3. |
- Janson, Christer, et al.
(author)
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The effect of infectious burden on the prevalence of atopy and respiratory allergies in Iceland, Estonia, and Sweden
- 2007
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In: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0091-6749 .- 1097-6825. ; 120:3, s. 673-679
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Epidemiologic reports on the effect of microbe exposure on the development of atopy and allergic asthma are inconsistent. Objectives: The study investigates the association between serologic markers of infections and occurrence of atopy, allergic asthma, and rhinitis among adults in Iceland, Sweden, and Estonia. Methods: Individuals (n = 1249; mean age, 42 years) from Iceland, Sweden, and Estonia underwent a structured interview and blood sampling. Specific IgE was measured against 4 allergens, and IgG antibodies were measured against Helicobacter pylori, Toxoplasmosis gondii, hepatitis A virus, herpes simplex virus 1, Chlamydia pneumoniae, EBV, and cytomegalovirus. Results: Nonatopic subjects more often had positive serology for Helicobacter pylori, herpes simplex virus 1, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and cytomegalovirus. Having a low number (≤3) of IgG antibodies against the various infectious agents was an independent risk factor for atopy (odds ratio [OR], 1.43; 95% CI, 1.06-1.93), allergic asthma (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.12-2.98), and allergic rhinitis (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.21-2.37). The proportion of atopy that can be explained by a lower number (≤3) of infections was 6.7% in Iceland, 9.2% in Estonia, and 16.4% in Sweden, and 6.7%, 48.2%, and 33.4% for allergic asthma, respectively. Conclusion: Our data are consistent with cumulative protective effect of infections against atopy and respiratory allergies irrespective of route of infection. Clinical implications: The study indicates what microbes or combination of microbes play a role in the complex interplay between hygiene and allergy and may contribute toward the understanding of the allergy epidemic.Background: Epidemiologic reports on the effect of microbe exposure on the development of atopy and allergic asthma are inconsistent. Objectives: The study investigates the association between serologic markers of infections and occurrence of atopy, allergic asthma, and rhinitis among adults in Iceland, Sweden, and Estonia. Methods: Individuals (n = 1249; mean age, 42 years) from Iceland, Sweden, and Estonia underwent a structured interview and blood sampling. Specific IgE was measured against 4 allergens, and IgG antibodies were measured against Helicobacter pylori, Toxoplasmosis gondii, hepatitis A virus, herpes simplex virus 1, Chlamydia pneumoniae, EBV, and cytomegalovirus. Results: Nonatopic subjects more often had positive serology for Helicobacter pylori, herpes simplex virus 1, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and cytomegalovirus. Having a low number (≤3) of IgG antibodies against the various infectious agents was an independent risk factor for atopy (odds ratio [OR], 1.43; 95% CI, 1.06-1.93), allergic asthma (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.12-2.98), and allergic rhinitis (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.21-2.37). The proportion of atopy that can be explained by a lower number (≤3) of infections was 6.7% in Iceland, 9.2% in Estonia, and 16.4% in Sweden, and 6.7%, 48.2%, and 33.4% for allergic asthma, respectively. Conclusion: Our data are consistent with cumulative protective effect of infections against atopy and respiratory allergies irrespective of route of infection. Clinical implications: The study indicates what microbes or combination of microbes play a role in the complex interplay between hygiene and allergy and may contribute toward the understanding of the allergy epidemic.
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4. |
- Sigurjónsdóttir, Helga A, 1964, et al.
(author)
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Lack of regulation of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 during short-term manipulation of GH in patients with hypopituitarism.
- 2009
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In: European journal of endocrinology / European Federation of Endocrine Societies. - 1479-683X. ; 161:3, s. 375-80
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Evidence from long-term clinical studies measuring urinary steroid ratios, and from in vitro studies, suggests that GH administered for longer than 2 months down-regulates 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1), thereby reducing cortisol regeneration in liver and adipose tissue. We aimed to measure acute effects of GH on 11beta-HSD1 in liver and adipose tissue in vivo, including using a stable isotope tracer. DESIGN: Observational studies of GH withdrawal and reintroduction in patients with hypopituitarism. METHODS: Twelve men with benign pituitary disease causing GH and ACTH deficiency on stable replacement therapy for >6 months were studied after GH withdrawal for 3 weeks, and after either placebo or GH injections were reintroduced for another 3 weeks. We measured cortisol kinetics during 9,11,12,12-(2)H(4)-cortisol (d4-cortisol) infusion, urinary cortisol/cortisone metabolite ratios, liver 11beta-HSD1 by appearance of plasma cortisol after oral cortisone, and 11beta-HSD1 mRNA levels in subcutaneous adipose biopsies. RESULTS: GH withdrawal and reintroduction had no effect on 9,12,12-[(2)H](3)-cortisol (d3-cortisol) appearance, urinary cortisol/cortisone metabolite ratios, initial appearance of cortisol after oral cortisone, or adipose 11beta-HSD1 mRNA. GH withdrawal increased plasma cortisol 30-180 min after oral cortisone, increased d4-cortisol clearance, and decreased relative excretion of 5alpha-reduced cortisol metabolites. CONCLUSIONS: In this setting, GH did not regulate 11beta-HSD1 rapidly in vivo in humans. Altered cortisol metabolism with longer term changes in GH may reflect indirect effects on 11beta-HSD1. These data do not suggest that glucocorticoid replacement doses need to be increased immediately after introducing GH therapy to compensate for reduced 11beta-HSD1 activity, although dose adjustment may be required in the longer term.
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5. |
- Thjodleifsson, Bjarni, et al.
(author)
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Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori and cagA antibodies in Iceland, Estonia and Sweden
- 2007
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0036-5548 .- 1651-1980. ; 39:8, s. 683-689
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The public health implications from H. pylori infection are considerable but the transmission routes are largely unknown. In this study, the prevalence, patient characteristics and risk factors for Helicobacter pylori infection were comparatively investigated in Iceland, Sweden and Estonia. Blood samples were collected from 1046 subjects aged≈25-50 y (447 in Reykjavik, 359 in Uppsala and 240 in Tartu) for determination of antibodies to H. pylori and its cagA protein. The prevalence of H. pylori antibodies was 69% in Tartu, 36% in Reykjavik and 11% in Uppsala (p<0.0001). There was an increase in prevalence with age in Iceland and Sweden but not in Estonia. The prevalence of antibodies to the cagA protein in subjects seroreactive to H. pylori was lower in Reykjavik (36%) than in Uppsala (69%) and Tartu (62%) (p<0.0001). H. pylori infection, as determined by seroreactivity, was positively associated with smoking and BMI. Overall, socioeconomic development during the childhood period seems to be the most important factor for the prevalence of H. pylori infection. In adults, smoking may be a contributory factor.
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