National Jewish Health

About: National Jewish Health is a healthcare organization based out in Denver, Colorado, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Asthma & T cell. The organization has 883 authors who have published 833 publications receiving 79201 citations. The organization is also known as: National Jewish Medical and Research Center.

Motivating Patient Adherence to Allergic Rhinitis Treatments

Abstract: Patient nonadherence significantly burdens the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). Fewer than half of prescribed doses of intranasal corticosteroid medication are taken. The challenges for immunotherapies are even greater. While sustained treatment for 3 to 5 years is required for full benefit, most patients receiving immunotherapy, either subcutaneous or sublingual, stop treatment within the first year. Although research into interventions to improve AR adherence is lacking, lessons learned from adherence interventions in other chronic health conditions can be applied to AR. Two well-established, overriding models of care-the chronic care model and patient-centered care-can improve adherence. The patient-centered care model includes important lessons for allergy providers in their daily practice, including understanding and targeting modifiable barriers to adherence. Additionally, recent studies have begun to leverage health information and communication technologies to reach out to patients and promote adherence, extending patient-centered interventions initiated by providers during office visits.

IL-2 and IL-18 Attenuation of Airway Hyperresponsiveness Requires STAT4, IFN-γ, and Natural Killer Cells

Abstract: IL-18 is known to induce IFN-γ production, which is enhanced when combined with IL-2. In the present study, we investigated whether the combination of exogenous IL-2 and IL-18 alters airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and airway inflammation. Sensitized mice exposed to ovalbumin (OVA) challenge developed AHR, inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, and increases in levels of Th2 cytokines and goblet cell numbers. The combination of IL-2 and IL-18, but neither alone, prevented these changes while increasing levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ. The combination of IL-2 and IL-18 was ineffective in IFN-γ–deficient and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)4-deficient mice. Flow cytometry analysis showed significant increases in numbers of IFN-γ–positive natural killer (NK) cells in the lung after treatment with the combination therapy, and transfer of lung NK cells isolated from sensitized and challenged mice treated with the combination significantly suppressed AHR and BAL eosinoph...

Haplotype variation, recombination, and gene conversion within the turkey MHC-B locus

Abstract: The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a gene dense region with profound effects on the disease phenotype. In many species, characterizations of MHC polymorphisms have focused on identifying allelic haplotypes of the highly polymorphic class I and class II loci through direct immunological approaches such as monoclonal antibodies specific for the major antigens or indirectly through DNA sequence-based approaches. Invariably, these studies fail to assess the broader range of variation at the other loci within the MHC. This study examines variation in the turkey MHC by resequencing 15 interspersed amplicons (∼14 kb) spaced across the MHC-B locus in a representative sampling of 52 commercial birds. Over 200 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified with high levels of polymorphism (1 SNP/70 bp) and heterozygosity (average minor allele frequency of 0.15). SNP genotypes were used to identify the major haplotypes segregating in the commercial lines. Sequencing of the peptide binding region (PBR, exon 2) of the class IIB loci of select individuals identified 10 PBR alleles/isotypes among the major MHC haplotypes. Examination of pedigreed families provides direct evidence of gene conversion and recombination within the B locus. Results of this study demonstrate the MHC diversity available in commercial flocks and provide genomic resources for studying the effect of this diversity (alleles and/or haplotypes) on disease susceptibility and resistance.

Thioredoxin liquefies and decreases the viscoelasticity of cystic fibrosis sputum.

Abstract: The persistent and viscous nature of airway secretions in cystic fibrosis (CF) disease leads to airway obstruction, opportunistic infection, and deterioration of lung function. Thioredoxin (Trx) is...

Influence of lipopolysaccharide exposure on airway function and allergic responses in developing mice.

Abstract: Exposure to endotoxin has been associated with an exacerbation of asthmatic responses in humans and animal models. However, recent evidence suggests that microbial exposure in early life may protect from the development of asthma and atopy. In this study, we sought to evaluate the effects of lipopolysaccaride (LPS) on airway function in developing mice. In addition, we evaluated the influence of LPS on subsequent allergen sensitization and challenge. Under light anesthesia, 2–3-week-old Balb/c mice received a single intranasal instillation of LPS or sterile physiologic saline. Measurements of airway function were obtained in unrestrained animals, using whole-body plethysmography. Airway responsiveness was expressed in terms of % enhanced pause (Penh) increase from baseline to aerosolized methacholine (Mch). In additional studies, we assessed the functional and cellular responses to ovalbumin sensitization and challenge following prior exposure to LPS. We found that exposure to LPS induced transient airway hyperresponsiveness to Mch. These functional changes were associated with the recruitment of neutrophils and lymphocytes into the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Airway responsiveness after allergen sensitization and challenge was decreased by prior exposure to LPS. The analysis of BAL cells and cytokines (interferon-γ and interleukin-4) did not reveal alterations in the overall Th1/Th2 balance. Our findings suggest that LPS leads to airway hyperresponsiveness in developing mice, and may protect against the development of allergen-driven airway dysfunction. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2002; 34:267–277. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.