Showing papers in "International Archives of Allergy and Immunology in 2009"
TL;DR: The current classification of acute, subacute and chronic HP is not supported by the analysis and there was considerable disagreement between the current classification and the results of the analysis.
Abstract: Background: Regardless of the causative antigen, hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is usually classified as ‘acute’, ‘subacute’ or ‘chronic’. Considerable confusion still surrounds
144 citations
TL;DR: LTP is the most important allergen causing food-induced anaphylaxis in Italy, peach being the most frequently offending food.
Abstract: Background: Data about food-induced anaphylaxis in Italy are missing. Objective: It was the aim of this study to detect the main foods/food allergens causing anaphylaxis in Italy. Methods: The frequency of anaphylaxis and the relative importance of many offending foods were assessed in 1,110 adult patients with food allergy diagnosed by common criteria at 19 allergy centres scattered throughout Italy from 1 January to 31 December 2007. Results: Fifty-eight of 1,110 (5%) food-allergic patients experienced at least 1 episode of anaphylaxis. On average, they were older than other food-allergic patients (34 vs. 31 years; p < 0.05). The majority of anaphylactic episodes occurred in patients sensitized to lipid transfer protein (LTP; n = 19), followed by shrimp (n = 10), tree nuts (n = 9), legumes other than peanut (n = 4), and seeds (n = 2); peanut, spinach, celery, buckwheat, wheat, avocado, tomato, fish, meat, and Anisakis caused an anaphylactic reaction in single patients. Among LTP-hypersensitive patients, peach caused 13/19 anaphylactic episodes. Shrimp-allergic patients were significantly older than other patients with food-induced anaphylaxis (p < 0.05), whereas patients allergic to LTP experienced their anaphylactic episodes at a younger age (p < 0.001). The frequency of anaphylaxis among patients sensitized to LTP, shrimp or tree nuts did not differ between northern and central/southern Italy. Conclusion: LTP is the most important allergen causing food-induced anaphylaxis in Italy, peach being the most frequently offending food. Peanut-induced anaphylaxis seems very uncommon. Geographic and environmental differences both between Italy and other countries and within Italy seem to play a relevant role in the pattern of sensitization to foods.
127 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that the self-reported prevalence of AR in 11 cities across Mainland China has wide variations, ranging from <10% to >20%; 26% of theSelf-reported AR subjects were classified as suffering from persistent AR.
Abstract: Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disease and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. Data on the current prevalence of AR in China, one of the biggest countries in the
125 citations
TL;DR: Eosinophils are the main source of TF in CU lesional skin, which highlights the role of these cells in the pathophysiology of CU and might pave the way for new therapeutic strategies.
Abstract: Background: Although several cases of chronic urticaria (CU) are currently regarded as autoimmune in origin, associated with histamine-releasing autoantibodies, an activation of blo
114 citations
TL;DR: Arginine kinase from the B. mori silkworm is a major allergen and crossreacts with cockroach AK and demonstrates cross-reactivity with a recombinant AK from cockroach.
Abstract: Background: The silkworm, Bombyx mori , is an important insect in the textile industry and its pupa are used in Chinese cuisine and traditional Chinese medicine. T
102 citations
TL;DR: As intralymphatic immunisation induced more than 10-fold higher IgG2a responses with 100-fold lower allergen doses than subcutaneous immunisation, this approach should allow to reduce both the number ofallergen injections as well as the aller gen dose, improving both efficacy and safety of SIT.
Abstract: Background: IgE-mediated allergy can be treated by subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT). However, the percentage of allergic patients undergoing SIT is low, mainly due
96 citations
TL;DR: The recent studies in a mouse asthma model revealed that anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroid and cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist were able to suppress elevated pulmonary levels of mammalian chitinases, suggesting that mammalian ch itinases may be useful as biomarkers for asthma.
Abstract: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion and airway hyperresponsiveness. Mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of asthma are not fully understood. In recent years, there are mounting evidences demonstrating that mammalian chitinases may play a key role in mediating the T-helper 2 cell-driven inflammatory response that is commonly associated with asthma. Chitinases (e.g., chitotriosidase and acidic mammalian chitinase) are enzymes that degrade chitin, the second most abundant biopolymer that can be found in the cell walls of fungi, microfilarial sheaths of helminths, and exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans. There are also chitinase-like proteins (e.g., YKL-40, Ym1 and Ym2) that lack chitinolytic activity but retain chitin-binding ability. Therefore, chitinases were originally believed to function in host defense against parasitic infections, but the first discovery of their role in inflammatory airway diseases came as a surprise. There is ample evidence to support an association of acidic mammalian chitinase and YKL-40 with allergic bronchial asthma in patients. Our recent studies in a mouse asthma model revealed that anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroid and cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist were able to suppress elevated pulmonary levels of mammalian chitinases. Taken together, mammalian chitinases may be useful as biomarkers for asthma. Notwithstanding, large-scale multi-center association studies are required to confirm this hypothesis. Besides, substantially more works using knockout mice, recombinant chitinases and siRNA technology are required to investigate a potential role of chitinases in the pathogenesis of asthma.
87 citations
TL;DR: The present work proposes the formation of homologous groups for pollen species and animal-derived materials on the basis of similar biochemical composition and homology/cross-reactivity of allergens or allergen sources.
Abstract: Among other legal regulations, the Note for Guidance on Allergen Products CPMP/BWP/243/96 released by the European Medicines Agency provides regulatory instructions regarding the quality of allergen e
83 citations
TL;DR: Evidence is provided that dietary supplementation with n–3 PUFA is able to reduce bronchial inflammation even after low-dose allergen challenge, as well as effects on lung function and exhaled nitric oxide as a marker of bronchia inflammation.
Abstract: Background: We investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of n–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on specific bronchial inflammation. Allergic asthmatics were challenged using a
77 citations
TL;DR: Results indicate that malate dehydrogenase, triose phosphate isomerase and profilin are major allergens involved in watermelon allergy.
Abstract: Background: Watermelon is a worldwide consumed Cucurbitaceae fruit that can elicit allergic reactions. However, the major allergens of watermelon are not known. T
74 citations
TL;DR: IgM-deficient patients who present with recurrent/severe infections may benefit from immunoglobulin treatment particularly in the presence of impaired pneumococcal antibody responses.
Abstract: Background: IgM deficiency is a dysgammaglobulinemia characterized by isolated low levels of serum IgM. Patients with IgM deficiency may exhibit various clinical manifestations. How
TL;DR: A proof-of-concept treatment trial with omalizumab in nasal polyposis is discussed, which – in case of a positive therapeutic response – would also pave the way for anti-IgE treatment approaches for severe non-atopic lower airway disease.
Abstract: In allergic rhinitis, cross-linking of IgE molecules upon allergen contact induces degranulation of mast cells and basophils within the mucosal tissue and results in the release of typical mediators,
TL;DR: Active CSS patients have elevated intracellular IL-17 and decreased IL-10 levels, which correlate with measures of disease activity, suggesting that Th17 and Tr1 may play important roles in the pathogenesis of CSS.
Abstract: Background: Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare systemic necrotizing vasculitis that develops in some asthma patients. What types of asthma make patients prone to develop this co
TL;DR: Airway inflammation, remodelling and hyperresponsiveness are closely intertwined processes and chronic allergen exposure induces a marked airway remodelling that parallels a decreased inflammation, which was largely comparable between the two strains.
Abstract: Background: The interactions between airway responsiveness, structural remodelling and inflammation in allergic asthma remain poorly understood. Prolonged challenge with inhaled all
TL;DR: A specific IKKβ inhibitor, IMD-0354, improved allergic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in mice and may have therapeutic potential for bronchial asthma.
Abstract: Background: Nuclear factor (NF)-κB is a transcription factor known to regulate allergy-associated cytokine and chemokine production related to the induction of inflammation. IκB kin
TL;DR: Obesity is not associated with asthma or atopy in Chinese children, and high WCC is an important risk factor for atopy among atopic children in both males and females.
Abstract: Background: Despite parallel increases in asthma and obesity prevalence, there is little data on obesity as a risk factor for atopy. The latter is an important phenotype in asthmati
TL;DR: Although HEPA air cleaners retained airborne pet allergens, no effect on disease activity or allergen concentrations in bulk dust samples was observed in this study.
Abstract: Background: Exposure and sensitization to pet allergens are associated with allergic asthma in children. Conflicting data have emerged regarding the potential benefit of air cleaner
TL;DR: The frequent usage of paracetamol during pregnancy is associated with the prevalence of wheezing in offspring during preschool years, and asthma in the mother might modify this association.
Abstract: Background: There seems to be an association between paracetamol consumption during late pregnancy and the prevalence of wheezing in infancy and childhood. The aim of the present st
TL;DR: While the molecular basis of CVID in many cases remains incompletely understood, significant strides have been made and it is now clear that there is involvement of several pathways of immune activation, with contributions from both T and B cells.
Abstract: One of the great advances in clinical medicine was the recognition of the pleomorphism of the immune response and the multiple afferent and efferent limbs of antigen processing and responsiveness. A significant contribution to this understanding was derived from studies of human immunodeficiency states, including both inherited and acquired syndromes. Amongst these syndromes, one of the most common, and least understood, is common variable immune deficiency (CVID). CVID is a syndrome that leads to a reduction in serum immunoglobulins and complications including recurrent infections. Management includes immunoglobulin replacement therapy; however, patients with CVID are at risk for complications of exogenous immunoglobulin administration as well as CVID-associated diseases such as autoimmune processes and malignancies. To assess the current state of knowledge in the field, we performed a literature review of a total of 753 publications covering the period of 1968 until 2008. From this list, 189 publications were selected for discussion. In this review, we demonstrate that while the molecular basis of CVID in many cases remains incompletely understood, significant strides have been made and it is now clear that there is involvement of several pathways of immune activation, with contributions from both T and B cells. Furthermore, despite the current gaps in our knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of the syndrome, there have been dramatic advances in management that have led to improved survival and significantly reduced morbidity in affected patients.
TL;DR: The roles of IL-23 and Th17 cells in airway inflammation in asthma are discussed and shown to enhance not only neutrophilicAirway inflammation but also Th2 cell-mediated eosinophilic airwayinflammatory in a murine asthma model.
Abstract: Asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation with intense eosinophil and lymphocyte infiltration, mucus hyperproduction, and airway hyperresponsiveness to a variety of stimuli. It is now generally accepted that antigen-specific Th2 cells and their cytokines orchestrate these pathognomonic features of asthma. On the other hand, Th17 cells and IL-23, a cytokine that preferentially expands Th17 cells, play a significant role in the development of chronic inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune diseases. Recently, we have shown that IL-23 and Th17 cells enhance not only neutrophilic airway inflammation but also Th2 cell-mediated eosinophilic airway inflammation in a murine asthma model. In this review, we will discuss the roles of IL-23 and Th17 cells in airway inflammation in asthma.
TL;DR: Extensive IgE cross-reactivity was observed towards the allergens of the Pooideae grasses, meaning that the immune system does not appear to distinguish based on the IgE level between the different species of this subfamily.
Abstract: Background: Allergy to taxonomically related species is a common phenomenon caused by the same immunological receptor cross-reacting to homologous allergens from different species.
TL;DR: NF-κB, but not MAPKs, plays an important role in LPS-mediated induction of CRAMP gene in mast cells, which may increase susceptibility to bacterial and viral pathogens which are sensitive to cathelicidins.
Abstract: Background: An important aspect of the innate immune response to pathogens is the production of anti-microbial peptides such as cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP), t
TL;DR: Kakkonto has immunosuppressive effects and interferes with the infiltration of mucosal mast cells in the colons of mice with induced food allergy, leading to improvement of allergic symptoms.
Abstract: Background: The number of patients with food allergy has increased dramatically over the last several decades. However, there is no effective drug for food allergies. In the present
TL;DR: Cluster specific immunotherapy led to decreases in clinical symptoms and earlier use of medication than did the conventional schedule, and improvements in quality of life and reduced cutaneous reactivity without significant changes in specific immunoglobulin E were observed in both groups after 1 year.
Abstract: Background and Objectives: Allergy to house dust mite is one of the most common causes of allergic rhinitis (AR) in China. We sought to compare the efficacy and safety of a 6-week c
TL;DR: A treatment based on ARIA guidelines offers patients a significant improvement in comparison to the use of a nonstandardized treatment regimen.
Abstract: Background: Guidelines for allergic rhinitis are more effective than free-treatment choice in the control of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Objective: To validate th
TL;DR: The results suggest that EcN can inhibit the development of allergic responses when the bacteria are present at the site of Th2 cell priming and that this immunomodulatory effect is due to a shift from Th2 to Th1 response.
Abstract: Background: Recent clinical trials, epidemiological studies and animal experiments have suggested that probiotics may help suppress the development of allergic responses. O
TL;DR: The Immulite 2000 system had better specificity than the ImmunoCap system for accurate diagnosis of peanut allergy in patients allergic to grass pollen.
Abstract: Background: In vitro testing for food allergy may yield clinically irrelevant results due to cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD) specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) induced
TL;DR: Evaluating the clinical usefulness of flow cytometric basophil activation using CD63 and CD203c found that it does not seem to be optimally sensitive for the diagnosis of ASA sensitivity.
Abstract: Background: The oral aspirin (ASA) provocation test is considered to be the gold standard in the diagnosis of ASA sensitivity. However, since it may be associated with severe advers
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that the FcεRI-mediated inflammatory responses of mast cells are suppressed by stimulation through TLR2, suggesting that probiotics exert potential anti-allergic effects, at least in part, through direct effects on mast cells.
Abstract: Background: Although much attention has been focused on the anti-allergic effects of probiotics, their mode of action is not fully understood Mast cells, which play a central role
TL;DR: The absence of gut microbiota significantly affects the BLG-specific immune response in BALB/c mice, thus suggesting that this model might be of interest for further studies exploring the influence of gut colonization by different bacterial strains on the development of an allergic-type sensitization.
Abstract: Background: The ‘hygiene hypothesis’ suggests that high hygienic standards met in western countries lead to a lack of microbial exposure, thus promoting the development of atopy by