Cinnamon extract inhibits allergen-specific immune responses in human and murine allergy models.

BACKGROUND: Ceylon cinnamon has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties in many diseases including allergic inflammation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyse in more detail the effects of cinnamon extract (CE) and its major compounds p-cymene and trans-cinnamaldehyde (CA) on allergen-specific immune responses in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Therefore, monocyte-derived mature dendritic cells (DC) from grass or birch pollen allergic donors were pulsed with the respective allergen in the presence or absence of CE, p-cymene, CA or the solvent ethanol and co-cultured with autologous CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, basophil activation test was performed with or without CE or ethanol treatment. For the in vivo experiments, BALB/c mice were immunized with ovalbumin (OVA) and orally treated with CE or ethanol. RESULTS: Addition of CE, p-cymene or CA, but not ethanol significantly inhibited DC maturation and subsequent allergen-specific T cell proliferation as well as Th1 and Th2 cytokine production. Sulphidoleukotriene release and CD63 expression by basophils were also significantly diminished after addition of CE. In vivo, treatment of OVA-sensitized mice with CE led to a significant shift from OVA-specific IgE towards IgG2a production and to a strong inhibition of OVA-specific proliferation. Moreover, airway inflammation as well as anaphylaxis after intranasal or systemic allergen challenge was significantly reduced in CE-treated mice. Furthermore, topical application of CE prevented calcipotriol-induced atopic dermatitis-like inflammation in these mice. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Taken together, our data indicate that the anti-inflammatory effect of cinnamon might be exploited for treatment of allergic inflammation, which needs to be further investigated.

Protein corona-mediated targeting of nanocarriers to B cells allows redirection of allergic immune responses.

BACKGROUND: Nanoparticle (NP)-based vaccines are attractive immunotherapy tools because of their capability to codeliver antigen and adjuvant to antigen-presenting cells. Their cellular distribution and serum protein interaction ("protein corona") after systemic administration and their effect on the functional properties of NPs is poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: We analyzed the relevance of the protein corona on cell type-selective uptake of dextran-coated NPs and determined the outcome of vaccination with NPs that codeliver antigen and adjuvant in disease models of allergy. METHODS: The role of protein corona constituents for cellular binding/uptake of dextran-coated ferrous nanoparticles (DEX-NPs) was analyzed both in vitro and in vivo. DEX-NPs conjugated with the model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) and immunostimulatory CpG-rich oligodeoxynucleotides were administered to monitor the induction of cellular and humoral immune responses. Therapeutic effects of this DEX-NP vaccine in mouse models of OVA-induced anaphylaxis and allergic asthma were assessed. RESULTS: DEX-NPs triggered lectin-induced complement activation, yielding deposition of activated complement factor 3 on the DEX-NP surface. In the spleen DEX-NPs targeted predominantly B cells through complement receptors 1 and 2. The DEX-NP vaccine elicited much stronger OVA-specific IgG2a production than coadministered soluble OVA plus CpG oligodeoxynucleotides. B-cell binding of the DEX-NP vaccine was critical for IgG2a production. Treatment of OVA-sensitized mice with the DEX-NP vaccine prevented induction of anaphylactic shock and allergic asthma accompanied by IgE inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: Opsonization of lectin-coated NPs by activated complement components results in selective B-cell targeting. The intrinsic B-cell targeting property of lectin-coated NPs can be exploited for treatment of allergic immune responses.

Decentralized collection of iodinated x-ray contrast media in hospitals-results of the feasibility study and the practice test phase.

Iodinated x-ray contrast media are unmetabolized and almost completely with the urine in 24 hours emitted in the wastewater after their application by human being. These very polar, hydrophilic and hardly biodegradable substances have already been detected in the water cycle. The objective of this R&D project is the collection of the x-ray contrast media already at the source in the hospital and so the avoidance of an emission in the water cycle. Three concepts have been developed in the scope of this R&D project: a centralized collection concept with a no-mix toilet in the radiology unit, a decentralized collection concept featuring a no-mix toilet for every of the ward and another decentralized collection concept with mobile urine containers for the wards. The evaluation of the collection concepts has taken systematically into consideration costs, acceptance and a value benefit analysis. The feasibility study has shown that a separated collection of iodinated x-ray contrast media in hospitals is possible through the implementation of a decentralized urine collection concept using mobile urine containers. This decentralised collection concept was tested in each case on one main focus ward of two representative German hospitals for 20 weeks. In both wards of the hospitals around 60% of patients with an examination of x-ray contrast media took part in the voluntary urine collection. The AOX arose from the iodinated x-ray contrast media in the collected urine. The averaged measured AOI concentration in the patient's urine was 18 g/l. The total costs, formed by the costs for staff, material and disposal, were estimated at 10 euro per patient, 7 euro per litre urine and approximate 380 euro per kilogramme iodine for the separated urine collection in hospitals. The main part of the total costs is formed by the costs for staff with around 80%. This R&D project has shown that the separated collection of the patients' urine with a simple and decentralised collection concept with mobile urine containers in hospitals can be carried out hygienically and safely. A transfer of this decentralised collection concept to pharmaceuticals which are excreted with urine is possible.