Influencing factors on the safety and effectiveness of venom immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The safety profile of venom immunotherapy (VIT) is a relevant issue and considerable differences in safety and efficacy of VIT have been reported. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers during VIT, which has already been published. For a second analysis, data concerning premedication and venom preparations in relation to systemic adverse events (AE) during the up-dosing phase and the first year of the maintenance phase were evaluated as well as the outcome of field stings and sting challenges. METHODS: The study was conducted as an open, prospective, observational, multicenter study. In total, 1,425 patients were enrolled and VIT was performed in 1,342 patients. RESULTS: Premedication with oral antihistamines was taken by 52.1% of patients during the up-dosing and 19.7% of patients during the maintenance phase. Taking antihistamines had no effect on the frequency of systemic AE (p=0.11) but large local reactions (LLR) were less frequently seen (OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.58-0.96; p=0.02). Aqueous preparations were preferentially used for up-dosing (73.0%) and depot preparations for the maintenance phase (64.5%). The type of venom preparation neither had an influence on the frequency of systemic AE nor on the effectiveness of VIT (p=0.26 and p=0.80, respectively), while LLR were less frequently seen when depot preparations were used (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Pretreatment with oral antihistamines during VIT significantly reduces the frequency of LLR but not systemic AE. All venom preparations used were equally effective and did not differ in the frequency of systemic AE.

Antioxidant Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Their Biocompatibility and Bioactive Properties.

A lot of nanomaterials have been applied to various nano-biotechnological fields, such as contrast agents, drug or gene delivery systems, cosmetics, and so on. Despite the expanding usage of nanomaterials, concerns persist regarding their potential toxicity. To address this issue, many scientists have tried to develop biocompatible nanomaterials containing phytochemicals as a promising solution. In this study, we synthesized biocompatible nanomaterials by using gallic acid (GA), which is a phytochemical, and coating it onto the surface of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). Importantly, the GA-modified iron oxide nanoparticles (GA-IONPs) were successfully prepared through environmentally friendly methods, avoiding the use of harmful reagents and extreme conditions. The presence of GA on the surface of IONPs improved their stability and bioactive properties. In addition, cell viability assays proved that GA-IONPs possessed excellent biocompatibility in human dermal papilla cells (HDPCs). Additionally, GA-IONPs showed antioxidant activity, which reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in an oxidative stress model induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). To investigate the impact of GA-IONPs on exosome secretions from oxidative stress-induced cells, we analyzed the number and characteristics of exosomes in the culture media of HDPCs after H2O2 stimulation or GA-IONP treatment. Our analysis revealed that both the number and proportions of tetraspanins (CD9, CD81, and CD63) in exosomes were similar in the control group and the GA-IONP-treated groups. In contrast, exosome secretion was increased, and the proportion of tetraspanin was changed in the H2O2-treated group compared to the control group. It demonstrated that treatment with GA-IONPs effectively attenuated exosome secretion induced by H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, this GA-IONP exhibited outstanding promise for applications in the field of nanobiotechnology.

Cutaneous drug reactions to antiepileptic drugs and relation with HLA alleles in the Turkish population.

Summary: Background and objective. Many studies have shown associations between HLAB*15:02, HLA-A*31:01 and carbamazepine (CBZ)-induced delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions. The aim of this study is to evaluate a possible association between delayed cutaneous reactions to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and certain HLA-A and HLA-B alleles in the Turkish population. Methods. The study consisted of 3 groups: Group I (reactive group) included the patients who had documented delayed cutaneous reactions to any antiepileptic drug. Group II (non-reactive group) included the patients who have been on antiepileptic treatment at least for three months without any adverse reactions. Group III consisted of healthy subjects. The HLA-A and B alleles were analyzed in all groups. Results. Forty patients (29 female) had experienced different hypersensitivity reactions due to AEDs: maculopapular exanthema (26 patients), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (6 patients), drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (7 patients), toxic epidermal necrolysis (1 patient). Lamotrigine (11) and CBZ (10) were the most common culprit drugs involved in the reactions. The HLA-B*15:02 was not present in any of the study groups. However, HLA-B*35:02 was found in 4 patients from the reactive group, while it was not observed in non-reactive patients and was detected in only one healthy subject (p = 0.021). Conclusion. Although our preliminary results did not indicate a strong allele association with AED hypersensitivity, HLA-B*35:02 appears to be a candidate allele for MPE / DRESS / DIHSS induced by AED's in Turkish population. Further studies with a larger sample size may result in more comprehensive data about the genetic tendency for AED hypersensitivity in the Turkish population.

The emerging role of endothelin-1 in the pathogenesis of subchondral bone disturbance and osteoarthritis.

Mounting evidence suggests reconceptualizing osteoarthritis (OA) as an inflammatory disorder. Trauma and obesity, the common risk factors of OA, could trigger the local or systemic inflammatory cytokines cascade. Inflammatory bone loss has been well documented; yet it remains largely unknown about the link between the inflammation and hypertrophic changes of subchondral bone seen in OA, such as osteophytosis and sclerosis. Amid a cohort of inflammatory cytokines, endothelin-1 (ET-1) could stimulate the osteoblast-mediated bone formation in both physiological (postnatal growth of trabecular bone) and pathological conditions (bone metastasis of prostate or breast cancer). Also, ET-1 is known as a mitogen and contributes to fibrosis in various organs, e.g., skin, liver, lung, kidney heart and etc., as a result of inflammatory or metabolic disorders. Subchondral bone sclerosis shared the similarity with fibrosis in terms of the overproduction of collagen type I. We postulated that ET-1 might have a hand in the subchondral bone sclerosis of OA. Meanwhile, ET-1 was also able to stimulate the production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and 13 by articular chondrocytes and synoviocytes, by which it might trigger the enzymatic degradation of articular cartilage. Taken together, ET-1 signaling may play a role in destruction of bone-cartilage unit in the pathogenesis of OA; it warrants further investigations to potentiate ET-1 as a novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for rescue of OA.

Drug allergy in tertiary care in Turkey: results of a national survey. The ADAPT study: adult drug allergy perception in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: No data are available on the incidence of drug hypersensitivity (DH) reactions in outpatient settings of tertiary allergy/immunology clinics. Our aims were to document the frequency of outpatient hospital admissions due to DH reactions to allergy/immunology clinics in adults and the management of these reactions in real life. We also investigated whether drug allergy affected social and medical behaviours of the patients. METHODS: This multi-centre study was performed for one year with the participation of 11 out of 16 tertiary allergy/clinical immunology clinics in Turkey. The study group consisted of the patients with DH reactions. Results of a questionnaire including drug reactions and management were recorded. RESULTS: Among 54,863 patients, 1000 patients with DH were enrolled with a median of 2.1% of all admissions. In real life conditions, the majority of approaches were performed for finding safe alternatives (65.5%; 1102 out of 1683) with 11.7% positivity. Diagnostic procedures were positive in 27% (154/581) of the patients. The majority of the patients had higher VAS scores for anxiety. A total of 250 subjects (25%) reported that they delayed some medical procedures because of DH. CONCLUSION: Our results documented the frequency of admissions due to DH reactions to allergy/clinical immunology clinics for the first time. Although physicians mostly preferred to perform drug tests in order to find safe alternatives, considering the fact that DH was confirmed in 27% of the patients, use of diagnostic tests should be encouraged, if no contraindication exists in order to avoid mislabelling patients as DH.

Clinical and immunological analysis of 23 adult patients with common variable immunodeficiency.

BACKGROUND: Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia, defective antibody production, and recurrent upper and lower airway tract infections. OBJECTIVES: To reveal the clinical heterogeneity of this condition, analyze the high frequency of respiratory and gastrointestinal complications despite satisfactory trough immunoglobulin (Ig) G levels, and determine the main difficulties in management and treatment. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 23 patients (13 male and 10 female) diagnosed with CVID between 2001 and 2008. RESULTS: The median diagnostic delay for females and males was 15 years (range, 1-32 years) and 8 years (range, 1-31 years), respectively. Restrictive, obstructive, and combined pulmonary function defects were determined in 23%, 27%, and 14% of patients, respectively. The most frequent findings on the thoracic computed tomography scan were bronchiectasis, mediastinal lymphadenopathy, fibrosis, ground-glass patterns, mosaic oligemia, peribronchial cuffing, and parenchymal nodules. Giardiasis and duodenal lymphoid hyperplasia were detected in 52% and 42% of the patients, respectively, and Helicobacter pylori in 42%. Vitamin A levels were normal, although beta-carotene and/or vitamin E levels were decreased in patients presenting malabsorption-related symptoms. Malignancy was documented in 3 patients and decreased bone mineral density in 9 patients (3 had osteoporosis and 3 had osteomalacia). CONCLUSION: CVID is a multisystemic disease that should be managed by a multidisciplinary team. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and antibiotics do not seem to have a suppressive effect on granulomatous or inflammatory manifestations. More comprehensive studies based not only on peripheral blood but also on immunohistological analysis are necessary to shed light on the pathogenesis of these life-threatening complications.

The importance of nasal provocation test in the diagnosis of natural rubber latex allergy.

BACKGROUND: Most studies regarding natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy have concentrated on the prevalence using skin prick test (SPT) and specific IgE assay. The objective of this study is to examine the target organ (skin, nasal mucosa) responses in patients with positive SPT to NRL using the nasal provocation test (NPT) and glove use test (GUT). METHODS: Four thousand four hundred and twenty patients presented to our polyclinic between July 2003 and January 2007 were evaluated. One thousand six hundred and ninety-nine patients had positive SPT to one or more allergens (NRL and other inhaler allergens). Twenty-nine patients with positive SPT to NRL comprised the NRL sensitive group (group 1). Thirty-five randomized patients with positive SPT to an inhaler allergen other than NRL and negative NRL-specific IgE comprised atopic control group (group 2). Thirty healthy individuals who had no allergic diseases and had negative SPT and NRL-specific IgE comprised the healthy control group (group 3). RESULTS: The lowest NRL allergen concentration leading to NPT positiveness was 0.05 microg/mL. NPT was negative in groups 2 and 3. NPT was found to have a sensitivity of 96%, specificity of 100%, negative predictive value of 98% and positive predictive value of 100%. GUT was found to have a sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 90%, negative predictive value of 75% and positive predictive value of 93%. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal provocation test was successfully used for the first time in the diagnosis of NRL allergy. NPT is a more sensitive method as compared to GUT.

Food allergy due to olive.

We report the case of a 28-year-old man who presented palatal itching and genaralized urticaria following ingestion of olive 3 years after being diagnosed with olive pollinosis. The patient did not have a history of food allergy or urticaria. The results of skin prick tests with aeroallergens including latex were positive for house dust mite and olive pollen. The results of prick tests and prick-to-prick tests for olive fruit were positive, as were those of specific immunoglobulin E tests to olive pollen and fruit. The results of prick tests to peach, pear, kiwi, melon, and nut were negative. Nasal provocation with olive pollen gave positive results. An open oral provocation test with olive oil did not cause symptoms. This case is unique in that the patient developed olive fruit allergy in the presence of olive pollinosis, and he did not experience allergic symptoms to fruits other than olive, thus enabling us to define a new pollen-food (olive-olive) syndrome.

Adhesion molecules involved in hepoxilin A3-mediated neutrophil transepithelial migration.

A common feature underlying active states of inflammation is the migration of neutrophils (PMNs) from the circulation and across a number of tissue barriers in response to chemoattractant stimuli. Although our group has recently established a discreet role for the PMN chemoattractant, hepoxilin A3 (HXA3) in the process of PMN recruitment, very little is known regarding the interaction of HXA3 with PMNs. To characterize further the event of HXA3-induced PMN transepithelial migration, we sought to determine the adhesion molecules required for migration across different epithelial surfaces (T84 intestinal and A549 airway cells) relative to two well-studied PMN chemoattractants, formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4). Our findings reveal that the adhesion interaction profile of PMN transepithelial migration in response to HXA3 differs from the adhesion interaction profile exhibited by the structurally related eicosanoid LTB4. Furthermore, unique to PMN transepithelial migration induced by gradients of HXA3 was the critical dependency of all four major surface adhesion molecules examined (i.e. CD18, CD47, CD44 and CD55). Our results suggest that the particular chemoattractant gradient imposed, as well as the type of epithelial cell monolayer, each plays a role in determining the adhesion molecules involved in transepithelial migration. Given the complexities of these interactions, our findings are important to consider with respect to adhesion molecules that may be targeted for potential drug development.

Prevalence of cypress pollen sensitization and its clinical importance in Izmir, Turkey, with cypress allergy assessed by nasal provocation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pollens from the Cupressaceae family are considered important allergens in the Mediterranean area, though reports of the prevalence of allergic symptoms have ranged from 1.04% to 35.4%. Our aim was to detect the prevalence of cypress pollen sensitization and determine its clinical importance in patients with seasonal respiratory allergy. METHODS: We used skin prick tests (SPT) and serum specific IgE assays to reveal sensitization to cypress pollen. In patients who showed positive results to cypress pollen, a nasal provocation test (NPT) with pollen extract was used to assess the target organ response. RESULTS: Sixty-five (14.3%) of 455 patients showed positive SPT responses to Cupressus sempervirens extract. Only 1 patient was monosensitized while 64 patients were polysensitized. Among those, 2 pollen cosensitizations were found to be significant (86% were cosensitized to grasses and 72% were cosensitized to olive (P < .001). Serum specific IgE to cypress pollen was measured in 50 of the 65 patients; findings were positive for 37. When these 37 patients underwent NPT with C sempervirens allergen extract, only the single monosensitized patient had a positive NPT. CONCLUSION: A positive SPT to cypress pollen may not reflect the true prevalence of sensitization. We assume that in the absence of a positive NPT, positive SPT results might be related to the presence of cross-reactivity between pollen species.

New onset egg allergy in an adult.

We report newly presenting systemic and local allergic reactions to egg in a 55-year-old woman. The patient did not have a history of egg allergy in childhood or occupational exposure to egg proteins; nor did she report any disease that is known to be related to food allergy. A skin prick test with commercial extracts, prick-to-prick test, CAP radioallergosorbent assay, and a double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge test were used to prove egg allergy. Because egg allergy mainly affects children and symptoms frequently disappear with age, the late onset in this patient is rare.

Functional diversity of miR-146a-5p and TRAF6 in normal and oral cancer cells.

Numerous studies implicate miR-146a as pleiotropic regulator of carcinogenesis; however, its roles in carcinogenesis are not fully understood. A clue from expression analyses of miR-146a-5p in all 13 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines examined and in OSCC tissues, whole blood and whole saliva of OSCC patients in vivo revealed that miR­146a-5p expression was highly upregulated. Particularly, we widened the view of its upregulation in saliva, implicating that high miR-146a-5p expression is not only correlated closely to the development of human oral cancer, but also to a possible candidate as a diagnostic marker of OSCC. Indeed, further examination showed that exogenous miR-146a-5p expression showed pleiotropic effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis which were partially based on the contextual responses of activation of JNK, downstream of TRAF6 that was targeted by miR-146a-5p in normal human keratinocytes and OSCC cell lines. TRAF6 suppression by a TRAF6-specific siRNA resulted in contradictory consequences on cellular processes in normal and OSCC cells. Notably, TRAF6 downregulation by both miR-146a-5p and TRAF6-specific siRNA deactivated JNK in SCC-9, but not in normal human keratinocytes. In support of the proliferation-promoting effect of miR-146a-5p, silencing of endogenous miR-146a-5p significantly reduced proliferation of SCC-9. Together, these results suggest that miR-146a-5p affects proliferation and apoptosis in a cellular context-dependent manner and selectively disarms the TRAF6-mediated branch of the TGF-ß signaling in OSCC cell lines by sparing Smad4 involvement.

Epstein-Barr virus antibodies in Sudanese patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a preliminary report.

With the use of an immunofluorescence technique Epstein-Barr viral capsid antigen antibody titers were determined in the sera from 226 Sudanese: 41 with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), 77 with other head and neck cancers, 21 with malignant lymphomas, 63 with other cancers, 6 with specific granulomas, and 18 normal controls. Of the NPC patients, 87.8% had titers of 320 or greater and 43.9% had titers of 2,560 or more, whereas none had titers of less than 40. Their geometric mean titer (GMT) level was 1,855. However, compared to the NPC patients, the other patients and normal controls showed significantly higher percentages of sera with low titers and lower percentages of sera with high titers and they had a GMT that was 4--16 times lower. The high NPC titers were independent of age, sex, tribe, or locality of patients. The preliminary results indicated the importance of future immunovirologic and immunogenetic field investigations on the natural history of the Epstein-Barr virus and on the genetics of the host.

Long-range Fourier domain optical coherence tomography of the pediatric subglottis.

BACKGROUND: Acquired subglottic stenosis (SGS) most commonly results from prolonged endotracheal intubation and is a diagnostic challenge in the intubated child. At present, no imaging modality allows for in vivo characterization of subglottic microanatomy to identify early signs of acquired SGS while the child remains intubated. Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) is a minimally invasive, light-based imaging modality which provides high resolution, three dimensional (3D) cross-sectional images of biological tissue. We used long-range FD-OCT to image the subglottis in intubated pediatric patients undergoing minor head and neck surgical procedures in the operating room. METHODS: A long-range FD-OCT system and rotary optical probes (1.2mm and 0.7mm outer diameters) were constructed. Forty-six pediatric patients (ages 2-16 years) undergoing minor upper airway surgery (e.g., tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy) were selected for intraoperative, trans-endotracheal tube FD-OCT of the subglottis. Images were analyzed for anatomical landmarks and subepithelial histology. Volumetric image sets were rendered into virtual 3D airway models in Mimics software. RESULTS: FD-OCT was performed on 46 patients (ages 2-16 years) with no complications. Gross airway contour was visible on all 46 data sets. Twenty (43%) high-quality data sets clearly demonstrated airway anatomy (e.g., tracheal rings, cricoid and vocal folds) and layered microanatomy of the mucosa (e.g., epithelium, basement membrane and lamina propria). The remaining 26 data sets were discarded due to artifact, high signal-to-noise ratio or missing data. 3D airway models were allowed for user-controlled manipulation and multiplanar airway slicing (e.g., sagittal, coronal) for visualization of OCT data at multiple anatomic levels simultaneously. CONCLUSIONS: Long-range FD-OCT produces high-resolution, 3D volumetric images of the pediatric subglottis. This technology offers a safe and practical means for in vivo evaluation of lower airway microanatomy in intubated pediatric patients. Ultimately, FD-OCT may be applied to serial monitoring of the neonatal subglottis in long-term intubated infants at risk for acquired SGS.

99mTc-sestamibi and 131I whole-body scintigraphy and initial serum thyroglobulin in the management of differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

UNLABELLED: 99mTc-sestamibi whole-body scanning has been used in the postoperative assessment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma together with 131I whole-body scanning and serum thyroglobulin (Tg) estimation. This study compared 99mTc-sestamibi whole-body scanning with 131I whole-body scanning in the context of initial serum Tg levels of patients after total or near-total thyroidectomy who were taken off thyroxine suppression therapy and who had no 131I ablation before surgery. METHODS: A prospective study of 360 patients was undertaken. 99mTc-sestamibi whole-body scintigraphy was performed at least 5 wk after thyroidectomy and was followed by 131I whole-body scanning. The patients had no thyroxine suppression for 5 wk, and Tg was measured thereafter. Radiologic studies (chest radiography, CT, MRI, sonography, and bone scanning) and histopathologic examinations were performed to clarify the presence of metastases with positive uptake on either 99mTc-sestamibi scans or 131I whole-body scans. Positive scans were defined as those with the presence of thyroid remnants, lymph node disease, or metastases. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-nine (71.9%) of the 360 patients had initial serum Tg levels < 30 ng/mL (group 1), whereas 101 (28.1%) had initial serum Tg levels > or = 30 ng/mL (group 2). Of the 259 group 1 patients, 82 had positive 99mTc-sestamibi scans and 113 had positive 131I scans; 71.7% of patients with positive 1311 scans also had positive 99mTc-sestamibi scans, and 98.8% of patients with positive 99mTc-sestamibi scans also had positive 131I scans. Of the 101 group 2 patients, 81 had positive 99mTc-sestamibi scans and 97 had positive 131I scans; 83.5% of patients with positive 131I scans also had positive 99mTc-sestamibi scans, and all patients with positive 99mTc-sestamibi scans also had positive 131I scans. Of those with initial serum Tg levels > or = 30 ng/mL (group 2), 27.2% had thyroid remnants and 68.8% had lymph node disease or metastases. 131I scanning detects more thyroid remnants and lung metastases than does 99mTc-sestamibi scanning. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that, compared with 131I scanning, 99mTc-sestamibi scanning is less sensitive in detecting thyroid remnants and lung metastases but appears to be more useful in the detection of lymph node disease before initial 131I treatment.

Serum soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor levels in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

It is known that several inflammatory cells and cytokines play a role in allergic inflammation. Furthermore, there are seasonal changes in several mediators responsible for allergic inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine seasonal changes in serum concentrations of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFRs) and the relationship with disease activity and other inflammation markers such as eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Serum levels of sTNFRI and sTNFRII were measured before and during the pollen season in 18 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and in 17 healthy controls by using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The serum levels of sTNFRI, sTNFRII, IgE, and ECP were significantly higher in patients than those in controls before and during season. sTNFRI, sTNFRII, and IgE levels were higher before season, whereas ECP levels were higher during season. We suggest that sTNFRs might play regulatory roles even in early stages of allergic rhinitis when patients do not have clinical symptoms yet.

Allergy as an etiologic factor in nasal polyposis.

Allergy has been reported as an important factor in the etiology of nasal polyposis. Asthma, chronic sinusitis and aspirin hypersensitivity are frequently found together with nasal polyposis. Total IgE, RAST for specific IgE and skin prick test were used to investigate the incidence of allergy in 95 patients with nasal polyposis. In addition, histopathologic appearance of polyp tissue was examined in 21 patients after polypectomy and compared in allergic and nonallergic groups. IgG subclass levels were also measured to detect if there were any changes. Mean serum IgE level was found to be higher in the patient group and the skin prick test (SPT) was positive in 66.3% of patients. On the basis of positive SPT and serum RAST results, 45.2% of all patients with nasal polyposis were defined as allergic. Both total IgE and IgG4 were detected at increased levels in the SPT-positive group. These findings suggest that an IgE-mediated mechanism may be present in a subpopulation of patients with nasal polyposis.

Selective IgA deficiency and ankylosing spondylitis.

A man with an ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and selective IgA deficiency is described. There have been several reports in the literature indicating coexistence of AS with selective IgA deficiency. As it is suggested in the literature, we believe that selective IgA deficiency is a poor prognostic factor in AS.

Low B12 levels in chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Recent studies suggest that autoimmune mechanisms may be involved in the etiology of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU). There is a higher prevalence of B12 deficiency in autoimmune diseases and possibly in gastric Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. The frequency of B12 deficiency in CIU is unknown. Our objective in this study was to determine the prevalence of B12 deficiency in patients with CIU and also its relationship to gastric H. pylori infection and serologic markers of autoimmunity in these groups. Thirty-three patients with CIU and 27 healthy controls were included in the study. Serum vitamin B12 levels, H. pylori infection and serological markers of autoimmunity (anti-thyroglobulin, thyroid microsomal, gastric parietal cell and antinuclear autoantibodies) were investigated. H. pylori infection was determined according to serology and gastric biopsy in 19 patients, serology and urea breath test in 4 patients and serology alone in the remaining 10 patients. Serum B12 levels were below the normal reference range in 11/33 (33.3%) patients with CIU. The mean serum B12 levels among patients with CIU and the controls were 281+/-127.5 pg/ml and 465.1+/-140.3 pg/ml (p=0.0001), respectively. Anti-thyroid antibodies were positive in 6 of 11 patients (54.5%) with low B12 levels, but only in 4 of 27 (14.8%) healthy controls (p=0.019). Anti-GPC antibodies were positive in 4 of 11 (36.4%) patients with CIU and low B12 levels, but only in 2 of 27 (7.4%) healthy controls (p=0.047). In CIU patients, there was no difference in the frequency of IgG H. pylori antibodies between those with low B12 levels and normal B12 levels. Among the 19 patients who had been performed gastric endoscopy, 15 patients (78.9%) had chronic antral gastritis, 2 patients (10.5%) had atrophic gastritis and there were normal findings in 2 patients (10.5%). In conclusion, serum B12 levels were found to be below the normal reference range in 33% of the patients with CIU. An association between low B12 levels and H. pylori could not be shown. The higher frequency of antithyroid and anti-GPC antibodies in patients with low B12 levels suggest that low B12 levels in CIU may be autoimmune in nature.

Sensitivity to Parietaria pollen in Izmir, Turkey as determined by skin prick and serum specific IgE values.

As the first study of its kind in the Aegean region of Turkey, we examined the incidence of sensitivity to Parietaria pollen in patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma living in the Mediterranean climate of the Aegean coast. On the Mediterranean, there are characteristic climatic conditions (mild winters, dry summers, etc.) which facilitate the growth of a typical vegetation and the production of allergenic pollen, such as that from Parietaria. These pollen types differ greatly from those of central and northern Europe. We skin tested 132 patients with a clinical history of seasonal rhinitis and/or asthma symptoms. Each patient was skin tested with extracts of grass, weed, tree and cereal pollens, and serum samples were collected for specific IgE assays for Parietaria. Sixty-nine of the 132 patients (52%) showed skin reactivity to Parietaria; seven of these (10%) had monosensitization to Parietaria. Fifty-six out of 69 patients (81%) had specific IgE in their serum to Parietaria pollen. Based on skin test reactions, we concluded that Parietaria is important in terms of clinical symptoms and that it is the most common weed pollen in the Aegean region in Turkey.