Effects of latex avoidance on latex sensitization, atopy and allergic diseases in patients with spina bifida.

BACKGROUND: Ten years ago, avoidance measures such as the performance of latex-free operations were implemented in children with spina bifida. Since then, latex sensitization and latex allergy have decreased in this high-risk group. OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of primary latex-free prophylaxis on the prevalence of allergic diseases and atopy as a marker for sensitization spreading in children with spina bifida. METHODS: One hundred and twenty children with spina bifida born after the introduction of latex-free prophylaxis and operated on under latex-free conditions ('current group') were examined for latex sensitization, latex allergy, sensitization to aero- and food allergens and allergic diseases. Results were compared to a 'historic' (not latex-free operated) group of children with spina bifida and comparable age (n = 87) and to a recent sample of children from the general population (n = 12,403). RESULTS: In comparison with the 'historic group', latex sensitization (55% vs 5%, P < 0.001) and latex allergy (37% vs 0.8%, P < 0.001) were significantly reduced in the 'current group'. Furthermore, a significant reduction could be demonstrated for sensitization to aeroallergens (41.4% vs 20.8%, P = 0.001) and for allergic diseases (35% vs 15%, P = 0.001). The prevalence for atopy, sensitization to aero-/foodallergens and for allergic diseases in children of the 'current group' was similar to those in children of the weighted population sample. CONCLUSIONS: Latex avoidance in children with spina bifida prevents latex sensitization and latex allergy. Additionally, it also seems to prevent sensitization to other allergens and allergic diseases which might be explained by the prevention of sensitization spreading.

Interleukin-5: a novel target for asthma therapy.

Eosinophilic airway inflammation is the main histologic correlate of airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) and tissue injury in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. There is strong evidence for a central role of CD4+ T-cells secreting pro-allergic Th2-cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-5, in the induction of airway eosinophilia and AHR. IL-5 appears to be one of the main pro-inflammatory mediators among a growing number of cytokines and chemokines that induce, regulate and sustain eosinophilic airway inflammation. Animal studies provide confirmatory evidence for the important role of IL-5 in the induction and maintenance of eosinophilic airway infiltration leading to altered airway function. Interfering with the action of IL-5 represents one of the new immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies in the treatment of bronchial asthma. Compared to established immunosuppressive agents like steroids, a major advantage of this strategy is the specificity of reducing eosinophilic inflammation, thus possibly acting nearly without side effects. There are several possible ways to inhibit the effects of IL-5 including alteration of the signalling pathway in the IL-5 producing cell by inhibition or modification of transcription factors or the use of antisense oligonucleotides and blocking of the IL-5 protein itself by monoclonal antibodies, soluble IL-5 receptor or antagonists of the IL-5 receptor expressed on the surface of eosinophils. Although preliminary data from the first clinical trials gave rise to skepticism about the efficacy of anti-IL-5 treatment regarding the improvement of lung function of asthmatic patients, further studies with a better defined profile of the target population may provide encouraging results, allowing the introduction of this truly new therapeutic concept.

Oral administration of desloratadine prior to sensitization prevents allergen-induced airway inflammation and hyper-reactivity in mice.

BACKGROUND: Histamine-1-receptor (H1R)-antagonists were shown to influence various immunological functions on different cell types and may thus be employed for immune-modulating strategies for the prevention of primary immune responses. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an H1R-antagonist on allergen-induced sensitization, airway inflammation (AI) and airway hyper-reactivity (AHR) in a murine model. METHODS: BALB/c mice were systemically sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) (six times, days 1-14) and challenged with aerosolized allergen (days 28-30). One day prior to the first and 2 h prior to every following sensitization, mice received either 1 or 0.01 microg of desloratadine (DL) or placebo per os. RESULTS: Sensitization with OVA significantly increased specific and total IgE and IgG1 serum levels, as well as in vitro IL-5 and IL-4 production by spleen and peribronchial lymph node (PBLN) cells. Sensitized and challenged mice showed a marked eosinophilic infiltration in broncho-alveolar lavage fluids and lung tissues, and developed in vivo AHR to inhaled methacholine. Oral treatment with DL prior to OVA sensitization significantly decreased production of OVA-specific IgG1, as well as in vitro Th2-cytokine production by spleen and PBLN cells, compared with OVA-sensitized mice. Moreover, eosinophilic inflammation and development of in vivo AHR were significantly reduced in DL-treated mice, compared with sensitized controls. CONCLUSION: Treatment with H1R-anatagonist prior to and during sensitization suppressed allergen-induced Th2 responses, as well as development of eosinophilic AI and AHR. This underscores an important immune modulating function of histamine, and implies a potential role of H1R-anatagonists in preventive strategies against allergic diseases.

Endotoxins and allergy: lessons from the murine model.

Exposure early in life to organic dusts containing immunomodulatory components such as endotoxins and immunizing components such as aeroallergens may greatly influence whether subsequent encounters with allergens lead rather to sensitization or unresponsiveness. We investigated the effects of endotoxin in the context of allergen-mediated immune responses in a murine model of allergen sensitization. Systemic sensitization with ovalbumin induced high serum levels of allergen-specific IgE, predominant Th2-type cytokine production, eosinophilic airway inflammation and in vivo airway hyperreactivity. Endotoxins were either applied systemically prior to sensitization, or via the airways prior to airway challenges, or by repeated inhalation during the first weeks of life prior to subsequent sensitization. Different effects of endotoxins on allergen-induced immune responses may be attributed to differences in dosing, route of application, time relationship with allergen sensitization and the concurrent exposure to endotoxin and allergen. The results of these studies may help to define the effects of endotoxin on allergen-mediated immune reactions and to further delineate the important interrelationships between environment and disease development. Finally, this may lead to new strategies in the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.