Allergic Reaction In Mice Research Articles

Difference in Allergenicity between β-Lactoglobulin in Bovine Milk and Caprine Milk is Related to Their Respective Digestive Stability.

The underlying cause of differences in sensitization between bovine and caprine milk β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) remains unclear. In this study, denatured forms of bovine and caprine milk β-LG were obtained through reductive alkylation and evaluated for allergenicity and digestibility in Balb/c mice. Results indicated weaker sensitization to nondenatured caprine milk β-LG compared to nondenatured bovine milk β-LG, with no significant difference in sensitization observed between denatured β-LG from both sources. The nondenatured β-LG of caprine milk and two types of denatured β-LG were degraded more rapidly than nondenatured bovine milk β-LG in the small intestine of mice. In terms of undenatured proteins, mouse intestinal tissues absorbed more bovine milk β-LG than caprine milk β-LG. Overall, structural disparities in β-LG between bovine and caprine milk resulted in varying digestion rates. Moreover, the slower-degraded bovine milk β-LG and its enzymatic fragments facilitated easier absorption by the intestine, disrupting the Th1/Th2 balance and increasing susceptibility to severe allergic reactions in mice.

Inhibition of pseudo-allergic reactions by vitamin K3 directly targeting GAB1 in mast cells

BackgroundVitamin K3 (VK3), a fat-soluble synthetic analog of the vitamin K family, has coagulant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. Pseudo allergy is a IgE-independent immune response associated with mast cells. This study investigated the role of VK3 in IgE-independent mast cell activation. MethodsSubstance P (SP) was used to induce LAD2-cell activation in order to analyze the effects of VK3 in vitro. Cutaneous allergy and systemic allergy mouse models were used to analyze the anti-pseudo-allergic effects of VK3. Proteome microarray assays were used to analyze VK3-binding protein. Biolayer interferometry and immunoprecipitation were used to verify interaction between VK3 and its key targets. RNA interference was used to determine the role of GAB1 in LAD2cell activation. ResultsVK3 inhibited SP-induced LAD2-cell activation, and resulted in the release of β-hexosaminidase, histamine and cytokines; VK3 inhibited SP-induced pseudo allergic reactions in mice, and serum histamine and TNF-α levels decreased. Degranulation of skin mast cells was reduced; GAB1 in mast cells was stably bound to VK3. GAB1 participated in SP-induced LAD2-cell activation. GAB1 knockdown in LAD2 cells prevented SP-induced β-hexosaminidase release, calcium mobilization and cell skeletal remodeling. VK3 directly binds to GAB1 and reduces its expression to inhibited SP-induced LAD2 cell activation. ConclusionThe anti-pseudo-allergic activity of VK3 was confirmed in vitro and in vivo. VK3 can inhibit SP-induced mast cell activation by directly targeting GAB1. This study provides new insights on the activity of VK3 and the mechanism of pseudoallergic reaction.

Heat/non-heat treatment alleviates β-conglycinin-triggered food allergy reactions by modulating the Th1/Th2 immune balance in a BALB/c mouse model.

With the increasing popularity of plant protein-based diets, soy proteins are favored as the most important source of plant protein worldwide. However, potential food allergy risks limit their use in the food industry. This work aims to reveal the mechanism of β-conglycinin-induced food allergy, and to explore the regulatory mechanism of heat treatment and high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment in a BALB/c mouse model. Our results showed that oral administration of β-conglycinin induced severe allergic symptoms in BALB/c mice, but these symptoms were effectively alleviated through heat treatment and HHP treatment. Moreover, β-conglycinin stimulated lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation; a large number of cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12 and IL-13 were released and interferon γ secretion was inhibited, which disrupted the Th1/Th2 immune balance and promoted the differentiation and proliferation of naive T cells into Th2-type cells. Heat/non-heat treatment altered the conformation of soybean protein, which significantly reduced allergic reactions in mice. This regulatory mechanism may be associated with Th1/Th2 immune balance. Our results provide data support for understanding the changes in allergenicity of soybean protein within the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

MiR-224-5p Attenuates Allergic Responses in Mice with Allergic Rhinitis by Modulating the Th1/Th2 Response.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common chronic respiratory disease that has become a global health problem. miRNAs play an important role in multiple immune and inflammatory diseases, including AR. In this work, the mechanism by which miR-224-5p regulates AR in vivo and in vitro was examined. Human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs) were used to establish an AR cell model induced by Der P1, and C57BL/6 mice were used to establish an AR animal model induced by OVA (ovalbumin). RT-qPCR was used to determine the level of miR-224-5p; western blot analysis was used to determine GATA3; ELISA was used to determine the levels of OVA-specific IgE, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13; flow cytometry was used to determine the differentiation of Th1 and Th2 cells; and HE and PAS staining was used to observe the histopathological alterations in the mouse nasal mucosa and spleen. miR-224-5p was downregulated in nasal mucosa from mice with AR and an AR cell model. Overexpressed miR-224-5p can improve AR development and attenuate AR symptoms by regulating GATA3-mediated Th1/Th2 responses. miR-224-5p attenuates allergic reactions in mice with AR by regulating the Th1/Th2 response.

Human milk oligosaccharides and milk fat globule membrane reduce allergic reactions in mice through the modulation of gut microbiota and metabolic functions.

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) represent novel treatments for cow's milk allergy (CMA). They exhibit the beneficial attribute of diminishing nutrient damage when compared to conventional enzymatic digestion of milk proteins. However, the effects and mechanisms underlying the synergistic interaction between HMOs and the MFGM in allergy treatment remain unclear. Consequently, this study was undertaken to assess the protective properties of HMOs and the MFGM against CMA and to elucidate their potential mechanisms in a mouse model of β-lactoglobulin (BLG)-induced allergy. The findings demonstrated that HMOs and the MFGM could significantly reduce the allergy score and splenic index, and they diminished the levels of inflammatory mediators (total immunoglobulin E (IgE), specific IgE, histamine, and mMCP-1), while concurrently bolstering tight junctions (ZO-1, claudin-1, and occludin), and reducing intestinal permeability. Notably, HMOs and the MFGM exhibited optimal synergy. In addition, HMOs and the MFGM synergistically mitigated the immune response to Th2 overactivity in allergy by the promotion of Th1 and Treg cell responses, thereby suppressing the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-5. Analysis of the gut microbiota and its metabolic activities revealed that HMOs and the MFGM increased the abundance of Lactobacillus and Butyricicoccus, leading to higher production of butyrate. Furthermore, these beneficial bacteria and the resultant butyrate also contributed to the suppression of allergy-associated bacterial populations such as Desulfovibrio and Rikenellaceae. In summary, HMOs and the MFGM acted in synergy to modulate inflammatory responses and ameliorate barrier damage, contributing to the mitigation of CMA, a process potentially linked to gut microbiota dynamics and the resultant butyrate metabolism. This effect may be related to the gut microbiota and its metabolic production of butyrate.

Sub-Acute Toxicity and Allergy Studies of Bidara Leaf (Ziziphus Mauritiana) Extract as A Wound Healing Material

Background: In dentistry, the wound healing process is often encountered in tooth extractions, incisions, oral and facial surgery, gingival flaps and biopsies. Post-tooth extraction wound is a medium that allows pathogenic microbes to breed and infect the wound. Wound management must be carried out as soon as possible to restore mucosal integrity so as to prevent bacterial infections penetrates the body. Bidara (Ziziphus mauritiana) is one of the plants used as traditional medicine by the community. Research on this plant as a medicinal raw material is increasing, so further research needs to be carried out to prove the safety of this medicinal plant. This study aims to determine the effects of sub-acute toxicity and allergic reactions caused after administering bidara leaf extract on the liver histopathology of mice. Methods: In vivo laboratory experimental study using a post-test only control group design with 24 mice (Mus musculus). The research sample consisted of 4 groups, namely the control group given 0.3% Na-CMC, the treatment group given bidara leaf extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg BW, 600 mg/kg BW, and 700 mg/kg BW. The treatment extract was given orally for 28 days. Results: The results of the study showed that the dose of bidara leaf extract had an effect on the liver histopathology of mice, namely at doses of 600 mg/kg BW and 700 mg/kg BW it had a toxic effect that was visible from changes in liver cell structure. Allergy tests showed that bidara leaf extract did not cause allergic reactions in mice. Conclusion: It can be concluded that bidara leaf extract (Ziziphus mauritiana) does not cause allergies and at certain doses does not have toxicity in the liver of animals study.

ACUTE TOXICITY TEST OF AMBON BANANA TREE SAP EXTRACT ON MICE (Mus Muculus L.)

Introduction: Banana tree sap is commonly used by the community as herbal medicine in the process of accelerating wound healing so it needs to be tested for the safety of its use. The research entitled Test of Acute Toxicity and Allergy of Ambon Banana Tree Sap Extract to Mice (Mus Muculus L.) aims to determine Lethal Dose 50, toxicity classification and to observe allergic symptoms dermally of Ambon banana tree sap extract to mice. Materials and Methods: In the acute toxicity test using the Thomson Weil calculation method using mice as experimental animals as many as 25 which were divided into 5 treatment groups with the main test series group I as the control group with 0.3% Na-CMC, groups 2-5 were given the test extract with doses of 300, 600, 1200 and 2400mg/kgBW with one oral administration and observed the number of deaths in each test animal for 14 days. Results and Discussions: In allergy testing using the Wilocoxon method. From the results of the acute toxicity test study, the LD50 value of banana tree sap extract was 1116.8mg/kgBW (1.116g/kgBW) included in the moderate toxic category (0.5-5g/kgBW) and in the allergy test it did not cause allergies (no rash and red-red). For acute toxicity, the weights of mice were analyzed using the ANOVA and LSD tests as well as the allergy test using Wilocoxon. The results of the analysis show that there is a significant difference at the test level of 0.05 (???? <0.05). in the allergy test obtained statistical test results which stated that there was no allergic reaction in mice during treatment with a ???? value of 1.000 > 0.05. Conclusion: Giving banana tree sap extract at certain doses can cause death in mice but does not cause any allergic symptoms.

Insights into sensitizing and eliciting capacity of gastric and gastrointestinal digestion products of shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) proteins in BALB/c mice

Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) proteins have been shown an allergenic potential; however, little information is available on the sensitizing and eliciting capacity of shrimp protein digestion products. In this study, a BALB/c mice model was used to explore the allergenicity of shrimp protein sample (SPS) and their gastric and gastrointestinal digestion products (GDS/GIDS). As compared with the SPS groups, the GDS/GIDS groups caused lower specific immunoglobulins (IgE/IgG1) levels (P < 0.05), but higher than the control groups, indicating that the digestion products sensitized the mice. Meanwhile, spleen index, mouse mast cell protease-1 (mMCP-1) concentration and proportion of degranulated mast cells were significantly reduced in the GDS/GIDS groups (P < 0.05); simultaneously, allergic symptoms, vascular permeability and histopathological changes of tissues were alleviated. Nevertheless, the allergenicity of digestion products cannot be eliminated and still cause systemic allergic reactions in mice. The study showed that the digestion products of shrimp still had high sensitizing and eliciting capacity.

Development of gastro-food allergy model in shrimp allergen extract-induced sensitized mice promotes mast cell degranulation.

Food allergies have become more common in the last decade. Shrimp is one of the most dominant food allergy triggers in Asian countries, including Indonesia. After ingesting allergens, B cells will produce allergen-specific Immunoglobin E (IgE). In the sensitization period, repeated allergen exposure promotes Mast Cell (MC) degranulation in intestinal tissue and releases several inflammatory mediators, thereby causing hypersensitivity reactions. Shrimp Allergen Extract (SAE) is an immunotherapy and diagnostic agent currently being developed in Indonesia. In this study, we investigated the effect of SAE administration on eliciting an MC immunological response. Mice were divided into a non-sensitized and sensitized group. The non-sensitized group only received 1 mg of alum (i.p), whereas the sensitized group received 1 mg of alum and 100 μg of SAE on days 0, 7, and 14. Then, both groups were challenged with 400 μg SAE (p.o) on days 21, 22, and 23 following systemic allergic symptom observation. We showed that SAE was able to increase systemic allergic symptoms significantly in the sensitized mice through repeated challenge (1.33±0.21; 1.83±0.17; and 2.00±0.00), compared to non-sensitized mice (0.17±0.17). Moreover, histopathological analysis showed that the SAE administration causes an increase of MC degranulation in the ileum tissue of the sensitized mice (44.43%±0.01), compared to non-sensitized mice (35.45%±0.01). This study found that SAE could induce allergic reactions in mice by influencing critical effector cells, MCs.

Intradermal delivery of Cryj1 loaded in CpG DNA hydrogel for inhibiting allergic reactions in mice.

Immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis alleviates symptoms associated with antigen exposure by administering pathogenic antigens. However, many current immunotherapies fail to induce sufficient immune responses, resulting in frequent and prolonged hospital visits. Consequently, the development of more effective immunotherapies is necessary. In this study, we focused on the skin, which is rich in immune cells, as an administration site for inducing antigen-specific immune responses. To efficiently and sustainably deliver the cedar pollen antigen Cryj1 to immune cells, we attempted to load Cryj1 in an immunostimulatory CpG DNA hydrogel, prepared using self-gelatinizable nucleic acid technology. In this technology, the hydrogel became gelatinized by self-assembly of multiple predesigned DNA units containing potent CpG motifs. Cryj1 loaded in the CpG DNA hydrogel showed sustained release, was taken up by mouse macrophage-like RAW264.7 and mouse dendritic DC2.4 cells, and induced efficient production of interleukin-12 after intradermal injection into mice. Intradermal injection of Cryj1 loaded CpG DNA hydrogel into mice increased the production of Cryj1-specific IgG while suppressing the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. Furthermore, when Cryj1 was resensitized to mice, a stronger induction of IgG production and suppression of IgE production was observed. These results suggest that intradermal administration of Cryj1 loaded CpG DNA hydrogel is a novel immunotherapy for allergic symptoms caused by cedar pollen and can be used as a replacement for current immunotherapies.

A novel mouse allergy tested model and its application for traditional Chinese medicine injections's allergy evaluation

When the drug induces the organism to produce a type Ⅰ allergic reaction, the combination of IgE and mast cells results in the degranulation of the mast cells. Release of vasoactive substances, increase in vascular permeability, and exudation of intravascular substances outside the blood vessels. Based on this pathophysiological mechanism, a mouse model that can objectively and quantitatively assess the allergic response to the injection has been established. ICR mice were sensitised by intraperitoneal injection of different doses of OVA once every two days for three times. 14 days after the last sensitization, a combination OVA solution of 4 times the sensitizing dose and Evans blue were injected intravenously into mice for the challenge. Compared with the normal group, OVA 0.625/2.5, 1.25/5, 2.5/10, 5/20 mg·kg~(-1) sensitized and challenged can induce allergic reactions mainly manifested by blue staining of the auricle in mice. Direct injection of OVA intravenously did not cause an auricular blue colouration reaction in mice. The passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction in mice was conducted with the aforementioned OVA-sensitized mouse serum, and there were obvious blue spots on the mouse's back. In addition, the content of anti-OVA-IgE in 5 mg·kg~(-1) OVA-sensitized mice was significantly increased. Ears and lungs of mice sensitized to OVA showed evident exudation inflammation. Significantly elevated inflammatory factors(VEGF and IL-10) were also detected in the serum of OVA-sensitized mice. The equivalent dose of OVA caused obvious allergic reactions in both guinea pigs and mice. Compared with nude mice, ICR and BALB/c mice are more sensitive to OVA sensitization. Injections of selected TCMI did not induce type Ⅰ allergic reactions in mice and guinea pigs, but there was a risk of inducing pseu-doallergic reactions in mice. The model is problematic and may well reflect the sensitization effect of allergens. It obtains the benefits of simple operation, accuracy, low cost, easy extension, and high repeatability. It is suitable for predicting and researching for IgE-dependent type Ⅰ allergic reactions.

Suppression of Airway Allergic Reactions by a Photocatalytic Filter Using Mouse Model.

Photocatalytic filters installed in air purifiers have been used to purify spaces by decomposing allergenic substances. However, we have not found any reports that evaluate the effectiveness of photocatalytic filters in suppressing allergic reactions in living organisms. In this study, we intratracheally instilled ovalbumin (OVA) into OVA-sensitized mice after the OVA was photocatalyzed by a titanium dioxide (TiO2) filter, and verified the experimental model for evaluating the allergy-suppressing effect of photocatalysts. Mice were sensitized to OVA (10 µg/mouse) four times, and were intratracheally instilled with OVA (10 µg/mouse) after photocatalysis three times. Non-sensitized animals were instilled with normal saline following the same exposure schedule. The mice were dissected 24 h after final exposure. The OVA after photocatalysis significantly decreased the number of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and the concentration of OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 in serum, which were elevated in untreated OVA. Moreover, our experimental model showed the suppression of allergic reactions in mice, along with the decomposition of OVA after photocatalysis using the photocatalytic filter. Taken together, our experimental model for evaluating allergic reactions in the respiratory tract suggested that the allergy-suppressing effect of the photocatalytic filter can be evaluated.

Analysis of transdermal sensitization and oral anaphylaxis using salt-soluble protein extracts from diploid wheats in an adjuvant-free mouse model

Abstract Wheat allergies are growing at an alarming rate for reasons that are not well understood. The commonly consumed wheats belong to the AABB and AABBDD genotypes. The AA wheat is less commonly consumed, and the DD wheat is not commercially available. It is unknown at present whether the diploid wheats elicit allergic reactions in mice. Here we tested the hypothesis that the salt-soluble protein extracts (SSPEs) from AA and DD wheats will induce food allergy in Balb/cJ male mice in an adjuvant-free model. We grew the DD wheat at our university and used it in this study. The AA wheat was obtained from www.einkorn.com. Balb/cJ male mice were bred and maintained on a plant protein-free diet. Mice were exposed to SSPEs or saline via skin once a week for nine weeks. SSPE-specific IgE (sIgE) was measured using an ELISA. After sensitization, mice were orally challenged with SSPEs or saline to elicit a hypothermia shock response (HSR). We found that both AA- and DD-SSPEs elicited significant and comparable levels of sIgE responses upon skin exposures. Oral challenge with DD-SSPE but not saline in DD-SSPE sensitized elicited a mild HSR lasting up to only 15 minutes. In contrast, oral challenge with AA-SSPE but not saline in AA-SSPE sensitized mice elicited a severe HSR lasting for 30 minutes. These data together suggest that the diploid wheats induce comparable sensitization, but DD wheat is less potent in inducing oral anaphylaxis compared to the AA wheat.

Lentinan Inhibited the Activation of Th2 Cells in Allergic Mice by Reducing the Amplitude of Changes in Biological Rhythm

Introduction: Biological rhythm is inextricably linked to the physiological mechanisms of allergic diseases, but the exact mechanisms are still poorly understood. Clinical studies have reported rhythmic fluctuations in allergic diseases. The search for natural and harmless active ingredients based on biological rhythm with which to regulate allergic diseases is essential for the control of food allergy. Methods: In this study, mice were treated at different time points to determine the link between the severity of allergic reactions and the circadian clock genes. The mice were treated with lentinan, either continuously or discontinuously, to assess their clinical symptoms, vascular permeability, immune cells, cytokines, and clock genes. Specifically, rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells were treated with lentinan and the rhythmic changes of cell degranulation were measured. Results: The results in different models showed that the allergic reactions in mice treated at different time points were significantly different and thus related to fluctuations in biological rhythm. Treatment with lentinan was found to reduce the amplitude of changes in the clock genes, such as the activation of Per and Cry proteins in allergic mice, as well as to regulate biological rhythm in cells, inhibit the activation of Th2 cells, and alleviate allergic reactions. Furthermore, lentinan changed the rhythm of degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells. Conclusion: Lentinan was, therefore, determined to successfully alleviate allergic reactions by reducing the amplitude of changes in the body’s biological rhythm, inhibiting the activation of Th2 cells, and affecting the immune microenvironment.

Methylglyoxal Decoration of Glutenin during Heat Processing Could Alleviate the Resulting Allergic Reaction in Mice.

Background: It is widely believed that Maillard reactions could affect the sensitization of allergens. However, the mechanism of action of methylglyoxal (MGO) production in Maillard reactions in the sensitization variation of glutenin (a predominant allergen in wheat) during heat processing is still unclear. Methods: This research evaluated the effect of MGO on the immune response against glutenin in a mouse model. The resulting variations in conformation and corresponding digestibility of glutenin were determined. The immune response and gut microflora variation in mice were analyzed following administering of glutenin and MGO-glutenin. Results: The results of the study showed that MGO-glutenin induced a lower immune response than native glutenin. Cytokine analysis showed that MGO-glutenin regulated mouse immune response by inducing Treg differentiation. MGO decoration changed the structure and digestibility of glutenin. In addition, MGO-glutenin contributes to the maintenance of the beneficial gut microflora. Conclusion: MGO decoration of glutenin during heat processing could alleviate the resulting allergic reaction in mice. Decoration with MGO appears to contribute to the aggregation of glutenin, potentially masking surface epitopes and abating sensitization. Furthermore, Bacteroides induced regulatory T-cell (Treg) differentiation, which may contribute to inhibition of the Th2 immune response and stimulation of immune tolerance.

Pterostilbene Inhibits FcεRI Signaling through Activation of the LKB1/AMPK Pathway in Allergic Response.

In this study, the role and mechanism of pterostilbene (Pts) in mast cell degranulation in vitro and in vivo were investigated. The results showed that Pts inhibited mast cell-mediated local passive allergic reactions in mice. In addition, treatment with Pts reduced both histamine release and calcium influx in rat peritoneal mast cells and RBL-2H3 cells and reduced IgE-mediated mast cell activation. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying Pts inhibition of mast cell signaling was probed via studying the effects of Pts on liver kinase B1 (LKB1), including the use of the LKB1 activator metformin and siRNA knockdown of LKB1. The data showed that Pts reduced the release of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, leukotriene C4, and prostaglandin D2 in mast cells by activating the LKB1/adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. Furthermore, Pts inhibited phosphorylation of FcεRI and FcεRI-mediated degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells. These effects were attenuated after LKB1 knockdown. Taken together, Pts could inhibit FcεRI signaling through activation of the LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway in IgE-mediated mast cell activation. Thus, Pts might be an effective therapeutic agent for mast cell-mediated allergic diseases.

Anaphylaxis induced by Thalassophryne nattereri venom in mice is an IgE/IgG1-mediated, IL-4-dependent phenomenon

We hypothesized that beyond the Thalassophryne nattereri venoms ability to induce in mice a strong specific-Th2 response with high levels of specific IgE/IgG1, it would be able to trigger anaphylaxis in sensitized individuals. To investigate whether the venom is capable of inducing an allergic reaction in mice and characterize soluble and cellular mediators involved in this process, BALB/c female mice were sensitized intraperitoneally with decreasing-dose of venom at weekly intervals for 4 weeks and challenged by intraperitoneal, oral or epicutaneous routes with venom 2 weeks later. Our data show that sensitized-mice challenged by all routes showed intense symptoms of anaphylaxis, dependent on the anaphylactic IgG1 and IgE antibodies and mast cells. The late-phase reaction developed after initial symptoms was characterized by the influx of eosinophils, dependent on IL-5, IL-17A and eotaxin produced by Th2 cells in inflamed lungs and skin draining lymph-nodes. Using C57BL/6 deficient mice we demonstrated that IL-4 KO mice failed to develop anaphylactic symptoms or local Th2 inflammation, producing low levels of IgG1 and increased levels of IgG2a. Together our results demonstrated that the venom of T. nattereri has allergenic proteins that can trigger an allergic process, a phenomenon IgE-IgG1 dependent, IL-4-mediated and negatively regulated by IFN-γ.

Epicutaneous Exposure to Peanut Oil Induces Systemic and Pulmonary Allergic Reaction in Mice

Background: The prevalence of peanut allergy (PA) is constantly on the rise. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a major risk factor for developing food allergy. Some bath oils and skin creams used for treating AD contain peanut oil, and it has been suggested that exposure to peanut allergens through a disrupted skin barrier is a potential cause of PA. Our aim was to investigate whether application of peanut oil to irritated skin causes a systemic or respiratory allergic response to peanuts in an animal model. Methods: BALB/c mice underwent epicutaneous sensitization with either peanut oil (PM, n = 9) or phosphate buffered solution (controls, n = 9) daily for 5 consecutive days. Ten days after the last exposure the mice were challenged with intranasal peanut protein for 5 consecutive days. Bronchial alveolar lavage fluid was collected for cellular studies and measurement of cytokine levels. Sera were collected for immunoglobulin E (IgE) measurement. Results: Epicutaneous peanut oil sensitization increased leukocyte and eosinophil counts and interleukin-13 levels (p = 0.003, p = 0.0006 and p = 0.03, respectively), in addition to increasing total serum IgE (p = 0.03). Conclusions: The results suggest that topical application of peanut oil may play a role in the etiology of PA.

Erratum: 2-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid attenuates mast cell-mediated allergic reaction in mice via modulation of the FcεRI signaling pathway.

Erratum: 2-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid attenuates mast cell-mediated allergic reaction in mice via modulation of the FcεRI signaling pathway.

Uncovering the Molecular Mechanism of Anti-Allergic Activity of Silkworm Pupa-Grown Cordyceps militaris Fruit Body.

Cordyceps militaris has been widely used as an herbal drug and tonic food in East Asia and has also been recently studied in the West because of its various pharmacological activities such as antitumoral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-allergic activity of ethanol extract prepared from silkworm pupa-cultivated Cordyceps militaris fruit bodies in activated mast cells. Our results showed that ethanol extract treatment significantly inhibited the release of [Formula: see text]-hexosaminidase (a degranulation marker) and mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text] as well as interleukin-4 in RBL-2H3 cells. The cells were sensitized with 2,4-dinitrophenol specific IgE and then stimulated with human serum albumin conjugated with 2,4-dinitrophenol. Oral administration of 300[Formula: see text]mg/kg ethanol extract significantly ameliorated IgE-induced allergic reaction in mice with passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. Western immunoblotting results demonstrated that ethanol extract incubation significantly inhibited Syk/PI3K/MEKK4/JNK/c-jun biochemical cascade in activated RBL-2H3 cells, which activated the expression of various allergic cytokines. In addition, it suppressed Erk activation and PLC[Formula: see text] evocation, which would respectively evoke the synthesis of lipid mediators and Ca[Formula: see text] mobilization to induce degranulation in stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. A compound, identified as [Formula: see text]-sitostenone, was shown to inhibit [Formula: see text]-hexosaminidase secretion from activated mast cells. Our study demonstrated that ethanol extract contained the ingredients, which could inhibit immediate degranulation and de novo synthesis of allergic lipid mediators and cytokines in activated mast cells.