Pub Date : 2009-07-13DOI: 10.2174/1874838400902010038
A. Jacquet
House dust mite (HDM) represents world-wide one of the most common source of aeroallergens word-wide and more than 50% of allergic patients are sensitized to these allergenic molecules. Although the induction of specificTh2 cells as well as IgE by HDM is well understood, the events that control the initial Th2 polarization in response to HDM are still poorly defined. Notably, mechanisms by which HDM is recognized by the airway mucosa, interacts with barrier epithelial cells, leading to dendritic cell (DC) recruitment, activation, and subsequent Th2-mediated responses, remains to be elucidated. Moreover, whereas the allergenicity of the group 1 major mite allergens could be largely explained by their intrinsic proteolytic activity, the fundamental mechanistic question regarding the putative intrinsic allergenic properties of the group 2 major mite allergen remained unanswered to date. This review summarizes new insights into diverse determinants that contribute to the HDM allergenicity. In addition to the auto-adjuvant capacity of the two major mite allergen Der p 1 and 2, due to proteolytic activity and functional mimicry of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) co-receptor MD2 respectively, contaminating factors derived from HDM carriers, mainly endotoxins (LPS) et -glucans, are very important to activate the innate immune response which, in turns, is in- volved in the development of allergic response by HDM.
{"title":"New Insights into the Molecular Basis of the House Dust Mite-Induced Allergic Response","authors":"A. Jacquet","doi":"10.2174/1874838400902010038","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/1874838400902010038","url":null,"abstract":"House dust mite (HDM) represents world-wide one of the most common source of aeroallergens word-wide and more than 50% of allergic patients are sensitized to these allergenic molecules. Although the induction of specificTh2 cells as well as IgE by HDM is well understood, the events that control the initial Th2 polarization in response to HDM are still poorly defined. Notably, mechanisms by which HDM is recognized by the airway mucosa, interacts with barrier epithelial cells, leading to dendritic cell (DC) recruitment, activation, and subsequent Th2-mediated responses, remains to be elucidated. Moreover, whereas the allergenicity of the group 1 major mite allergens could be largely explained by their intrinsic proteolytic activity, the fundamental mechanistic question regarding the putative intrinsic allergenic properties of the group 2 major mite allergen remained unanswered to date. This review summarizes new insights into diverse determinants that contribute to the HDM allergenicity. In addition to the auto-adjuvant capacity of the two major mite allergen Der p 1 and 2, due to proteolytic activity and functional mimicry of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) co-receptor MD2 respectively, contaminating factors derived from HDM carriers, mainly endotoxins (LPS) et -glucans, are very important to activate the innate immune response which, in turns, is in- volved in the development of allergic response by HDM.","PeriodicalId":22835,"journal":{"name":"The Open Allergy Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88396198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2009-07-02DOI: 10.2174/1874838400902010030
L. Steiner, T. Engel, A. Nöding, M. Licht, A. Delaney, A. Distler, G. Zwacka, Markert Ur
Background: Efficacy of sublingual immunotherapies (SLIT) is mostly demonstrated during or immediately af- ter the therapy, but little is reported about long-term efficacy. Patients and Methods: 121 phone interviews were performed to analyze the state of patients after SLIT. All patients were children who were treated in two centers in Germany. Questionnaires were developed and standardized with respect to statistical and social rules. 19 questions were designed to elucidate the subjective estimation of allergic symptoms (con- junctivitis, rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis), duration of therapy (> 2 years), duration of preexisting allergy, type of al- lergen, symptomatical medication, age, gender and others before starting SLIT, immediately after SLIT and 1 to 6 years after having finished the therapy. All interviews were conducted with the patients' mothers. Due to ethical considerations, for this period of up to 9 years after initiation of treatment, formation of a placebo control group was impossible. Results: In summary, the general state of health improved significantly in 93% of all patients during therapy. This was similar for all single symptoms. During the period after therapy, 84% of patients did not feel any worsening of their state and 15% reported a very slight return of symptoms. At the same time, no patient felt worse than before initiating SLIT, and 8% felt similar to the state before. Results were equal 1, 3 and 5 years after termination of SLIT. Conclusion: In comparison to the expectable allergic march, which implicates a high risk of intensifying symptoms in un- treated patients, SLIT treated patients improved and demonstrated a long-lasting clinical effect (5 years) of the therapy. Rates of improvements are higher than spontaneous remissions (age dependently, 5 - 25%) as reported in previous stud- ies.
{"title":"Description of Long Term Outcome of Sublingual Immunotherapy Treatment in Children: A Follow-Up Observation Through Phone Interviews","authors":"L. Steiner, T. Engel, A. Nöding, M. Licht, A. Delaney, A. Distler, G. Zwacka, Markert Ur","doi":"10.2174/1874838400902010030","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/1874838400902010030","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Efficacy of sublingual immunotherapies (SLIT) is mostly demonstrated during or immediately af- ter the therapy, but little is reported about long-term efficacy. Patients and Methods: 121 phone interviews were performed to analyze the state of patients after SLIT. All patients were children who were treated in two centers in Germany. Questionnaires were developed and standardized with respect to statistical and social rules. 19 questions were designed to elucidate the subjective estimation of allergic symptoms (con- junctivitis, rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis), duration of therapy (> 2 years), duration of preexisting allergy, type of al- lergen, symptomatical medication, age, gender and others before starting SLIT, immediately after SLIT and 1 to 6 years after having finished the therapy. All interviews were conducted with the patients' mothers. Due to ethical considerations, for this period of up to 9 years after initiation of treatment, formation of a placebo control group was impossible. Results: In summary, the general state of health improved significantly in 93% of all patients during therapy. This was similar for all single symptoms. During the period after therapy, 84% of patients did not feel any worsening of their state and 15% reported a very slight return of symptoms. At the same time, no patient felt worse than before initiating SLIT, and 8% felt similar to the state before. Results were equal 1, 3 and 5 years after termination of SLIT. Conclusion: In comparison to the expectable allergic march, which implicates a high risk of intensifying symptoms in un- treated patients, SLIT treated patients improved and demonstrated a long-lasting clinical effect (5 years) of the therapy. Rates of improvements are higher than spontaneous remissions (age dependently, 5 - 25%) as reported in previous stud- ies.","PeriodicalId":22835,"journal":{"name":"The Open Allergy Journal","volume":"77 1","pages":"30-37"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82890159","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2009-06-18DOI: 10.2174/1874838400902010027
J. White, A. Majidi, S. Naser, M. Sweeney, R. S. White
Four allergenic proteins of Bahia (BA) grass pollen with estimated molecular weights of 45, 33, 31 and 28 kD were previously detected. Although all four proteins were reactive with BA grass allergic patient sera, the 33kD compo- nent was previously verified as a major allergen. The investigators report here for the first time, the similarities between the group I 33 kD allergen of BA grass, Pas n 1, and Group I allergen of Timothy grass, Phl p 1, using N-terminal amino acid sequencing and monoclonal antibodies, IG12 and BOT14, made to Timothy Phl p 1.
从巴伊亚(Bahia)草花粉中检测到4种致敏蛋白，分子量分别为45、33、31和28 kD。虽然所有四种蛋白都与BA草过敏患者血清有反应，但33kD成分先前被证实是主要的过敏原。本文首次报道了BA草I组33 kD过敏原Pas n 1和Timothy草I组过敏原Phl p 1的相似性，采用n端氨基酸测序和针对Timothy Phl p 1制备的单克隆抗体IG12和BOT14。
{"title":"Characterization of the Group I Allergen of Bahia Grass Pollen","authors":"J. White, A. Majidi, S. Naser, M. Sweeney, R. S. White","doi":"10.2174/1874838400902010027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/1874838400902010027","url":null,"abstract":"Four allergenic proteins of Bahia (BA) grass pollen with estimated molecular weights of 45, 33, 31 and 28 kD were previously detected. Although all four proteins were reactive with BA grass allergic patient sera, the 33kD compo- nent was previously verified as a major allergen. The investigators report here for the first time, the similarities between the group I 33 kD allergen of BA grass, Pas n 1, and Group I allergen of Timothy grass, Phl p 1, using N-terminal amino acid sequencing and monoclonal antibodies, IG12 and BOT14, made to Timothy Phl p 1.","PeriodicalId":22835,"journal":{"name":"The Open Allergy Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"27-29"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88578495","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2009-06-01DOI: 10.2174/1874838400902010016
Juan Pablo Benitez-Garrido, A. Ibarra-Sánchez, Marina Macías Silva, R. V. Molina, Jose Alejandro Padilla-Trejo, C. González-Espinosa
Binding of monomeric Immunoglobulin E (IgE) to the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc RI) on mast cells induces a sensitization process which increases cell survival, augments membrane receptor expression and diminishes activation threshold. Although IgE-dependent sensitization is fundamental for allergic reactions, little is known about the influence of locally produced mediators on the outcome of a posterior allergen challenge. Since Transforming Growth Factor � (TGF) is an important immunomodulator present in most of the tissues where mast cells reside, we decided to analyze the consequences of TGF exposure during the sensitization step of mast cells on a posterior IgE-antigen stimulation. Bone Marrow-derived Mast Cells (BMMCs) were sensitized with IgE in the presence or absence of TGF. Then, antigen was added and the secretion of the angiogenic cytokine Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) was determined. BMMCs sensitized with IgE+TGF showed an increased antigen-induced VEGF secretion compared to those sensitized with IgE alone. Sensitization with IgE+TGF did not modify membrane FcRI receptor expression neither altered anti- gen-induced degranulation of the cells. Although both IgE and IgE+TGF sensitized cells showed an increase in VEGF mRNA stabilization after antigen addition, VEGF mRNA half-life was longer in IgE+TGF sensitized cells. p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202196 blocked VEGF mRNA stabilization after antigen addition specially on IgE+TGF sensitized cells. These findings suggest that TGFpresence during the sensitization phase of mast cells can induce modifications to the Fc RI signal transduction system, provoking increased VEGF mRNA stabilization and protein secretion after IgE-antigen stimulation through a p38 MAPK-dependent mechanism.
{"title":"TGF Presence During IgE-dependent Sensitization Primes Mast Cells for Higher VEGF Production After Fc RI Activation","authors":"Juan Pablo Benitez-Garrido, A. Ibarra-Sánchez, Marina Macías Silva, R. V. Molina, Jose Alejandro Padilla-Trejo, C. González-Espinosa","doi":"10.2174/1874838400902010016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/1874838400902010016","url":null,"abstract":"Binding of monomeric Immunoglobulin E (IgE) to the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc RI) on mast cells induces a sensitization process which increases cell survival, augments membrane receptor expression and diminishes activation threshold. Although IgE-dependent sensitization is fundamental for allergic reactions, little is known about the influence of locally produced mediators on the outcome of a posterior allergen challenge. Since Transforming Growth Factor � (TGF) is an important immunomodulator present in most of the tissues where mast cells reside, we decided to analyze the consequences of TGF exposure during the sensitization step of mast cells on a posterior IgE-antigen stimulation. Bone Marrow-derived Mast Cells (BMMCs) were sensitized with IgE in the presence or absence of TGF. Then, antigen was added and the secretion of the angiogenic cytokine Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) was determined. BMMCs sensitized with IgE+TGF showed an increased antigen-induced VEGF secretion compared to those sensitized with IgE alone. Sensitization with IgE+TGF did not modify membrane FcRI receptor expression neither altered anti- gen-induced degranulation of the cells. Although both IgE and IgE+TGF sensitized cells showed an increase in VEGF mRNA stabilization after antigen addition, VEGF mRNA half-life was longer in IgE+TGF sensitized cells. p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202196 blocked VEGF mRNA stabilization after antigen addition specially on IgE+TGF sensitized cells. These findings suggest that TGFpresence during the sensitization phase of mast cells can induce modifications to the Fc RI signal transduction system, provoking increased VEGF mRNA stabilization and protein secretion after IgE-antigen stimulation through a p38 MAPK-dependent mechanism.","PeriodicalId":22835,"journal":{"name":"The Open Allergy Journal","volume":"82 6 1","pages":"16-26"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89294815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2009-04-21DOI: 10.2174/1874838400902010009
B. Garty, E. Kosman, E. Ganor, Niv Alon, Neta Kibilis, J. Garty, M. Mimouni, Yoav Waise
The effects of air pollutants, weather conditions, airborne pollen and spores on the incidence of emergency room (ER) visits of children for acute asthma attacks were investigated. One-year retrospective study was done. Data on daily concentrations of air pollutants, airborne allergens and weather con- ditions were collected and compared with the ER visits of 2431 asthmatic children (age 1-18 years) in the Schneider Medical Center, near Tel Aviv. ER visits of asthmatic children showed a negative correlation with the measured O3 concentrations and with extreme am- bient temperatures. A positive correlation was found with high barometric pressure with NO2 and SO2 concentrations. An exceptionally high incidence of ER visits of asthmatic children was observed during September, coinciding with the be- ginning of the school year. When September was excluded from the annual calculations the correlation between ER visits and environmental factors increased. 49% of the variance of ER visits were explained by O3 alone, 46% by NO2 alone, 54% by O3+NO2, and 31% by weather parameters. 58% of the variation was explained by the combination of air pollut- ants and weather parameters. Airborne particulates did not show any meaningful correlation with ER visits. The major factors associated with severe asthma attacks were high NO2 and SO2. The negative correlation with O3 implies that at certain concentrations, O3 may have a beneficial effect. The particularly high number of ER visits at the beginning of the school year was presumably associated with an increase in viral infections combined with emotional stresses.
{"title":"Effects of Atmospheric Pollutants on Children Asthma Outbreaks","authors":"B. Garty, E. Kosman, E. Ganor, Niv Alon, Neta Kibilis, J. Garty, M. Mimouni, Yoav Waise","doi":"10.2174/1874838400902010009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/1874838400902010009","url":null,"abstract":"The effects of air pollutants, weather conditions, airborne pollen and spores on the incidence of emergency room (ER) visits of children for acute asthma attacks were investigated. One-year retrospective study was done. Data on daily concentrations of air pollutants, airborne allergens and weather con- ditions were collected and compared with the ER visits of 2431 asthmatic children (age 1-18 years) in the Schneider Medical Center, near Tel Aviv. ER visits of asthmatic children showed a negative correlation with the measured O3 concentrations and with extreme am- bient temperatures. A positive correlation was found with high barometric pressure with NO2 and SO2 concentrations. An exceptionally high incidence of ER visits of asthmatic children was observed during September, coinciding with the be- ginning of the school year. When September was excluded from the annual calculations the correlation between ER visits and environmental factors increased. 49% of the variance of ER visits were explained by O3 alone, 46% by NO2 alone, 54% by O3+NO2, and 31% by weather parameters. 58% of the variation was explained by the combination of air pollut- ants and weather parameters. Airborne particulates did not show any meaningful correlation with ER visits. The major factors associated with severe asthma attacks were high NO2 and SO2. The negative correlation with O3 implies that at certain concentrations, O3 may have a beneficial effect. The particularly high number of ER visits at the beginning of the school year was presumably associated with an increase in viral infections combined with emotional stresses.","PeriodicalId":22835,"journal":{"name":"The Open Allergy Journal","volume":"166 12 1","pages":"9-15"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83331747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2009-01-21DOI: 10.2174/1874838400902010001
U. Langen, J. Röhmel
In the literature, according to the hygiene hypothesis, infections should be expected to correlate with fewer al- lergies. However, several studies clearly show that infections - especially infections of the upper respiratory tract - and surrogate parameters such as the use of antibiotics or paracetamol correlate with a higher rate of allergies. This article re- views the literature (50 articles are analyzed) on possible connections between infections and allergies and offers some possible explanations. Original data from population-based health interviews and examination surveys of adults, children and adolescents are added. These data show a clear correlation between most infections and an enhanced allergy rate. Nevertheless, although the correlastions obtained seem intriguing, it has to be kept in mind, that no clear direction of the correlations can be stated since the database does not allow for such interpretation. So, the data do not necessarily add to the picture of the hygiene hypothesis, as the infections could have followed the allergies. The probability of suffering from an allergy rises with the number of infections (or vice versa) a person has had (e.g. the risk for adults of developing asthma is enhanced to 1.3 CI-95% 1.2-1.4 with enhanced numbers of former infections with pertussis, chickenpox, scarlet fever, dysentery or typhoid/paratyphoid). This applies especially to pertussis (e.g. 15.8% CI-95% 13.6-18.3% of children with hayfever had pertussis versus 7.6% CI-95% 6.9-8.3% of the healthy children) and chickenpox infections (e.g. 84.7% CI-95% 82.7-86.6% of children with hayfever had chickenpox versus 66.8% CI-95% 65.8-67.8% of the healthy children), both of which are preventable by vaccination.
{"title":"Correlations Between Allergic and Infectious Diseases – Results of the Latest German National Health Survey (NHS98) and the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS)","authors":"U. Langen, J. Röhmel","doi":"10.2174/1874838400902010001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/1874838400902010001","url":null,"abstract":"In the literature, according to the hygiene hypothesis, infections should be expected to correlate with fewer al- lergies. However, several studies clearly show that infections - especially infections of the upper respiratory tract - and surrogate parameters such as the use of antibiotics or paracetamol correlate with a higher rate of allergies. This article re- views the literature (50 articles are analyzed) on possible connections between infections and allergies and offers some possible explanations. Original data from population-based health interviews and examination surveys of adults, children and adolescents are added. These data show a clear correlation between most infections and an enhanced allergy rate. Nevertheless, although the correlastions obtained seem intriguing, it has to be kept in mind, that no clear direction of the correlations can be stated since the database does not allow for such interpretation. So, the data do not necessarily add to the picture of the hygiene hypothesis, as the infections could have followed the allergies. The probability of suffering from an allergy rises with the number of infections (or vice versa) a person has had (e.g. the risk for adults of developing asthma is enhanced to 1.3 CI-95% 1.2-1.4 with enhanced numbers of former infections with pertussis, chickenpox, scarlet fever, dysentery or typhoid/paratyphoid). This applies especially to pertussis (e.g. 15.8% CI-95% 13.6-18.3% of children with hayfever had pertussis versus 7.6% CI-95% 6.9-8.3% of the healthy children) and chickenpox infections (e.g. 84.7% CI-95% 82.7-86.6% of children with hayfever had chickenpox versus 66.8% CI-95% 65.8-67.8% of the healthy children), both of which are preventable by vaccination.","PeriodicalId":22835,"journal":{"name":"The Open Allergy Journal","volume":"53 1","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78069348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2009-01-01DOI: 10.2174/1874838400902010045
Eun Soo Kwak, Allan Just, Robin Whyatt, Rachel L Miller
Phthalates, pesticides, and bisphenol-A (BPA) are three groups of chemicals, implicated in endocrine disruption and commonly found in the local environment, that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma and allergies [1-3]. Multiple observational studies have demonstrated an association between exposure to phthalates and the development of asthma and allergies in humans. Associations with exposure to pesticides and BPA and the development of respiratory disease are less clear. However, recent evidence suggests that prenatal or early postnatal exposure to BPA may be deleterious to the developing immune system. Future cohort-driven epidemiological or translational research should focus on determining whether these ubiquitous chemicals contribute to the development of asthma and allergies in humans, and attempt to establish the routes and mechanisms by which they operate. Determining dose-response relationships will be important to establishing safe levels of these chemicals in the environment and in consumer products. Attempts to reduce exposures to chemicals such as phthalates, pesticides, and BPA may have environmental repercussions as well as public health impact for the developing child.
邻苯二甲酸盐、杀虫剂和双酚 A（BPA）是与内分泌干扰有关的三类化学物质，它们普遍存在于当地环境中，被认为与哮喘和过敏的发病机制有关[1-3]。多项观察性研究表明，人类接触邻苯二甲酸盐与哮喘和过敏的发生有关。而接触杀虫剂和双酚 A 与呼吸系统疾病的发生之间的关系则不太清楚。不过，最近有证据表明，产前或产后早期接触双酚 A 可能会对发育中的免疫系统造成损害。未来由队列驱动的流行病学或转化研究应侧重于确定这些无处不在的化学物质是否会导致人类哮喘和过敏症的发生，并尝试确定其作用途径和机制。确定剂量-反应关系对于确定这些化学品在环境和消费品中的安全水平非常重要。减少接触邻苯二甲酸盐、杀虫剂和双酚 A 等化学品的尝试可能会对环境产生影响，并对发育中儿童的公共健康产生影响。
{"title":"Phthalates, Pesticides, and Bisphenol-A Exposure and the Development of Nonoccupational Asthma and Allergies: How Valid Are the Links?","authors":"Eun Soo Kwak, Allan Just, Robin Whyatt, Rachel L Miller","doi":"10.2174/1874838400902010045","DOIUrl":"10.2174/1874838400902010045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Phthalates, pesticides, and bisphenol-A (BPA) are three groups of chemicals, implicated in endocrine disruption and commonly found in the local environment, that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma and allergies [1-3]. Multiple observational studies have demonstrated an association between exposure to phthalates and the development of asthma and allergies in humans. Associations with exposure to pesticides and BPA and the development of respiratory disease are less clear. However, recent evidence suggests that prenatal or early postnatal exposure to BPA may be deleterious to the developing immune system. Future cohort-driven epidemiological or translational research should focus on determining whether these ubiquitous chemicals contribute to the development of asthma and allergies in humans, and attempt to establish the routes and mechanisms by which they operate. Determining dose-response relationships will be important to establishing safe levels of these chemicals in the environment and in consumer products. Attempts to reduce exposures to chemicals such as phthalates, pesticides, and BPA may have environmental repercussions as well as public health impact for the developing child.</p>","PeriodicalId":22835,"journal":{"name":"The Open Allergy Journal","volume":"2 ","pages":"45-50"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2901120/pdf/nihms-163004.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"29115998","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2008-09-22DOI: 10.2174/1874838400801010052
A. Diwakar, C. Panjabi, A. Shah
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), which requires a set of criteria for diagnosis, occurs in atopic individuals, predominantly asthmatics. Oral corticosteroids are the cornerstone for the management of the disease. Allergic Aspergillus sinusitis (AAS), clinico-pathologically similar to ABPA, is also diagnosed with a set of criteria in- cluding demonstration of fungal elements in sinus material. Heterogeneous densities on computed tomography of the para-nasal sinuses are caused by the 'allergic mucin' in the sinuses. A combination of oral corticosteroids and surgical removal of impacted sinus mucin is the current approach to treatment. Despite common clinico-immunopathological char- acteristics, the co-occurrence of both these diseases is a rarely reported phenomenon. This could be due to the fact that the two diseases are often encountered by different specialities. Screening all asthmatics for Aspergillus sensitisation could identify those with severe disease and those at risk for developing ABPA. AAS must be excluded in all patients with ABPA and vice-versa.
{"title":"Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis, Allergic Aspergillus Sinusitis and their Co-occurrence","authors":"A. Diwakar, C. Panjabi, A. Shah","doi":"10.2174/1874838400801010052","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/1874838400801010052","url":null,"abstract":"Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), which requires a set of criteria for diagnosis, occurs in atopic individuals, predominantly asthmatics. Oral corticosteroids are the cornerstone for the management of the disease. Allergic Aspergillus sinusitis (AAS), clinico-pathologically similar to ABPA, is also diagnosed with a set of criteria in- cluding demonstration of fungal elements in sinus material. Heterogeneous densities on computed tomography of the para-nasal sinuses are caused by the 'allergic mucin' in the sinuses. A combination of oral corticosteroids and surgical removal of impacted sinus mucin is the current approach to treatment. Despite common clinico-immunopathological char- acteristics, the co-occurrence of both these diseases is a rarely reported phenomenon. This could be due to the fact that the two diseases are often encountered by different specialities. Screening all asthmatics for Aspergillus sensitisation could identify those with severe disease and those at risk for developing ABPA. AAS must be excluded in all patients with ABPA and vice-versa.","PeriodicalId":22835,"journal":{"name":"The Open Allergy Journal","volume":"13 1","pages":"52-61"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81259317","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2008-07-22DOI: 10.2174/1874838400801010035
G. Walsh, A. J. Robinson, Ping Wu
Current therapies for asthma are aimed at controlling disease symptoms and for the majority of patients inhaled glucocorticoid anti-inflammatory therapy is both effective and well-tolerated. However, concerns remain about the ad- verse effects of glucocorticoids while a subset of asthmatic patients remains symptomatic despite optimal treatment thereby creating a clear unmet medical need. There is considerable evidence that implicates eosinophils as important ef- fector cells and immunomodulators in the inflammation characteristic of asthma. Numerous in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated essential roles for cell adhesion molecules in eosinophil adhesion and transendothelial migration in- cluding the selectins, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 together with many of the 1 and 2 integrins. A large body of evidence has also implicated several cytokines and chemokines in the selective recruitment of eosinophils to sites of asthmatic inflam- mation. Biopharmaceutical approaches have been used to identify inhibitory molecules that target key elements in the processes controlling eosinophil accumulation in asthma. This review will summarise the problems and successes regard- ing recent developments in therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing eosinophil-mediated inflammation in the asthmatic lung.
{"title":"Recent Developments in Targeting Eosinophil Accumulation as a Novel Therapeutic Approach for Asthma","authors":"G. Walsh, A. J. Robinson, Ping Wu","doi":"10.2174/1874838400801010035","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/1874838400801010035","url":null,"abstract":"Current therapies for asthma are aimed at controlling disease symptoms and for the majority of patients inhaled glucocorticoid anti-inflammatory therapy is both effective and well-tolerated. However, concerns remain about the ad- verse effects of glucocorticoids while a subset of asthmatic patients remains symptomatic despite optimal treatment thereby creating a clear unmet medical need. There is considerable evidence that implicates eosinophils as important ef- fector cells and immunomodulators in the inflammation characteristic of asthma. Numerous in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated essential roles for cell adhesion molecules in eosinophil adhesion and transendothelial migration in- cluding the selectins, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 together with many of the 1 and 2 integrins. A large body of evidence has also implicated several cytokines and chemokines in the selective recruitment of eosinophils to sites of asthmatic inflam- mation. Biopharmaceutical approaches have been used to identify inhibitory molecules that target key elements in the processes controlling eosinophil accumulation in asthma. This review will summarise the problems and successes regard- ing recent developments in therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing eosinophil-mediated inflammation in the asthmatic lung.","PeriodicalId":22835,"journal":{"name":"The Open Allergy Journal","volume":"29 1","pages":"35-41"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79724330","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2008-07-22DOI: 10.2174/1874838400801010042
R. Spiewak
Contact allergy (CA) is alteration of immune response with readiness to develop an inflammatory reaction against a specific substance of low molecular weight (hapten). The prevalence of CA is estimated at 26-40% among adults, and 21-36% children. A proportion of people with CA will remain asymptomatic, among the rest, the most fre- quent clinical manifestation is allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) with lifetime prevalence estimated at 10%. Less frequent manifestations include allergic contact stomatitis, conjunctivitis, vaginitis, systemic reactions, implant intolerance, and rarely urticaria, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. Patch test (epicutaneous test) is the gold standard in the diagnosis of CA and ACD: Performing the test significantly increases probability of accurate diagnosis, reduces costs of treatment, and leads to improved patients' quality of life. Patch test results may be influenced by patient's medication and health status, and in- terpretation requires due knowledge and experience. Other diagnostic methods are more laborious and not validated; no in vitro tests are available for routine application at present.
{"title":"Patch Testing for Contact Allergy and Allergic Contact Dermatitis","authors":"R. Spiewak","doi":"10.2174/1874838400801010042","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/1874838400801010042","url":null,"abstract":"Contact allergy (CA) is alteration of immune response with readiness to develop an inflammatory reaction against a specific substance of low molecular weight (hapten). The prevalence of CA is estimated at 26-40% among adults, and 21-36% children. A proportion of people with CA will remain asymptomatic, among the rest, the most fre- quent clinical manifestation is allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) with lifetime prevalence estimated at 10%. Less frequent manifestations include allergic contact stomatitis, conjunctivitis, vaginitis, systemic reactions, implant intolerance, and rarely urticaria, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. Patch test (epicutaneous test) is the gold standard in the diagnosis of CA and ACD: Performing the test significantly increases probability of accurate diagnosis, reduces costs of treatment, and leads to improved patients' quality of life. Patch test results may be influenced by patient's medication and health status, and in- terpretation requires due knowledge and experience. Other diagnostic methods are more laborious and not validated; no in vitro tests are available for routine application at present.","PeriodicalId":22835,"journal":{"name":"The Open Allergy Journal","volume":"55 1","pages":"42-51"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79739383","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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