Application of Hollow Fiber Ultrafiltration Technology in the Detection of Total IgE of Hemolytic Blood after Death / 法医学杂志

Objective To investigate the treatment effect of hollow fiber ultrafiltration technology on hemolytic samples and the differences between IgE concentration and serum concentration before hemolysis in ultrafiltrate. Methods The 33 postmortem blood samples of non-frozen corpses within 72 hours after death were collected, 4 mL blood was taken from each case, among which 1 mL was centrifuged to get serum, and the remaining 3 mL blood was frozen-thawed 3-5 times to cause complete hemolysis. The 2 mL hemolytic samples were processed by hollow fiber ultrafiltration to obtain ultrafiltrate. The hemoglobin concentration in serum, complete hemolytic sample and ultrafiltrate was determined by Van-Zij solution-cyanated methemoglobin assay method, and the total IgE in serum and ultrafiltrate was determined by electrochemical luminescence method. Results The hemoglobin concentration in ultrafiltrate was significantly lower than that in complete hemolytic samples （P<0.05）. There was a good correlation between the total IgE detection values of ultrafiltrate and serum （r=0.984）. The difference between the serum and the value of IgE in ultrafiltrate after correction had no statistical significance, and the differences between the two in positive rates had no statistical significance （P>0.05）. Conclusion Ultrafiltration technology has a good treatment effect on complete hemolytic samples, and the correction value of ultrafiltrate detection is close to the serum level before hemolysis, and therefore, it can be applied to the detection of total IgE of frozen corpse hemolytic samples.

Correlation between the histopathology of chronic urticaria and its clinical picture

Abstract BACKGROUND: Chronic urticaria is characterized by transient, pruritic lesions of varying sizes, with central pallor and well-defined edges, with disease duration longer than six weeks. Its cellular infiltrate consists of neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils. There is a subgroup of patients with eosinophilic or neutrophilic urticaria, resistant to the treatment with antihistamines, but that respond to a combination of antihistamine with other drugs. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the present infiltration in chronic urticaria biopsies and correlate it with the clinical disease activity and response to treatment. METHODS: Forty-one patients with chronic urticaria were classified according to the score of severity of the disease, response to treatment and type of perivascular infiltrate. Inflammatory infiltrates were divided in eosinophilic (46.30%), neutrophilic and mixed. RESULTS: An association was found between the eosinophilic infiltrate and clinical scores of greater severity (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: This association shows that the eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrates denote high clinical activity, which means more severe and exuberant clinical pictures of the disease.

Staphylococcal superantigen-specific IgE antibodies: degree of sensitization and association with severity of asthma / Anticorpos IgE específicos para superantígenos estafilocócicos: grau de sensibilização e associação com a gravidade da asma

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the presence of staphylococcal superantigen-specific IgE antibodies and degree of IgE-mediated sensitization, as well as whether or not those are associated with the severity of asthma in adult patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving outpatients with asthma under treatment at a tertiary care university hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Consecutive patients were divided into two groups according to the severity of asthma based on the Global Initiative for Asthma criteria: mild asthma (MA), comprising patients with mild intermittent or persistent asthma; and moderate or severe asthma (MSA). We determined the serum levels of staphylococcal toxin-specific IgE antibodies, comparing the results and performing a statistical analysis. Results: The study included 142 patients: 72 in the MA group (median age = 46 years; 59 females) and 70 in the MSA group (median age = 56 years; 60 females). In the sample as a whole, 62 patients (43.7%) presented positive results for staphylococcal toxin-specific IgE antibodies: staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA), in 29 (20.4%); SEB, in 35 (24.6%); SEC, in 33 (23.2%); and toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST), in 45 (31.7%). The mean serum levels of IgE antibodies to SEA, SEB, SEC, and TSST were 0.96 U/L, 1.09 U/L, 1.21 U/L, and 1.18 U/L, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of the qualitative or quantitative results. Conclusions: Serum IgE antibodies to SEA, SEB, SEC, and TSST were detected in 43.7% of the patients in our sample. However, neither the qualitative nor quantitative results showed a statistically significant association with the clinical severity of asthma.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar a presença de anticorpos IgE específicos para superantígenos estafilocócicos e o grau de sensibilização mediada por esses, assim como se esses estão associados à gravidade da asma em pacientes adultos. Métodos: Estudo transversal incluindo asmáticos adultos em acompanhamento ambulatorial em um hospital universitário terciário no Rio de Janeiro (RJ). Os pacientes foram alocados consecutivamente em dois grupos de gravidade da asma segundo critérios da Global Initiative for Asthma: asma leve (AL), com asmáticos leves intermitentes ou persistentes, e asma moderada ou grave (AMG). Foram determinados os níveis séricos de anticorpos IgE antitoxinas estafilocócicas, e os resultados foram comparados por análise estatística. Resultados: Foram incluídos 142 pacientes no estudo: 72 no grupo AL (mediana de idade = 46 anos; 59 do sexo feminino) e 70 do grupo AMG (mediana de idade = 56 anos; 60 do sexo feminino). Na amostra geral, 62 pacientes (43,7%) apresentaram resultados positivos para dosagens de anticorpos IgE antitoxinas estafilocócicas: enterotoxina (TX) A, em 29 (20,4%); TXB, em 35 (24,6%); TXC, em 33 (23,2%); e toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST), em 45 (31,7%). As médias das dosagens séricas de anticorpos IgE específicos anti-TXA, TXB, TXC e TSST foram, respectivamente, de 0,96 U/l, 1,09 U/l, 1,21 U/l, e 1,18 U/l. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa dos resultados qualitativos ou quantitativos entre os grupos. Conclusões: A presença de anticorpos IgE séricos anti-TXA, TXB, TXC e TSST, foi detectada em 43,7% nessa amostra de pacientes, mas não houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre seus resultados qualitativos ou quantitativos e gravidade clínica da asma.

IgE Sensitization Patterns to Commonly Consumed Foods Determined by Skin Prick Test in Korean Adults

Offending food allergens can vary with regional preferences in food consumption. In this study, we analysed sensitization rates to commonly consumed foods in Korean adults suspected of having food allergy. One hundred and thirty four subjects underwent a skin prick test (SPT) with 55 food allergens, of which 13 were made by our laboratory and the rest were commercially purchased. Of the 134 patients, 73 (54.5%) were sensitized to one or more food allergens. Sensitization to chrysalis was detected most frequently, at a rate of 25.4%. Sensitization rates to other food allergens were as follows: maize grain (13.4%), shrimp (11.9%), almond (11.1%), wheat flour (8.2%), lobster (8.2%), buckwheat (8.2%), mackerel (5.2%), pollack (5.2%), halibut (4.5%), peanut (4.5%), anchovy (4.4%), squid (3.7%), saury (3.0%), common eel (3.0%), yellow corvina (3.0%), hairtail (2.2%), octopus (2.2%), and others. In addition to well-known food allergens, sensitivity to mackerel, chrysalis, pollack, and halibut, which are popular foods in Korea, was observed at high rates in Korean adults. We suggest that the SPT panel for food allergy in Korea should include these allergens.

Prevalencia del síndrome látex-frutas en el estudiante de postgrado de la facultad de odontología de la universidad central de venezuela / Prevalence of the syndrome latex-fruits in dentists of the school of dentristy of the universidad central de venezuela

Los individuos alérgicos a látex pueden presentan reacciones mediadas por inmunoglobulina E (IgE) principalmente a frutas como cambur (banana, plátano), aguacate (palta), castaña y kiwi, lo cual se conoce como síndrome látex-frutas (SLF). Conocer la prevalencia del síndrome látex-frutas en una población conformada por los estudiantes de postgrado de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) previamente diagnosticados con hipersensibilidad tipo I al látex. Se realizó un cuestionario a 27 participantes para conocer los antecedentes de atopia y reacciones alérgicas a frutas y vegetales así como también los factores de riesgo. También se diagnosticó la hipersensibilidad tipo I a aguacate, cambur, kiwi y tomate, mediante la prueba cutánea por técnica de punción superficial como prueba in vivo y un método ELISA utilizando el ENEASystem III como prueba in vitro. Estas dos pruebas diagnósticas arrojaron un total de 11/27 (41%) participantes con el síndrome látex-frutas. Referente a los factores considerados como de riesgo, 6 (55%) tenían antecedentes de atopia, 4 (36%) reportaron antecedentes familiares de alergia y 8 (73%) habían sido sometidos a intervenciones quirúrgicas. En este estudio se encontró una alta prevalencia del síndrome látex-frutas en la población estudiada. Los datos obtenidos sugieren un comportamiento dependiente entre la atopia y los otros factores de riesgo y el síndrome látex-frutas.

The individuals who are allergic to latex reactions are mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) mainly of fruit such as banana, avocado, chestnuts and kiwi, which is known as latex-fruit syndrome (LFS). To determine the prevalence of the latex-fruit syndrome in a group of dentists at the School of Dentistry at the Central University of Venezuela (UCV) previously diagnosed with type I hypersensitivity to latex. We conducted a questionnaire to find out the history of atopia, symptoms and allergic reactions to fruits and vegetables and the risk factors. Also we diagnosed type I hypersensitivity to avocado, banana, kiwi and tomato through the skin test technique of "prick by prick " as in vivo test and an ELISA method using the ENEASystem III as evidence in vitro. These two diagnostic tests yielded a total of 11/27 (41 %) participants with the latex-fruit syndrome. Concerning the factors considered as risk, 6 (55 %) had atopia, 4 (36 %) family history of allergy and 8 (73 %) had surgical interventions. This study found a high prevalence of the latex-fruit syndrome in the group studied. The data obtained suggest a behavior dependent between the atopia and other factors of risk and the syndrome latex - fruit.

Inmunoglobulina E anti-Plasmodium en niños de Urabá (Colombia) según la presencia de malaria / Anti-Plasmodium immunoglobulin E in children of Urabá (Colombia) according to the presence of malaria

Problema: no existen informes en Colombia sobre los niveles de IgE anti-Plasmodium en niños sin malaria y apenas hay uno en niños con malaria no complicada. Objetivo: medir la IgE anti-Plasmodium en niños sin malaria o con ella en función del sexo, el estado nutricional y la presencia de helmintos intestinales, y las relaciones con variables hematológicas. Metodología: la IgE anti-Plasmodium se midió en 335 niños sin malaria y en 125 con malaria no complicada (116 P. vivax, 9 P. falciparum). La medición se hizo con la técnica de ELISA, con antígeno de extracto crudo de P. falciparum, cepa FCB-2. Se usó el conjugado anti-anti-IgE de Sigma A3525. La IgE se midió y expresó según la densidad óptica (absorbancia). Resultados: la IgE anti-Plasmodium fue de 0,808 ± 0,508 en niños sin malaria (punto de corte usado para definir nivel alto: 0,584) y 1,968 ± 1,237 en niños con malaria (p = 0,000000). La IgE anti-Plasmodium no mostró diferencia significativa según la especie plasmodial, pero sí según el sexo y el estado nutricional de los niños. En niños sin malaria, el nivel de IgE anti-Plasmodium fue mayor en aquellos con presencia de áscaris, tricocéfalos y uncinarias, pero la diferencia fue significativa únicamente para áscaris. El nivel de IgE anti-Plasmodium mostró correlación lineal positiva y significativa con la cantidad de huevos de tricocéfalo y de áscaris por gramo de materia fecal. Conclusiones: los niños sin malaria o con ella de Urabá tienen elevados niveles de IgE anti-Plasmodium, que son más altos en mujeres y en los afectados por paludismo.

Problem: We are not aware of studies in Colombia on levels of specific IgE in children without malaria and only one is available in children with uncomplicated malaria.Objective: To measure anti-Plasmodium IgE in children with or without malaria according to sex, nutritional status, and the presence of intestinal helminthes, and the relations with hematologic variables. Methodology: anti-Plasmodium IgE was measured in 335 children without malaria and in 125 with uncomplicated malaria (P. vivax: 116; P. falciparum: 9). Measurement was done with the ELISA technique, with a crude antigen extract of P. falciparum FCB-2 strain. We used Sigma`s conjugated anti-anti-IgE A3525. IgE was measured and expressed as optical density (absorbance). Results: Anti-Plasmodium IgE in children without malaria was 0.808 ± 0.508 (cutoff point used to define high level: 0.584) and 1.968 ± 1.237 in children with malaria (p = 0.000000). Anti-Plasmodium IgE levels showed no significant difference according to plasmodial species but there was significant difference by sex and nutritional status. In children without malaria, the level of anti-Plasmodium IgE was higher in those with the presence of roundworm, whipworm and hookworm, but the difference was significant only for roundworms. The level of anti-Plasmodium IgE showed significant positive linear correlation with the number of eggs of Ascaris and whipworm per gram of stool. Conclusions: In Urabá, children with or without malaria have elevated levels of anti-Plasmodium IgE, that are higher in women and in those affected by malaria.

Atopy patch test (APT) in the diagnosis of food allergy in children with atopic dermatitis / Teste de contato atópico (TCA) no diagnóstico de alergia alimentar em crianças com dermatite atópica

BACKGROUND: Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Food allergens are important in the pathogenesis in 1/3 of the cases. Several mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis. Immediate reactions are identified by both measurement of specific IgE and skin prick test. Atopy Patch Test seems to be relevant in the investigation of patients with suspected delayed-type reactions. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the standardization of this method concerning allergen concentration, occlusion time and interpretation, and determine the specificity and sensitivity of the Atopy Patch Test according to the skin prick test and specific IgE levels in food allergy diagnosis in children with Atopic Dermatitis. METHODS: Seventy-two children, aged 2-12 years were selected and followed at the allergy clinic of the Hospital São Zacharias. Skin prick test, specific IgE and food Atopy Patch Test (cow's milk, egg, soy and wheat) were carried out. Three groups were submitted to the Atopy Patch Test: (1) Atopic Dermatitis with or without Rhinitis and Asthma; (2) Rhinitis and or Asthma without AD; (3) Healthy individuals. RESULTS: In group 1, 40% of the patients presented positive reactions. The longer the exposure time (48h and 72h), the higher the sensitivity. In group 2, the test was more specific than sensitive for all the extracts, with increased sensitivity the longer the time of exposure (72h). In group 3, 8.3% presented positive tests. CONCLUSION: APT evidenced a great diagnostic value in late-phase reactions to food, with high specificity. It showed to be a specific and reliable tool in comparison with the healthy group's results.

FUNDAMENTOS: A Dermatite Atópica é uma doença inflamatória crônica da pele. Os alimentos são importantes na patogênese da doença em 1/3 dos casos. Diversos mecanismos estão envolvidos na fisiopatogenia da dermatite Atópica. As reações imediatas são identificadas pela dosagem de IgE específica e teste de puntura. O teste de contato atópico parece ter relevância na investigação de pacientes com suspeita de reação tardia. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a padronização do método com relação à concentração do alérgeno, tempo de oclusão e de interpretação; e determinar a especificidade e a sensibilidade do teste de contato atópico em relação ao teste de puntura e a dosagem de IgE específica, no diagnóstico de alergia alimentar em crianças com dermatite Atópica. MÉTODOS: Setenta e duas crianças com 2 a 12 anos foram submetidas a teste de puntura e dosagem de IgE específicas para alimentos (leite de vaca, ovo, soja, trigo). O teste de contato atópico foi aplicado em 3 grupos: (1) Dermatite Atópica com ou sem Rinite e Asma; (2) Rinite e ou Asma sem Dermatite Atópica; (3) Saudáveis. RESULTADOS: No grupo 1, 40% dos pacientes apresentaram reação positiva. Quanto maior o tempo de exposição, maior foi a sensibilidade. No grupo 2, o teste foi mais específico que sensível para todos os extratos; com aumento da sensibilidade com maior tempo de exposição (72h). No grupo 3, 8.3% apresentaram testes positivos. CONCLUSÃO: O teste de contato atópico mostrou ter valor diagnóstico em relação às reações de fase tardia a alimentos, com elevada especificidade. Mostrou-se um teste específico e confiável ao comparar com os resultados do grupo controle.

The Impact of Smoking on Clinical and Therapeutic Effects in Asthmatics

Smoking is associated with poor symptom control and impaired therapeutic responses in asthma. A total of 843 patients with asthma were recruited. The patients received treatment for 1 yr according to the severity of their asthma. We compared the forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), the ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capaity (FVC), atopy, total IgE, emphysema on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), the number of near-fatal asthma attacks, and physiological fixed airway obstruction between the smoking and nonsmoking groups. The study population consisted of 159 (18.8%) current smokers, 157 (18.7%) ex-smokers, and 525 (62.5%) nonsmokers. Although the prevalence of atopy was not different between the smoking and nonsmoking groups, the total IgE was higher among the smokers than the nonsmokers. Compared with the nonsmoking group, the smokers had a lower FEV1 % predicted and forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of FVC. A greater prevalence of emphysema and a significantly higher number of asthmatic patients with fixed airway obstruction were detected in the smoking versus nonsmoking group. The 37.5% of asthmatic patients who were former or current smokers showed decreased pulmonary function and increased IgE, emphysema on HRCT, and fixed airway obstruction, indicating that smoking can modulate the clinical and therapeutic responses in asthma.

Prueba cutánea retardada, IgE total y anticuerpos específicos frente a la vacuna cubana Heberbiovac-HB en asmáticos cubanos / Delayed skin test, total IgE and specific antibodies against the Cuban Heberbiovac-HB vaccine in Cuban asthmatic patients

La hipótesis higiénica intenta dar explicación coherente al incremento del asma en países desarrollados. Diversos estudios centran su atención en el papel que desempeñan las inmunizaciones sobre el sistema inmune y la influencia que ejercen sobre la atopia. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar las diferencias entre las concentraciones séricas de anticuerpos contra el antígeno de superficie del virus de la hepatitis B (anti-AgsHB), IgE total (IgE) y área de la prueba cutánea con el antígeno (Ag) vacunal, de la vacuna cubana contra la hepatitis B, Heberbiovac-HB, en niños asmáticos y no asmáticos. Se evaluó la influencia de la gravedad del cuadro clínico del asma sobre la respuesta inmune frente al Ag: se realizó estudio prospectivo y transversal, constituido por 103 niños asmáticos atendidos en el Hospital Infantil Docente William Soler y 37 no asmáticos de un área de salud del Centro de Atención Primaria "Julián Grimau" de la Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba. Todos los niños fueron vacunados con la vacuna Heberbiovac-HB, según esquema cubano de vacunación. Se realizó el test de ANCOVA para determinar las diferencias entre ambos grupos. En el grupo de niños asmáticos, se realizó un test de Duncan pos-hot, para establecer las diferencias, según la severidad del asma. Las diferencias significativas se centraron en las pruebas cutáneas, siendo menor el área de la prueba cutánea en asmáticos con respecto a los no asmáticos; la prueba cutánea control (PCC) y la prueba cutánea vs. antígeno vacunal de la hepatitis B (PCHB), PCC (166,5 vs. 233,6 mm2; p= 0,0077) y la PCHB (1 020,4 vs. 1 318,15 mm2; p= 0,0173). La severidad del cuadro clínico en asmáticos se relacionó de manera directa con las concentraciones de IgE e inversa con el área de la PCHB. Los niños asmáticos respondieron con menor área en la prueba cutánea retardada al compuesto vacunal, que los no asmáticos. La respuesta se deterioró a medida que se incrementó la gravedad del asma y las concentraciones de IgE.

The hygienic hypothesis tries to give a coherent explanation to the increase of asthma in the developed countries. Several studies focus their attention on the role played by immunizations in the immune system and on the influence they exert on atopy. The objective of this paper was to determine the differences among the serum concentrations of antibodies against the hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-AgsHB), the total IgE (IgE) and the area of the skin test with the vaccinal antigen (Ag) of the Cuban vaccine against hepatitis B, Heberbiovac-HB, in asthmatic and non-asthmatic children. The influence of the severity of the clinical picture of asthma on the immune response against Ag was evaluated. A prospective and cross-sectional study that included 103 asthmatic children attended at "William Soler" Children Teaching Hospital and 37 non-asthmatics from a health area of "Julián Grimau" Primary Care Center in Havana City, Cuba, was conducted. All the children were vaccinated with the Heberbiovac-HB vaccine according to the Cuban vaccination scheme. ANCOVA test was made to determine the differences between both groups. In the group of asthmatic children, Duncan's post-host test was carried out to establish the differences according to asthma severity. The significant differences were centered on the skin tests. The area of the skin test in asthmatics was lower than that of the non-asthmatics; the control skin test (CST) and the skin test against the hepatitis B vaccine antigen (STHB), CST (166,5 vs. 233,6 mm2; p=0,0077) and STHB (1 020,4 vs. 1 318,15 mm2; p=0,0173). The severity of the clinical picture in asthmatics was directly related to the IgE concentrations and inverse to the area of STHB. The asthmatic children responded with less area to the vaccinal compound in the delayed skin test. The answer deteriorated as the severity of asthma and the IgE concentrations increased.

Determinación de anticuerpos IgG contra el ADN de doble cadena mediante ELISA utilizando como recubrimiento ADN xenógeno y alógeno / Determination of IgG antibodies to double-chain DNA by ELISA using the xenogenic and allogenic DNA as coat

El ADN xenógeno empleado como recubrimiento de un inmunoensayo enzimático indirecto, para la determinación de anticuerpos IgG contra el ADN de doble cadena, es de difícil obtención y muy costoso. Por tal motivo, el objetivo del presente trabajo es evaluar la utilidad del ADN alógeno como antígeno de recubrimiento para detectar estos anticuerpos. Se empleó como recubrimiento ADN de timo de ternera y ADN de 6 sujetos supuestamente sanos. El análisis de la presencia de los anticuerpos se realizó en suero de 16 individuos con diagnóstico de Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico. Se obtuvo un 100por ciento de coincidencia en los resultados, así como pocas diferencias en la capacidad de discriminación del método con el empleo de los dos tipos de ADN. Según lo anterior se concluye que el ADN humano es útil como recubrimiento de este enzimoinmunoensayo. La obtención de dicho antígeno es menos costosa que la del ADN de timo de ternera.

Obtaining of the xenogenic DNA used as coat of a indirect enzymoimmunoassay, to determine IgG antibodies to double-chain DNA is difficult, and also it is very expensive. Thus, aim of this paper is to valuate usefulness of allogenic DNA as coat antigen to detect these antibodies. As coat we used DNA from calf thymus, and DNA from 6 subjects supposedly healthy. Analysis of presence of antibodies war carried out in sera from 16 individuals with diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus. There was a 100 percent of coincidence in results, as well as a few differences in discrimination ability of method using the two types of DNA. According above mentioned, we conclude that human DNA is useful as coat of this enzymoimmunoassay. Achievement of such antigen is less expensive than that of DNA from calf thymus.

Korean Ginseng-Induced Occupational Asthma and Determination of IgE Binding Components

A number of case reports on occupational asthma caused by herbal medicines have been issued, for example, on Sanyak, Chunkung, Banha, and Brazilian ginseng. Recently, cases of occupational asthma induced by Sanyak and Korean ginseng have been reported, but the pathogenic mechanisms involved are unknown. This study was carried out to evaluate the immunologic mechanism underlying Korean ginseng-induced occupational asthma. A patient engaged in Korean ginseng wholesale was referred for recurrent dyspnea, wheezing, and nasal symptoms, which were aggravated at work. Allergen bronchial provocation testing to Korean ginseng extract showed a typical immediate response, and skin prick testing to Korean ginseng extract also showed a strong positive response. Moreover, serum-specific IgE levels to Korean ginseng extract were significantly higher than in controls. Enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) inhibition tests showed a dose-dependent inhibition by Korean ginseng, but not by Dermatophagoides farinae, wheat flour, or Chinese balloon flower. Sodium dodecylsulfate-poly-acrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting revealed four specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) binding components at 26, 30, 47, and 60 kDa, which were not bound by control sera. These results strongly suggest that occupation asthma induced by Korean ginseng is induced via an IgE-mediated mechanism.

Determinación de sensibilización alérgica a dermatofagoides en niños de 5 años y menores por fluoroinmuno ensayo-UniCAP / Dust mite allergic sensitization in children aged 1 month to 5 years-old using specific IgE determination by unicap fluoroimmunoassay

Dust mite sensitization is considered a major risk factor for pediatric asthma; however, there are few data about early sensitization in Chilean children available. This study aimed to investigate allergic sensitization to mites in infancy and early childhood. The patient population, 224 children aged 0 to 5 years with suspected respiratory allergy, was divided into 3 groups of age: 1 to 12 months-old, 13 to 35 months-old, and 3 to 5 years-old. Sensitization status was ascertained by assessing the specific IgE to mite by UniCAP fluoroimmunoassay (Pharmacia). Sixty eight (30.6 percent) patients were sensitized to mites. The frequency and level of sensitization increased with the age of the children. Our data support that avoidance measures in the domestic environment aimed at the primary prevention of mite-driven sensitization should be introduced at the earliest possible stage.

La sensibilización a dermatofagoides es un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de asma. Hay escasa información sobre la sensibilización temprana en niños chilenos. Objetivo: Investigar la sensibilización a dermatofagoides en niños de 5 años y menores. Método: Revisión de resultados de IgE específica por ensayo UniCAP (Pharmacia) contra dermatofagoides de niños de hasta 5 años con sospecha de alergia respiratoria, divididos en 3 grupos de edad: 1-12 meses, 13-35 meses y 3-5 años. Resultados: Se estudió un total de 224 niños, entre 1 mes y 5 años de edad (x 2,65 años +/- 1,48 DS), 57,1 por ciento de sexo masculino. Su distribución según grupo etario fue: 66 en el grupo 1; 45 en el grupo 2 y 113 en el grupo 3. El 30,6 por ciento presentó sensibilización a dermatofagoides (18,2 por ciento grupo 1; 33,3 por ciento grupo 2 y 36,3 por ciento grupo 3). El grupo 3 presentó concentraciones de IgE específica significativamente más elevadas que los otros grupos. Conclusiones: La sensibilización a dermatofagoides es detectable en menores de un año, con frecuencia y nivel que aumentan en forma paralela a la edad.

The expression and significance of IgE in anaphylactic shock guinea-pigs / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To seek the pathomorphological targets for forensic expertise in anaphylactic shock.@*METHODS@#The expression of IgE in hearts, lungs, livers, spleens, kidneys, gastrics, intestinals, tracheas and tonsils of anaphylactic shock guinea-pigs was observed at 0, 6, 12 h and 24 h respectively by tissue chip S-P immuno-histochemical method.@*RESULTS@#Positive expression of IgE presented in lungs and tracheas in the test group with the peak at 0 hour and it declined as time advanced, and also there were significant differences at different times (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The immuno-histochemical method of detecting the expression of IgE in lungs, tracheas and spleens can be supposed to be the pathomorphological targets for forensic expertise in anaphylactic shock. The weakening of the positive expression of IgE in lungs and tracheas as the time advanced suggested that in this kind of case the autopsy should be arried out as early as possible.

Immunoglobulin E screening of serum and lacrimal fluid: a new dimension in the management of chronic conjunctivitis

The purpose of present study is to differentiate between allergic and environment related chronic conjunctivitis on the basis of the measurement of Immunoglobulin E levels in tears and serum. Forty specimens of tear and serum from drivers were sent for Immunoglobulin E assay. Samples were divided clinically into two categories. Group A included twenty four samples [60%] who were clinically chronic conjunctivitis [chronic conjunctivitis is defined here as conjunctival inflammation of period greater than a year, remissions and relapses, with no obvious cause/ophthalmic disease and patient on or off topical treatment] and group B included sixteen samples [40%], of clinically normal [normal having no ocular symptoms] [control]. Length of service as driver, hours of daytime driving, primary ocular symptom, history of atopy or allergy, tear film break up time [BUT] were emphasized at history and ophthalmic examination. None of the subjects had clinically obvious cause of conjunctivitis. The group-A [patients] were randomly treated with fluoromethalone and artificial tears. The patients were required to record the subjective improvement. Tear Immunoglobulin E values were normal [1-2ku/L] in both A and B groups. Serum Immunoglobulin E was elevated significantly in twenty samples [84%] in group A [clinically chronic conjunctivitis] whereas, it was elevated in six samples [38%] in group B [clinically normal group]. Serum Immunoglobulin E levels were normal in 16% and 62% of group A and B respectively. The recovery was significant with fluoromethalone use at 4 weeks as compared to that of artificial tears but at 8 weeks and 12 weeks, there was no significant difference between artificial tears group and fluoromethalone group. Serum Immunoglobulin E and tear Immunoglobulin E levels can be used to investigate the cases of chronic conjunctivitis as normalcy of tear Immunoglobulin E reasonably excludes local allergy. This enables the clinician to resort to tear replacement therapy rather thanprescribing steroids with accompanying side effects. However, there is no correlation of serum Immunoglobulin E with tear Immunoglobulin E

Avoidance of food allergens in childhood asthma.

Twenty-four patients of moderate persistent perennial asthma with documented aggravation to severe persistent asthma, during monsoon season in the past two years, were put on specific elimination diet during August and September. The diet was based on results of in-vitro allergy tests for a selected food panel. On specific elimination diet, five patients improved to mild persistent asthma and twelve patients improved to mild persistent asthma with occasional exacerbations . Six patients remained at moderate persistent asthma and only one patient deteriorated to severe persistent asthma. These results indicate that food avoidance may help in asthma control in children.

Allergen-specific IgE analysis in blown nasal secretions for the diagnosis of chronic allergic respiratory airway syndromes: comparative study

The unavoidable perennial allergens as House dust mites [HDM] is the commonest cause of chronic allergic respiratory airway syndrome [CARAS] frequently seen nowadays either in the form of allergic rhinitis [AR] and/or bronchial asthma [BA] recently this is best treated with immunotherapy. Although there are many investigations for the diagnosis of these allergic conditions most of the used tests are unsafe, non-specific or invasive. Thus the aim of this study was to detect the validity of local HDM allergen-specific IgE assay in blown nasal secretion for diagnosis of CARAS as a specific safe easy test and to show its value for future immunotherapy in comparison to other allergic investigations. So, this study involved 45 patients with CARAS and had positive skin prick test for HDM allergens and elevated serum total IgE level. They were 26 males and 19 females with a mean age 31.8 years. The patients were classified into 3 groups: group-I including 15 patients with AR, group-II with 15 patients having allergic nasal polypi and group-III involving 15 patients presented with BA only. While, 15 normal volunteers were included as controls with age and sex matched. All individuals were subjected to pulmonary function test [FEV1], nasal scraping cytology [for local eosinophilic count], HDM-speciflc IgE assay in serum, induced sputum and blown nasal secretion by ELISA technique and transmission electron microscopic [TEM] examination of 4 nasal biopsies [one from each group and one control]. The TEM examination showed intense allergic changes in the nasal mucosa of the patients in comparison to the control in the form of infiltration with active allergic cells. Also, local eosinophilic count was highly significantly increased in all patients, while the FEV1 was significantly reduced only when there is marked airway obstruction as in BA and nasal polypi patients. On the other hand, local HDM-specific IgE in airway secretions [induced sputum and blown nasal secretion] were significantly increased in the patients of the three groups but highly significantly increased in nasal secretion of patients with nasal polypi. In contrast serum HDM-specific IgE was non-significantly increased in patients with allergic rhinitis with or without nasal polypi and only significantly raised in BA patients. From these results we concluded that HDM-specific IgE assay in blown nasal secretion is a specific easy safe non-invasive invitro test for the diagnosis of CARAS suitable for immunotherapy with identification of the specific allergen to be used

Complejo polipo-pliegue inflamatorio de la unión esofagogástrica en la edad pediátrica / Complex inflammatory polyp-pleat of the union esophagegastric in the pediatric age

Describir la clínica, hallazgos endoscópicos, histológicos y las condiciones asociadas en los pacientes pediátricos con complejo pólipo-pliegue inflamatorio. Se incluyeron los pacientes con diagnóstico endoscópico de complejo pólipo-pliegue inflamatorio. Se les realizó endoscopia digestiva superior con biopsia de la lesión, tersio distal de esofago, antro gástrica, segunda porción de duodeno, y endoscopia control a los 3 meses posterior a recibir tratamiento con inhibidores de bomba de protones, se realizó IgE y RAST de alimentos. De 775 EDS realizadas encontramos 6 pacientes (M:3 F:3) en edades comprendidas entre 2-15 años. 2 de los pacientes presentaron hemorragia digestiva superior. 1 paciente presentó emesis, disfagia a sólidos, falta de progreso pondoestatural. 3 pacientes presentaban epigastralgia, pirosis, emesis. Los hallazgos endoscópicos fueron los siguientes: 6 pacientes presentaban mucosa esofágica en tercio distal congestiva y pólipo entre 5-10 mm que se continuaba con pliegue prominente gástrico, gastritis crónica reagudizada, y en 5 pacientes duodenitis crónica. Los hallazgos histológcos a nivel de esófago fueron esofagitis crónica por reflujo. 2 pacientes presentaron Helicobacter pylori en la biopsia del pólipo. 4 pacientes presentaban gastritis crónica moderada por Helicobacter pylori. 5 pacientes presentaban a nivel de mucosa de duodeno arquitectura vellositaria alterada con hipotrofia y aspecto ancho y romo. 3 pacientes presentaban IgE elevada y RAST proteína de leche de vaca positivo. 5 paicentes recibierón lansoprazol y 1 paciente esomeprazol por 3 meses. se indicó tratamiento con triple terapia para erradicación de Helicobacter pylori. En los pacientes con RAST positivo para proteína de leche de vaca se inidicó dieta de exclusión. En el estudio endoscópico control todos presentaban ausencia del pólipo, mejoría histológica de esofagitis y duodenitis. El complejo pólipo-pliegue está asociado a esofagitis por reflujo que mejora con la terapia con inhibidores de la bomba de protones y puede estar asociado a infección por Hp y alergia alimentaria

Allergy to house dust mites and asthma

House dust mites have been shown to be important sources of indoor allergens associated with asthma and other allergic conditions. Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and numerous scientific studies have shown that the prevalence of asthma is increasing. The most common dust mite species around the world include Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp), Dermatophagoides farinae (Df), Euroglyphus maynei (Em) and Blomia tropicalis (Bt). Over the past three decades, many important allergens from these species have been identified and characterized at the molecular level. The biological function of several house dust mite allergens has been elucidated, with many of them showing enzymatic activity. However, Bt allergens remain the least studied, even though this mite is very common in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Puerto Rico. Therefore, it is very important to include Bt in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for house dust mite induced allergy and asthma, particularly in areas where Bt exposure and sensitization is high. Recombinant DNA technology, as well as other molecular biology and immunological techniques, have played a fundamental role in advances towards a better understanding of the biology of house dust mites and their role in allergic diseases. This kind of study also contributes to the understanding of the complex immunologic mechanisms involved in allergic reactions. The development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches depends on the continuity of research of house dust mite allergens. The objectives of this review are to describe the most important aspects of house dust mite allergy and to acquaint the scientific community with the latest findings pertaining to house dust mite allergens, particularly those derived from Bt.

IgE reactivity from serum of Blomia tropicalis allergic patients to the recombinant protein Blo t 1

OBJECTIVE: To determine the IgE reactivity against recombinant protein Blo t 1 from the dust mite Blomia tropicalis (Bt) using serum from patients with positive skin test to this mite and to investigate the cross-reactivity between Bt and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. BACKGROUND: Dust mites have an important role as inducers of allergic asthma and rhinitis. Particularly, Bt is an important mite specie in the tropic and subtropical regions of the world. Therefore, recombinant allergens of this organism could be an important feature for development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Purified recombinant Blot t 1 was produced in Escherichia coli and tested against sera from 54 allergic individuals by the dot blot technique. RESULTS: IgE response to Blot 1 was 72% for sera from patients with positive skin test to Bt. Cross-reactivity with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was not detected. Statistical analyses of the dot blot test results show 71.74% of sensitivity and 100% of specificity. CONCLUSION: By using a panel of allergic sera and an in vitro assay, the allergen rBlo t 1 exhibits no IgE cross-reactivity with Dermathophagoides pteronyssinus allergens. This finding suggests that specific clinical reagents are necessary for precise diagnosis and treatment of sensitization to Bt.