| 1. |
- Ballardini, Natalia, et al.
(author)
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Development and comorbidity of eczema, asthma and rhinitis to age 12 : data from the BAMSE birth cohort
- 2012
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In: Allergy. - Stockholm : Karolinska Institutet, Dept of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics. - 0105-4538 .- 1398-9995.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Allergy-related diseases are a public health issue, but knowledge on development and comorbidity among children is scarce. The aim was to study the development of eczema, asthma and rhinitis in relation to sex and parental allergy, in a population-based cohort, during childhood. METHODS: At 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 years, parental questionnaires were used to obtain data on allergy-related diseases. Complete data for all five follow-up occasions were available from 2916 children. Odds ratios for the risk of any allergy-related disease in relation to heredity and sex were calculated using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: At 12 years, 58% of the children had had eczema, asthma and/or rhinitis at some time. Disease turnover was high for all three diseases throughout the study. Comorbidity increased with age, and at 12 years, 7.5% of all the children were affected by at least two allergy-related diseases. Parental allergy was associated with increased comorbidity and more persistent disease and increased the risk of having any allergy-related disease (adjusted OR 1.76; 95% CI 1.57-1.97) up to 12 years. Male sex was associated with an increased risk throughout childhood. Boys and girls did not differ in disease persistence, and for comorbidity, the differences were minor. CONCLUSIONS: Allergy-related diseases may affect a majority of children. Eczema, asthma and rhinitis develop dynamically throughout childhood, and allergic comorbidity is common. These findings indicate that allergy-related diseases should be neither seen nor studied as isolated entities.
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| 2. |
- Mogensen, N., et al.
(author)
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Association between childhood asthma and ADHD symptoms in adolescence : a prospective population-based twin study
- 2011
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In: Allergy. European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. - Malden, USA : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0105-4538 .- 1398-9995. ; 66:9, s. 1224-1230
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Cross-sectional studies report a relationship between childhood asthma and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, but the mechanisms are yet unclear. Our objective was to investigate the longitudinal link between childhood asthma and the two dimensions of ADHD (hyperactivity-impulsivity, HI, and inattention, IN) in adolescence. We also aimed to explore the genetic and environmental contributions and the impact of asthma medication.Methods: Data on asthma, HI and IN, birth weight, socioeconomic status, zygosity, and medication were collected from the Swedish Medical Birth Register and through parental questionnaires at ages 8-9 and 13-14 years on 1480 Swedish twin pairs born 1985-1986. The association between asthma at age 8-9 and ADHD symptoms at age 13-14 was assessed with generalized estimating equations, and twin analyses to assess the genetic or environmental determinants were performed.Results: Children with asthma at age 8-9 had an almost twofold increased risk of having one or more symptom of HI (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.18-3.00) and a more than twofold increased risk to have three symptoms or more of HI (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.49-5.00) at age 13-14, independent of asthma medication. For IN, no significant relationship was seen. Results from twin modeling indicate that 68% of the phenotypic correlation between asthma and HI (r=0.23, 0.04-0.37) was because of genetic influences.Conclusions Our findings suggest that childhood asthma is associated with subsequent development of HI in early adolescence, which could be partly explained by genetic influences. Early strategies to identify children at risk may reduce burden of the disease in adolescence.
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| 3. |
- Hedman, Anna M, et al.
(author)
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Allergen-specific IgE over time in women before, during and after pregnancy
- 2018
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In: Allergy. - Stockholm : Karolinska Institutet, Dept of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics. - 0105-4538 .- 1398-9995.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The trajectory of IgE levels before, during and after pregnancy in sensitized individuals is characterized by significant increase in specific IgE to birch allergens but not to other allergens after multiple testing. This increase may warrant some surveillance in the antenatal care for those with clinical symptoms.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Ullemar, V., et al.
(author)
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Heritability and confirmation of genetic association studies for childhood asthma in twins
- 2016
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In: Allergy. - Stockholm : Wiley. - 0105-4538 .- 1398-9995. ; 71:2, s. 230-238
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundAlthough the genetics of asthma has been extensively studied using both quantitative and molecular genetic analysis methods, both approaches lack studies specific to the childhood phenotype and including other allergic diseases. This study aimed to give specific estimates for the heritability of childhood asthma and other allergic diseases, to attempt to replicate findings from genomewide association studies (GWAS) for childhood asthma and to test the same variants against other allergic diseases. MethodsIn a cohort of 25 306 Swedish twins aged 9 or 12 years, data on asthma were available from parental interviews and population-based registers. The interviews also inquired about wheeze, hay fever, eczema, and food allergy. Through structural equation modeling, the heritability of all phenotypes was calculated. A subset of 10 075 twins was genotyped for 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) selected from previous GWAS; these were first tested for association with asthma and significant findings also against the other allergic diseases. ResultsThe heritability of any childhood asthma was 0.82 (95% CI 0.79-0.85). For the other allergic diseases, the range was approximately 0.60-0.80. Associations for six SNPs with asthma were replicated, including rs2305480 in the GSDMB gene (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.74-0.86, P = 1.5*10(-8); other significant associations all below P = 3.5*10(-4)). Of these, only rs3771180 in IL1RL1 was associated with any other allergic disease (for hay fever, OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.53-0.77, P = 2.5*10(-6)). ConclusionAsthma and allergic diseases of childhood are highly heritable, and these high-risk genetic variants associated specifically with childhood asthma, except for one SNP shared with hay fever.
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| 6. |
- Bachert, C., et al.
(author)
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Important research questions in allergy and related diseases: 3-chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis - a GA(2)LEN study
- 2009
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 64:4, s. 520-533
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Chronic rhinosinusitis is one of the most common health care challenges, with significant direct medical costs and severe impact on lower airway disease and general health outcomes. The diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) currently is based on clinical signs, nasal endoscopy and CT scanning, and therapeutic recommendations are focussing on 2 classes of drugs, corticosteroids and antibiotics. A better understanding of the pathogenesis and the factors amplifying mucosal inflammation therefore seems to be crucial for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools. In an effort to extend knowledge in this area, the WP 2.7.2 of the GA(2)LEN network of excellence currently collects data and samples of 1000 CRS patients and 250 control subjects. The main objective of this project is to characterize patients with upper airway disease on the basis of clinical parameters, infectious agents, inflammatory mechanisms and remodeling processes. This collaborative research will result in better knowledge on patient phenotypes, pathomechanisms, and subtypes in chronic rhinosinusitis. This review summarizes the state of the art on chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis in different aspects of the disease. It defines potential gaps in the current research, and points to future research perspectives and targets.
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| 7. |
- Carlsen, K H, et al.
(author)
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Exercise-induced asthma, respiratory and allergic disorders in elite athletes: epidemiology, mechanisms and diagnosis: Part I of the report from the Joint Task Force of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) in cooperation with GA(2)LEN
- 2008
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 63:4, s. 387-403
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims: To analyze the changes in the prevalence of asthma, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and allergies in elite athletes over the past years, to review the specific pathogenetic features of these conditions and to make recommendations for their diagnosis. Mehtods: The Task Force reviewed present literature by searching Medline up to November 2006 for relevant papers by the search words: asthma, bronchial responsiveness, EIB, athletes and sports. Sign criteria were used to assess level of evidence and grades of recommendation. Results: The problems of sports-related asthma and allergy are outlined. Epidemiological evidence for an increased prevalence of asthma and BHR among competitive athletes, especially in endurance sports, is provided. The mechanisms for development of asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in athletes are outlined. Criteria are given for the diagnosis of asthma and exercise induced asthma in the athlete. Conclusions: The prevalence of asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness is markedly increased in athletes, especially within endurance sports. Environmental factors often contribute. Recommendations for the diagnosis of asthma in athletes are outlined.
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| 8. |
- Carlsen, K H, et al.
(author)
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Treatment of exercise-induced asthma, respiratory and allergic disorders in sports and the relationship to doping: Part II of the report from the Joint Task Force of European Respiratory Society (ERS) and European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) in cooperation with GA(2)LEN
- 2008
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 63:5, s. 492-505
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim: The aims of part II is to review the current recommended treatment of exercise-induced asthma (EIA), respiratory and allergic disorders in sports, to review the evidence on possible improvement of performance in sports by asthma drugs and to make recommendations for their treatment. Methods: The literature cited with respect to the treatment of exercise induced asthma in athletes (and in asthma patients) is mainly based upon the systematic review given by Larsson et al. (Larsson K, Carlsen KH, Bonini S. Anti-asthmatic drugs: treatment of athletes and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. In: Carlsen KH, Delgado L, Del Giacco S, editors. Diagnosis, prevention and treatment of exercise-related asthma, respiratory and allergic disorders in sports. Sheffield, UK: European Respiratory Journals Ltd, 2005:73-88) during the work of the Task Force. To assess the evidence of the literature regarding use of beta(2)-agonists related to athletic performance, the Task Force searched Medline for relevant papers up to November 2006 using the present search words: asthma, bronchial responsiveness, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, athletes, sports, performance and beta(2)-agonists. Evidence level and grades of recommendation were assessed according to Sign criteria. Results: Treatment recommendations for EIA and bronchial hyper-responsiveness in athletes are set forth with special reference to controller and reliever medications. Evidence for lack of improvement of exercise performance by inhaled beta(2)-agonists in healthy athletes serves as a basis for permitting their use. There is a lack of evidence of treatment effects of asthma drugs on EIA and bronchial hyper-responsiveness in athletes whereas extensive documentation exists in treatment of EIA in patients with asthma. The documentation on lack of improvement on performance by common asthma drugs as inhaled beta(2)-agonists with relationship to sports in healthy individuals is of high evidence, level (1+). Conclusions: Exercise induced asthma should be treated in athletes along same principles as in ordinary asthma patients with relevance to controller and reliever treatment after careful diagnosis. There is very high level of evidence for the lack of improvement in athletic performance by inhaled beta 2-agonists.
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| 9. |
- Maurer, M, et al.
(author)
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New topics in bradykinin research
- 2011
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 66:11, s. 1397-1406
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Bradykinin has been implicated to contribute to allergic inflammation and the pathogenesis of allergic conditions. It binds to endothelial B(1) and B(2) receptors and exerts potent pharmacological and physiological effects, notably, decreased blood pressure, increased vascular permeability and the promotion of classical symptoms of inflammation such as vasodilation, hyperthermia, oedema and pain. Towards potential clinical benefit, bradykinin has also been shown to exert potent antithrombogenic, antiproliferative and antifibrogenic effects. The development of pharmacologically active substances, such as bradykinin receptor blockers, opens up new therapeutic options that require further research into bradykinin. This review presents current understanding surrounding the role of bradykinin in nonallergic angioedema and other conditions seen by allergists and emergency physicians, and its potential role as a therapeutic target.
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| 10. |
- van Odijk, J, et al.
(author)
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Breastfeeding and allergic disease: a multidisciplinary review of the literature (1966-2001) on the mode of early feeding in infancy and its impact on later atopic manifestations
- 2003
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 58:9, s. 833-843
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Strategies to prevent children from developing allergy have been elaborated on the basis of state-of-the-art reviews of the scientific literature regarding pets and allergies, building dampness and health, and building ventilation and health. A similar multidisciplinary review of infant feeding mode in relation to allergy has not been published previously. Here, the objective is to review the scientific literature regarding the impact of early feeding (breast milk and/or cow's milk and/or formula) on development of atopic disease. The work was performed by a multidisciplinary group of Scandinavian researchers. Methods: The search in the literature identified 4323 articles that contained at least one of the exposure and health effect terms. A total of 4191 articles were excluded mainly because they did not contain information on both exposure and health effects. Consequently, 132 studies have been scrutinized by this review group. Results: Of the 132 studies selected, 56 were regarded as conclusive. Several factors contributed to the exclusions. The studies considered conclusive by the review group were categorized according to population and study design. Conclusions: The review group concluded that breastfeeding seems to protect from the development of atopic disease. The effect appears even stronger in children with atopic heredity. If breast milk is unavailable or insufficient, extensively hydrolysed formulas are preferable to unhydrolysed or partially hydrolysed formulas in terms of the risk of some atopic manifestations.
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| 11. |
- Månsson, Anne, et al.
(author)
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NOD-like receptors in the human upper airways: a potential role in nasal polyposis.
- 2011
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 66, s. 621-628
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To cite this article: Månsson A, Bogefors J, Cervin A, Uddman R, Cardell LO. NOD-like receptors in the human upper airways: a potential role in nasal polyposis. Allergy 2010; DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2010.02527.x. ABSTRACT: Background: Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors (NLRs) are newly discovered cytosolic receptors belonging to the pattern-recognition receptor family. They detect various pathogen-associated molecular patterns, triggering an immune response. The knowledge about these receptors, and their role in health and disease, is limited. The aim of the present study was to characterize the expression of NOD1, NOD2, and NALP3 in the human upper airways. Methods: Surgical samples were obtained from patients with tonsillar disease (n = 151), hypertrophic adenoids (n = 9), and nasal polyposis (n = 24). Nasal biopsies were obtained from healthy volunteers (n = 10). The expression of NOD1, NOD2, and NALP3 was analyzed using real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Results: Expression of NOD1, NOD2, and NALP3 mRNA and protein were seen in all tissue specimens. The NLR mRNA was found to be higher in nasal polyps than in normal nasal mucosa, and local steroid treatment reduced the NLR expression in polyps. In contrast, tonsillar infection with Streptococcus pyogenes or Haemophilus influenzae did not affect the NLR expression. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates the presence of NLRs in several upper airway tissues and highlights a potential role of NLRs in chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps.
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| 12. |
- Stalder, J-F, et al.
(author)
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Patient-Oriented SCORAD (PO-SCORAD): a new self-assessment scale in atopic dermatitis validated in Europe.
- 2011
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 66, s. 1114-1121
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To cite this article: Stalder J-F, Barbarot S, Wollenberg A, Holm EA, De Raeve L, Seidenari S, Oranje A, Deleuran M, Cambazard F, Svensson A, Simon D, Benfeldt E, Reunala T, Mazereeuv J, Boralevi F, Kunz B, Misery L, Mortz CG, Darsow U, Gelmetti C, Diepgen T, Ring J, Moehrenschlager M, Gieler U, Taïeb A, for the PO-SCORAD Investigators Group. Patient-Oriented SCORAD (PO-SCORAD): a new self-assessment scale in atopic dermatitis validated in Europe. Allergy 2011; DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2011.02577.x. ABSTRACT: Background: Patient-oriented medicine is an emerging concept, encouraged by the World Health Organization, to greater involvement of the patient in the management of chronic diseases. The Patient-Oriented SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (PO-SCORAD) index is a self-assessment score allowing the patient to comprehensively evaluate the actual course of atopic dermatitis (AD), using subjective and objective criteria derived mainly from the SCORAD, a validated AD severity clinical assessment tool. Objectives: To validate the PO-SCORAD index in a large European population of patients exhibiting all forms of AD severity by assessing its correlation with the SCORAD index. Patients/methods: Four hundred and seventy-one patients (185 adults, 286 children) consulting for AD in hospitals from 9 European countries were recruited. The investigators and the patients used the SCORAD and PO-SCORAD scales, respectively, to assess AD severity at inclusion (D0) and 28 ± 7 days later (D28). Results: Patient-Oriented SCORing Atopic Dermatitis and SCORAD scores were significantly correlated at D0 [r = 0.67 (95% CI: 0.62; 0.72), P < 0.0001]. Consistency was confirmed at D28, with a stronger linear correlation between both scales [r = 0.79 (95% CI: 0.75; 0.83), P < 0.0001]. Absolute changes from baseline in SCORAD and PO-SCORAD scores were also significantly correlated [r= 0.71 (95% CI: 0.64; 0.76), P < 0.0001]. Although no specific intervention was investigated, AD improved over the study, with a decrease of PO-SCORAD and SCORAD scores from D0 to D28 by -19.19% and -24.39%, respectively. The consistency of the correlations was similar in the adult and children groups. Conclusions: This study validated the use of PO-SCORAD to self-assess AD severity and demonstrated its good correlation with SCORAD.
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| 13. |
- Alenmyr, Lisa, et al.
(author)
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TRPV1-mediated itch in seasonal allergic rhinitis.
- 2009
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 64, s. 807-810
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Patients with allergic rhinitis may be abnormally sensitive to stimulation of the ion channel transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1). Aim of the study: To examine effects of various TRP ion channel activators on sensory symptoms in allergic rhinitis prior to and during seasonal allergen exposure. Methods: Nasal challenges were carried out with the TRPV1-activators capsaicin, anandamide and olvanil. Moreover, challenges were performed with mustard oil (allylisothiocyanate) and cinnamaldehyde as well as menthol, activators of TRPA1 and TRPM8, respectively. Nasal symptoms were monitored after each challenge and compared with symptoms reported following corresponding sham challenges. Symptoms recorded after challenge prior to pollen season were also compared with challenge-induced symptoms during pollen season. Results: The TRPV1, TRPA1 and TRPM8-activators produced sensory symptoms dominated by pain and smart. During seasonal allergen exposure, but not prior to season, TRPV1-activators also induced itch. Furthermore, the seasonal challenge to the TRPV1-activator olvanil was associated with rhinorrhoea. Conclusion: Patients with allergic rhinitis feature an increased itch response to TRPV1 stimulation at seasonal allergen exposure. We suggest that this reflects part of the hyperresponsiveness that characterizes on-going allergic rhinitis. Intervention with the TRPV1-signalling pathway may offer potential treatments of this condition.
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| 14. |
- Andersson, Cecilia, et al.
(author)
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Alveolar mast cells shift to an FcεRI-expressing phenotype in mild atopic asthma: a novel feature in allergic asthma pathology.
- 2011
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 66:12, s. 1590-1597
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: A unique feature of alveolar mast cells is their low high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) expression. Recent discoveries in uncontrolled asthma suggest that the appearance of FcεRI-expressing alveolar mast cells may be a novel disease-specific feature of allergic asthma. This study investigates whether increased FcεRI-expressing alveolar mast cells are present in patients with mild allergic asthma or even in non-asthmatic allergic rhinitis patients (AR) who have developed bronchial hyperactivity (BHR). Methods: Bronchial and alveolar tissues were obtained from healthy controls, AR patients with or without BHR, and AR patients with concurrent asthma. Samples were processed for immunohistochemical identification of MC(T) and MC(TC) and expression of FcεRI and surface-bound IgE. Results: Bronchial mast cell expression of FcεRI was high in all groups. In contrast, in the alveolar tissue, the expression of FcεRI on mast cells was low in healthy controls and in the AR patient groups, whereas a high expression was present in AR patients with concurrent asthma (P = 0.006 compared to controls). The asthmatics had a 29-fold increase in numbers (P = 0.006) and a 19-fold increase in proportion (P = 0.007) of alveolar mast cells that expressed surface-bound IgE. Conclusions: The present data show that alveolar mast cells in patients with mild atopic asthma, but not atopic patients with AR, have turned into a highly FcεRI- and IgE-expressing phenotype. These data support the hypothesis that increased FcεRI expression on alveolar mast cells is a novel disease-specific feature of allergic asthma that is important for understanding asthma phenotypes and designing new therapeutic strategies.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
- Benson, Mikael, 1954, et al.
(author)
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A haplotype in the inducible T-cell tyrosine kinase is a risk factor for seasonal allergic rhinitis.
- 2009
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 64:9, s. 1286-91
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Identification of disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) may be facilitated by focusing on genes in a disease-associated pathway. OBJECTIVE: To search for SNPs in genes that belong to the T-cell receptor (TCR) pathway and that change in expression in allergen-challenged CD4+ cells from patients with SAR. METHODS: CD4+ cells from patients with SAR were analysed with gene expression microarrays. Allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies were compared in 251 patients and 386 healthy controls. RESULTS: Gene expression microarray analysis of allergen-challenged CD4+ cells from patients with SAR showed that 25 of 38 TCR pathway genes were differentially expressed. A total of 62 SNPs were analysed in eight of the 25 genes; ICOS, IL4, IL5, IL13, CSF2, CTLA4, the inducible T-cell tyrosine kinase (ITK) and CD3D. Significant chi-squared values were identified for several markers in the ITK kinase gene region. A total of five SNPs were nominally significant at the 5% level. Haplotype analysis of the five significant SNPs showed increased frequency of a haplotype that covered most of the coding part of ITK. The functional relevance of ITK was supported by analysis of an independent material, which showed increased expression of ITK in allergen-challenged CD4+ cells from patients, but not from controls. CONCLUSION: Analysis of SNPs in TCR pathway genes revealed that a haplotype that covers a major part of the coding sequence of ITK is a risk factor for SAR.
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| 19. |
- Benson, Mikael, et al.
(author)
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Allergen-reactive antibodies are found in nasal fluids from patients with birch pollen-induced intermittent allergic rhinitis, but not in healthy controls
- 2003
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In: Allergy. European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0105-4538 .- 1398-9995. ; 58:5, s. 386-392
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- 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.
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| 20. |
- Benson, Mikael, 1954, et al.
(author)
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Inverse relation between nasal fluid Clara Cell Protein 16 levels and symptoms and signs of rhinitis in allergen-challenged patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis.
- 2007
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 0105-4538 .- 1398-9995. ; 62:2, s. 178-83
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Decreased levels of the anti-inflammatory Clara Cell Protein 16 (CC16) are found in intermittent allergic rhinitis (IAR) and asthma. In asthma this decrease has been associated with hyperreactivity and the A38G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). The aim of this study was to examine if IAR is associated with signs and symptoms of rhinitis and the A38G SNP. METHODS: Nasal fluid CC16 was analyzed in 20 patients with IAR before allergen challenge and 1 and 6 h after challenge, and from 28 healthy controls. The A38G SNP was analyzed in 80 patients with IAR and 106 controls. Nasal biopsies were obtained from three subjects in each group for immunohistochemical analysis of CC16. RESULTS: In the allergen-challenged patients symptoms and rhinoscopic signs of rhinitis increased after 1 h and normalized after 6 h. In contrast, nasal fluid CC16 decreased 1 h after allergen challenge and returned to baseline after 6 h. Nasal fluid CC16 levels did not differ from controls before and 6 h after challenge. Immunohistochemical investigation showed intense CC16 staining in the nasal epithelium of both patients before season and healthy controls, but weak staining in symptomatic patients during season. No significant association between the A38G SNP and IAR was found. CONCLUSION: There was an inverse relation between nasal fluid CC16 levels and symptoms and signs of rhinitis in allergen-challenged patients with IAR. However, there was no association between IAR and the A38G SNP.
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| 21. |
- Bogefors, J., et al.
(author)
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Nod1, Nod2 and Nalp3 receptors, new potential targets in treatment of allergic rhinitis?
- 2010
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In: Allergy. European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0105-4538 .- 1398-9995. ; 65:10, s. 1222-1226
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Recently, a new set of pattern-recognition receptors, the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (Nod)-like receptors (NLRs), have emerged. Their activation, either by allergens or microbes, triggers an inflammatory response. The knowledge about NLRs in human airways is limited.AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate presence of NLRs in the human nose of healthy individuals and patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis outside and during pollen season.METHODS: The expression of Nod1, Nod2, and Nalp3 in nasal biopsies was determined with real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Cultured primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) were analyzed using real-time RT-PCR and flow cytometry to further verify the presence of NLRs in the epithelium.RESULTS: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed presence of Nod1, Nod2, and Nalp3 in the nasal epithelium. This was corroborated in cultured HNECs. Patients suffering from symptomatic allergic rhinitis exhibited lower Nod1 and Nalp3 mRNA levels than both controls and patients during pollen season. Nod2 expression was found in all specimens tested, but no differences were seen between the three groups.CONCLUSION: Nod1, Nod2, and Nalp3 receptors were found to be present in the human nose. The expression of Nod1 and Nalp3 were down-regulated during pollen season among patients with allergic rhinitis. This opens up for new insights and novel therapeutic strategies in inflammatory airway disease.
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
- Bolin, Kristian, et al.
(author)
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Asthma and allergy: the significance of chronic conditions for individual health behaviour.
- 2002
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 57:2, s. 115-122
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: In health economics, health is regarded as part of an individual's human capital. As such it depreciates over time, and investments in health are made in order to keep the stock of health capital at the desired level. Using this framework for analysis of health-related behaviour and Swedish panel data, we examined whether the presence of asthma or allergy affects perceived health and investments in health. METHODS: A set of panel data for approximately 3800 individuals interviewed repeatedly in 1980/81, 1988/89, and 1996/97 was created from the Swedish biannual survey of living conditions. Self-assessed health was chosen as the indicator of health capital and the reported number of sick days as the indicator of health investment. The presence of asthma or allergy, age, wage rate, wealth, marital status, number of children, exercise and smoking habits, gender, and geographic location of household were all chosen as explanatory variables. An ordered probit model was estimated for the health equation and a Poisson model for the investment equation. RESULTS: We found that both asthmatics and those who suffer from allergy invested more in their health than the general population. We also found that asthmatics reported significantly lower self-assessed health than the general population, while those who suffered from allergy did not differ significantly from the general population regarding their self-assessed health. CONCLUSION: The human capital approach was found suitable for studying the impact of asthma and allergy on individual health behaviour. Health policy measures, which reduce the individual's costs of investing in his or her health, would improve health levels. Because asthmatics were found less healthy than those suffering from allergy, the potential gains would be larger for patients with asthma than for patients with allergy. The issue of whether this would be a cost-effective policy or not would require a different design and, hence, could not be solved within the present study.
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| 24. |
- Bryborn, M., et al.
(author)
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CLC- a novel susceptibility gene for allergic rhinitis?
- 2010
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 65:2, s. 220-228
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- P>Background: Studies of the nasal lavage fluid proteome have previously identified proteins differently expressed in patients with symptomatic allergic rhinitis, e.g. S100A7, prolactin-inducible protein (PIP), wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 2B (WNT2B), Charcot-Leyden crystal protein (CLC) and palate lung nasal epithelial clone (PLUNC). The aim of the present study was to investigate if genetic variation associated with allergic rhinitis can be found in these genes. Methods: Peripheral blood was collected from 251 patients with birch and/or grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis and 386 nonatopic healthy controls. A total of 39 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) distributed over the genes PIP, WNT2B, CLC and PLUNC were selected from dbSNP, genotyped and investigated for associations with allergic rhinitis. Twelve additional SNPs were subsequently analysed for CLC. Results: All 22 investigated SNPs in CLC were polymorphic. Ten SNPs yielded significant differences between cases and controls with respect to genotype frequencies. Homozygotes for the minor allele were more common in allergic individuals compared to healthy controls. The minor alleles of these SNPs were all located on the same haplotype. Furthermore, homozygotes for the minor allele of two of the promoter SNPs had higher average scores for birch in skin prick test. In contrast, for seven SNPs within the gene, heterozygotes and homozygotes for the major allele had higher average scores for grass. None of the other three genes showed association. Conclusion: Genetic variation in CLC was found to be associated with allergic rhinitis. The pattern of variation is compatible with a recessive inheritance model and the previously observed altered protein levels detected in patients with allergic rhinitis.
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| 25. |
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| 26. |
- Cardell, L O, et al.
(author)
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Genes regulating molecular and cellular functions in noninfectious nonallergic rhinitis.
- 2009
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 64:9, s. 1301-8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Chronic noninfectious, nonallergic rhinitis (NINAR) is a complex syndrome with a principally unknown pathophysiology. New technology has made it possible to examine differentially expressed genes and according to network theory, genes connected by their function that might have key roles in the disease.
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| 27. |
- Carlsson, L G, et al.
(author)
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Efficacy of cumulative doses of salbutamol administered via Turbuhaler or Diskhaler in patients with reversible airway obstruction
- 1998
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 53:7, s. 712-715
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The study aimed to estimate the relative dose potency of salbutamol inhaled via Turbuhaler and Diskhaler. The 24 adult patients participating had chronic reversible airway obstruction. The study was of a double-blind, double-dummy, crossover, randomized design. Five doses of salbutamol Turbuhaler, 50, 50, 100, 200, and 400 microg, were given on one study day at intervals of 30 min. On another study day, five doses of salbutamol Diskhaler, 200, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 microg, were given with the same interval. The treatment days were separated by a washout period of at least 24 h. The inhalation technique was standardized and supervised. Efficacy variables were recorded before and after each study dose. The primary efficacy variable was forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). When parallel and linear cumulative dose-response curves were statistically compared on a logarithmic scale, the dose potency of salbutamol Turbuhaler vs salbutamol Diskhaler was 1.99 (95% confidence interval 1.52-2.54). This study indicates that only half the dose of salbutamol is required via Turbuhaler as via Diskhaler for the same bronchodilating effect.
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| 28. |
- Downie, SR, et al.
(author)
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Association between nasal and bronchial symptoms in subjects with persistent allergic rhinitis
- 2004
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 59:3, s. 320-326
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The association between nasal and bronchial symptoms, and the course of bronchial responsiveness and airway inflammation in house dust mite sensitive persistent rhinitis over a prolonged time period has not been thoroughly explored. Objective: To determine if nasal symptoms were associated with bronchial symptoms in persistent rhinitic subjects, and to assess their bronchial responsiveness and airway inflammation in comparison to nonrhinitic, nonatopic controls. The additional impact of pollen sensitivity on the lower airways in rhinitic subjects was also addressed. Methods: Rhinitics and controls answered telephone symptom questionnaires once every 2 weeks for 1 year. Every 3 months, exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) and bronchial responsiveness to histamine were measured. Results: Thirty-seven rhinitics and 19 controls completed the study. High nasal symptom scores in rhinitic subjects were associated with bronchial symptoms (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.5). Bronchial hyper-responsiveness was present in 32.4% of rhinitic subjects on at least one clinical visit during the year. Pollen allergy caused seasonal variation in eNO (P = 0.03). Conclusion: In persistent rhinitic subjects, high nasal symptom scores were associated with bronchial symptoms, and many subjects experienced bronchial hyper-responsiveness during the year. Persistent rhinitic subjects were more at risk than healthy adults of bronchial symptoms and airway inflammation, which are likely risk factors for asthma.
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| 29. |
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| 30. |
- Egesten, Arne, et al.
(author)
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Eosinophil leukocyte degranulation in response to serum-opsonized beads: C5a and platelet-activating factor enhance ECP release, with roles for protein kinases A and C
- 1998
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 53:11, s. 1066-1073
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Eosinophils have a typical content of granule-bound, cytotoxic, cationic proteins which may, when released to the external milieu, play roles in diseases such as asthma and parasitic infestation. Therefore, we have investigated possible mechanisms by which their release is regulated in eosinophils. METHODS: The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect released eosinophil cationic protein (ECP). Release of ECP was induced by serum-opsonized, nonphagocytosable Sephadex beads (SOS). RESULTS: The complement fragment C5a and platelet-activating factor (PAF) were found to enhance ECP release in response to SOS in a dose-dependent fashion, and, contrary to previous reports, they were not found to act as secretagogues themselves on eosinophils in suspension. The role of protein kinase C (PKC) in eosinophil degranulation has been controversial. We found that ECP release induced by SOS was inhibited by the PKC inhibitors staurosporine and calphostin C. Activation of protein kinase A (PKA), by raising cAMP, also inhibited ECP release. Furthermore, pertussis toxin decreased ECP release on opsonized beads, indicating the involvement of pertussis-toxin-sensitive G proteins. CONCLUSIONS: C5a, and PAF enhance granule release, rather than acting as secretagogues themselves. PKC and PKA have opposing roles in the regulation of ECP release in response to SOS.
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| 31. |
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| 32. |
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| 33. |
- Greiff, Lennart, et al.
(author)
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Topical nitroprusside may reduce histamine-induced plasma exudation in human nasal airways
- 1995
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 50:7, s. 593-597
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Mucosal exudation of nonsieved bulk plasma is a key feature of airway defense and inflammation. We have previously observed in guinea pig tracheobronchial airways that endogenous nitric oxide (NO) of the mucosa may tonically suppress the permeability of the subepithelial microcirculation, and that topical administration of the NO donor nitroprusside may reduce plasma exudation responses. The present study examines whether nitroprusside affects histamine-induced mucosal exudation of plasma in the human nasal airway. In a dose-finding tolerability experiment, using changes in nasal patency as response, placebo and nitroprusside (1.2 and 3.6 mg per nasal cavity) were applied on the mucosal surface with a nasal-spray device. Nasal peak expiratory flow (PEF) rates were measured before the application and thereafter every third minute for 15 min. Nitroprusside produced a dose-dependent decrease in nasal PEF rates compared to placebo. Placebo or nitroprusside (7.2 mg) was then given to the right nasal cavity, followed 3 min later by challenge with saline or histamine (600 micrograms). The drug and the challenge were both applied with a nasal-spray device. With a nasal pool-device, the same large part of the nasal mucosal surface was lavaged before and after the treatment/challenge. The lavage fluid levels of alpha 2-macroglobulin were measured as an index of mucosal exudation of bulk plasma. The histamine-induced lavage fluid level of alpha 2-macroglobulin was significantly higher after treatment with placebo than with nitroprusside. The present data indicate that nitroprusside may have antiexudative effects in human airways. Hence, unlike other microvascular permeability active agents, this pharmacologic principle may be active in both guinea pig and human airways.
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| 34. |
- Karlsson, Anne-Li, et al.
(author)
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Bet v 1 homologues in strawberry identified as IgE-binding proteins and presumptive allergens
- 2004
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 59:12, s. 1277-1284
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: No strawberry allergen has so far been identified and characterized. Methods: Serum samples were collected from patients with a suggestive case history of adverse reactions to strawberry and other fruits. Extracts from fresh and frozen strawberries were analysed by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Western blotting and mass spectrometry. Patient blood samples were analysed for inhibition of IgE binding and basophil degranulation. Results: Several IgE-binding proteins could be detected. In more than half of the patient sera, a 20/18-kDa doublet band was observed in Western blotting. These two bands were excised and analysed by mass spectrometry showing the presence of proteins belonging to the Bet v 1 family of allergens. Inhibition of the IgE binding to the 20/18-kDa doublet was obtained by addition of two recombinantly expressed allergens belonging to the Bet v 1 family (Bet v 1 and Mal d 1) and strawberry protein extract. In a cell-based assay of patient blood samples, basophil degranulation could be induced by strawberry protein extract and by Bet v 1 and Mal d 1. Conclusions: We conclude that strawberry homologues to Bet v 1 may be allergens of importance for adverse reactions to strawberry.
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| 35. |
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| 36. |
- Lindmark, Bertil, et al.
(author)
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Heterozygous, a1-antitrypsin deficiency may be associated with cold urticaria.
- 1992
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 47:5, s. 456-458
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Proteins of the serpin family (serine protease inhibitor) control key steps in the inflammatory, coagulation and complement systems. C1‐inhibitor deficiency predisposes to hereditary angioneurotic oedema, and other serpins control proteolytic enzymes that may cause complement activation or the forming of oedema. We investigated whether deficiency of proteins of the serpin family may predispose to cold urticaria and therefore screened 7 male patients with severe cold urticaria for the presence of deficieney alleles of some of the members of the serpin antiprotease family. There were no findings of C1‐inhibitor, α1‐antitrypsin, α2‐antiplasmin, antithrombin III, tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor or thyroxine binding protein deficiency. The prevalence of heterozygous α1‐antichymotrypsin deficieney was significantly higher than expected (prevalence ratio 25.8 (95% confidence interval 6.0‐112), p< 0.0001). This finding is in concert with previous studies that have shown lower mean levels of α1‐antichymotrypsin among patients with cold urticaria and suggests that heterozygous deficiency of this antiprotease, which controls neutrophil eathepsin G and mast cell chymase may predispose to cold urticaria. The present series is, however, small and the results need confirmation in larger materials.
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| 37. |
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| 38. |
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| 39. |
- Månsson, Anne, et al.
(author)
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Nasal CpG oligodeoxynucleotide administration induces a local inflammatory response in nonallergic individuals.
- 2009
-
In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 64, s. 1292-1300
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: We have previously demonstrated the presence of toll-like receptor 9 in the nasal mucosa of both healthy and allergic individuals. CpG motifs, found in bacterial and viral DNA, elicit strong immunostimulatory effects via this receptor. CpG is known to skew the immune system towards a T helper 1 (Th1) profile, thereby suppressing Th2-driven allergic responses. This study was designed to examine the effects of CpG administration in the human nose. Methods: Twenty subjects, of whom 10 suffered from seasonal allergic rhinitis (AR), were challenged intranasally with CpG outside pollen season. Symptom scores, nasal airway resistance (NAR), and nasal and pulmonary nitric oxide (NO) levels were assayed prior to challenge and 30 min, 6, 24 and 48 h post challenge. The presence of leukocytes and various cytokines were analyzed in nasal lavage (NAL) fluids before and after CpG exposure. Results: Increased NAR, nasal NO production and secretion of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and IL-8 were seen after CpG exposure. Further analysis revealed that this inflammatory response was more marked in healthy subjects than among patients with AR, although a higher basal inflammatory response was recorded in the allergic group. In vitro experiments suggest that the effects induced by CpG are mediated by epithelial cells and neutrophils. Conclusion: Nasal administration of CpG induces a local airway inflammation, more distinct among healthy than allergic individuals. The reduced responsiveness to CpG in allergic patients might be related to the ongoing minimal persistent inflammation. Results from cytokine analyses reflect the ability of CpG to induce a pro-inflammatory Th1-like immune response.
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
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| 42. |
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| 43. |
- Nopp, A., et al.
(author)
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After 6 years with Xolair; a 3-year withdrawal follow-up
- 2010
-
In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 65:1, s. 56-60
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- P>Background: This study reports the clinical and immunological state of patients 3 years after a 6-year period of Xolair treatment for severe allergic asthma. Methods: The patient's cat allergen sensitivity, measured as CD-sens, IgE and IgE- and IgG4 antibodies, was analysed and compared with asthma severity evaluated from FEV1 and a questionnaire. Results: Three years after treatment with Xolair was stopped, 12/18 patients reported improved or unchanged asthma compared with ongoing Xolair treatment. Most of the patients were in a stable clinical condition, 16/18 had not increased nightly asthma attacks and 14/18 little or no increase in medication. The CD-sens to cat was still significantly lower (P < 0.02) than untreated patients with allergic asthma and lower than expected from their serum IgE antibody levels. Conclusion: Most of the patients in this study had, still 3 years after closing of 6 years Xolair treatment, a surprisingly mild and stable asthma. Interestingly, the observed, considerable, downregulation of basophil allergen sensitivity, CD-sens, most likely representing mast cell allergen sensitivity, contributed to the clinical results.
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| 44. |
- Nopp, A, et al.
(author)
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Basophil allergen threshold sensitivity : A useful approach to anti-IgE treatment efficacy evaluation
- 2006
-
In: Allergy. European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. - : Wiley. - 0105-4538 .- 1398-9995. ; 61:3, s. 298-302
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Monitoring of the allergen sensitivity of a patient is most important for optimal patient care and a basic prerequisite for immunomodulating treatment. The objective of this study was to investigate how basophil allergen sensitivity can be applied in the monitoring of anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) treatment. Methods: Basophils from timothy grass pollen allergic patients were, by flow cytometry, analysed for allergen threshold sensitivity (CD-sens) by measuring CD63 up-regulation on CD203c-identified basophils. The results were compared with maximal percentage CD63 up-regulation at one allergen dose (CD-max), skin prick test end-point allergen titration, (SPT-sens), nasal provocation titration tests (nasal provocation titre) and serum IgE and IgE antibody concentrations. Results: There was a significant correlation (r = 0.50, P = 0.01) between CD-sens and SPT-sens, CD-sens and the IgE antibody concentration in percentage of 'total IgE' (relative IgE antibody concentration) (r = 0.72, P < 0.001) as well as between CD-sens and nasal provocation titre (r = 0.54, P < 0.05) but, in contrast, CD-max did not correlate with any of the sensitization parameters, i.e. SPT-sens, nasal provocation titre, absolute and relative IgE antibody concentration or CD-sens. CD-sens could be used to monitor omalizumab treatment efficacy while, based on CD-max, four of seven symptom-free patients on omalizumab would have been classified as having ongoing allergy. Conclusions: CD-sens seems to be very useful for the determination of a patient's allergen sensitivity and should be evaluated for the measurement and monitoring of anti-IgE treatment efficacy. CD-max, the conventional approach to basophil allergen challenge, which mirrors cell reactivity, gives incorrect information. Copyright © Blackwell Munksgaard 2006.
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| 45. |
- Nopp, A., et al.
(author)
-
CD-sens: a biological measure of immunological changes stimulated by ASIT
- 2009
-
In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 64:5, s. 811-814
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) in allergic rhinitis and asthma is the only treatment that effects the long-term development of these diseases. Basophil allergen threshold sensitivity, CD-sens, which is a valuable complement to resource-demanding clinical challenge tests, was used to monitor the initiation of ASIT induced allergen 'blocking activity'. Patients IgE-sensitized to timothy (n = 14) or birch (n = 19) pollen were started on conventional (8-16 weeks) or ultra rush ASIT, respectively, and followed by measurements of CD-sens, allergen binding activity (ABA) and serum IgG4- and IgE-antibody concentrations. CD-sens decreased during the early phase of ASIT-treatment. In parallel, ABA increased and correlated significantly with the increasing levels of IgG4 antibody concentrations. High dosages of allergen were more effective while mode of dosing up did not seem to matter. No change was seen in basophil reactivity. CD-sens and ABA, in contrast to basophil reactivity, seem to be promising tools to monitor protective immune responses initiated by ASIT.
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| 46. |
- Nopp, A., et al.
(author)
-
CD-sens and clinical changes during withdrawal of Xolair after 6 years of treatment
- 2007
-
In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 62:10, s. 1175-1181
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Many clinical trials with omalizumab, Xolair, have been reported but the treatment period has always been short, i.e. < 12 months. After withdrawal, the clinical symptoms tend to return. A group of patients who stopped treatment after approx. 6 years allowed studies of the long-term effects of Xolair. Methods: The patient's cat or mite allergen sensitivity was quantitated as basophil allergen threshold sensitivity, CD-sens, and immunoglobulin E (IgE) and IgE- and IgG4-antibodies were determined before start and during treatment withdrawal. Asthma severity was evaluated from forced expiratory volume (FEV), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and a questionnaire. Results: At 6-14 months without Xolair 13 of the 18 cat and mite allergic asthmatics had either improved or remained the same as on treatment. Most of the patients were in a stable clinical condition reporting high quality of life, no increased nightly asthma attacks, no emergency visits as well as little or no increase in medication. The CD-sens to cat showed a peak 4 months after withdrawal but then decreased to levels below those of untreated patients with allergic asthma and at 12 months six of 14 had nonreactive basophils. Cat IgG4 antibody levels were higher than in cat allergics in general. Conclusion: Most of the patients 12-14 months had, after closing of 6-year Xolair treatment, a surprisingly mild asthma. Interestingly, and probably contributing to the clinical results, a downregulation of basophil, and presumably also mast cell, reactivity, was seen.
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| 47. |
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| 48. |
- Olsson, Maja, 1975, et al.
(author)
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Increased expression of aquaporin 3 in atopic eczema.
- 2006
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In: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 0105-4538 .- 1398-9995. ; 61:9, s. 1132-7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Dry skin in atopic eczema depends on increased water loss. The mechanisms behind this are poorly understood. The aim of this work was to identify genes that may contribute to water loss in eczema. METHODS: Affymetrix DNA microarrays U133A were used to analyse gene expression in skin biopsies from 10 patients with atopic eczema and 10 healthy controls. RESULTS: DNA microarray analysis showed up-regulation of 262 genes and down-regulation of 129 genes in atopic eczema. The known functions of these genes were analysed using Gene Ontology to identify genes that could contribute to increased water loss. This led to identification of aquaporin 3 (AQP3), which has a key role in hydrating healthy epidermis. Increased expression of AQP3 was found in eczema compared with healthy skin. This was confirmed with real-time polymerase chain reaction (P<0.001). In healthy skin, epidermal AQP3 immunoreactivity was weak and mainly found in the stratum basale. A gradient was formed with decreasing AQP3 staining in the lower layers of the stratum spinosum. By contrast, in acute and chronic atopic eczema strong AQP3 staining was found in both the stratum basale and the stratum spinosum. CONCLUSIONS: Aquaporin 3 is the predominant aquaporin in human skin. Increased expression and altered cellular distribution of AQP3 is found in eczema and this may contribute to water loss.
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| 49. |
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| 50. |
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