Research progress on effects of air pollution on pollinosis and its mechanisms / 环境与职业医学

Pollinosis is one of the common allergic diseases, and its morbidity continues to increase. Studies have demonstrated that air pollution is a key environmental factor that leads to the increased prevalence of pollinosis. Air pollutants and pollen allergens exert synergistic effects in stimulating allergic responses in susceptible individuals. In this article, we analyzed the relationship between air pollution and pollinosis based on the latest studies, and elaborated potential mechanisms on how air pollution increases the incidence of pollinosis and aggravates allergic reactions. Air pollutants can increase both pollen production and the levels of allergenic proteins, and enhance allergenicity of pollen allergens through structural alterations or chemical modifications. The potential mechanisms of air pollutants exacerbating pollen allergies are as follows: Air pollutants may disrupt the barrier function of the respiratory epithelium and facilitate the penetration of pollen allergens into deeper tissues. Additionally, they may accelerate the process of the release of pollen allergy-related cytokines, promoting T helper 2 (Th2) cell differentiation and exacerbating inflammatory responses in the airways. Given the limitations of existing research, future prospective studies are needed to explore the effects of mixed pollutants and different types of pollutants on pollen, and the response mechanisms of allergy-related cells and cytokines to different pollutant categories. The findings would provide a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of air pollution on pollen allergies and scientific evidence for effective protection of the heath of pollinosis patients.

Polinose no Rio de Janeiro é possível? Relato de caso / Is pollinosis in Rio de Janeiro possible? Case report

A polinose é uma doença comum dos países de clima temperado, onde as estações do ano são bem definidas. Apresenta-se clinicamente como rinoconjuntivite e/ou asma sazonal ou perene com exacerbação na primavera. No Brasil, há relatos de casos de polinose por polens de gramíneas que são os principais causadores dessa patologia, principalmente na Região Sul, apesar do clima subtropical. A expansão da população e desmatamento com crescente urbanização de áreas florestais são alguns dos responsáveis pelo aumento de casos em vários locais do país. Neste relato de caso, descrevemos um caso de polinose por polens de gramínea em um paciente militar que morou em países da Europa e que atualmente reside em uma zona de mata nativa no Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil. Apesar de a polinose não ser uma doença encontrada no RJ, este diagnóstico não deve ser excluído em pacientes com conjuntivite/rinoconjuntivite sazonal, principalmente quando têm uma história pregressa de morar vários anos fora país.

Pollinosis is a common disease in temperate countries, which have well-defined seasons. It presents clinically as rhinoconjunctivitis and/or seasonal or perennial asthma that is exacerbated in spring. In Brazil, cases of pollinosis due to grass pollens have been reported, especially in the south, despite its subtropical climate. The expansion of the population and deforestation, including increasing urbanization of forest areas, are contributing to the rise in cases in various regions of the country. This case report describes a case of pollinosis due to grass pollens in a military patient who lived in Europe and currently resides in a region of native forest in Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area. Although pollinosis is not found in the state of Rio de Janeiro, this diagnosis should not be excluded in patients with seasonal conjunctivitis/ rhinoconjunctivitis, especially when they have lived outside the country for several years.

IgE Cross-Reactivity between Humulus japonicus and Humulus lupulus

PURPOSE: Japanese hop (Humulus japonicus) is a major cause of weed pollinosis in East Asia. However, supplies of commercial allergen extract from this plant have not met clinical demand. The pollen of common hop (Humulus lupulus), a closely related species, may provide an alternative source if there is strong IgE cross-reactivity between these two species. We aimed to compare the IgE cross-reactivity and allergenicity of common hop and Japanese hop pollen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-reactivity was measured by inhibition ELISA. One- and two-dimensional (2D) gel analyses combined with IgE immunoblotting and mass spectrometry [liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS)] were performed to detect IgE-reactive pollen components. RESULTS: Up to 16.7% of IgE reactivity to Japanese hop was inhibited by common hop. A 12-kDa protein component of Japanese hop pollen that showed the most potent IgE reaction was absent from common hop. Six IgE-reactive components from Japanese hop were detected by 2D gel electrophoresis and LC-ESI-MS/MS, but showed low Mascot scores, preventing positive identification. CONCLUSION: No significant IgE cross-reaction was observed for Japanese and common hop pollen allergens. Development of allergy diagnostic and immunotherapeutic reagents based on Japanese hop pollen are urgently needed.

Therapeutic efficacy and safety of sublingual immunotherapy in treatment of adults with seasonal allergic rhini-tis:a meta-analysis / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To systematically investigate the efficacy and safety of sublingual immunotherapy( SLIT) in the treatment of a-dults with seasonal allergic rhinitis( SAR) .Methods Literature was retrieved online in CNKI,CBM,VIP,Wanfang data,PubMed,EMBase, Medline,Cochrane Library,et al.After screening literature,data collection and assessment quality,randomized controlled trials relevant to our study were selected independently based on inclusion and exclusion criteria by two researchers.Statistical analyses were conducted by RevMan 5.2 software.Results A total of 13 RCTs were enrolled.The meta-analysis revealed that SLIT provided a significant improvement in aspect of reducing Symptom Scores(SS) and Medication Scores (MS)of adults with SAR,the difference had statistical significance(P<0.000 01). Compared to placebo,SLIT could increase the rate of adverse events( AEs) in the treatment of adults with SAR compared to placebo.The fre-quently reported AEs during clinical trials were oral pruritus,tongue edema,ear pruritus,throat irritation,et al.Conclusion Sublingual im-munotherapy could improve the symptoms significantly and reduce the SS and MS in the treatment of adults with SAR.And its safety could be well tolerated.

ESTUDIO DE LA SENSIBILIZACIÓN POR AEROALÉRGENOS CON ESPECIAL ENFOQUE EN LA POLINOSIS COMO FACTOR DE SENSIBILIZACIÓN / Sensitizen by aeroalergens study with special focus on polinosis as sensitizen factor

Fundamento. Las alergias son importantes en Salud Pública; entre distintos tipos, la sensibilidad polínica (SP), en su forma de hipersensibilidad a pólenes, son patologías que afectan a parte de la población. Objetivo. Valorar la importancia del problema de SP en la región y relacionarlas con rinitis, asma, valores de IgE y otras alergias. Lugar de aplicación. Servicio Cátedra de Alergia e Inmunología (SAEI) del Hospital Nacional de Clínicas (HNC), Región Centro del País. Diseño. Estudio de corte. Estudio descriptivo útil para el administrador sanitario ya que permite determinar la carga que significa la enfermedad en la población. Permite conocer la prevalencia (P) de enfermedad. Población. Se analizaron historias clínicas (HC) de los pacientes que concurrieron al SAEI, ubicado en Córdoba capital. Método. Se procesaron las HC de los pacientes que acudieron al SAEI durante los años 2008-09 y a los que se les realizó el prick test, usando el programa Epi-Info 2000 versión 3.3.2. Se las analizó estadísticamente determinando Chicuadrado e intervalo de confianza. Resultados. La P de SP fue de 51,96%. Del total de la muestra, el 24,24% era monosensibilizado el 12,50% de estos lo era a pólenes. Del 75,76% de la muestra restante (polisensibilizado), el 65,33% estaba sensibilizado a pólenes. Conclusión. Analizando la P obtenida se desprende que las SP constituyen una problemática que afecta a más de la mitad de la población estudiada. También se observó que dicha problemática tiene, para la mayoría de los pacientes, una comorbilidad asociada a otros tipos de alergia. (AU)

Background. Allergies are important in Public Health, among the different types Pollen sensitivity, as hypersensitivity to pollen, are pathologies affecting part of the population. Objective. To appreciate the importance of the Pollen sensitivity problem in our region and to relate them to Rhinitis, Asthma, IgE values, and other allergies. Setting. Allergy and Immunology Service (AAIS) of the Hospital Nacional de Clínicas (HNC), in Córdoba city, Central Region of the country. Design. A Cross-sectional study was developed. This is a descriptive study of usefulness for the healthcare administrator because it allows estimating the disease burden significance on the population. It lets to know the sickness Prevalence (P). Population. Clinical Histories (CH) of the patients that attended the AAIS, located in Córdoba city were analyzed. Methods. CH of the patients that attended the AAIS during the years 2008 and 2009 and that the Prick Test was carried out, were processed by using the 2000 Epi-Info Program, 3.3.2. version. Statistically, Chi-square and Confidence Interval were calculated. Results. The Prevalence of Pollen sensitivity was 51.96%. From the total sample, 24.24% was monosensitized patients. Among them, 12.5% were monosensitized to pollens. The rest of the sample (75.76%) were poly-sensitized, from these, 65.33% were sensitized to pollens. Conclusion. Analyzing the obtained Prevalence emerges that Pollen sensitivity represent a problematic that affect more than a half of the studied population. Also it was observed that the pathology presented a comorbidity associated to other types of allergy produced by mites or fungus, among others, for the majority of the patients.(AU)

Cross-Reactivity between Oak and Birch Pollens in Korean Tree Pollinosis

Oak and birch trees belong to Fagales order. Specific IgE to pollen allergens of both trees are frequently found in Korea pollinosis patients. Oak trees which comprise 40% of forest area are common in Korea. However, birch trees are sparse. We compared the allergenicity of pollen extracts of white oak, sawtooth and Mongolian oaks which are prevalent species in Korea, with the pollen extract of birch. The cross-reactivity of four pollen extracts was examined with pooled sera of 12 patients by ELISA, immunoblotting and CAP inhibitions. A protein of 17 kDa, putatively homologous to a major birch allergen Bet v 1, displayed strong IgE reactivity from white oak and sawtooth oak pollen extract but not from Mongolian oak pollen. Notably, a 23-kDa protein from sawtooth and white oaks showed strong IgE reactivity and inhibited by Bet v 1. IgE binding to white oak was inhibited a maximum of 94.6% by white oak, 93.4% by sawtooth oak, 83.2% by Mongolian oak, and 68.8% by birch. Furthermore, sawtooth oak, white oak, and Mongolian oak extracts were able to inhibit up to 78.5%, 76.6% and 67.3% of IgE binding to birch extract, while birch extract itself inhibited up to 94.3%. Specific IgE to Bet v 1 was inhibited a maximum of 79.1% by sawtooth oak, 77.4% by white oak, and 72.7% by Mongolian oak, while 81.5% inhibition was shown by birch. Bet v 1 was able to partially inhibit its homologous molecules from sawtooth oak and white oak in immunoblotting. Birch pollen extract was found to be cross-reactive primarily with Bet v 1-homologous allergen from oak pollens in Korea pollinosis patients. Considering the sparseness of birch tree in Korea, oak, especially sawtooth oak may be the main cause of tree pollinosis in Korea, rather than birch.

Cross-allergenicity between dandelion and major weed pollens

PURPOSE: The prevalence of pollinosis is increasing, and it is expected to increase further with climate change. Mugwort and ragweed pollens are well known as prevalent allergenic weed pollens in Korea. However, the clinical significance of dandelion pollen as an inhalant allergen has not yet been studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance and cross-allergenicity between dandelion and major weed pollens. METHODS: Ninety-seven patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma or with allergic rhinitis alone who were sensitized to dandelion pollens on skin prick tests (allergen/histamine ratio>3) were enrolled between December, 2012 and November, 2013. Serum specific IgE levels to dandelion pollen extracts were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ELISA inhibition tests were performed to evaluate cross allergenecity with other weed pollens. RESULTS: When the positive cutoff value for serum specific IgE was set at the mean+/-3 standard deviation of absorbance values, 52 patients (53.6%) had a high serum specific IgE antibody level. ELISA inhibition tests showed significant inhibitions with serial addition of dandelion pollen extracts, and 5 different inhibition patterns were noted with addition of 4 weed pollen extracts: significant inhibitions with pollens of mugwort, ragweed, chenopodium and Hop J (25%, 13 of 52), inhibitions with pollens of mugwort, ragweed and chenopodium (17.3%, 9 of 52), inhibitions with 2 pollens of mugwort and ragweed (32.6%, 17 of 52), inhibitions with mugwort pollen (21.1%, 11 of 52), and inhibitions with dandelion pollen alone (4%, 2 of 52). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that dandelion pollen may be a causative inhalant allergen to induce pollinosis in the autumn season. Cross-allergenicity with other weed pollens showed individual differences; most patients had cross-reactivity with mugwort, ragweed, and chenopodium pollens, while some with Hop J pollen. Few patients were sensitized to dandelion pollen alone.

Paradoxical Increase of IgE Binding Components during Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy in Pollinosis Patients

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) reduces allergen specific IgE (sIgE) levels and achieves clinical and immunological tolerance by modulating innate and adaptive immunological responses. Increased temperature and CO2 concentrations caused by climate changes contribute to an increase of pollen count and allergenicity that influences clinical SIT outcomes. In this study, we investigated the changes of IgE binding components to tree and weed pollens in pollinosis patients who showed a paradoxical increase of serum sIgE level during pollen-SIT. We enrolled nine patients who showed an increasing pattern of serum sIgE level to alder, birch, ragweed and mugwort pollens by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. IgE immunoblot analysis confirmed the intensification or new generation of major IgE binding components that could be induced by climate change. The findings suggest that the regular monitoring of sIgE levels and symptom changes is required to improve the clinical outcomes of SIT in patients undergoing SIT for tree and weed pollens.

Caracterización y registro del polen atmosférico en la ciudad de Temuco / Characterization and registry of the atmospheric pollen in Temuco, Chile

Se realizó un estudio con el objetivo de cuantificar y caracterizar la carga polínica en la ciudad de Temuco, entre los años 2006-2009. Para el muestreo aerobiológico se utilizó un captador volumétrico Burkard Seven Day Volumetric Spore-Trap®. Las muestras obtenidas fueron analizadas semana tras semanas durante el período en estudio. Con los resultados del conteo polínico semanal se determinaron las 11 principales especies de flora urbana anemófilas de Temuco más susceptibles de producir polinosis. Las mayores concentraciones de polen se obtienen entre septiembre y marzo, siendo las especies más importantes: Pastos (Gramineae/Poaceae), Ciprés (Cupressus sp) y Acedera (Rumex sp).

The aim of this study was to quantify and to characterize the amount ofpollen in the atmosphere of the city of Temuco, Chile from 2006 to 2009. Aerobiological sampling was carried out by using a Seven Day Volumetric Spore-Trap Burkard and the samples were analyzed weekly during the period of study. Results: We determined the 11 principal anemophilus species of urban flora in Temuco responsible for pollinosis. The highest concentration ofpollen were present from september till march, being the most important species the Grasses (Gramineae/Poaceae), Cypress (Cupressus sp), and Sorrell (Rumex sp.).

Síndrome de alergia oral / Oral allergy syndrome

A síndrome de alergia oral (SAO) é uma condição caracterizada por sintomas alérgicos mediados por IgE, que se restringem à mucosa oral. Em situações em que as manifestações são decorrentes da ingestão de frutas e vegetais em indivíduos sensibilizados aos pólens, o termo mais específico é síndrome pólen-frutas (SPF). Uma vez que as porções proteicas dos alérgenos envolvidos são degradadas pelo calor e enzimas digestivas, os sintomas são imediatos, restringem-se geralmente à cavidade oral e a forma cozida ou processada dos mesmos alimentos costuma ser bem tolerada.

IgE cross-reactivity between Lolium multiflorum and commercial grass pollen allergen extracts in Brazilian patients with pollinosis

Lolium multiflorum (Lm) grass pollen is the major cause of pollinosis in Southern Brazil. The objectives of this study were to investigate immunodominant components of Lm pollen allergens and the cross-reactivity of IgE with commercial grass pollen allergen extracts. Thirty-eight serum samples from patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), 35 serum samples from patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) and 30 serum samples from non-atopic subjects were analyzed. Allergen sensitization was evaluated using skin prick test and serum IgE levels against Lm pollen extract were determined by ELISA. Inhibition ELISA and immunoblot were used to evaluate the cross-reactivity of IgE between allergens from Lm and commercial grass pollen extracts, including L. perenne (Lp), grass mix I (GI) and II (GII) extracts. IgE antibodies against Lm were detected in 100 percent of SAR patients and 8.6 percent of PAR patients. Inhibition ELISA demonstrated IgE cross-reactivity between homologous (Lm) and heterologous (Lp or GII) grass pollen extracts, but not for the GI extract. Fifteen IgE-binding Lm components were detected and immunoblot bands of 26, 28-30, and 32-35 kDa showed >90 percent recognition. Lm, Lp and GII extracts significantly inhibited IgE binding to the most immunodominant Lm components, particularly the 55 kDa band. The 26 kDa and 90-114 kDa bands presented the lowest amount of heterologous inhibition. We demonstrated that Lm extract contains both Lm-specific and cross-reactive IgE-binding components and therefore it is suitable for measuring quantitative IgE levels for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in patients with pollinosis sensitized to Lm grass pollen rather than other phylogenetically related grass pollen extracts.

Prevalência de polinose em soldados do exército no sul do Brasil / Prevalence of pollinosis in Brazilian Army soldiers in southern Brazil

Objetivo: Estabelecer a prevalência de polinose (rinite sazonal), em soldados do Exército Brasileiro, em áreas com agricultura modificada pela introdução extensiva de Lolium multiflorum (Missões) e outra não-modificada (Pampa), localizadas no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Métodos: Utilizou-se o questionário escrito do International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood modificado e previamente validado em Curitiba. A amostra foi de 3.028 militares do exército brasileiro; 1.392 pertenciam à região das Missões, e 1.636, à região do Pampa. A análise estatística para cálculo de prevalência foi limitada para residência (≥ 2 anos na região e permanência ≥ 4 dias na cidade/semana). Resultados: Presença de sintomas nasais e oculares nos últimos doze meses, com respostas afirmativas foram em Missões (31,4%; IC95%: 28,9-33,9) e Pampa (18,5%; IC95%: 16,6-20,5). Nos sintomas nasais em setembro, outubro e novembro (primavera), a frequência afirmativa foi, respectivamente, em Missões (20,8%, 12,2% e 5,8%) e Pampa (6,1%, 4,1% e4,2%). Responderam “sim” sobre a alergia ao pólen na primavera, em Missões (24,6%) e Pampa (11,2%). Conclusões: Os sintomas naso-oculares, associados à resposta afirmativa para alergia ao pólen na primavera, nos meses de setembro, outubro e novembro, permitem estabeleceruma prevalência de polinos e (21,6%; IC95%:19,1-24,3) em Missões e (3,2%; IC95%: 2,3-4,3) para a região do Pampa. A elevada prevalência de polinose encontrada em Missões poderia estar relacionada com a cultura atual extensiva de Lolium multiflorum.

Objective: To verify the prevalence of pollinosis (seasonal rhinitis) among Brazilian Army soldiers in an area with modified agriculture by introduction of Lolium multiflorum (Missões)compared to a non-modified environment (Pampa), both located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul Methods: The written questionnaire of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood previously adapted and validated in Curitiba, was applied to a total of 3.028 soldiers, being 1.392 subjects living in the Missões region and 1.636 located at the Pampa region. Statistical analysis for prevalence was limited only to residents in those regions (≥ 2years living in the region and ≥ 4 days/week in the area). Results: The prevalence of nasal and ocular symptoms in the last 12 months was (31.4%: 95% CI: 28.9 – 33.9) in the Missões area versus (18.5%; 95% CI: 16,6 – 20,5) in the Pampa. Specifically, when the evaluation of nasal symptoms was limited to the spring season (September, October and November), positive responses were observed in (20.8%: 12.2%:5.8%) in the Missões region and (6.1%: 4:1%: 4,2%) in the Pampa. Regarding the presence of pollen allergy in the spring, 24.6% of all questionnaires described positive answers in Missões area compared to 11.2% in the Pampa region Conclusions: Positive answers regarding the presence of nasal and ocular symptoms associated with spring pollen allergy allow the definition of the pollinosis rates in the Missões area (21.6%; 95%CI: 19.1 – 24.3) and in Pampa (3.2%; 95%CI: 2.3 – 4.3). The higher prevalence of pollinosis found in Missões could be related to the current extensive cultivation of Lolium multiflorum.

The Clinical Efficacy of Combination Therapy with Kampo and Western Medicine to Japanese Cedar Pollinosis / 日本東洋医学雑誌

We investigated the clinical efficacy of concomitant Kampo treatments, expected to have immediate effect in improving outcomes with western drug therapies for Japanese cedar pollinosis. Twenty cases using shoseiryuto, considered a first-line drug for allergic rhinitis, were studied. The resultant efficacy rate was 45%. The efficacy rate for 24 cases using eppikajutsuto, by contrast, was 64%. The latter cases demonstrated far better therapeutic result than the former. In 7 cases using maoto + eppikajutsuto (as simplified daiseiryuto), another prescription we often use for serious illness, the resultant efficacy rate was 72%. Of these, the most favorable effect resulted in 16 cases using shoseiryuto + gokoto, which resulted in an efficacy rate of 87%. We had originally developed this prescription in order to improve the effectiveness of mao and sekko as anti-inflammatories. There were no cases where patients needed to be dosed with an oral steroid. The only notable event was one patient who complained of stomachache as an adverse drug reaction. In conclusion, we can say that the overall therapeutic outcome with 11 different Kampo medicines was extremely satisfactory: an efficacy rate of 83%. These marked improvements in clinical efficacy were made by using Kampo medicines together with a western drug used for the treatment of Japanese cedar pollinosis.

Concentração polínica de asteraceae na atmosfera de Caxias do Sul, RS, no período de 2001 a 2006 / Pollinic concentration of the asteraceae in the atmosphere of Caxias do Sul, RS, in the period from 2001 to 2006

Objetivo. Identificar e quantificar o tipo polínico Asteraceae na atmosfera de Caxias do Sul, durante o período de janeiro de 2001 a dezembro de 2006. Método. O monitoramento polínico foi realizado com o captador volumétrico de sucção modelo Burkard®, instalado no telhado do Hospital Geral, a uma altura de vinte metros aproximadamente. Resultados. Durante o período de estudo, foram contabilizados 112.235 grãos de pólen, 2.131 pertencentes à família das compostas, com total de 1,89% de grãos nos seis anos de estudo. O pólen da família Asteraceae se encontra na atmosfera praticamente na totalidade do ano, como consequência de uma grande quantidade de espécies cujas florações se sucedem durante um período de tempo. A maior concentração de grãos de pólen de Asteraceae ocorre na primavera e no verão. Conclusão. Numerosas espécies de Asteraceas são consideradas alergênicas por vários autores. Por isso, seria conveniente testar extratos com antígenos desse pólen em pacientes com polinose.

Objective. This study aimed to identify and quantify the type pollinic Asteraceae in the atmosphere of the city of Caxias do Sul, during the period from January 2001 to December 2006. Methods. The pollinic monitoring was carried out using the pickup Burkard® volumetric model of suction, installed on the roof of the General Hospital, at a height of approximately 20 metres. Results. During the study were counted 112235 grains of pollen, of which 2131 grains of pollen belong to the family compound, totaling 1,89% of the total grain in six years of study. The pollen of the Asteraceae family is in theair virtually the entire year, as a result of a large number of species whose blooms succeed during a period of time. The highest concentration of pollen grains of Asteraceae occurs in spring and summer. Conclusion. Many species of Asteraceas are considered alergenics by several authors. Because of this should be convenient test antigens extract in patients with pollinosis should be convenient.

The Association between the Concentration of Pollen and Outbreak of Pollinosis in Childhood / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

Pollinosis is one of the allergic diseases which caused by airborne pollens from allergic plants, such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and allergic conjunctivitis. The distribution of pollens in the air is fully related to weather condition, especially temperature and humidity, etc. This study is focused on the evaluation of the relation between pollen count and the outbreak of allergic diseases (symptom index) from allergic patients in Korea and this data would be necessary to evaluate Korean own allergy index for pollen forecasting system. Airborne particles carrying allergens were collected daily from nationwide 8 stations (Seoul, Guri, Daejeon, Daegu, Kwangju, Busan, Kangneung, and Jeju) by using 7 days-Burkard sampler (Burkard Manufacturing Co Ltd, Hertfordshire, UK) for 10 year in South Korea (March 1, 2008-October 30, 2008). They were counted and recorded along with the weather factors. Symptom index was evaluated and recorded by calling to allergic patients daily. Airborne pollen has two peak seasons that is May and September in Korea. The peak season for mold was June. There was the tree pollen seasons from the middle of February to late July, then followed during the grasses and weed season from the middle of July to the end of October. Ragweed was one of the most common pollen of autumn in Korea. In skin prick test, Ragweed was the highest sensitization rate (5.9%), followed by Mugwort (5.8%), alder (4.9%), birch (4.8%), oak grasses among the pollen extracts in Korean school aged children. Ragweed pollen counts were gradually increased since 2000. In same period, sensitization rates for airborne pollen, especially weeds in Korean children were increased annually (1999: 4.4%, 2000: 7.1%, 2001: 7.4%, 2002: 8.5%, 2003: 7.7%). There are significantly related between symptom index from allergic patients and allergic pollen concentrations. Sensitization rates for pollens are increased in Korean children with age. There are significantly related between symptom index from allergic patients and allergic pollen concentrations. Risk Grade of pollen for allergy pollen forecast among each allergic plant was established and still remain to confirm it.

Clinical Observation on 68 Cases of Pollinosis Treated by Chinese Herbs Combined with Acupuncture and Moxibustion / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To find out an effective therapy to treat pollinosis in Switzerland by Chinese herbs and acupuncture & moxibustion.Methods Gu Beng Tuo Min Fang and Acupuncture & moxibustion were used on 68 patients with pollinosis,and compared with clinical efficacy before and after treatment.One course was 20 times,and Continued about 3 months.Results Among the treated 68 cases,cured in 47,improved in 12,and total effective rate was 86.8%.Conclusion A combination of Chinese herbs and Acupuncture & Moxibustion has an exact therapeutic effect on pollinosis in Switzerland.

Efficacy of Benihuuki Green Tea on the Patients with Japanese Cedar Pollinosis / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

<i>Background</i>: As a complementary medicine we have evaluated the efficacy of Benihuuki green tea, which contains methylated form of tea catechin reported stronger anti-allergic activities than ordinary catechin, on Japanese Cedar Pollinosis (JCP) in comparison with Yabukita green tea, contains ordinary catechin. This study was carried out during the pollination season, Feb.–April, in 2005.<br> <i>Method</i>: Four hundred eighty six patients with JCP, visiting 12 otorhinolaryngology clinics in Fukuoka prefecture were divided into A and B groups and subjected to quasi-single blind clinical trials. Under ordinary conditions, A-group patients took Benihuuki green tea and B-group took Yabukita green tea every day from February 1^st to the end of Japanese cedar and Cupressaceae pollination season. We compared nose and eye symptom scores, medication scores and disturbance of quality of life (QOL).<br> <i>Result</i>: There were no differences observed between the two groups with respect to their symptom scores and the disturbance of QOL. However, decreasing trend of the medication scores was observed in A-group (p < 0.1).<br> <i>Conclusion</i>: It has been suggested that Benihuuki green tea is a possible candidate as a complementary medicine for JCP during the pollination season.<br>

Glinical Trials in Japan and Korea-The Present State and Issues to be Solved- / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

The purpose of this workshop was to discuss on various issues for the development of a protocol for the Ja pan-Korea research collaboration. An important issue is to select/develop the experimental design of the clinical trial for individualized therapy done in Japan and Korea. Randomizedn-of-1 trial and randomization test were proposed as an possible candidate. A pilot study using randomized n-of-1 trial was done using intradermal acupuncture on pollinosis, and the methodological issues on the generalizability of randomized n-of-1 trial and the need of the selection of target disease were discussed. Onthe other hand, the literature survey has shown that the individualized acupuncture therapy is more effective than those of the standardized' fixed acupuncture therapy in usual RCTs. The diagnosis and selection of acupuncture point and method of manipulation were also shown to be an important factor. Further discussions will be required for the development of the adequate protocol for the individualized therapy.

Allergic Diseases by Pollens (Pollinosis)

Over the last 20 years or so, aeropalynologic and allergologic studies have progressed and extensive international networks now provide regular pollen and hay-fever forecasts. To make a diagnosis of pollinosis, it is necessary to know the vegetation in the region where the patient lives. In Korea, pollen allergens that are considered to be clinically important are tree pollens in spring, grass pollens in summer, and weed in autumn. Pollination starts in spring and ends in autumn. Weed pollen is by far the most important cause of pollinosis in Korea peninsula, however, the most important pollen in Jeju island is from Japanese cedar in spring. The major clinical manifestations by pollen is allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. Bronchial asthma also develops in some of pollen-sensitized patients. The most important diagnostic approach is allergen skin prick test followed by serum-specific IgE measurement. To confirm the causative pollens, nasal and bronchial provocation test should be done. If the causative allergen is clarified, the treatment is to use a special mask in outdoor and keep stay inside of house equipped with an air filtration system if possible. To start preventive drugs just before the pollen season and continue them after the season is also an important therapy. Immunotherapy is recommended to the patients by consulting to an allergy specialist.

A Study on the Immune Function of Cedar Pollinosis / 中国医师杂志

Objective To Study on the immune function of Cedar pollinosis.Methods The radioimmunosorbent test was used to measure IgE and the nephelometry was used to measure serum IgG,IgM,IgA,C3 and C4 levels.Results Total IgE leve in the patients serum was obviously higher than that in the control group,the serum IgG,IgM levels were also higher than those of control group,but the IgA level was no evident difference between two groups,and the serum C3 and C4 levels were lower than that of the control group.Conclusion Combination of a rising serum IE,IgG,IgM and a decreasing serum C3,C4 levels may be a diagnostic marker of cedar pollinosis,periodical determination of immune function for patients with cedar pollinosis could dynamic observe the change of the patients' condition.