Allergic Hypersensitivity Research Articles

The Effect of Topical 100% Sunflower Seed Oil (SSO) Extract on Trans Epidermal Water Loss (Tewl) and Skin PH Levels in a History of Atopic Dermatitis

The skin barrier function can be disturbed in various conditions, one of which is atopic dermatitis (AD). Efforts to improve the skin barrier can be done by using various types of moisturizers. Natural oil from sunflower seed oil (SSO) can be used as "skin barrier therapy" by reducing trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin pH levels. A randomized single blind clinical trial with a two parallel group pre and post design was conducted on subjects with a history of AD who were treated at the Skin and Venereology Polyclinic at Sunan Kalijaga Hospital, Demak. Samples were randomized into 2 groups to receive 100% SSO or petrolatum as a control. TEWL and pH assessments were carried out at the beginning of the study and at week 4. Bathing habits and complaints about using moisturizers were also assessed. TEWL values ​​decreased in the SSO and petrolatum groups (-5.8±1.93 vs -6.1±9.08, p = 0.9). The pH value in AD patients also decreased after administration of SSO extract and petrolatum (-0.4±0.10 vs -0.2±0.75, p = 0.2). The decrease in TEWL and pH in both groups was not statistically significant. This may be related to differences in bathing habits and moisturizer use in the two groups. Most of the samples in the SSO group stated that they had no complaints regarding usage. The entire sample completed the study without any reports of allergic reactions or hypersensitivity. Administration of SSO extract was effective in reducing TEWL and pH in DA with the majority of samples stating that they had no complaints about use.

Clinical factors as predictors of the development of severe recurrence of chronic spontaneous urticaria after completion of omalizumab therapy

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) affects about 1% of population, and its prevalence is increasing. The disease occurs in both children and adults, with predominance among women. At least two possible causes of CSU have been identified, two autoimmune endotypes, with different types of autoantibodies associated with activation of skin mast cells. In clinical practice, patients with CSU receive therapy accordance the clinical recommendations of the Ministry of Health of Russia for treatment of urticaria, according to the doctor’s algorithm of actions. In patients with CSU, symptoms are difficult to relieve due to special mechanisms of development this variant of disease. In recent years, specific markers, including clinical and laboratory parameters, have been described that can predict response to treatment patients with CSU. In clinical practice, we encounter difficulties in managing these patients. One of these is recurrence of urticaria symptoms after cessation of omalizumab treatment, which negatively affects compliance of patients and its psycho-emotional background. A retrospective analysis of 14 patients with CSU with resumption symptoms after completion of omalizumab treatment was carried out. Patients were divided into two groups: 1 group – 10 patients that symptoms began controlled with antihistamines (go to 1st therapy stage); and 2 group – 4 patients who need re-prescription of omalizumab (stay on 3rd treatment stage). The duration of CSU, activity according to UAS7, combination with development of angioedema, presence of concomitant allergic and autoimmune pathologies, level of CRP, total IgE, and presence of TPO antibodies were analyzed. There was no tendency relapses severity CSU after omalizumab discontinuation with age, gender, duration of the disease, presence of concomitant allergic diseases and drug hypersensitivity. In patients with high disease activity was tendency toward more severe relapses of CSU. The search and study of predictors response to treatment of CSC remains actual task. Further research to identify predictors of response to treatment and relapses severity help identify groups of patients for early transition to more effective treatment methods, which optimize and personalize management of patients with CSU.

Model for the Study of Drug Hypersensitivity Based on Bucilamine and the HLA-DRB1*08:02 Allele in Colombian Amerindian Populations

Backgrounds: Allergic diseases and hypersensitivity reactions are common disorders that in turn consist of an extensive genetic component in which the molecules of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) are included, which have certain alleles associated with the development of hypersensitivity to certain drugs, among which is the allele HLA-DRB1 * 08: 02 as a predisposing factor of hypersensitivity to Bucillamine; this drug is the starting point for the study of the relationship between hypersensitivity reactions to medications and the expression of certain alleles of MHC. Objective: Find the relationship between hypersensitivity to the drug and the expression of the specific allele in Amerindian populations of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and in turn suggest the application of the methodological model proposed in similar studies that seek to relate drug allergies with specific HLA alleles. Methods: A systematic search of information was carried out in the Sience, ScienceDirect, Elsevier and Pubmed databases, the frequencies obtained were tabulated and organized according to their expression to be analyzed with the MEGA7 software. Results: A significant frequency of the HLA-DRB1 * 08: 02 allele was found in the Ijka (61.7%), Arhuaco (41.5%), Kogi (17.9%) and Arsario (15%). Conclusion: A cautious use of Bucillamine and structurally similar drugs it’s recommended in susceptible Amerindian populations, at the same time the application of the proposed model it’s recommended for the study of different drugs that could trigger an allergic reaction based on HLA’s allele expression.

The Utilization of Bacillus subtilis to Design Environmentally Friendly Living Paints with Anti-Mold Properties.

The anti-fungal properties of the probiotic bacterium Bacillus subtilis have been studied extensively in agriculture and ecology, but their applications in the built environment remain to be determined. Our work aims to utilize this biological component to introduce new diverse anti-mold properties into paint. "Mold" refers to the ubiquitous fungal species that generate visible multicellular filaments commonly found in household dust. The development of mold leads to severe health problems for occupants, including allergic response, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and asthma, which have significant economic and clinical outcomes. We here demonstrate the robust effect of a commercial paint enhanced with Bacillus subtilis cells against the common mold agent, Aspergillus niger, and identify three biosynthetic clusters essential for this effect. Our results lay the foundation for bio-convergence and synthetic biology approaches to introduce renewable and environmentally friendly bio-anti-fungal agents into the built environment.

PEEK-Polymer for Dental Implants: A Concise Review

The biomaterials applicable in dental implantology, or implantology generally, are subject to specific requirements, namely biocompatibility, osseointegration, resistance to fracture/ oxidative degradation/ long-term compressive stress/ hydrolisis in boiling water, suitable morphology, suitable physical properties (including mechanical properties), aesthetics, etc. When selecting a suitable material for dental implants, it is also necessary to consider the patient s current health condition and possible complications when placing titanium implants and alloys. If there is a risk of an allergic reaction or hypersensitivity to any of the components of the metal prosthesis, the placement of a semi-crystalline thermoplastic implant - called polyetheretherketone, abbreviated PEEK - is a possible option. Such a wide range of stiffness means that PEEK formulations can be produced with modulus values similar to cortical bone. PEEK is classified as a High Performance Polymer of polymer pyramide (such as Polysulfones polybutylene terephthalate). PEEK can be applied for dental abutment and dental body. This article summarises basic information on the structure and properties of PEEK polymer, advantages/ disadvantages (compared to metal - titanium restorations), application and general information from the examined field.

Cardiorespiratory arrest due to grade IV anaphylactic shock with succinylcholine , report of a case and review of the literature.

Anaphylactic shock caused by anesthetic agents is a serious complication that can lead to the death of the patient despite well-conducted resuscitation. Succinylcholine is the primary source of anaphylactic shock in anesthesia. Used for over 60 years as the product of choice in emergency situations and during difficult intubation; its use is wide in all countries of the globe. We report the observation of a 77-year-old patient who underwent ophthalmological surgery under general anesthesia. After induction with propofol and placement of a laryngeal mask, a decision to orotracheal intubation was made given the ventilation difficulties. An anesthetic protocol combining a hypnotic to deepen the narcosis with propofol and curarization using suxamethonium was chosen. A few minutes after intubation, ventilator capnia is undetectable and the pulse is unobtainable while an ECG tracing persists. CPR is performed by external cardiac massage, bolus injection of adrenaline (4 mg in cumulative doses) associated with manual ventilation with FIO2 at 100%, cessation of any current product, filling with crystalloids and 250ml of bicarbonate 4, 2%. An effective pulse and blood pressure are found after no-flow for one (1) minute and low-flow for 10 minutes. Samples were taken for additional explorations. With the success of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and non-urgent surgery, it was decided not to begin the intervention and to transfer the patient to intensive care for continued treatment in the face of suspicion of serious anaphylactic shock. After twenty-four (24) hours of monitoring, he was extubated and his release from intensive care was authorized after the seventy-second hours. The allergological consultation carried out after the event concluded that there was allergic hypersensitivity to suxamethonium, a molecule contraindicated for life in this patient.

Mupirocin–Induced Allergic Contact Dermatitis: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature

Background: Mupirocin, an antibiotic, is frequently used to treat special traumatic infected skin lesions, such as impetigo, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), burn, scratch after operation, etc. Topical use of mupirocin can lead to some adverse drug reactions (ADR). Objectives: To report a case of mupirocin-induced contact dermatitis and a review of the literature to identify the causative factors and clinical characteristics. Methods: We report a case of contact dermatitis in a 39-year-old woman which happened 2 days after mupirocin ointment application on her hand. Also, a review of the literature was done according to PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched. Time or language filters were not used and all related reports were included. Results: In the mentioned case, mupirocin has a causative role in dermatitis. The review showed 10 cases of mupirocin-induced allergy. The clinical presentations included serum sickness, diffuse urticaria, fever, arthralgias, toxic epidermal necrolysis, pruritus, rash, breathlessness, palpitations, flushing, redness all over the body, low blood pressure, severe allergic contact dermatitis, pruritic papular eruption, extensive contact dermatitis, allergic contact hypersensitivities. All cases were improved after anti-allergic treatments except one who had been tracheostomy and was in serious condition. Conclusions: this is the first review of mupirocin-induced allergy. Although these incidences are rare, clinicians should be aware to prevent severe reactions with serious consequences.

Effect of yeast probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii cell wall extract on Aspergillus fumigatus allergenicity in A549 cells.

Interest in probiotic use for respiratory allergies has increased. In this regard, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of cell wall extract of Saccharomyces boulardii on Aspergillus fumigatus as an allergenic fungus and its effectiveness in reducing inflammatory cytokines in A549 cells sensitized with A. fumigatus conidia. Cell wall of S. boulardii was prepared and challenged by A. fumigatus conidia at various concentrations. Secretory protease activity was tested using the Casein method. The A. fumigatus allergen 1 (Asp f1) gene expression was calculated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In another experiment, qRT-PCR was used to examine gene expression of interleukin 13 and interleukin 17 by A549 lung epithelial cells exposed to A. fumigatus conidia and treated with different concentrations of S. boulardii cell wall extract. Saccharomyces boulardii cell wall extract significantly reduced the protease activity of A. fumigatus at concentrations of 10 and 20 mg/ml (P<0.05). The Asp f1 gene expression was significantly down-regulated in each concentration of S. boulardii cell wall extract (P<0.05). Aspergillus fumigatus conidia upregulated the expression of IL-13 and IL-17 in A549 cells, and S. boulardii cell wall extract could downregulate the expression of the mentioned cytokines at concentrations of 10 and 20 mg/ml (P<0.05). According to the results, it can be concluded that S. boulardii cell wall extract could be a candidate for IL-13- and IL-17-induced Aspergillus-mediated allergy and asthma therapies. Nevertheless, future studies need to be conducted on the safety of S. boulardii cell wall extract in vivo and its effects on other arms of allergic hypersensitivity.

Nomenclature of allergic diseases and hypersensitivity reactions: Adapted to modern needs: An EAACI position paper.

The exponential growth of precision diagnostic tools, including omic technologies, molecular diagnostics, sophisticated genetic and epigenetic editing, imaging and nano-technologies and patient access to extensive health care, has resulted in vast amounts of unbiased data enabling in-depth disease characterization. New disease endotypes have been identified for various allergic diseases and triggered the gradual transition from a disease description focused on symptoms to identifying biomarkers and intricate pathogenetic and metabolic pathways. Consequently, the current disease taxonomy has to be revised for better categorization. This European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Position Paper responds to this challenge and provides a modern nomenclature for allergic diseases, which respects the earlier classifications back to the early 20th century. Hypersensitivity reactions originally described by Gell and Coombs have been extended into nine different types comprising antibody- (I-III), cell-mediated (IVa-c), tissue-driven mechanisms (V-VI) and direct response to chemicals (VII). Types I-III are linked to classical and newly described clinical conditions. Type IVa-c are specified and detailed according to the current understanding of T1, T2 and T3 responses. Types V-VI involve epithelial barrier defects and metabolic-induced immune dysregulation, while direct cellular and inflammatory responses to chemicals are covered in type VII. It is notable that several combinations of mixed types may appear in the clinical setting. The clinical relevance of the current approach for allergy practice will be conferred in another article that will follow this year, aiming at showing the relevance in clinical practice where various endotypes can overlap and evolve over the lifetime.

Characterization of clinical features of monosensitized and polysensitized allergic rhinitis patients with pollen allergy

Objectives: The present study evaluates the prevalence of monosensitization and polysensitization in patients with pollen-hypersensitive moderate-to-severe persistent allergic rhinitis (AR), and determines the clinical characteristics of the two phenotypes. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 160 patients with moderate-to-severe persistent AR among the 3,699 patients who presented to allergy outpatient clinics who were found to have hypersensitivity to pollen based on a skin prick test and/or allergen-specific IgE positivity. The patients were divided into two groups: monosensitized (hypersensitivity to pollen alone), and polysensitized (hypersensitivity to pollen and other allergens). Both groups were evaluated for allergen hypersensitivity, symptoms of AR, symptom frequency and comorbidities related to AR. Results: Of the 160 patients, 83 (51.9%) were monosensitized and 77 (48.1%) were polysensitized. The mean age was 29.5 ± 10.7 yeasrs and 28.3 ± 8.3 years, respectively and the female-to-male ratio was 42/41 and 47/30 in the two groups. Nasal congestion was remarkably more common in the polysensitized patients than in the monosensitized patients (p = 0.01). Hypersensitivity to weed mix and Cupressus arizonica pollen identified with a skin prick test was significantly more common in the polysensitized patients than in the monosensitized patients (p = 0.03 and p = 0.01, respectively). The two groups were similar in terms of the prevalence of asthma and other comorbidities related to rhinitis (p = 0.78). Conclusions: In this single-center study, the rates of monosensitization and polysensitization were found to be similar in patients with pollen-hypersensitive moderate-to-severe AR, and the clinical characteristics of the polysensitized phenotype were different from those of the monosensitized phenotype.

Interleukin 5-dependent inflammatory eosinophil subtype involved in allergic insect bite hypersensitivity of horses.

Interleukin 5-dependent inflammatory eosinophil subtype involved in allergic insect bite hypersensitivity of horses.

Relationship between atherogenic index of plasma and childhood asthma

To explore the relationship between atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and childhood asthma. This retrospective study included 86 children with asthma admitted to the Changzhou Second People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from July 2020 to August 2022 as the asthma group and 149 healthy children undergoing physical examination during the same period as the control group. Metabolic parameters including total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and blood glucose, as well as general information of the children such as height, weight, body mass index, presence of specific dermatitis, history of inhalant allergen hypersensitivity, family history of asthma, and feeding history, were collected. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to study the relationship between AIP, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and asthma. The value of AIP, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol for predicting asthma was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The AIP and triglyceride levels in the asthma group were significantly higher than those in the control group, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol between the two groups (P>0.05). Before and after adjusting for height, weight, presence of specific dermatitis, history of inhalant allergen hypersensitivity, family history of asthma, feeding method, and blood glucose, multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that AIP, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were associated with asthma (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cutoff value for predicting asthma with AIP was -0.333, with a sensitivity of 80.2%, specificity of 55.0%, positive predictive value of 50.71%, and negative predictive value of 82.85%. The area under the curve (AUC) for AIP in predicting asthma was significantly higher than that for triglycerides (P=0.009), but there was no significant difference in AUC between AIP and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=0.686). AIP, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol are all associated with asthma. AIP has a higher value for predicting asthma than triglycerides and comparable value to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Retrospective observational study of the incidence of peri-operative allergic hypersensitivity reactions to cefazolin.

Retrospective observational study of the incidence of peri-operative allergic hypersensitivity reactions to cefazolin.

ROLE OF VIRECHANA AND JALUKA-KARMA IN MANAGEMENT OF ECZEMA (VICHARCHIKA) – A CASE STUDY

Introduction: An eczema is a common form of dermatitis that causes inflammation of the epidermal layer of skin. It results from various internal and external factors which are related to allergic conditions or hypersensitivity that causes inflammation. Eczema impairs the quality of life and has significant psychological and social distress. Managing eczema can help in improving a patient’s quality of life. In Ayurveda, it is described by the term Vicharchika which is a Rakta Pradoshaja Vikara and is included under Kshudra Kushta. Material and method: In this study, a male patient of 20-year-old presented with complaints of a dry scaly lesion (approx. 5cm×3cm) with intense itching and burning sensation over the dorsum of the bilateral foot for 6 months. Diagnosis: This condition in Ayurveda was diagnosed as Vicharchika. Intervention: In this present study, an attempt is made to study the combined efficacy of Virechana and Raktamokshan in Eczema (Vicharchika). Outcome: The patient had significant relief in the symptoms of Vicharchika. There was a marked improvement in itching and dryness. Result and Conclusion: The result was assessed by improvement in the patient's symptoms before and after the treatment. Virechana and Raktamokshan are the best lines of treatment in the management of (Kushta) skin disorders.

Unusual coexistence: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and pulmonary tuberculosis- A rare case report

: Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) is an allergic hypersensitivity reaction to the ubiquitous fungus Aspergillus that can cause inflammation and damage to the respiratory system. This condition predominantly occurs in individuals with long-standing airway disease, such as bronchial asthma or cystic fibrosis. While Acid-fast bacilli Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis (TB). ABPA and TB can coexist in the same patient. The coexistence of these two conditions can make the diagnosis and treatment more challenging. This is because some of the symptoms of ABPA, such as cough and wheezing, can be similar to those of TB, and both conditions can cause lung damage. A 21-year young male was admitted with a six-month history of low-grade fever, cough with expectoration, atypical chest pain, and progressive breathlessness. On examination, the patient had bilateral diffuse rhonchi with coarse crepitation, and his chest X-ray showed bilateral heterogeneous opacities with cavities in the left upper and middle zone. Further evaluation revealed a total serum IgE of 3074 IU/L (Normal &amp;#60;100) and elevated levels of Aspergillus fumigatus-specific IgE and IgG. A high-resolution CT of the thorax revealed bilateral upper lobes with tree-in-bud opacities and centrilobular nodules, leading to a diagnosis of ABPA. A sputum sample was sent for an AFB smear, which was positive.Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus fumigatus that most commonly affects people who have bronchial asthma or cystic fibrosis. However, diagnosis can be challenging as patients may not respond to standard treatment, and the symptoms can overlap with those of other respiratory diseases. Therefore, clinicians need to maintain a high index of suspicion for ABPA in at-risk patients and consider appropriate screening tests.This case highlights the rare co-existence of active pulmonary TB and ABPA, which can make diagnosis and treatment challenging. However, with appropriate management, including anti-tubercular treatment and corticosteroid therapy, the patient showed marked improvement in his condition. Clinicians should consider the possibility of multiple comorbidities in patients presenting with respiratory symptoms, and appropriate evaluation and management should be undertaken to achieve optimal outcomes.

JNK signaling during IL-3-mediated differentiation contributes to the c-kit-potentiated allergic inflammatory capacity of mast cells.

Mast cells are leukocytes that mediate various aspects of immunity and drive allergic hypersensitivity pathologies. Mast cells differentiate from hematopoietic progenitor cells in a manner that is largely IL-3 dependent. However, molecular mechanisms, including the signaling pathways that control this process, have yet to be thoroughly investigated. Here, we examine the role of the ubiquitous and critical mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway due to its position downstream of the IL-3 receptor. Hematopoietic progenitor cells were harvested from the bone marrow of C57BL/6 mice and differentiated to bone marrow-derived mast cells in the presence of IL-3 and mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors. Inhibition of the JNK node of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway induced the most comprehensive changes to the mature mast cell phenotype. Bone marrow-derived mast cells differentiated during impaired JNK signaling expressed impaired c-kit levels on the mast cell surface, first detected at week 3 of differentiation. Following 1 wk of inhibitor withdrawal and subsequent stimulation of IgE-sensitized FcεRI receptors with allergen (TNP-BSA) and c-kit receptors with stem cell factor, JNK-inhibited bone marrow-derived mast cells exhibited impediments in early-phase mediator release through degranulation (80% of control), as well as late-phase secretion of CCL1, CCL2, CCL3, TNF, and IL-6. Experiments with dual stimulation conditions (TNP-BSA + stem cell factor or TNP-BSA alone) showed that impediments in mediator secretion were found to be mechanistically linked to reduced c-kit surface levels. This study is the first to implicate JNK activity in IL-3-mediated mast cell differentiation and also identifies development as a critical and functionally determinative period.

Effect of the chiral blocks of functionalized fullerene on levofloxacin enantioselective voltammetric sensing

Antibiotics are one of the most important bioactive and chemotherapeutic groups of compounds. However, as a result of their excessive consumption for human treatment, veterinary and food industries, it can lead to direct toxic effects, pathogen resistance and allergic hypersensitivity in humans. The situation calls for developing sensitive and selective techniques for antibiotics analysis to monitor their appropriate use, public health, and new drugs design. In this study the glassy carbon voltammetric sensors (GCE) based on layer-by-layer deposited graphene oxide (rGO) and functionalized fullerene (C60) were proposed for the levofloxacin (Lev: S-(–)-Ofloxacin) sensing. Since Lev is an optically active substance, it can be assumed that the sensitive layer of sensor with chiral selector will selectively interact with the antibiotic through various intermolecular interactions. Therefore, a number of selectors with different optical center configurations were obtained and studied, such as S/R-2-chloro-N-(1-phenylethyl)acetamide fullerene (S/R-C60AA), and S/R-N,N'-bis(1-phenylethyl)malonamide fullerene (S/R-C60MA). The structure of obtained selectors was confirmed by NMR and IR spectroscopy, polarimetric studies were carried out. The proposed sensors were characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) using standard redox probe. Morphological studies were carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Possible binding sites between Lev and selectors were revealed by computational studies. Some patterns of changes in the electrochemical behavior of Lev depending on the composition of the sensitive layer of the sensor were obtained by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Quantitative determination of Lev was carried out using sensor GCE/rGO/S-C60AA. Calibration plot was found to be linear in two ranges, such as 1.0·10−6–3.0·10−5 M and 3.0·10−5–5.0·10−4 M with sensitivity values of 82.14 and 58.71 μA/mM, respectively. The limits of detection and quantitation were calculated to be 3.7·10−8 M and 1.2·10−7 M, respectively (according to 3Sb/m and 10Sb/m). The developed sensor has a simple design, good analytical and operational characteristics compared to some previous reports in the literature. In addition, the sensor was successfully tested for Lev quantification in real samples of biological fluids and pharmaceutical formulations with a good recovery percentage ranged in 91.5–104.4 %.

Topical Administration of Gardenia jasminoides Extract Regulates Th2 Immunity in OVA-Induced Mice.

A key feature of an allergic immune response is a T helper type 2 (Th2)-mediated response with production of allergen-specific IgE antibodies. Gardenia jasminoides extract with the crocin removed (GJExCR) has been shown to inhibit IgE-mediated allergic disease. To evaluate the efficacy and mechanism-of-action of this inhibition, GJExCR was used in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergy model in BALB/C mice. Sensitization of BALB/C mice with OVA and aluminum hydroxide was performed on days 1 and 14 by intraperitoneal injection, followed by OVA challenge to the dorsal skin for 2 weeks before removal. Seven days post-challenge, mice were treated with GJExCR topically every day for 11 days. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry analysis, real-time PCR, and western blot were performed to determine IgE and Th2 cytokine levels. Following OVA challenge, Th2 cytokine expression and both total and OVA-specific serum IgE levels increased, of which OVA-specific IgE and Th2 cytokine levels decreased after GJExCR treatment. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that GJExCR treatment decreased CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations in the spleen and lymph nodes. In addition, treatment with GJExCR downregulated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) activation and Th2 cytokine levels as compared to control. GJExCR containing geniposide downregulated STAT1 activation in HaCaT cells. These findings demonstrate that GJExCR exerts its anti-allergy effect via inhibition of STAT1 activation, thus regulating the immune response via modulation of Th2 cytokine release and IgE levels. Therefore, we propose GJExCR as a potential treatment for allergic hypersensitivity reactions.

Safety of direct oral provocation test to delabel reported mild beta-lactam allergy in infants.

Around 10% of people report a drug allergy and avoid some medications because of fear of allergic reactions. However, only after a proper diagnostic workup can some of these reactions be confirmed as allergic or nonallergic hypersensitivities. Beta-lactams (BLs) are the most common medication suspected of being involved in drug hypersensivity reactions (DHRs) in children. Recently, direct oral provocation tests (DPT) with BLs gained popularity within pediatric populations as a tool for delabeling children with suspected BL allergies. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of direct provocation tests in infants with mild cutaneous non-immediate reactions to BLs. The authors retrospectively analyzed the data of 151 infants between 2015 and 2022, referred for evaluating a suspected allergy to BLs that occurred before age 24 months. The mean age of the children, including 55% male kids, at the suspected reaction was 15.9 months and the mean age at the time of the DPT was 39.6 months. In most cases, antibiotics were prescribed to treat common upper respiratory infections, such as acute otitis (54.3%) and acute tonsillitis (27.2%). Amoxicillin was considered the culprit drug in 62.9% of the cases, and the combination of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in the case of 33.8% of children. The most frequent associated cutaneous clinical manifestations were maculopapular exanthema in 74.8% and delayed urticaria/angioedema in 25.2%. Of the 151 infants evaluated, parents of 149 infants agreed for a direct DPT, and only three had a positive test (2%). Symptoms resulting from the DPT were mild and easily treatable. A direct DPT without prior tests is a safe and effective procedure to delabel BL allergy, even in infants. The authors wish to emphasize the importance of properly validating BL allergy suspicions by promoting appropriate diagnostic procedures in infants as, in most cases, DHRs can be excluded and there is no need for further therapeutic restrictions.

Mead acid inhibits retinol-induced irritant contact dermatitis via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha.

Retinol is widely used in topical skincare products to ameliorate skin aging and treat acne and wrinkles; however, retinol and its derivatives occasionally have adverse side effects, including the induction of irritant contact dermatitis. Previously, we reported that mead acid (5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid), an oleic acid metabolite, ameliorated skin inflammation in dinitrofluorobenzene-induced allergic contact hypersensitivity by inhibiting neutrophil infiltration and leukotriene B4 production by neutrophils. Here, we showed that mead acid also suppresses retinol-induced irritant contact dermatitis. In a murine model, we revealed that mead acid inhibited keratinocyte abnormalities such as keratinocyte hyperproliferation. Consistently, mead acid inhibited p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) phosphorylation, which is an essential signaling pathway in the keratinocyte hyperplasia induced by retinol. These inhibitory effects of mead acid were associated with the prevention of both keratinocyte hyperproliferation and the gene expression of neutrophil chemoattractants, including Cxcl1 and Cxcl2, and they were mediated by a PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor)-α pathway. Our findings identified the anti-inflammatory effects of mead acid, the use of which can be expected to minimize the risk of adverse side effects associated with topical retinoid application.