1. Furthermore, Cav p 1 can form both monomers (20 kDa) and dimers (40–42 kDa).Conclusion: These studies provide important information on the isoallergen character of two relevant guinea pig allergens Cav p 1 and Cav p 2 as well as on their cross‐reactive properties.
Various factors (allergen nature, mouse strain, CpG/recombinant protein expressed) influence the immune response elicited by genetic immunization
Authors: Chatel J. M. , Song L. , Bhogal B. , Orson F. M. 
Published: December 2004

Background:  Genetic immunization is a very promising therapeutic approach for allergy treatment. In the present study we investigate the influence of the nature of the allergen, the mouse strain, and the relative amount of CpG to expressed recombinant protein on immune responses using two major peanut allergens, Ara h 1 and Ara h 4.Methods:  The cDNA of Ara h 1 and of an isoform of Ara h 4 were cloned and inserted in pcDNA3. Antigen specific IgG1, IgG2a and IgE were followed after genetic immunization with 100 μg of these clones in mouse strain SKH‐Hr1 or BALB/c and with 1 μg of the clones+99 blank plasmid in SKH‐Hr1.Results:  Genetic immunization in SKH‐Hr1 with Ara h 1 elicited a classical Th1 type response, but Ara h 4 elicited a mixed Th1/Th2 response with high IgG1 and even IgE in some mice. In BALB/c both plasmids produced a high IgG1 level. Decreasing the amount of plasmid injected did not change the immune response profile. However, increasing the amount of CpG administered relative to the recombinant Ara h 4 protein expressed reversed the Th1/Th2 response pattern in SKH‐Hr1 mice.Conclusions:  Immune responses after genetic immunization are strongly influenced by the nature of the allergen, the mouse strain, and the ratio of CpG to recombinant protein expressed.