Allergic Group Research Articles

Decreasing effect of Bacillus coagulans on allergy symptoms and IgE level in wistar rat model with ovalbumin-induced allergy

Probiotics are living microorganisms with beneficial effects on the host health by modulating the intestinal microbial flora. In this study, the effect of Bacillus coagulans as a probiotic was investigated on reducing serum immunoglobulin (IgE) levels in Allergic Rats model. Also, microflora changes were evaluated in Wistar rats.First, the ability of Bacillus coagulans for binding to Caco2 cell line was investigated. Then, in order to evaluate its effect on allergy, 30 adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, then the allergy induced by peritoneal injection of OVA and probiotic treatment was done during 21 days, then serum immunoglobulin levels were measured, also by determining the microflora pattern, the effect of probiotic function was investigated on intestinal microflora. The results showed that B. coagulans was able to bind to the Caco2 cell line properly. Consumption of this probiotic resulted in a significant reduction in serum immunoglobulin levels (32.41%) P<0.0001 in rats with induces allergies by OVA. In addition, after 3 weeks, Probiotic could increase the amount of lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and spore-bearing bacteria in the experimental group compared to the positive allergic control group by 48.8%, 25.45% and 80.59%, respectively. Weight loss was 5.9% in the negative control group and weight gain was 47% in the positive control group.

Sensitization characteristics of ragweed pollen in Beijing area

Objective:To investigate the sensitization characteristics of ragweed pollen in patients with allergic rhinitis（AR） and（or） allergic asthma in Beijing area, and to provide basis for the prevention and treatment of ragweed pollen sensitized population. Methods:Patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma from January 2017 to December 2019 in the outpatient department of Allergy Department of Beijing Shijitan Hospital were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Skin prick test（SPT） was performed with ragweed pollen allergen reagents to compare different ages, genders and respiratory diseases allergen distribution, and to observe the sensitization characteristics of its population. All of the analyses were performed using SAS software version 9.4. Results:A total of 9 727 patients were enrolled in the end. The total positive rate of ragweed pollen SPT was 45.50%（4 426/9 727）, the highest positive rate was 65.54% in 13-17 years old group; The positive rate of ragweed pollen SPT was 49.79% in allergic rhinitis combined with asthma patients, followed by 46.46% in allergic rhinitis patients, and the lowest rate was 19.42% in single allergic asthma patients. There were more females than males in both ragweed pollen sensitized and non-ragweed pollen sensitized groups（P<0.05）, and the proportion was higher in 30-39 years old than in other age groups（P<0.05）. Ragweed pollen sensitization was higher than non-ragweed pollen sensitization in the allergic rhinitis group（98.49% vs 94.76%, P<0.05）. Ragweed pollen with other summer and autumn pollen allergens in patients with positive SPT, the top three were Chenopodium pollen, Humulus pollen and Artemisia grandis pollen, with positive rates of 90.42%, 89.63% and 85.40%, respectively. Ragweed combined with other pollen sensitization accounted for 99.57%（4 407/4 426）. Allergic rhinitis was the main disease in patients sensitized with ragweed pollen alone or combined with other pollens, and there was no significant difference between the two groups（94.97% vs 98.50%, P>0.05）. Conclusion:Ragweed pollen is highly sensitized in Beijing area, single ragweed pollen sensitization is rare, often combined with multiple pollen sensitization, and allergic rhinitis is the main disease.

Alteration of taste perception, food neophobia and oral microbiota composition in children with food allergy

Currently, the mechanisms underlying sensory perception and sensory performance in children with food allergies are far from being understood. As well, only recently, single research afforded the oral host-commensal milieu, addressing oral microbial communities in children with peanut allergies. To bridge the current gaps in knowledge both in the sensory and microbial fields, a psychophysiological case–control study was performed in allergic children (n = 29) and a healthy sex-age-matched control group (n = 30). Taste perception, food neophobia, and liking were compared in allergic and non-allergic children. The same subjects were characterized for their oral microbiota composition by addressing saliva to assess whether specific profiles were associated with the loss of oral tolerance in children with food allergies. Our study evidenced an impaired ability to correctly identify taste qualities in the allergic group compared to controls. These results were also consistent with anatomical data related to the fungiform papillae on the tongue, which are lower in number in the allergic group. Furthermore, distinct oral microbial profiles were associated with allergic disease, with significant down-representations of the phylum Firmicutes and of the genera Veillonella spp., Streptococcus spp., Prevotella spp., and Neisseria spp. For the first time, this study emphasizes the link between sensory perception and food allergy, which is a novel and whole-organism view of this pathology. Our data indicated that an impaired taste perception, as regards both functionality and physiologically, was associated with food allergy, which marginally influences the food neophobia attitude. It is also accompanied by compositional shifts in oral microbiota, which is, in turn, another actor of this complex interplay and is deeply interconnected with mucosal immunity. This multidisciplinary research will likely open exciting new approaches to therapeutic interventions.

Serological analysis of allergic components of house dust mite provides more insight in epidemiological characteristics and clinical symptom development in North China.

House dust mite (HDM) is the most common airborne source causing complex allergy symptoms. There are geographic differences in the allergen molecule sensitization profiles. Serological testing with allergen components may provide more clues for diagnosis and clinical management. This study aims to investigate the sensitization profile of eight HDM allergen components in a large number of patients enrolled in the clinic and to analyze the relation of gender, age, and clinical symptoms in North China. The 548 serum samples of HDM-allergic patients (ImmunoCAP® d1 or d2 IgE ≥0.35) were collected in Beijing City and divided in four different age groups and three allergic symptoms. The specific IgE of HDM allergenic components, Der p 1/Der f 1, Der p 2/Der f 2, Der p 7, Der p 10, Der p 21, and Der p 23, was measured using the micro-arrayed allergen test kit developed by Hangzhou Zheda Dixun Biological Gene Engineering Co., Ltd. The new system was validated by comparing to single-component Der p 1, Der p 2, and Der p 23 tests by ImmunoCAP in 39 sera. The epidemiological study of these IgE profiles and the relation to age and clinical phenotypes were analyzed. A greater proportion of male patients was in the younger age groups, while more female patients were in the adult groups. Both the sIgE levels and the positive rates (approximately 60%) against Der p 1/Der f 1 and Der p 2/Der f 2 were higher than for the Der p 7, Der p 10, and Der p 21 components (below 25%). The Der f 1 and Der p 2 positive rates were higher in 2-12-year-old children. The Der p 2 and Der f 2 IgE levels and positive rates were higher in the allergic rhinitis group. The positive rates of Der p 10 increased significantly with age. Der p 21 is relevant in allergic dermatitis symptom, while Der p 23 contributes to asthma development. HDM groups 1 and 2 were the major sensitizing allergens, with group 2 being the most important component relevant to respiratory symptoms in North China. The Der p 10 sensitization tends to increase with age. Der p 21 and Der p 23 might be associated with the development of allergic skin disease and asthma, respectively. Multiple allergen sensitizations increased the risk of allergic asthma.

Disease specific air quality health index (AQHI) for spatiotemporal health risk assessment of multi-air pollutants

While significant reductions in certain air pollutant concentrations did not induce obvious mitigations of health risks, a shift from air quality management to health risk prevention and control might be necessary to protect public health. This study thus constructed an Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for respiratory (Res-AQHI), cardiovascular (Car-AQHI), and allergic (Aller-AQHI) risk groups using mixed exposure under multi-air pollutants and portrayed their distribution and variation at multiple spatiotemporal scales using spatial analysis in GIS with the medical big data and air pollution remote sensing data by taking Hunan Province in China as a case. Results showed that the AQHIs constructed for specific health-risk groups could better express their risks than common AQHI and AQI. Moreover, based on the spatiotemporal association of health and environmental information, the allergic risk group in Hunan provided the highest health risk mainly affected by O3. The following cardiovascular and respiratory risk groups can be significantly attributed to NO2. Moreover, the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of AQHIs within regions was also evident. On the annual scale, the population in the air health risk hotspots for respiratory and cardiovascular risk decreased, while allergic risks increased. Meanwhile, on seasonal scale, the hotspots for respiratory and cardiovascular risks expanded significantly in winter while completely disappearing for allergic risk. These findings suggest that disease specific AQHIs effectively disclose the health effects of multi-air pollutants and their subsequently varied spatiotemporal distribution patterns.

Sleep Disturbance in Chronic Rhinitis: Evaluation of Nasal Symptoms, Sleep Disorder Questionnaires, and Sleep Architecture in Allergic and Non-allergic Rhinitis in Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital.

Chronic rhinitis is often associated with sleep disturbance and daytime sleepiness. Disturbance in sleep impairs numerous metabolic processes and brain function. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the evaluation of nasal symptoms and sleep disturbance in chronic rhinitis, either allergic or non-allergic group. To evaluate the characteristic of sleep disturbance in allergic and non-allergic rhinitis in Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital Jakarta, across sectional analytic descriptive study was performed. All recruited subjects were evaluated for total nasal symptom scores (TNSS) and nasal obstruction symptoms evaluation scores (NOSE). Sleep disorder was assessed using Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaires, and polysomnography (PSG). A total of 22 chronic rhinitis patients, with 11 allergic and 11 non-allergic rhinitis were evaluated. Most subjects with allergic rhinitis experienced daytime sleepiness and poor quality of sleep as well as non-allergic rhinitis, without significant differences in TNSS, NOSE, ESS, and PSQI scores. There was impairment in sleep architecture from PSG parameters in both groups, but the difference was not significant. However, RDI-REM (17.7 ± 14.5 vs. 14.7 ± 18.5) and RERA (2.2 ± 2.1 vs. 1.6 ± 1.7) parameters have a tendency to be higher in the allergic rhinitis compared to non-allergic rhinitis group. Sleep disturbance existed in chronic rhinitis, presented by excessive daytime sleepiness and impairment in sleep architecture, yet no significant difference shown in the severity of TNSS, NOSE, ESS, PSQI scores, and sleep architecture parameters between the allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.

Cockroach allergy: Understanding complex immune responses to develop novel therapies.

Cockroach allergy is associated with the development of asthma. The identification of cockroach allergens, which began in the 1990s, is an ongoing process that has led to the current listing of 20 official allergen groups in the WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature database. The function and structure of some of these allergens has been determined and define their natural delivery into the environment and their allergenicity. Analysis of antigenic determinants by X-ray crystallography and rational design of site-directed mutagenesis led to the identification of IgE binding sites for the design of molecules with reduced IgE reactivity and T cell modulatory capacity. New developments in recent years include component analyses of B and T cell reactivity and a recent cockroach immunotherapy trial, CRITICAL, that will contribute to understand the immune response to cockroach and to define future directions for cockroach allergy diagnosis and immunotherapy.

Modeling the Effects of Cypermethrin Toxicity on Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Pneumonitis Rats: Macrophage Phenotype Differentiation and p38/STAT6 Signaling Are Candidate Targets of Pirfenidone Treatment

Although the classic form of asthma is characterized by chronic pneumonitis with eosinophil infiltration and steroid responsivity, asthma has multifactorial pathogenesis and various clinical phenotypes. Previous studies strongly suggested that chemical exposure could influence the severity and course of asthma and reduce its steroid responsiveness. Cypermethrin (CYP), a common pesticide used in agriculture, was investigated for the possible aggravation of the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic pneumonitis and the possible induction of steroid resistance in rats. Additionally, it was investigated whether pirfenidone (PFD) could substitute dexamethasone, as an alternative treatment option, for the induced steroid resistance. Fifty-six male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into seven groups: control, PFD alone, allergic pneumonitis, CYP alone, allergic pneumonitis/CYP-exposed, allergic pneumonitis/CYP/dexamethasone (Dex), and allergic pneumonitis/CYP/PFD-treated groups. Allergic pneumonitis was induced by three intraperitoneal OVA injections administered once a week, followed by an intranasal OVA instillation challenge. CYP (25 mg/kg/d), Dex (1 mg/kg/d), and PFD (100 mg/kg/d) were administered orally from day 15 to the end of the experiment. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed for cytokine levels. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and periodic acid Schiff (PAS)-stained lung sections were prepared. Immunohistochemical identification of p38 MAPK and lung macrophages was performed. The inflammatory/oxidative status of the lung and PCR-quantification of the STAT6, p38 MAPK, MUC5AC, and IL-13 genes were carried out. The allergic pneumonitis-only group showed eosinophil-mediated inflammation (p < 0.05). Further CYP exposure aggravated lung inflammation and showed steroid-resistant changes, p38 activation, neutrophil-mediated, M1 macrophage-related inflammation (p < 0.05). All changes were reversed (p < 0.05) by PFD, meanwhile not by dexamethasone treatment. Pirfenidone could replace dexamethasone treatment in the current rat model of CYP-induced severe steroid-resistant asthma via inhibiting the M1 macrophage differentiation through modulation of the STAT6/p38 MAPK pathway.

Effect of topical anticholinergic medication on clinical manifestations control among patients with vasomotor rhinitis versus allergic rhinitis: as comparative clinical trials

BackgroundThe use of a topical anticholinergic medication, ipratropium bromide, and its ability to inhibit methacholine and rhinitis-induced hypersecretion is emphasized. Ipratropium bromide appears to be both safe and effective in reducing this troublesome symptom. This study is designed to show the therapeutic effect of anticholinergic local treatment on nasal mucosa in patients with vasomotor rhinitis.ObjectiveTo assess the therapeutic effect of local anticholinergic treatment on nasal mucosa in patients with vasomotor rhinitis compared to non-vasomotor (allergic) patients and normal individuals, and if there any down regulation of the muscarinic receptors or not.Patients and methodsThis prospective intervention study was conducted in Otorhinolaryngology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University. This study was conducted on 60 cases. All patients were divided into 3 groups: study group (1) includes 20 patients diagnosed clinically non-allergic rhinitis suggestive to be vasomotor rhinitis. Study group (2) includes 20 patients diagnosed as allergic rhinitis. Study group (3) includes 20 patients performing surgery for non-vasomotor rhinitis non-allergic causes (as septoplasty or rhinoplasty).ResultsComparison between the pre- and post-SNOT questionnaire of symptoms among vasomotor group showed that there was a significant difference between the pre- and post-treatment SNOT questionnaire symptoms; nasal obstruction, runny nose, post-nasal drip, thick nasal discharge and Lack of good night sleep. Among allergic cases group, there was a significant difference between the pre- and post-treatment IHC (immunohistochemistry) findings considering Epithelium, Glands, arteries and veins. 20% of cases had grade 3 epithelium before treatment while after treatment, this was dropped to 0%. Comparison between the pre- and post-SNOT questionnaire of symptoms among allergic group showed that there was a significant difference between the pre- and post-treatment SNOT questionnaire symptoms; runny nose, post-nasal drip, and thick nasal discharge. Among non-vasomotor rhinitis non-allergic causes (as septoplasty or rhinoplasty) group, there was a significant difference between the pre- and post-treatment IHC findings considering epithelium, glands, and arteries; however, no significant difference between the pre- and post-IHC veins grade. Also, there was no significant difference between the pre- and post-treatment SNOT questionnaire symptoms.ConclusionTopical anticholinergics such as ipratropium bromide nasal spray are effective in treating rhinorrhea symptoms in allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. Further controlled studies with larger sample size and longer follow-up are needed to confirm our results and to identify risk factors of adverse events.

Site-specific N-glycosylation characterization and allergenicity analysis of globulin-1 S allele from wheat

N-glycans in many proteins are of great concern because of their strong association with food allergies. Triticum aestivum (bread wheat), a major food crop, is known as one of the “Big Eight” allergenic groups. However, little research has been done about N-glycans in wheat glycoproteins. In this study, a soluble wheat glycoprotein was purified from wheat and further identified as globulin-1 S allele (GSA). The wheat GSA displayed significant IgE-binding activity. Moreover, one N-glycosylation site and 6 kinds of N-glycans were identified by mass spectrometry, including 3 high mannose types and 3 complex types. Furthermore, the IgE-binding activity of wheat GSA is proved to be reduced by the removal of N-glycan, thermal treatment (temperatures > 80 °C), and strong acidic treatment (pH 3.0). These findings would provide a better understanding of the effects of N-glycosylation, thermal treatment, and acidic treatment on the molecular characteristics of GSA, and further provide new insights into the development of hypoallergenic wheat products.

The HDM allergen orchestra and its cysteine protease maestro: Stimulators of kaleidoscopic innate immune responses

House dust mite (HDM) encloses an explosive cocktail of allergenic proteins sensitizing hundreds of millions of people worldwide. To date, the innate cellular and molecular mechanism(s) orchestrating the HDM-induced allergic inflammation remains partially deciphered. Understanding the kaleidoscope of HDM-induced innate immune responses is hampered by (1) the large complexity of the HDM allergome with very diverse functional bioreactivities, (2) the perpetual presence of microbial compounds (at least LPS, β-glucan, chitin) promoting as well pro-Th2 innate signaling pathways and (3) multiple cross-talks involving structural, neuronal and immune cells. The present review provides an update on the innate immune properties, identified so far, of multiple HDM allergen groups. Experimental evidence highlights the importance of HDM allergens displaying protease or lipid-binding activities on the initiation of the allergic responses. Specifically, group 1 HDM cysteine proteases are considered as the key initiators of the allergic response through their capacities to impair the epithelial barrier integrity, to stimulate the release of pro-Th2 danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in epithelial cells, to produce super-active forms of IL-33 alarmin and to mature thrombin leading to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation. Remarkably, the recently evidenced primary sensing of cysteine protease allergens by nociceptive neurons confirms the critical role of this HDM allergen group in the early events leading to Th2 differentiation.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Consumers on Food Allergy and Food Allergen Labeling: A Case of Lebanon.

The epidemiology of food allergies is increasing worldwide. International labeling standards were developed to enhance consumers' awareness of allergen-free foods. The main objective of the present study is to assess the characteristics of allergen labeling and consumers' knowledge, attitudes, and purchasing habits of food products with allergens in Lebanon. We evaluated the allergen labeling of 1000 food products form Lebanese supermarkets. A random sample of 541 consumers was recruited through an online survey (November 2020-February 2021). Descriptives and regression analysis were conducted. Results showed that wheat represents the largest group of food allergens on food labels, followed by milk and soybean. Furthermore, 42.9% of supermarket food products had a precautionary allergen labeling with "may contain traces of allergens". The majority of food products complied with local regulations for locally manufactured and imported products. One-quarter of survey respondents had a food allergy or were caregivers of food-allergic individuals. Regression analyses showed that "previous experience of a severe reaction" was negatively associated with food allergy-related knowledge and attitude scores respectively (β = -1.394, 95% CI: (-1.827, -1.034) and β = -1.432, 95% CI: (-2.798, -0.067)). The findings of this study provide practical insights on food allergy labeling issues for stakeholders and policymakers in the food supply chain.

In vitro digestion and fermentation of lacto‐N‐biose, a core building block of human milk oligosaccharides

SummaryHuman milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) can significantly reduce the occurrence of early food allergy in infants (by up to 50%) by improving intestinal flora. Lacto‐N‐biose (LNB) is a potential factor for the selective growth of Bifidobacteria. Despite these observations, little is known about whether LNB, the core component of HMOs, can alleviate infant milk allergy by improving intestinal flora. Herein, in vitro simulated digestion and fermentation of LNB and its interactions with allergic infant gut microbiota were investigated. The results showed that LNB was stable under the digestion conditions of mouth, stomach and small intestine. It also could obviously modulate the composition of gut microbiota, representing the increases of the relative abundances of Bifidobacterium (65.62%), Enterococcus (6.95%), Lactobacillus (2.01%) and Blautia (2.17%). Especially, Bifidobacterium adolescentis (5.45%) and Bifidobacterium breve (23.18%) were preponderantly existed in the milk‐allergic infant intestinal flora, compared to the normal infant intestinal microbiota (P &lt; 0.5). However, LNB treatment significantly decreased the abundance of B. adolescentis (0.18%), but largely increased the relative abundance of B. bifidum (40.63%), in comparison with the allergic infant group (8.29%) (P &lt; 0.05). In addition, short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), either their individuals or total productions were all increased with the treatment of LNB (195.47 mM), compared to the normal control (138.05 mM) and allergic infant groups (56.89 mM) (P &lt; 0.05). These findings will contribute to a better understanding of the protective effects of LNB in allergic diseases and provide new insights into a potential approach to relieve infant food allergy.

The Relationship between Allergies and Fruit and Vegetable Intake in Korean Adults : Based on the 2016∼2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data

This study aimed to determine the relationship between allergies and fruit and vegetable intake. This study included 13,280 participants aged ≥ 20 years from the 7th KNHANES. Participants were classified into two groups(non-allergic disease group (NADG) and allergic disease group (ADG)). Demographically, ages were lower in the ADG(p<0.001), but the proportions of women(p<0.001), urban (p<0.05) and apartment living(p<0.01), unmarried status(p<0.001), education(p<0.001), and household income(p<0.05) were higher than those in the NADG. Health-related factors, such as monthly drinking rate(p<0.05), mental stress(p<0.001), and walking(p<0.01) were higher in the ADG. Conversely, BMI(p<0.01) and waist circumference(p<0.001) were higher in the NADG. Vegetable intake in the ADG was lower than that of NADG(p<0.001). When vegetable intake was increased by 10 g, the odds ratio for the prevalence of allergies was reduced by 0.994(p<0.01).

Effectiveness of Shrimp Allergenic Extract as an Immunotherapy Agent in Mice Model of Gastrointestinal Allergy

Allergen extract as allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only causative therapy and provides protection or tolerance to an allergen in the long term. However, allergen extracts from different countries may have different effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Indonesian shrimp allergen extract (SAE) as an immunotherapy agent with a mouse model of allergies in the gastrointestinal tract. Mice were divided into five groups consisting of the naïve group, allergic group, and the allergic group received SAE immunotherapy at high dose (100µg/week), moderate dose (50µg/week), and low dose (10µg/week). Each group received treatment in the sensitization and desensitization phases, which was then followed by an oral challenge of SAE 100µg. The effectiveness of SAE immunotherapy was assessed based on the parameters of systemic allergic symptoms, IL-10 mRNA expression in ileum tissue, and IgG2a serum concentration. We found that SAE immunotherapy decreased the systemic allergic symptoms score, regardless of dosage, and the effect persisted on the third challenge. IgG2a as a parameter of humoral immunity showed a significant increase in the high-dose immunotherapy group, and IL-10mRNA expression as a parameter of cellular immunity also showed an increase in the high-dose group. Both data showed a dose-dependent manner. It can be concluded that SAE has excellent effectiveness as an immunotherapy agent and dose-dependent characteristics.

Evaluating Non-IgE-mediated Allergens’ Immunoreactivity in Patients with “Intrinsic” Persistent Rhinitis with Help of the Leukocyte Adherence Inhibition Test

Background: The non-IgE-mediated immunoreactivities against common allergens are little understood conditions, especially in patients suffering from allergic respiratory disorders such as persistent rhinitis. Objective: The present study aims to evaluate the non-IgE-mediated immunoreactivity against common allergens, in allergen-reactive patients clinically diagnosed with persistent rhinitis without evidence of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity against these allergens. Methods: A group of 533 outpatients diagnosed with non-IgE-mediated allergen-reactive persistent rhinitis, were submitted to ex vivo Leukocyte Adherence Inhibition Tests (LAIT) with extracts of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Hevea brasiliensis latex, dog dander, cat dander, cow’s milk proteins, beekeeping pollen and a mixture of airborne fungal extracts. Results: Cascade distribution column graphs were assembled according to the LAIT results among six ranges of Leukocyte Adherence Inhibition (LAI) of each allergen group. A column graph was plotted with the mean LAI results for each antigen for comparison. Conclusion: The LAIT is a potential tool to quantify the overall non-IgE-mediated cellular/humoral immunoreactivity against common allergens in patients clinically diagnosed with persistent rhinitis. Most studies must be done to evaluate the potential of the LAIT as a screening ex vivo provocation test to select the more reactive allergens to perform the diagnostic in vivo provocation tests.

Efficacy and predictors of rapid response to omalizumab therapy in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis: a cohort study

BACKGROUND: The availability of anti-IgE therapy for allergic rhinitis has actualized the need to develop variants of this treatment according to predictors of rapid response and techniques of treatment initiation.&#x0D; AIM: To study the efficacy and predictors of response to omalizumab in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with moderate or severe seasonal allergic rhinitis in which traditional treatment for at least 3 months was not effective in the previous pollen season or in the current season were included. The decision to prescribe omalizumab was made based on the visual analog scale (VAS) in the previous or current season. The dosage and frequency of administration (every 2 or 4 weeks) were determined according to the table of values provided in the instructions. The patients were observed for 2 months. At follow-up visits (1 and 2 months later), allergic rhinitis symptom control was assessed using VAS and total nasal symptoms score (TNSS). Therapy was considered effective when the VAS remained 30 or decreased 30 after 4 and 8 weeks from the start of therapy, depending on the initiation period.&#x0D; RESULTS: The study enrolled 30 patients with allergic rhinitis history of 14 years, sensitization to 2 groups of allergens in 19 (63.3%) cases and bronchial asthma in 18 (60%). Omalizumab was initiated before the pollen season in 6 (20%) patients and during the season in 24 (80%) patients. After 4 weeks, allergic rhinitis manifestations were controlled in 23 (77%) patients, and by week 8, 100% of the patients with allergic rhinitis had fully responded to therapy. By 4 weeks of follow-up, the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms on the VAS and TNSS scales decreased by 2.7 and 4.7 times, respectively. The proportion of patients with a slow response by week 4 of therapy was 23%. Body mass index (lower in the slow response group) and history of bronchial asthma (2.6 times longer in the slow responders) were associated with the achievement of this outcome. No adverse events were recorded.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: In patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis, omalizumab allows the control of disease manifestations after 4 weeks of therapy with its maintenance in the follow-up. Predictors of rapid response have been revealed; however, their clinical significance requires further study.

Clinical characteristics of children infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant combined with allergic disease

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of children with allergic diseases suffering from SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant strains. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 43 pediatric patients with allergic diseases infected by SARS-CoV-2 from April 25, 2022 to June 8, 2022 in Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine were selected as the allergic disease group, while 114 cases without underlying diseases and 16 cases with other underlying diseases were selected as control groups diagnosed at the same period. Clinical data including clinical features, laboratory tests, duration of hospitalization, and the time to negative turn of novel coronavirus nucleic acid were collected and analysed. Kruskal-Wallis H test, chi-square test or Fisher exact test were used for comparison among three groups. Results: Among the 43 patients with allergic diseases, 28 were males and 15 were females, with an age of 4.4 (2.1, 8.2) years on admission, including 32 mild cases and 11 common cases. The allergic disease group included 20 cases (46.5%) of atopic dermatitis and eczema, followed by 14 cases (32.6%) of rhinitis, 8 cases (18.6%) of food allergies, 7 cases (16.3%) of asthma, 4 cases (9.3%) of allergic conjunctivitis and 2 cases (4.7%) of drug allergy. Among the 114 cases without underlying diseases, 57 were males and 57 were females, with an age of 2.8 (1.2, 5.6) years on admission, including 93 mild cases and 21 common cases. Among the 16 cases with other underlying diseases, 9 were males and 7 were females, with an age of 3.0 (2.6, 10.8) years on admission, including 13 cases mild and 3 cases common cases. Children with allergic diseases had higher frequency of sore throat and vomiting than those without underlying diseases (10 cases (23.3%) vs.9 cases (7.9%), 14 cases (32.6%) vs. 11 cases (9.6%), χ²=6.93, 12.24, both P<0.05). The lymphocyte count of patients with allergic disease was lower than those without underlying disease (1.1 (0.7,1.7)×109 vs. 1.6 (1.1,2.7)×109/L, H=-28.00,P=0.005). There were no significant differences in age, gender, typing of SARS-CoV-2, the duration of hospitalization, cycle threshold values of SARS-CoV-2 and the time to negative turn of novel coronavirus nucleic acid among the three groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Children with allergic diseases may suffer from sore throat and vomiting more frequently when infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. The combination of allergic diseases hardly influenced the disease course of SARS-CoV-2 in children.

Atopic Disorders and Their Risks of Migraine: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study.

Migraine is a relatively common neurologic disorder. A possible link between atopic disorders and migraine has been suggested. This study investigated atopic disorders and their risks of migraine in the Korean population. From the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, patients aged ≥ 20 years who underwent health screening between January and December of 2009 were enrolled. To evaluate the risk of migraine, Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed. In multivariable analysis, the atopic dermatitis group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-1.33), asthma group (aHR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.30-1.34) and allergic rhinitis group (aHR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.44-1.46) had significantly increased risks of migraine compared to their respective control groups (P < 0.001). The patients with 1 (aHR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.42-1.44), 2 (aHR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.47-1.53), and 3 (aHR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.43-1.88) atopic disorders had significantly increased risks of migraine compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Our results demonstrate that patients with atopic disorders may have increased risk of migraine and that the larger the number of concomitant atopic disorders, the higher the risk of migraine.

Sensitization patterns of plant panallergens in Georgian allergic population from the molecular perspective.

In allergy diagnostics, component-resolved diagnostics (CRD) allows the clinician to assess the presence of specific IgE (sIgE) to allergenic proteins. Molecular diagnostics has improved our ability to identify not only species-specific, but also panallergen components. To characterize the Georgian allergic population according to the most frequently recognized plant panallergen components (profilins, PR-10 and nonspecific lipid transfer proteins) using sensitization data from multiplex CRD and investigate their association with particular allergic diseases. Patients, IgE positive to at least one studied panallergen component, were selected out of total 435 allergic individuals and stratified in two age groups: children and adults. Descriptive statistics, Chi square test (χ2) and Pearson Correlation test (r) were used for analysing the data. 38% (164/435) of investigated allergic patients showed IgE reactivity to at least one molecule belonging to Profilin, PR-10 and nsLTP families. Generally, PR-10 reactive individuals represented the largest group of patients (56.0%), followed by Profilins (43.0%) and nsLTP (32.0%). For the PR-10 allergen group, IgE sensitization was dominated by Bet v 1, for Profilin - by Hev b 8 and for nsLTP - by Pru p 3. It was shown that sensitization with nsLTPs revealed statistically important associations with allergic rhinitis (p = 0.005) and dermatitis (p = 0.02). PR-10 allergen sensitization was associated with allergic rhinitis (p = 0.04) and asthma (p = 0.04). According to our results, sensitization to plant panallergens in the Georgian population creates characteristic features overlapping serotypes of Central Europe and Mediterranean region.