Allergic Sensitization Research Articles

Dupilumab as Therapeutic Option in Polysensitized Atopic Dermatitis Patients Suffering from Food Allergy.

IgE-mediated food allergy is characterized immunologically by a type 1 immune response triggered upon exposure to specific foods and clinically by a broad range of manifestations and variable severity. Our understanding of food allergy within the allergic march of atopic dermatitis (AD) is still incomplete despite the related risk of unpredictable and potentially severe associated reactions such as anaphylactic shock. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effects of dupilumab, an IL-4/IL-13 monoclonal antibody approved for AD, on the allergic sensitization profile of patients with AD and type 1 hypersensitivity-related comorbidities, including oral allergy syndrome, anaphylaxis, and gastrointestinal disorders. We conducted an observational pilot study with a longitudinal prospective design, enrolling 20 patients eligible for treatment with dupilumab. Laboratory exams for total serum IgE, specific IgE, and molecular allergen components were performed at baseline and after 16 weeks of therapy. Our results demonstrate a statistically significant decrease in molecular components, specific IgE for trophoallergens, and specific IgE for aeroallergens following treatment with dupilumab. We suggest that modulating type 2 immunity may decrease IgE-mediated responses assessed with laboratory exams and therefore could minimize allergic symptoms in polysensitized patients. Upcoming results of randomized controlled trials investigating dupilumab in food allergy are highly anticipated to confirm its potential effect in the treatment of IgE-mediated food allergies.

Effects of pregnancy and lactation prebiotics supplementation on infant allergic disease: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundIngestion of prebiotics during pregnancy and lactation may have immunomodulatory benefits for the developing fetal and infant immune system and provide a potential dietary strategy to reduce the risk of allergic diseases. ObjectiveThe aim of this trial was to determine whether maternal supplementation with dietary prebiotics reduces the risk of allergic outcomes in infants with hereditary risk. MethodsWe undertook a double-blind, randomized controlled trial in which pregnant women were allocated to consume prebiotics (14.2g daily of galacto-oligosaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides in ratio 9:1) or placebo (8.7g daily maltodextrin) powder from <21 weeks gestation until 6-months postnatal during lactation. Eligible women had infants with a first-degree relative with a history of medically diagnosed allergic disease. The primary outcome was infant medically diagnosed eczema by 1-year of age, and secondary outcomes included allergen sensitization, food allergy, and recurrent wheeze by 1-year of age. Results652 women were randomized between June 2016 and November 2021 (n=329 prebiotics, n=323 placebo). There was no significant difference between groups in the percentage of infants with medically diagnosed eczema by 1-year of age (prebiotics 31.5% (103/327 infants) compared to placebo 32.6% (105/322 infants); adjusted relative risk 0.98 (95% CI 0.77, 1.23; p=0.84). Secondary outcomes and safety measures also did not significantly differ between groups. ConclusionWe found little evidence that maternal prebiotics supplementation during pregnancy and lactation reduces the risk of infant medically diagnosed eczema by 1-year of age in infants who are at hereditary risk of allergic disease.

Infantile colic is associated with development of later constipation and atopic disorders.

Infantile colic is a common condition with limited knowledge about later clinical manifestations. We evaluated the role of the early life gut microbiome in infantile colic and later development of atopic and gastrointestinal disorders. Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood2010 cohort was followed with 6 years of extensive clinical phenotyping. The 1-month gut microbiome was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Infantile colic was evaluated at age 3 months by interviews. Clinical endpoints included constipation to age 3 years and prospectively diagnosed asthma and atopic dermatitis in the first 6 years of life, and allergic sensitization from skin prick tests, specific Immunoglobulin E, and component analyses. Of 695 children, 55 children (7.9%) had infantile colic. Several factors were associated with colic including race, breastfeeding, and pets. The 1-month gut microbiome composition and taxa abundances were not associated with colic, however a sparse Partial Least Squares model including combined abundances of nine species was moderately predictive of colic: median, cross-validated AUC = 0.627, p = .003. Children with infantile colic had an increased risk of developing constipation (aOR, 2.88 [1.51-5.35], p = .001) later in life, but also asthma (aHR, 1.69 [1.02-2.79], p = .040), atopic dermatitis (aHR, 1.84 [1.20-2.81], p = .005) and had a higher number of positive allergic components (adjusted difference, 116% [14%-280%], p = .012) in the first 6 years. These associations were not mediated by gut microbiome differences. We link infantile colic with risk of developing constipation and atopic disorders in the first 6 years of life, which was not mediated through an altered gut microbiome at age 1-month. These results suggest infantile colic to involve gastrointestinal and/or atopic mechanisms.

Dietary patterns are associated with allergic sensitization at school age: the PARIS birth cohort

Dietary patterns are associated with allergic sensitization at school age: the PARIS birth cohort

Malnutrition and Allergies: Tipping the Immune Balance towards Health.

Malnutrition, which includes macro- and micronutrient deficiencies, is common in individuals with allergic dermatitis, food allergies, rhinitis, and asthma. Prolonged deficiencies of proteins, minerals, and vitamins promote Th2 inflammation, setting the stage for allergic sensitization. Consequently, malnutrition, which includes micronutrient deficiencies, fosters the development of allergies, while an adequate supply of micronutrients promotes immune cells with regulatory and tolerogenic phenotypes. As protein and micronutrient deficiencies mimic an infection, the body's innate response limits access to these nutrients by reducing their dietary absorption. This review highlights our current understanding of the physiological functions of allergenic proteins, iron, and vitamin A, particularly regarding their reduced bioavailability under inflamed conditions, necessitating different dietary approaches to improve their absorption. Additionally, the role of most allergens as nutrient binders and their involvement in nutritional immunity will be briefly summarized. Their ability to bind nutrients and their close association with immune cells can trigger exaggerated immune responses and allergies in individuals with deficiencies. However, in nutrient-rich conditions, these allergens can also provide nutrients to immune cells and promote health.

Uronium peptide coupling agents: Another case of occupational airborne allergic sensitization induced by HBTU.

Uronium peptide coupling agents (HBTU, HATU, and HCTU) create a special hazard as they are immune sensitizers. Few reported cases are mentioned in the literature; despite that, it is important to raise the awareness on the subject and to highlight the risk and potential symptoms that could occur to those who directly work in contact with uronium peptide coupling agents, as well as to the safety deputies in the universities and industries. Based on a personal experience, the health impact of laboratory exposure to HBTU is described, and the insights gained from the experience are developed. A skin irritation reaction and allergy symptoms induced by HBTU exposure are shown here as well as the rate of worsening of symptoms since the first allergic reaction. Recommendations for handling coupling agents more safely in the research laboratory will also be given, and a casuistry of the matter to help other lab-users to recognize, assess, minimize, prepare for emergencies (RAMP) process.

Oral exposure to nano- and microplastics: Potential effects in food allergies?

BackgroundFood allergies (FA) is an inappropriate immune response to dietary antigens and ranks among the most common chronic diseases globally, with a rising incidence. Environmental exposure significantly influences the development of FA. In modern life, hundreds of thousands of novel environmental contaminants have been introduced, including nano- and microplastics (NMPs). The recently introduced ‘Epithelial Barrier Theory’ suggests that NMPs damage the epithelium of our skin, lungs and gastrointestinal system. And studies also have shown a correlation between NMPs exposure and allergic diseases, such as allergic asthma and rhinitis. However, the relationship between NMPs and FA remains unclear. There is a possibility that high concentrations of NMPs in the diet and environment could increase the prevalence or severity of FA. PurposeThis review aimed to provide relevant information on the possible effects of NMPs exposure on FA. Main findingsContaminating NMPs can interact with food allergens in the food matrix, potentially binding to and altering their structure. Moreover, NMPs might decrease the gastrointestinal digestibility of food allergens, increase intestinal permeability, promote an intestinal inflammatory environment in the intestines, cause intestinal dysbiosis or interfere with immune systems-all of which might enhance sensitivity to food allergens. Principal conclusionsGiven the limited information on the impacts of NMPs exposure regarding to the risk of FA development, further research is needed to determine whether NMPs could amplify the risk of allergic sensitization to food proteins.

Basophil FceRI expression-A management tool in anti-IgE treatment of allergic asthma.

Immune-based therapy targeting immunoglobulin E (IgE), anti-IgE treatment, has emerged as an adjunct treatment for children with severe allergic asthma. After start of anti-IgE treatment, an effect of the treatment cannot be monitored by Total-IgE, because current methods measure both bound and free IgE molecules. Basophil activation test may be very useful for monitoring anti-IgE treatment efficacy. The objective of this paper is to evaluate if basophil activation test is applicable in regulating the anti-IgE treatment. A case series of 20 children with IgE-mediated severe allergic asthma were treated according to guidelines with anti-IgE (Omalizumab). Blood samples were drawn for total IgE, specific IgE, number of IgE receptors (FcεRI) and basophil sensitivity were measured at baseline before anti-IgE treatment and 4 months after initiation of anti-IgE treatment. A total of 19 out of 20 children had statistically significant and clinically relevant effects of anti-IgE treatment on symptom score, lung function and medication. All 20 children had a significant reduction in basophil allergen sensitivity and the number of IgE receptors (FcεRI) on blood basophils. Anti-IgE treatment was found to be well controlled by measuring basophil allergen sensitivity and FceRI density on blood basophils. This cohort study demonstrates a promising method, measuring basophil allergen sensitivity and in particular blood basophil FceRI density, concerning the monitoring of anti-IgE treatment in different clinical situations. There are no randomized controlled trials evaluating this method in clinical settings.

Heterogeneous IL-9 Production by Circulating Skin-Tropic and Extracutaneous Memory T Cells in Atopic Dermatitis Patients.

Interleukin (IL)-9 is present in atopic dermatitis (AD) lesions and is considered to be mainly produced by skin-homing T cells expressing the cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA). However, its induction by AD-associated triggers remains unexplored. Circulating skin-tropic CLA+ and extracutaneous/systemic CLA- memory T cells cocultured with autologous lesional epidermal cells from AD patients were activated with house dust mite (HDM) and staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). Levels of AD-related mediators in response to both stimuli were measured in supernatants, and the cytokine response was associated with different clinical characteristics. Both HDM and SEB triggered heterogeneous IL-9 production by CLA+ and CLA- T cells in a clinically homogenous group of AD patients, which enabled patient stratification into IL-9 producers and non-producers, with the former group exhibiting heightened HDM-specific and total IgE levels. Upon allergen exposure, IL-9 production depended on the contribution of epidermal cells and class II-mediated presentation; it was the greatest cytokine produced and correlated with HDM-specific IgE levels, whereas SEB mildly induced its release. This study demonstrates that both skin-tropic and extracutaneous memory T cells produce IL-9 and suggests that the degree of allergen sensitization reflects the varied IL-9 responses in vitro, which may allow for patient stratification in a clinically homogenous population.

Bilirubin metabolism in early life and respiratory health during preschool age: A combined analysis of two independent birth cohorts.

Bilirubin has antioxidant properties, and elevated levels within the normal range have been associated with improved lung function and decreased risk of asthma in adults, but studies of young children are scarce. Here, we investigate associations between bilirubin in early life and respiratory health endpoints during preschool age in two independent birth cohorts. Bilirubin metabolites were assessed at ages 0.5, 1.5, and 6 years in COPSAC2010 (Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood 2010) and ages 1, 3, and 6 years in the VDAART (The Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial) cohort. Meta-analyses were done to summarize the relationship between levels of bilirubin metabolites and asthma, infections, lung function, and allergic sensitization until age 6 across the cohorts. Interaction with the glucuronosyltransferase family 1 member A1 (UGT1A) genotype encoding for an enzyme in the bilirubin metabolism was explored, and metabolomics data were integrated to study underlying mechanisms. Increasing bilirubin (Z,Z) at ages 1.5-3 years was associated with an increased risk of allergic sensitization (adjusted relative risk [aRR]= 1.85 [1.20-2.85], p= 0.005), and age 6 bilirubin (Z,Z) also showed a trend of association with allergic sensitization at age 6 (aRR= 1.31 [0.97-1.77], p= 0.08), which showed significant interaction for the age 6 bilirubin (Z,Z)xUGT1A genotype. Further, increasing bilirubin (E,E), bilirubin (Z,Z), and biliverdin at ages 1.5-3 years was associated with a lower forced expiratory volume at age 6 (aRRrange= 0.81-0.91, p<0.049) but without a significant interaction with the UGT1A genotype (pinteractions>0.05). Network analysis showed a significant correlation between bilirubin metabolism and acyl carnitines. There were no associations between bilirubin metabolites and the risk of asthma and infections. Bilirubin metabolism in early life may play a role in childhood respiratory health, particularly in children with specific UGT1A genotypes. The Lundbeck Foundation (Grant no R16-A1694), The Ministry of Health (Grant no 903516), Danish Council for Strategic Research (Grant no 0603-00280B), and The Capital Region Research Foundation have provided core support to the COPSAC research center. This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No. 946228). The Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial (VDDART, ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00920621) was supported by grant U01HL091528 from NHLBI, U54TR001012 from the National Centers for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). Metabolomics work by VDAART was supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) grant R01HL123915 and R01HL141826. S.T.W. was supported by R01HL091528 from the NHLBI, UG3OD023268 from Office of The Director, National Institute of Health, and P01HL132825 from the NHLBI.

Allergen Sensitivity Patterns and Their Correlation With Total Serum IgE Levels and Absolute Eosinophil Counts Among Patients With Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma in North Karnataka.

Introduction Respiratory allergies are prevalent across all populations and age groups, with the specific types of allergens varying according to geographic area, climate, location, economic status, and ethnic identity. While skin prick testing is considered the gold standard for assessing specific IgE against particular allergens, several factors can make the test less preferred. Consequently, total serum IgE levels and eosinophil counts are often used instead. Objectives The study aimed to determine allergen sensitivity patterns among patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma and to correlate skin prick test (SPT) reactivity with total serum IgE levels and absolute eosinophil count (AECs). This was done to assess the potential use of these measures as screening tests. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 44 patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. Each patient underwent an allergen SPT, and measurements were taken for total serum IgE levels and eosinophil counts. The study identified the most common allergens resulting in positive SPTs. Pearson correlation test was used for continuous variables, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The study found that the majority of patients had only allergic rhinitis (17, 38.6%), followed by those with only asthma (12, 27.3%), and those with both allergic rhinitis and asthma (15, 34.1%). The most common allergen was Blomia (house dust mite), affecting 22 (50%) patients, while the least common were honey bee and lemon, each affecting 1 (2.3%) patient. There was a significant correlation between total serum IgE levels and AECs (p < 0.05). Additionally, a statistically significant correlation was found between total serum IgE levels, eosinophil counts, and the number of allergens to which patients were sensitized. Conclusion Blomia (house dust mite) is the most common allergen among patients with respiratory allergies in North Karnataka. While total serum IgE levels and AECs may help identify the extent of allergen sensitivity, the SPT remains the gold standard.

Venom Component Allergen IgE Measurement in the Diagnosis and Management of Insect Sting Allergy

Accurate identification of the allergy-eliciting stinging insect(s) is essential to insuring effective management of Hymenoptera venom-allergic individuals with venom-specific immunotherapy (VIT). Diagnostic testing using whole venom extracts with skin tests and serological-based analyses remains the first level of discrimination for honeybee versus vespid venom sensitization in clinical history-positive patients. As a second-level evaluation, serological testing using molecular venom allergens can further discriminate genuine sensitization (honeybee venom: Api m 1, 3, 4, and 10 versus yellow jacket venom/Polistes dominula venom Ves v 1/Pol d 1 and Ves v 5/Pol d 5) from inter-species cross-reactivity [hyaluronidases (Api m 2, Ves v 2, Pol d 2) and dipeptidyl peptidases IV (Api m 5, Ves v 3, Pol d 3)]. Clinical laboratories use a number of singleplex, oligoplex, and multiplex immunoassays that employ both extracted whole venom and molecular venom allergens (highlighted above) for confirmation of allergic venom sensitization. Established quantitative singleplex autoanalyzers have general governmental regulatory clearance worldwide for venom allergic patient testing with maximally achievable analytical sensitivity (0.1 kUA/L) and confirmed reproducibility (inter-assay CVs<10%). Emerging oligo- and multiplex (fixed panel) assays conserve on serum and are more cost-effective, but they need regulatory clearance in some countries and are prone to higher rates of detecting asymptomatic sensitization. Ultimately, the patient’s clinical history, combined with the proof of sensitization, is the final arbiter in the diagnosis of Hymenoptera venom allergy.

Dog Allergy in Children: A Single-Centered Study

Introduction: Dogs are among the most commonly allergenic pets for children. Data on risk factors for the development of dog allergy are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of children with dog allergy and identify predictors of symptom development with dog exposure. Methods: The study included children with dog allergen sensitization demonstrated by skin prick test (SPT) between September 1, 2019, and December 1, 2022. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected from the patients’ records and interviews with parents. Results: Dog allergen sensitization was detected by SPT in 548 (5.5%) of 9,907 patients. Of these, 507 patients had complete data and were included in the analysis. The patients’ median age was 11 (IQR: 8–15) years, 55.8% were male, 97.6% exhibited polysensitization (pollen 75.1%, cat 69.6%), 83.6% had allergic rhinitis, and 46.2% had asthma. Acute dog exposure caused symptoms in 164 patients (32.3%), most commonly sneezing (n = 97) and nasal symptoms (n = 80). Predictors of acute symptoms in dog-sensitized children were male sex (OR: 0.584 [CI: 0.38–0.87]), dog exposure before 1 year of age (OR: 2.35 [CI: 1.18–4.66]), close contact with a dog owner (OR: 2.93 [CI: 1.78–4.8]), and cat allergy (OR: 2.75 [CI: 1.82–4.1]). Conclusion: Approximately one-third of children with dog sensitization developed symptoms after exposure to the dog. Male sex, direct dog exposure before the age of one, close contact with a dog owner, and cat allergy were identified as predictors of dog allergy.

Intranasal administration of a synthetic TLR4 agonist INI-2004 significantly reduces allergy symptoms following therapeutic administration in a murine model of allergic sensitization.

Atopic diseases have been steadily increasing over the past decades and effective disease-modifying treatment options are urgently needed. These studies introduce a novel synthetic Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist, INI-2004, with remarkable efficacy as a therapeutic intranasal treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis. Using a murine airway allergic sensitization model, the impact of INI-2004 on allergic responses was assessed. One or two intranasal doses of INI-2004 significantly reduced airway resistance, eosinophil influx, and Th2 cytokine production - providing strong evidence of allergic desensitization. Further investigations revealed that a liposomal formulation of INI-2004 exhibited better safety and efficacy profiles compared to aqueous formulations. Importantly, the liposomal formulation demonstrated a 1000-fold increase in the maximum tolerated intravenous dose in pigs. Pre-clinical GLP toxicology studies in rats and pigs confirmed the safety of liposomal INI-2004, supporting its selection for human clinical trials. These findings lay the groundwork for the ongoing clinical evaluation of INI-2004 in allergic rhinitis as a stand-alone therapy for individuals poly-sensitized to multiple seasonal allergens. The study underscores the significance of innovative immunotherapy approaches in reshaping the landscape of allergic rhinitis management.

The search for still unknown pathomechanisms of allergy

In recent decades, atopic diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic asthma (AA), allergic rhinitis (AR), and food allergy (FA) have been estimated rapidly increasing in prevalence. These diseases are characterized by the presence of specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) and often relate to each other and develop in sequence (the so-called “atopic march”). AD may be the first early manifestation in infants followed by FA often within the first year of life. Moreover, AD is a risk factor for developing sensitization to airborne allergens later in life that can cause clinical manifestations of AA and AR. According to the dual-allergen exposure hypothesis, allergic sensitization to food allergens is promoted through cutaneous exposure, rather than the oral route. Moreover, there is evidence that exposure to food allergens, in particular peanuts, in the airway would also lead to food sensitization. The most frequent route of sensitization for inhalant allergens is still debated. Of note, a recent case report supports the development of sensitization to cat dander through a cat bite. Our review aims to provide an overview of current knowledge and unmet needs in the pathophysiology of respiratory and FAs.

Allergic Sensitization and Psychosomatic Involvement in Outdoor and Indoor Workers: A Preliminary and Explorative Survey of Motorway Toll Collectors and Office Employees.

The incidence of respiratory and cutaneous allergic disorders may be variable if we consider work activity. These disorders are reported in the current literature to have a relevant psychosomatic involvement. The aim of the study was to submit a survey on the self-reported occurrence of allergic respiratory and cutaneous diseases in outdoor and indoor workers to verify the onset or exacerbations of such pathologies, encourage surveillance, and suggest the need for further studies. Two groups of workers were compared when exposed and not exposed to air pollutants. An outdoor population of motorway toll collectors (153 workers; M: 58.03 years old, SD: 6.1; and female prevalence of 66.01%) and an indoor group of office employees (59 workers; mean age 54.44 years, SD: 8.50; and male prevalence of 61.02%) entered the study. The results of three multivariate analyses of the obtained data, investigating contributions of external factors, including age, sex, smoking habits, working type, and seniority, on allergic conditions were significant in both workers' groups. The findings highlighted that age and smoking habits were significant contributors to allergic conditions, both independently and in combination with other factors, such as sex and working type. The data suggest the presence of phenomena related to different etiological domains, as already reported in the literature. Through the collection of these data, it was possible to highlight the need to analyze clinical signs from different perspectives.

Evolution of pathologic B-cell subsets and serum environment-specific sIgEs in patients with atopic dermatitis and controls, from infancy to adulthood.

While B-cells have historically been implicated in allergy development, a growing body of evidence supports their role in atopic dermatitis (AD). B-cell differentiation across ages in AD, and its relation to disease severity scores, has not been well defined. To compare the frequency of B-cell subsets in blood of 0-5, 6-11, 12-17, and ≥18 years old patients with AD versus age-matched controls. Flow cytometry was used to measure B-cell subset frequencies in the blood of 27 infants, 17 children, 11 adolescents, and 31 adults with moderate-to-severe AD and age-matched controls. IgD/CD27 and CD24/CD38 core gating systems and an 11-color flow cytometry panel were used to determine frequencies of circulating B-cell subsets. Serum total and allergen-specific IgE (sIgEs) levels were measured using ImmunoCAP®. Adolescents with AD had lower frequencies of major B-cells subsets (p < .03). CD23 expression increased with age and was higher in AD compared to controls across all age groups (p < .04). In AD patients, multiple positive correlations were observed between IL-17-producing T-cells and B-cell subsets, most significantly non-switched memory (NSM) B-cells (r = .41, p = .0005). AD severity positively correlated with a list of B-cell subsets (p < .05). IL-9 levels gradually increased during childhood, reaching a peak in adolescence, paralleling allergen sensitization, particularly in severe AD. Principal component analysis of the aggregated environmental sIgE data showed that while controls across all ages tightly clustered together, adolescents with AD demonstrated distinct clustering patterns relative to controls. Multiple correlations between B-cells and T-cells, as well as disease severity measures, suggest a complex interplay of immune pathways in AD. Unique B-cell signature during adolescence, with concurrent allergen sensitization and IL-9 surge, point to a potentially wider window of opportunity to implement interventions that may prevent the progression of the atopic march.

Resolving multi-image spatial lipidomic responses to inhaled toxicants by machine learning.

Regional responses to inhaled toxicants are essential to understand the pathogenesis of lung disease under exposure to air pollution. We evaluated the effect of combined allergen sensitization and ozone exposure on eliciting spatial differences in lipid distribution in the mouse lung that may contribute to ozone-induced exacerbations in asthma. Lung lobes from male and female BALB/c mice were cryosectioned and acquired by high resolution mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). Processed MSI peak annotations were validated by LC-MS/MS data from scraped tissue slides and microdissected lung tissue. Images were normalized and segmented into clusters. Interestingly, segmented clusters overlapped with stained serial tissue sections, enabling statistical analysis across biological replicates for morphologically relevant lung regions. Spatially distinct lipids had higher overall degree of unsaturated fatty acids in distal lung regions compared to proximal regions. Furthermore, the airway and alveolar epithelium exhibited significantly decreased sphingolipid and glycerophospholipid abundance in females, but not in males. We demonstrate the potential role of lipid saturation in healthy lung function and highlight sex differences in regional lung lipid distribution following ozone exposure. Our study provides a framework for future MSI experiments capable of relative quantification across biological replicates and expansion to multiple sample types, including human tissue.

Food allergen sensitization patterns in psoriasis patients

Food allergen sensitization patterns in psoriasis patients

Infantile Peanut Introduction and Peanut Allergy in Regions With a Low Prevalence of Peanut Allergy: The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS).

In regions with a high prevalence of peanut allergy (PA), there is a consensus that the introduction of peanuts in early infancy is preventive against the development of PA. However, few studies have investigated whether the introduction of peanuts to infants is associated with PA in regions with a low prevalence of PA, including Japan. We used data from 74,240 mother-child pairs who participated in the Japan Environment and Children's Study, a prospective birth cohort recruited between January 2011 and March 2014. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between infantile peanut introduction and PA at the age of 4 years with non-infantile peanut introduction as the reference group, adjusted for potential confounders. The percentage of infantile peanut introduction was 4.9% (n = 3,294), and 286 (0.4%) participants had allergic symptoms to peanuts at 4 years of age. Of all participants, 129 (0.2%) had PA at 4 years of age, which was defined as allergic symptoms and sensitization to peanuts. Those with infantile peanut introduction had a lower prevalence of PA than those without infantile peanut introduction, although this did not reach statistical significance (adjusted odds ratio 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.17-1.68). Sensitivity analysis using IgE-mediated symptoms caused by peanuts as the outcome showed a similar result in relation to infantile peanut introduction. In countries with a low prevalence of PA, the effect of infantile peanut introduction on PA prevention was unclear.