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- Almqvist, C, et al.
(författare)
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Direct and indirect exposure to pets : - risk of sensitization and asthma at 4 years in a birth cohort
- 2003
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Ingår i: Clinical and Experimental Allergy. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0954-7894 .- 1365-2222. ; 33, s. 1190-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: There are conflicting data on the association between early exposure to pets and allergic diseases. Bias related to retrospective information on pet ownership has been addressed as a reason for distorted study results.OBJECTIVE: To elucidate how early exposure to cat and dog relates to IgE-sensitization and asthma in children at 2 and 4 years of age, in a prospective birth-cohort study.METHODS: Four thousand and eighty-nine families with children born 1994-1996 in predefined areas of Stockholm answered questionnaires on environmental factors and symptoms of allergic disease at birth, one, two and four years of age. Dust samples collected from the mothers' beds at birth were analysed for Fel d 1 and Can f 1 in a subgroup of the cohort. Blood samples taken at four years from 2614 children were analysed for allergen-specific IgE to common airborne allergens. Risk associations were calculated with a multiple logistic regression model, with adjustment for potential confounders.RESULTS: A correlation was seen between allergen levels and reported exposure to cat and dog. Exposure to cat seemed to increase the risk of cat sensitization, OR (odds ratio) 1.44 (95% confidence interval 1.03-2.01), whereas dog exposure did not have any effect on dog sensitization, OR 1.16 (0.79-1.72). Dog ownership was related to a reduced risk of sensitization to other airborne allergens, OR 0.36 (0.15-0.83), and a similar tendency was seen for cat ownership OR 0.63 (0.37-1.07). Early dog ownership seemed to be associated with a lower risk of asthma, OR 0.50 (0.24-1.03), with no corresponding effect after cat ownership, OR 0.88 (0.56-1.38).CONCLUSION: Early exposure to cat seems to increase the risk of sensitization to cat but not of asthma at 4 years of age. Dog ownership, on the other hand, appears to be associated with lowered risk of sensitization to airborne allergens and asthma. Both aetiological relationships and selection effects have to be considered in the interpretation of these findings.
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- Klintberg, B, et al.
(författare)
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Fewer allergic respiratory disorders among farmers' children in a closed birth cohort from Sweden
- 2001
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Ingår i: The European respiratory journal. - : European Respiratory Society (ERS). - 0903-1936 .- 1399-3003. ; 17:6, s. 1151-1157
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of respiratory allergy, eczema and atopic sensitization in a closed birth cohort of Swedish schoolchildren, 7–8 yrs of age (n=707), of farmers and nonfarmers on the island of Gotland, in the Baltic Sea. All children were born and raised on the island.The survey comprised a questionnaire on atopic diseases and lifestyle factors. Atopic sensitization was assessed by the skin-prick test (SPT) with 15 standardized allergens.The risk ratio (RR) for ever having asthma and/or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis was significantly lower among children of farmers compared to children of nonfarmers (RR=0.38, confidence interval (CI) 95% 0.19–0.77). SPTs (test rate 92%) showed that 32% of the children had at least one positive test. Although the number of positive SPTs did not differ between the groups, there was a reduced risk among children of farmers for having both respiratory symptoms and sensitization to any International Study on Asthma and Allergy in Childhood allergen (RR=0.28, CI 95% 0.09–0.88).The present indicate that living in a farming population seems to protect against development of respiratory allergic disorders but not against allergic sensitization.
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- Kronqvist, M, et al.
(författare)
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A hypoallergenic derivative of the major allergen of the dust mite Lepidoglyphus destructor, Lep d 2.6Cys, induces less IgE reactivity and cellular response in the skin than recombinant Lep d 2
- 2001
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Ingår i: International archives of allergy and immunology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1018-2438 .- 1423-0097. ; 126:1, s. 41-49
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- <i>Background:</i> The major allergen of the dust mite<i> Lepidoglyphus destructor</i>, Lep d 2, has been produced as a recombinant allergen (rLep d 2) with IgE reactivity both in vivo and in vitro. A modified form of rLep d 2 (rLep d 2.6Cys) obtained by site-directed mutagenesis has been shown to have a reduced IgE reactivity in vitro. In this study we have compared the ability of rLep d 2 and rLep d 2.6Cys to elicit positive skin prick tests and cellular responses among<i> L. destructor</i>-sensitized subjects. <i>Methods:</i> Seventeen subjects were skin prick-tested with rLep d 2, rLep d 2.6Cys, histamine and negative controls and 17–20 h later skin biopsy specimens were taken from the skin prick-tested sites. The biopsy specimens were stained immunohistochemically for EG2+, CD3+, CD1a+, mast cell tryptase+, and IgE+ cells. Dermal cell infiltrates were judged in hematoxylin and eosin staining. Total IgE and allergen-specific IgE were determined by CAP-RAST. <i>Results:</i> Compared to rLep d 2, rLep d 2.6Cys induced significantly smaller and fewer skin prick test reactions (p < 0.001) and dermal cell infiltrates (p < 0.05). Further, rLep d 2.6Cys induced fewer EG2+ cells (p < 0.001) but more tryptase+ cells (p < 0.05) than rLep d 2. A positive RAST to rLep d 2 was obtained for 88.2% of the subjects, while only 35.2% displayed a positive RAST to rLep d 2.6Cys. <i>Conclusion:</i> This study demonstrates that rLep d 2.6Cys is less able to evoke IgE-mediated reactions and cellular responses, as measured both in skin and in serum, than rLep d 2. In the future this hypoallergenic derivative may be a promising candidate molecule for immunotherapy of <i>L. destructor</i>-allergic patients.
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- Lopata, AL, et al.
(författare)
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Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of bird-specific IgG antibodies
- 2004
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Ingår i: International archives of allergy and immunology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1018-2438 .- 1423-0097. ; 134:2, s. 173-178
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- <i>Background: </i>Exposure to organic dust produced by birds often gives rise to an immune response, e.g. IgG antibodies, but intense exposure can lead to high concentrations of IgG antibodies and the development of allergic alveolitis, often known as ‘bird fancier’s lung’. The aim of this study was to establish the distribution of bird-specific IgG antibodies in exposed and nonexposed individuals and compare a nonquantitative and quantitative method in evaluating raised levels of IgG antibodies. <i>Methods: </i>Sera were collected in Sweden and South Africa and levels of IgG antibodies specific to pigeon, budgerigar and parrot antigens were quantified using the UniCAP system. Results were compared to the precipitation in gel assay. The IgG antibody values of symptomatic patients without precipitating antibodies (non-PP group; n = 51) and patients with precipitating antibodies (PP group; n = 34) were analyzed and compared to nonexposed asymptomatic blood donors (BD group; n = 73) and environmentally exposed pigeon breeders (n = 11). <i>Results: </i>The IgG antibody response of the analyzed groups in Sweden and South Africa did not vary significantly from each other. IgG antibody responses were the strongest to pigeon antigens with clear increased IgG antibody levels in the PP group [geometric mean (GM) 603 mg/l] compared to the non-PP (GM 6.9 mg/l) and BD group (GM 5.0 mg/l). Threshold values, calculated as the GM value from the BD group plus 3 standard deviations (99% confidence interval), were 9.8, 10.8 and 10.0 mg/l for pigeons, budgerigars and parrots, respectively. Comparison of the two methods resulted in a good concordance with a level of agreement of 94.1% (kappa statistic = 0.83). <i>Conclusions: </i>The UniCAP system for the detection of bird-specific IgG antibodies is a highly reproducible, generally available, quantitative method for routine diagnostic testing and monitoring of exposed subjects with a very high level of agreement to the precipitating gel assay.
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| 23. |
- Edston, Erik, 1948-, et al.
(författare)
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Death in anaphylaxis in a man with house dust mite allergy
- 2003
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Ingår i: International journal of legal medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0937-9827 .- 1437-1596. ; 117:5, s. 299-301
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Up to recently the post-mortem diagnosis of anaphylaxis has been based solely on circumstantial evidence. With the development of assays for mast cell tryptase it is now possible to verify cases of suspected anaphylaxis. Here we present one such case, which initially appeared to be due to sudden death of unknown cause. A 47-year-old farmer was found dead in his bathroom around midnight. Hospital records revealed that he had previously been diagnosed with an allergy to house dust mites. He had also had infrequent episodes of airway symptoms, nausea, hypotension and diarrhoea usually after going to bed. The forensic autopsy did not give any clue to the cause of death. Serum tryptase in post-mortem blood was found to be substantially elevated in two samples (170 and >200 ╡g/L). Analysis of allergen-specific IgE showed high values for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and farinae. High mite allergen levels were found in dust obtained from the patient's mattress. The results of the immunological tests support the assumption that he died of anaphylactic shock. The circumstances and the patient's history of previous attacks after going to bed point to the fact that exposure to mite contaminated food and/or exposure to mite allergens in bed might have caused his death.
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| 24. |
- Edston, Erik, 1948-, et al.
(författare)
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Mast cell tryptase and hemolysis after trauma
- 2003
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Ingår i: Forensic Science International. - 0379-0738 .- 1872-6283. ; 131:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: We have previously found increased mast cell tryptase in accidental deaths due to trauma, indicating that mast cell degranulation had occurred. The present study was designed to confirm the previous observation and to determine if tryptase release after trauma is acute or delayed. Furthermore, the importance of hemolysis and direct trauma to the mast cells was investigated. Materials and methods: Mast cell tryptase was measured in post-mortem blood from the femoral vein in 27 cases of death from trauma and in 27 control cases by means of a commercially available immunoassay. The trauma cases were further classified into groups with single versus multiple trauma, and groups with short survival time (i.e. death at the scene of the accident) versus longer survival time (death in hospital). In five multi-trauma deaths, blood was sampled locally from the sites of crush injury. Results: The mean value of tryptase in femoral vein blood was 35.6▒34.6╡g/l in the entire trauma group and 14.7▒6.5╡g/l in the controls (P<0.005). In bloody liquid sampled from crush injuries, tryptase was substantially elevated in all cases, with a mean of 227▒146╡g/l. In cases with short survival time, tryptase was significantly higher than in those who died after several hours or days in hospital (P<0.001). No statistically significant difference was seen between multi- and single-trauma cases. A correlation between hemolysis in the samples and elevated tryptase was found only in the trauma cases (P<0.05), but experimentally induced hemolysis in vitro was not found to influence the measurements. Conclusion: Mast cell tryptase becomes elevated in trauma deaths and this seems to be ascribable either to direct mechanical injury to tissue mast cells and/or to cell lysis. In patients initially surviving severe injuries, the effects of massive release of histamine and other mast cell mediators might be of importance for treatment strategies and prognosis.
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| 41. |
- Olsson, S, et al.
(författare)
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IgG1, IgG4 and IgE antibody reactivity to mutant forms of the major dust mite allergen Lep d 2 among atopic and nonatopic subjects naturally exposed to Lepidoglyphus destructor
- 2001
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Ingår i: International archives of allergy and immunology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1018-2438 .- 1423-0097. ; 126:1, s. 50-58
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- <i>Background:</i><i> Lepidoglyphus destructor</i> is a common dust mite causing IgE-mediated sensitization. The major allergen, Lep d 2, has previously been cloned and expressed as several double Cys to Ser mutants with the purpose of producing hypoallergenic variants for immunotherapy. Our aim was to investigate the reactivity pattern of IgG1, IgG4 and IgE antibodies to wild-type (wt) rLep d 2 and four mutants among atopic and nonatopic subjects in relation to sensitization and exposure to <i>L. destructor</i>. <i>Methods:</i> Inhibition and sandwich ELISA were used to compare IgG1, IgG4 and IgE antibody reactivities to rLep d 2 variants in serum of 20 atopic and 18 nonatopic farmers naturally exposed to <i>L. destructor</i>. A group of 22 urban subjects served as controls. <i>Results:</i> Atopic farmers demonstrated correlating IgE and IgG4 levels to rLep d 2(wt) (r<sub>s</sub> = 0.70; p < 0.0001) which were significantly (p < 0.0001) higher than those of nonatopic farmers and urban controls. No IgG4 antibodies were detected in nonatopic farmers despite chronic allergen exposure. A parallel reactivity pattern of IgE and IgG4 to all rLep d 2 mutants was observed. The mutant lacking all 3 disulfide bonds, rLep d 2.6Cys, demonstrated neither any IgE nor IgG4 reactivity. In contrast, IgG1 antibodies had a different reactivity pattern and were detected among most subjects irrespective of atopy, exposure to<i> L. destructor</i> or disulfide impairments in rLep d 2. Moreover, IgG1 levels to rLep d 2(wt) and rLep d 2.6Cys correlated (n = 60; r<sub>s</sub> = 0.65; p < 0.0001). <i>Conclusions:</i> IgE/IgG4 Ab to rLep d 2 were restricted to atopic farmers and demonstrated parallel recognition patterns of conformational epitopes. In contrast, IgG1 antibodies are ubiquitously found and mainly recognize sequential structures. The observed isotypic difference and interindividual variation in antibody specificities among atopic and nonatopic subjects imply careful investigation of hypoallergenic variants destined for immunotherapy.
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| 42. |
- Papatziamos, G, et al.
(författare)
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Increased levels of IL-2 and IL-4 in stimulated adenoidal lymphocytes of atopic children
- 2003
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Ingår i: International archives of allergy and immunology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1018-2438 .- 1423-0097. ; 132:4, s. 329-335
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- <i>Background:</i> The adenoid is involved in the defence against airway pathogens and its surface is also exposed to airborne allergens. The knowledge about reactions taking place in the lymphatic tissue of this organ is, however, limited. To elucidate the influence of atopy we investigated the cellular and cytokine profile of in vitro-stimulated adenoid lymphocytes. <i>Methods:</i> Adenoid tissue cells from 13 atopic and 8 non-atopic children were cultured and stimulated with ionomycin and 4β-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. Supernatants were collected after 4 and 20 h of stimulation and interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were analysed by ELISA. Flow cytometry was used to quantify the leukocyte markers CD3, CD19, CD25 and HLA-DR. <i>Results:</i> Increased levels of IL-2 and IL-4 but not IFN-γ were detected in the supernatants of adenoid cell cultures from atopic children after 20 h of stimulation (p < 0.05) and a significant correlation with a positive regression between IL-2 and IL-4 was found. Atopy was also associated with a greater increase in the percentage of CD19-positive B cells after stimulation (p < 0.05). <i>Conclusions:</i> A difference in the reactivity of adenoidal lymphoid cells in children was observed between atopic and non-atopic subjects. Atopy was associated with an increased production of IL-2 and IL-4 as well as a more pronounced increase of B cells.
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- Saarne, T, et al.
(författare)
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Cloning and characterisation of two IgE-binding proteins, homologous to tropomyosin and alpha-tubulin, from the mite Lepidoglyphus destructor
- 2003
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Ingår i: International archives of allergy and immunology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1018-2438 .- 1423-0097. ; 130:4, s. 258-265
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- <i>Background:</i> The dust mite <i>Lepidoglyphus destructor</i> is a major source of mite allergy in European rural environments, but it also causes allergy in urban populations around the world. We have previously cloned, sequenced and expressed several allergens from <i>L. destructor</i> (Lep d 2, Lep d 5, Lep d 7 and Lep d 13). The aim of this study was to identify and clone additional allergens from <i>L. destructor</i>, and to evaluate their IgE-binding reactivities. <i>Methods:</i> PCR and screening with sera from <i>L. destructor</i>-sensitised individuals were used to isolate new clones from a phage display <i>L. destructor</i> cDNA library. The complete coding sequences of the clones were determined and expressed as His<sub>6</sub>-tagged recombinant proteins in <i>Escherichia coli</i>. The recombinant proteins were analysed by SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting and mass spectrometry. <i>Results:</i> Two new clones, showing homology to tropomyosin and α-tubulin in several species, were isolated from the phage display <i>L. destructor</i> cDNA library. Due to its homology to group 10 dust mite allergens, the tropomyosin clone was named Lep d 10. The IgE-binding frequencies of the recombinant Lep d 10 and α-tubulin were 13% (18/136) and 12% (11/95), respectively, among subjects with IgE reactivity to mites and/or crustaceans. <i>Conclusions:</i> Two new allergens from <i>L. destructor</i> have been identified and can now be added to the repertoire of recombinant <i>L. destructor</i> allergens. In addition, both these allergens belong to highly conserved protein families and may be important for evaluation of allergenic cross-reactivity.
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