Microbial exposure to dairy farmers' dwellings and COPD occurrence.

Dairy farming is a risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim was to determine predictive markers either in blood samples or in dwelling dust samples by comparing COPD and healthy controls with or without farming activity. Dust was collected and analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR. ELISA and DELFIA® were performed to assay the level of specific IgG and IgE of 10 targeted microorganisms. The dwelling exposure of farmers was higher than in the non-farmers (Especially Eurotium amstelodami and Lichtheimia corymbifera). The IgG response against Wallemia sebi and Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula was more often higher in the farmers than the non-farmers. However, exposure and sensitization to the microorganisms tested cannot explain the occurrence of COPD in the dairy farmers' population. COPD development is probably caused by multiple factors associated with exposure over a period of several years.

Medicinal benefits of Nigella sativa in bronchial asthma: A literature review.

Nigella sativa L. (NS) seeds, known as black seed, is a spice and a traditional herbal medicine used in various diseases including bronchial asthma. This review aimed to assess the studies supporting the medicinal use of NS in asthma and to highlight future research priorities. Various medical databases were searched for the effects of NS and its active secondary metabolites in asthma inflammation and outcomes. There were fourteen preclinical studies describing multiple effects of NS in animal or cellular models of asthma including bronchodilation, anti-histaminic, anti-inflammatory, anti-leukotrienes and immunomodulatory effects. Furthermore, seven clinical studies showed improvements in different asthma outcomes including symptoms, pulmonary function and laboratory parameters. However, often these studies are small and used ill-defined preparations. In conclusion, NS could be therapeutically beneficial in alleviating airway inflammation and the control of asthma symptoms, but the evidence remains scanty and is often based on poorly characterised preparations. Accordingly, well-designed large clinical studies using chemically well characterised NS preparation are required.

Latex Fruit Syndrome as a Case of a Lower GI Bleed.

Latex-fruit syndrome is characterized by hypersensitivity reactions to certain plant-derived foods in individuals allergic to natural rubber latex (NRL), affecting approximately 30-50% of NRL-allergic patients. This condition arises due to the cross-reactivity of IgE antibodies. Over time, this syndrome has been associated with an increased number of plant sources, including avocado, banana, chestnut, kiwi, peach, tomato, potato, and bell pepper. We present a case of an art student who developed latex-fruit syndrome following prolonged exposure to NRL art supplies.

IgE+ plasmablasts predict the onset of clinical allergy.

Introduction: IgE+ plasmablasts develop following allergen exposure and B cell activation. They secrete IgE and therefore are directly linked to maintain the mechanisms of IgE-mediated allergies. Here, we show that the presence of IgE+ plasmablasts in peripheral blood not only coincides with clinical allergy, but also predicts the upcoming development of clinical disease. Methods: Using an equine model of naturally occurring allergy, we compared the timing of allergen exposure, arrival of IgE+ plasmablasts in peripheral blood, and onset of clinical disease. Results: We found that IgE+ plasmablasts predict the development of clinical allergy by at least 3 weeks and can be measured directly by flow cytometry or by IgE secretion following in vitro culture. We also compared the IgE secretion by IgE+ plasmablasts with total plasma IgE concentrations and found that while IgE secretion consistently correlates with clinical allergy, total plasma IgE does not. Discussion: Together, we describe IgE+ plasmablasts as a reliable and sensitive predictive biomarker of allergic disease development.

Retrospective Analysis of Biologic Agent Utilization in Severe Asthma: Impact on Exacerbation Rates, Forced Expiratory Volume in the First Second (FEV1), Eosinophils, and IgE Levels.

Introduction Severe uncontrolled asthma is challenging to manage and impacts lung function and symptoms. Biologic agents targeting inflammatory pathways have transformed asthma management. This retrospective chart review aimed to assess biologic therapy in severe uncontrolled asthma patients and evaluate outcomes. Methods The study analyzed medical records of 30 patients receiving biologic therapy for severe asthma at a tertiary care center in Peshawar, Pakistan, from December 2022 to Jun 2023. Ethical approval was obtained, and patient demographics, biologic agent usage, and clinical parameters were collected. Clinical outcomes were evaluated after six months, including forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), eosinophil count, IgE levels, and exacerbation rates. Results After six months, biologic treatment significantly improved FEV1 (48.7% to 62.4%), reduced eosinophils (540 cells/µL to 290 cells/µL) and IgE levels (410 IU/mL to 280 IU/mL), and decreased exacerbations (4.6 to 1.9). Subgroup analysis based on age and sex showed consistent lung function improvements. Conclusion Biologic agents effectively targeted inflammatory pathways, improving asthma control in severe uncontrolled asthma patients. This study provides valuable insights into biologic therapy for severe asthma, offering new possibilities for patient outcomes. Larger studies are needed to validate findings and optimize personalized treatment strategies.

Two cases of pulmonary arterial hypertension with specific vascular Мalformations and unique eosinophilic inflammation in carriers of the RNF213 p. Arg4810Lys variant: Case series.

RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys is linked to various vascular diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); however, its pathogenesis remains unclear. Here, we report the unique features of two cases of severe PAH with this variant: one is the first reported case with stenosis of the thoracic and abdominal aorta, femoral arteries, and subclavian veins. Coexistence of severe and continuous eosinophilic inflammation, which has been suspected to be implicated in the pathogenesis of PAH in previous fundamental studies, was also present in both cases. Further studies are needed to clarify the pathogenetic mechanisms in vascular lesions with this variant.

Chitinase-3-like 1 regulates TH2 cells, TFH cells and IgE responses to helminth infection.

Introduction: Data from patient cohorts and mouse models of atopic dermatitis, food allergy and asthma strongly support a role for chitinase-3-like-1 protein (CHI3L1) in allergic disease. Methods: To address whether Chi3l1 also contributes to TH2 responses following nematode infection, we infected Chi3l1 -/- mice with Heligmosomoides polygyrus (Hp) and analyzed T cell responses. Results: As anticipated, we observed impaired TH2 responses in Hp-infected Chi3l1 -/- mice. However, we also found that T cell intrinsic expression of Chi3l1 was required for ICOS upregulation following activation of naïve CD4 T cells and was necessary for the development of the IL-4+ TFH subset, which supports germinal center B cell reactions and IgE responses. We also observed roles for Chi3l1 in TFH, germinal center B cell, and IgE responses to alum-adjuvanted vaccination. While Chi3l1 was critical for IgE humoral responses it was not required for vaccine or infection-induced IgG1 responses. Discussion: These results suggest that Chi3l1 modulates IgE responses, which are known to be highly dependent on IL-4-producing TFH cells.

Eosinophilic myocarditis: Case report and brief review of the literature.

Eosinophilic myocarditis (EM) is a cardiac manifestation of hypereosinophilic syndrome with a high mortality rate. EM shares imaging features similar to other restrictive cardiopathies, and include patchy intramural late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance with or without presence of biventricular thrombus. Diagnosis is confirmed on histopathology, and is the current gold standard. Here we report clinical presentation and imaging findings of EM in a 70-year-old woman who presented with fever and chills.

Effects of Au@Ag core-shell nanostructure with alginate coating on male reproductive system in mice.

Despite the widespread use of silver nanoparticles (NPs), these NPs can accumulate and have toxic effects on various organs. However, the effects of silver nanostructures (Ag-NS) with alginate coating on the male reproductive system have not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impacts of this NS on sperm function and testicular structure. After the synthesis and characterization of Ag-NS, the animals were divided into five groups (n = 8), including one control group, two sham groups (received 1.5 mg/kg/day alginate solution for 14 and 35 days), and two treatment groups (received Ag-NS at the same dose and time). Following injections, sperm parameters, apoptosis, and autophagy were analyzed by the TUNEL assay and measurement of the mRNA expression of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, LC3, and Beclin-1. Fertilization rate was assessed by in vitro fertilization (IVF), and testicular structure was analyzed using the TUNEL assay and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The results showed that the NS was rod-shaped, had a size of about 60 nm, and could reduce sperm function and fertility. Gene expression results demonstrated an increase in the apoptotic markers and a decrease in autophagy markers, indicating apoptotic cell death. Moreover, Ag-NS invaded testicular tissues, especially in the chronic phase (35 days), resulting in tissue alteration and epithelium disintegration. The results suggest that sperm parameters and fertility were affected. In addition, NS has negative influences on testicular tissues, causing infertility in men exposed to these NS.

Insights Into the Pathogenesis of Bullous Pemphigoid: The Role of Complement-Independent Mechanisms.

Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune blistering disease caused by autoantibodies targeting BP180 and BP230. While deposits of IgG and/or complement along the epidermal basement membrane are typically seen suggesting complement -mediated pathogenesis, several recent lines of evidence point towards complement-independent pathways contributing to tissue damage and subepidermal blister formation. Notable pathways include macropinocytosis of IgG-BP180 complexes resulting in depletion of cellular BP180, direct induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines from keratinocytes, as well as IgE autoantibody- and eosinophil-mediated effects. We review these mechanisms which open new perspectives on novel targeted treatment modalities.