High Total IgE Levels Research Articles

Identifying the heterogeneity of young adult rhinitis through cluster analysis in the Isle of Wight birth cohort

Rhinitis affects many young adults and often shows comorbidity with asthma. We hypothesized that young adult rhinitis, like asthma, exhibits clinical heterogeneity identifiable by means of cluster analysis. Participants in the Isle of Wight birth cohort (n = 1456) were assessed at 1, 2, 4, 10, and 18 years of age. Cluster analysis was performed on those with rhinitis at age 18 years (n = 468) by using 13 variables defining clinical characteristics. Four clusters were identified. Patients in cluster 1 (n = 128 [27.4%]; ie, moderate childhood-onset rhinitis) had high atopy and eczema prevalence and high total IgE levels but low asthma prevalence. They showed the best lung function at 18 years of age, with normal fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (Feno), low bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), and low bronchodilator reversibility (BDR) but high rhinitis symptoms and treatment. Patients in cluster 2 (n = 199 [42.5%]; ie, mild-adolescence-onset female rhinitis) had the lowest prevalence of comorbid atopy, asthma, and eczema. They had normal lung function and low BHR, BDR, Feno values, and total IgE levels plus low rhinitis symptoms, severity, and treatment. Patients in cluster 3 (n = 59 [12.6%]; ie, severe earliest-onset rhinitis with asthma) had the youngest rhinitis onset plus the highest comorbid asthma (of simultaneous onset) and atopy. They showed the most obstructed lung function with high BHR, BDR, and Feno values plus high rhinitis symptoms, severity, and treatment. Patient 4 in cluster 4 (n = 82 [17.5%]; ie, moderate childhood-onset male rhinitis with asthma) had high atopy, intermediate asthma, and low eczema. They had impaired lung function with high Feno values and total IgE levels but intermediate BHR and BDR. They had moderate rhinitis symptoms. Clinically distinctive adolescent rhinitis clusters are apparent with varying sex and asthma associations plus differing rhinitis severity and treatment needs.

Positive reactions to placebo in children undergoing double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge

The gold standard in the diagnosis of food allergy is the double-blind, placebo-controlled oral food challenge (DBPCFC). During this challenge, patients receive the allergenic food and placebo on separate randomized days, while being monitored for clinical reactions. Interestingly, some reactions are assessed as positive although the patients had received placebo. The aim of our study was to analyze incidence and characteristics of positive placebo reactions during DBPCFCs. In food-allergic children, we retrospectively analyzed positive placebo reactions in DBPCFCs in 740 placebo challenges in our department. Individual characteristics were compared, such as age or IgE levels, as well as clinical symptoms. Of all placebo challenges, 2.8% (21 of 740) were assessed as positive. Young children (age ≤ 1.5 years) had more (P = 0.047) positive placebo challenges (4.0%) compared to older children (age > 1.5 years; 1.5%). Children with positive placebo challenges had higher levels of total IgE (median 201 kU/L) compared to negatively classified children (median 110 kU/L). In children with positive placebo reactions, skin symptoms were observed significantly more often, with a worsening of atopic eczema (AE) as the most reported symptom. Placebo reactions in DBPCFC are not common. Worsening of AE is the most frequent clinical reaction associated with positive placebo challenges, and young children (age ≤ 1.5 years) seem to be affected more often. Therefore - contrary to current recommendations - DBPCFC tests should be considered in infants and young children, especially those with a history of AE.

PD37 ‐ Allergic disease may confer some protection against acute limphoblastic leukemia?

The results show that both total IgE serum levels and preceding history of asthma have a significant and inverse risk association with acute lymphoid leukemia. In the unadjusted model, the exposure variables with a p-value < 0.20 were: asthma, high IgE levels, concomitant allergic diseases, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and urticaria. The inverse relation to both asthma and IgE serum levels continued to be significant in the adjusted model, showing significant p-value 0.044 and OR (CI 95%) of 0.14 (0.02 – 0.95); and p-value 0.001 and OR (CI 95%) of 0.10 (0.02 – 0.41), respectively. Conclusion High levels of total IgE, especially related to asthma, appear to contribute to alterations in the immune system, which may activate Th2-mediated pathways and this fact might confer some protective role against acute lymphoid leukemia.

A novel IgE-neutralizing antibody for the treatment of severe uncontrolled asthma

The critical role played by IgE in allergic asthma is well-documented and clinically precedented, but some patients in whom IgE neutralization may still offer clinical benefit are excluded from treatment with the existing anti-IgE therapy, omalizumab, due to high total IgE levels or body mass. In this study, we sought to generate a novel high affinity anti-IgE antibody (MEDI4212) with potential to treat a broad severe asthma patient population. Analysis of body mass, total and allergen-specific IgE levels in a cohort of severe asthmatics was used to support the rationale for development of a high affinity IgE-targeted antibody therapeutic. Phage display technology was used to generate a human IgG1 lead antibody, MEDI4212, which was characterized in vitro using binding, signaling and functional assay systems. Protein crystallography was used to determine the details of the interaction between MEDI4212 and IgE. MEDI4212 bound human IgE with an affinity of 1.95 pM and was shown to target critical residues in the IgE Cε3 domain critical for interaction with FcεRI. MEDI4212 potently inhibited responses through FcεRI and also prevented the binding of IgE to CD23. When used ex vivo at identical concentration, MEDI4212 depleted free-IgE from human sera to levels ~1 log lower than omalizumab. Our results thus indicate that MEDI4212 is a novel, high affinity antibody that binds specifically to IgE and prevents IgE binding to its receptors. MEDI4212 effectively depleted free-IgE from human sera ex vivo to a level (1 IU/mL) anticipated to provide optimal IgE suppression in severe asthma patients.

Leucoagglutinating phytohemagglutinin: purification, characterization, proteolytic digestion and assessment for allergenicity potential in BALB/c mice

Red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is consumed worldwide as a vegetarian protein source. But, at the same time the allergenicity potential of red kidney bean is a matter of concern. This study is aimed towards purification, characterization, thermal stability, proteolytic digestion and allergenicity assessment of one of the clinically relevant allergens of red kidney bean. The purification of red kidney bean allergic protein was carried out with the help of column chromatography, IgE immunoblotting and reverse phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The purified protein was characterized by peptide mass finger printing (PMF) and studied for its thermal stability, and proteolytic resistance using simulated gastric fluid (SGF) assay. The allergenicity potential of the purified protein was studied in BALB/c mice. The purified protein was identified as leucoagglutinating phytohemagglutinin (PHA-L) with molecular weight 29.5 kDa. The PHA-L showed resistance to heat as well as proteolytic enzyme. Higher levels of total IgE, specific IgE, and histamine were observed in PHA-L treated BALB/c mice when compared to control. Overall, PHA-L possesses characteristics of allergens and may play a potential role in the red kidney bean induced allergy.

The effect of CD14 and TLR4 gene polimorphisms on asthma phenotypes in adult Turkish asthma patients: a genetic study

BackgroundEndotoxins stimulate T helper 1 cell maturation and send a negative signal to T helper 2 polarisation. This causes a decrease IgE levels and prevents atopy (Hygiene hypothesis). It is shown that this response is under genetic control by polymorphisms in CD14 and TLR4 genes in some researchs. We aimed to investigate the effects of genetic variants of CD14 (−) and TLR4 (Asp299Gly, Thr399Ile) genes on asthma phenotypes in adults with asthma.MethodsAsthma patients (n = 131) and healthy control cases (n = 75) were included in the study. Relations between CD14 C-159 T, TLR4 299 and TLR4 399 genotypes and duration of asthma history of allergic rhinitis-dermatitis, total IgE, eosinophil, skin prick test, forced expiratory volume 1 (FEV1) and severity of disease were evaluated. Real time PCR (RT-PCR) was used for genotyping.ResultsFor CD14-159, presence of the C allele (CC + CT) was more frequent among those with low median log (logarithm) IgE levels, but no statistically significant difference in all asthma group (p = 0.09). C allele was significantly correlated with low total IgE levels and T allele with high total IgE levels in atopics (p = 0.04). CC + CT genotype was more frequent in moderate and severe asthma group in atopics (p = 0.049). TLR4 299 and TLR4 399 genotypes and asthma phenotypes were not found to be significantly correlated (p > 0.05).ConclusionsTotal IgE levels were found to be low among patients with the CC + CT genotype, and high among patients with the TT genotype contrary to the results of many other studies, which is therefore an important finding. Another important finding was that the C allele is a risk factor for moderate and severe asthma.

Anti-IgE Monoclonal Antibody (Omalizumab) is effective in Treating Bullous Pemphigoid and Its Effects on Soluble CD200

Herein, we report a case of a man with pruritic bullous pemphigoid (BP) and very high levels of total IgE (5000 kU/L) who was refractory to standard aggressive immunosuppressive regimens (systemic steroids, daily cyclophosphamide) for BP but responded rapidly to systemic anti-IgE (omalizumab). Our patient is a 28 year-old white male. On admission 70% of his body surface area was involved with large bullae overlying urticarial plaques, involving his upper and lower extremities, chest, and abdomen. The circulating level of sCD200 was 48.45 pg/mL in serum and 243 pg/mL in blister fluid. During the second month of follow-up, the patient's sCD200 level decreased to 26.7 pg/mL. After the second round of omalizumab (300 mg), frequency of exacerbations decreased and after the 13th round it had completely disappeared.

EVALUATION OF HUMORAL IMMUNITY IN PREGNANT WOMEN WITH ALLERGIC HISTORY

Background. The aim of the study was to evaluate humoral immunity and efficacy of diet therapy in pregnant women with allergic history. Methods. Monitoring group comprised 118 pregnant women. The study group included 83 pregnant women who received dietary correction of the diet with the inclusion of the New Zealand goat milk. The comparison group consisted of 35 pregnant women, dietary recommendations, with the inclusion in the diet of the cow’s milk (CM). The content of total serum IgE was detected using the immunoassay analyzer using monospecific reagent. Allergenspecific IgE antibodies to CM, βLH, casein and soy protein were determined by enzyme immunoassay analyzer using commercial kits «Allergopharma». Contents of immunoglobulins G, A, M in the serum were determined by nephelometry on immunochemical analyzer IMMAGE. Results. Unlike women from the comparison group half of pregnant women had a core group of allergic diseases, the majority of women in both groups were observed burdened obstetric history, indicating a decrease in their reproductive function. Dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract were observed in 34,7% of pregnant women in both groups, and the frequency in women with an allergy was 2,3 times higher than in women not suffering from allergic reactions. High levels of total IgE in serum were observed in the patients with allergy, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as their combination. The concentration of allergen specific IgE antibodies to proteins in cow’s milk was higher in women with IgEmediated allergies. In pregnant women with allergies and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract serum IgG and IgA levels were decreased. Conclusion. Application of hypoallergenic diet with cow’s milk replacement for New Zealand goat milk, as well as the exclusion of cow’s milk or a restriction in the diet of pregnant women caused a reduction of total IgE in the blood compared to previous treatment. Allergenspecific IgE antibodies to milk proteins decreased in the majority of women while dietary treatment.

Early life IgE responses in children living in the tropics: A prospective analysis

There are few birth cohort studies analyzing IgE sensitization in the tropics. We aimed to describe the evolution of total IgE and specific IgE responses to house-dust mite (HDM) allergens and Ascaris in a birth cohort (Risk Factors for Asthma and Allergy in the Tropics, FRAAT), analyzing their relationships with wheezing. Total and specific IgE were measured by ImmunoCap in mothers and children at four different time points (S1-S4) between 0 and 42 months. Parasite infection was evaluated by stool examination. Maternal total IgE (aOR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.09-5.43; p = 0.03) and socio-demographic factors were associated with high cord blood (CB) total IgE. High CB total IgE was positively associated with higher Blomia tropicalis and Ascaris-specific IgE values during lifetime, but protected from recurrent wheezing (aOR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.08-0.88, p = 0.03). Prevalence rates of IgE sensitization were high; at around 3 yr old, they were 33.3, 18.6, and 26.5% for B. tropicalis, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and Ascaris, respectively. Indicators of unhygienic conditions were risk factors for HDM and Ascaris sensitization in children. A weak statistical association between B. tropicalis-specific IgE and ever wheezing was found (aOR: 1.47 95% CI: 1.00-2.28, p = 0.05). In a socioeconomically deprived community from the tropics, sensitization to HDM allergens was very frequent at early life, especially to B. tropicalis. In contrast to expected according to the hygiene hypothesis, unhygienic/poverty conditions were risk factors for allergen sensitization. High CB total IgE levels were a risk factor for allergen sensitization but protected from recurrent wheezing.

Total Serum IgE in a Population-Based Study of Asian Children in Taiwan: Reference Value and Significance in the Diagnosis of Allergy

BackgroundTotal serum immunoglobulin (IgE) test is usually performed to aid in the diagnosis of allergic diseases, but its reference values may vary among people of different ethnic backgrounds.ObjectivesTo establish reference values of total IgE in Asian children and to assess their significance in the diagnosis of atopy and allergic diseases.Study design1321 Asian children aged 5-18 years in the Prediction of Allergies in Taiwanese CHildren (PATCH) study, a population-based cohort, were evaluated for total and specific IgE by ImmunoCAP and Phadiatop Infant, respectively.ResultsMale, atopy, allergic diseases, recent symptoms of upper respiratory infection, and lower FEV1/FVC, were associated with higher total IgE levels in univariate analyses. Multivariate analysis revealed that atopy was the single most important determinant explaining 66.1% of the variability of total IgE levels in this population. The area under the receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve of total IgE for diagnosing atopy, asthma, rhinitis, and eczema were 0.92, 0.72, 0.70, and 0.70, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of total IgE at the optimal cutoff of 77.7 kU/L on the ROC curve for diagnosing atopy were 82.3%, 87.1%, 89.5%, and 78.6%, respectively. The corresponding values using the upper 95% CI of total IgE (164.3 kU/L) in non-atopic children were 61.2%, 95.0%, 94.3%, and 64.6%, respectively; whereas a customary cutoff (100 kU/L) provided accuracy between that of the aforementioned two cutoffs. Total IgE at the cutoff of 77.7 kU/L provided modest sensitivity and specificity (49.0%-78.3%) for diagnosing allergic diseases, but had high negative predictive values (84.2%-97.9%).ConclusionsTotal serum IgE discriminates Asian children with and without atopy independent of allergic symptoms, with an optimal cutoff of 77.7 kU/L. The study confirms the insufficient diagnostic accuracy of total IgE alone to detect allergic diseases, but low total IgE levels may help exclude allergic diseases.

Increased level of interleukin-13, but not interleukin-4 and interferon-γ in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

BackgroundThis study was performed to investigate the serum level of interleukin (IL)-13, IL-4, and interferon (IFN)-γ in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and subsequent inflammation pattern and comorbidities including asthma and aspirin intolerance. MethodsA case–control study was conducted on 60 adult patients with CRSwNP with mean age of 37.7±12.7 (ranging from 18 to 70) years, and on 20 healthy controls. Serum levels of IL-13, IL-4, and IFN-γ were assessed, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to be compared between case and control groups. Serum level of total immunoglobulin (Ig) E was also assessed in the patients with CRSwNP. ResultsSerum level of IL-13 in the patients with CRSwNP was significantly higher than the controls (0.98±1.56 vs. 0.34±0.16 pg/ml, respectively, p=0.002). IL-4 and IFN-γ did not differ significantly between the two groups. Total IgE level was significantly increased in the patients with CRSwNP, compared to the normal values (301.43±516.54 IU/ml, p=0.033). Among the patients with CRSwNP, 12/60 (20%) had aspirin intolerance and 44/60 (73.3%) had asthma. IgE was also higher in asthmatics than non-asthmatics patients (364.9±586.6 vs. 126.7±135.7, respectively, p=0.015). Patients with aspirin intolerance had higher levels of IFN-γ (4.7±1.4 vs. 4.1±0.6, respectively, p=0.022). ConclusionsIL-13 with high level of total IgE was observed in the patients with CRSwNP, which predisposes them to have concomitant asthma. IFN-γ seems to be down-regulated in the patients with CRSwNP, but could be over-expressed in the presence of aspirin intolerance.

Polydesensitisation with reducing elevated serum total IgE by IFN-gamma therapy in atopic dermatitis: IFN-gamma and polydesensitisation (PDS)

BackgroundAD patients exhibit sensitisation to multiple allergens due to a Th1/Th2 imbalance. Until now, it was impossible to improve the polysensitised status and elevated serum total IgE levels. In this study, the effects of IFN-gamma on systemic polysensitisation to multiple allergens and on serum total IgE levels are investigated. MethodsA total of 44 AD patients whose food allergies were completely controlled and who were polysensitised to multiple allergens according to the SPT were selected. Twenty-two of these patients received IFN-gamma therapy twice a week for 2months, and 22 patients did not receive this therapy. The blood eosinophil % and serum total IgE levels were assessed, and a skin prick test for 51 allergens was performed before and after the IFN-gamma therapy. ResultsWith IFN-gamma therapy, the polysensitisation status was improved, as demonstrated by a decrease in the positive allergen count and skin reactivity (systemic polydesensitisation). The improvement in the polysensitised status was accompanied by a decrease in serum total IgE levels. The change in serum total IgE levels was significantly correlated with the change in polysensitisation status. ConclusionsIFN-gamma therapy resulted in systemic polydesensitisation with reduced levels of serum total IgE. IFN-gamma is indicated in AD patients with high serum total IgE levels whose food allergies are well controlled and who are polysensitised to multiple allergens.

Itraconazole as “bridge therapy” to anti‐IgE in patients with severe asthma with fungal sensitization

Sensitization to fungi has been reported to play an important role in a particular phenotype of severe asthma, the so called severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS), characterized by high levels of total IgE, which may be an obstacle to anti-IgE therapy. A few studies showed the benefit of antifungal therapy in improving the quality of life of patients with SAFS associated to a decrease of total IgE serum concentration. We describe here the role of antifungal therapy as “bridge therapy”, which provided us the opportunity to start anti IgE therapy in one polysensitized patient with severe asthma, who had very high levels of total IgE, beyond the upper limits recommended for proper prescription of omalizumab. A 59-year-old woman with uncontrolled severe asthma and frequent exacerbations, which required oral steroids courses, while on therapy with LABA / high dose inhaled fluticasone and montelukast, was evaluated for possible allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). The patient was sensitized to Aspergillus umigatus, house dust mites and grass pollen. She did not have Aspergillus precipitins and lung HRCT did not show bronchiectases or lung infiltrates, while she had very high levels of total IgE (1793 kUA/l), with specific grass, D. Pter and A. fumigatus IgE (respectively 15.3, 8.4 and 11.3 kUA/l). The patient received the diagnosis of SAFS and started itraconazole therapy (200 mg b.i.d.) as add-on therapy for 12 weeks. After treatment, a significant decrease of total IgE (1043 kUA/l) was found, associated to a mild improvement in asthma control (ACT from 16 to 20). At that time, omalizumab was started at recommended doses (300 mg every 2 weeks). During the six months after anti-IgE therapy the patient did not report any asthma exacerbation and ACT score (23) showed the good control of asthma. Antifungal therapy, as add-on treatment in patients with SAFS, may provide the opportunity to start anti-IgE therapy at usual recommended doses.

African Ancestry is a Risk Factor for Asthma and High Total IgE Levels in African Admixed Populations

Characterization of genetic admixture of populations in the Americas and the Caribbean is of interest for anthropological, epidemiological, and historical reasons. Asthma has a higher prevalence and is more severe in populations with a high African component. Association of African ancestry with asthma has been demonstrated. We estimated admixture proportions of samples from six trihybrid populations of African descent and determined the relationship between African ancestry and asthma and total serum IgE levels (tIgE). We genotyped 237 ancestry informative markers in asthmatics and nonasthmatic controls from Barbados (190/277), Jamaica (177/529), Brazil (40/220), Colombia (508/625), African Americans from New York (207/171), and African Americans from Baltimore/Washington, D.C. (625/757). We estimated individual ancestries and evaluated genetic stratification using Structure and principal component analysis. Association of African ancestry and asthma and tIgE was evaluated by regression analysis. Mean ± SD African ancestry ranged from 0.76 ± 0.10 among Barbadians to 0.33 ± 0.13 in Colombians. The European component varied from 0.14 ± 0.05 among Jamaicans and Barbadians to 0.26 ± 0.08 among Colombians. African ancestry was associated with risk for asthma in Colombians (odds ratio (OR) = 4.5, P = 0.001) Brazilians (OR = 136.5, P = 0.003), and African Americans of New York (OR: 4.7; P = 0.040). African ancestry was also associated with higher tIgE levels among Colombians (β = 1.3, P = 0.04), Barbadians (β = 3.8, P = 0.03), and Brazilians (β = 1.6, P = 0.03). Our findings indicate that African ancestry can account for, at least in part, the association between asthma and its associated trait, tIgE levels.

Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Is Associated with Higher Levels of Total IgE, Decreased Function of T Regulatory Cells and an Increase of Asthma Occurrence in Children

Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Is Associated with Higher Levels of Total IgE, Decreased Function of T Regulatory Cells and an Increase of Asthma Occurrence in Children

Analysis of NK cell subsets in children with atopic dermatitis

Event Abstract Back to Event Analysis of NK cell subsets in children with atopic dermatitis Gunnur Deniz1*, Esin Aktas Cetin1, Nilgun Akdeniz1, Safa Baris2, Muhammed Kosker3, Yildiz Camcioglu3 and Isil Barlan2 1 Istanbul University, The Institute of Experimental Medicine (DETAE), Department of Immunology, Turkey 2 Marmara University Medical Faculty, Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Turkey 3 Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Infections Disease, Turkey Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a frequent chronic inflammatory skin disease which is often complicated by recurrent microbial superinfections. Numerous studies demonstrated increased frequency of allergen-specific Th2 cells producing increased IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in the peripheral blood of AD patients, however little is known about the role of natural killer (NK) cells. In this study, NK1, NK2 and NK regulatory cytokine profiles, the expression of activatory receptors as well as the cytotoxic activity of NK cells in AD were investigated. The study group consists of children with AD (n=14, mean age=7 ± 3.8) and healthy subjects (n=14, mean age=10 ± 4). The patients were multisensitized to at least three aeroallergens and had high serum total IgE levels. Cytotoxic activity, expression of CD16brightCD56dim and CD16dimCD56bright NK cell subsets, NK cell activatory receptors and intracellular IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-g levels were determined by flow cytometry. In AD patients the percentages of CD3-CD16+CD56+, CD16brightCD56dim NK cell subsets and expression of activatory receptors of NKG2D cells were significantly decreased compared to healthy subjects (p=0.000, p=0.000 and p=0.04, respectively). Although, IL-10 secreting regulatory and IL-4 secreting NK2 cells were increased, IFN-g secreting NK1 cells and cytotoxic activity of NK cells were found to be decreased in AD patients (p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.014 and p=0.016, respectively). Our results suggested that impaired NK cell functions such as decreased expression of CD16bright subset, NKG2D expression as well as cytotoxic activity, high secretion of IL-10 and IL-4 might play a role in the pathogenesis of AD. Keywords: Natural Killer cells, Allergy and Immunology, Cytokines, Cytotoxicity, NAtural Killer Cell subsets Conference: 15th International Congress of Immunology (ICI), Milan, Italy, 22 Aug - 27 Aug, 2013. Presentation Type: Abstract Topic: Innate immunity Citation: Deniz G, Aktas Cetin E, Akdeniz N, Baris S, Kosker M, Camcioglu Y and Barlan I (2013). Analysis of NK cell subsets in children with atopic dermatitis. Front. Immunol. Conference Abstract: 15th International Congress of Immunology (ICI). doi: 10.3389/conf.fimmu.2013.02.00420 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 12 Apr 2013; Published Online: 22 Aug 2013. * Correspondence: Prof. Gunnur Deniz, Istanbul University, The Institute of Experimental Medicine (DETAE), Department of Immunology, Istanbul, Turkey, gdeniz@istanbul.edu.tr Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Gunnur Deniz Esin Aktas Cetin Nilgun Akdeniz Safa Baris Muhammed Kosker Yildiz Camcioglu Isil Barlan Google Gunnur Deniz Esin Aktas Cetin Nilgun Akdeniz Safa Baris Muhammed Kosker Yildiz Camcioglu Isil Barlan Google Scholar Gunnur Deniz Esin Aktas Cetin Nilgun Akdeniz Safa Baris Muhammed Kosker Yildiz Camcioglu Isil Barlan PubMed Gunnur Deniz Esin Aktas Cetin Nilgun Akdeniz Safa Baris Muhammed Kosker Yildiz Camcioglu Isil Barlan Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Advances in adult asthma diagnosis and treatment in 2012: Potential therapeutics and gene-environment interactions

In the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in 2012, research reports related to asthma in adults clustered around mechanisms of disease, with a special focus on their potential for informing new therapies. There was also consideration of the effect of the environment on health from pollution, climate change, and epigenetic influences, underlining the importance of understanding gene-environment interactions in the pathogenesis of asthma and response to treatment.

Distribución de tres polimorfismos del gen TSLP en población afrodescendiente de San Basilio de Palenque, Colombia

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) has been linked as a susceptibility gene for the development of allergic diseases. It is known that the population of Cartagena is a triethnic mix, in which the component of African ancestry was significantly associated with risk of asthma and high total serum IgE levels. This component comes from African slaves brought into the continent and settled in "palenques", one of them is San Basilio de Palenque, in the Colombian Caribbean Coast. To analyze the distribution of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs1837253, rs17551370 and rs2289276 located in TSLP gene, in the African-descendent population of San Basilio de Palenque. By real time-PCR and probes TaqMan SNP Genotyping™, we genotyped three polymorphisms in 80 individuals of African-descent aged 5 to 18 years of age. The frequency of the rs1837253 allele T was 41.9%, for the allele A, 14.3% for rs17551370, and 22.5% for the allele T of rs2289276. The rs17551370 and rs2289276 distribution remained in Hardy- Weinberg genetic equilibrium. The allele frequency of each SNP did not show statistically significant differences with those reported for other African and African-descendent populations. The three polymorphisms in the TSLP were present in the sample population of San Basilio de Palenque and its distribution is similar to that reported for African populations and African ancestry in America.

IL-5Promoter Polymorphism Enhances IgE Responses to Staphylococcal Superantigens in Adult Asthmatics

Interleukin 5 (IL-5) is a key cytokine involved in the induction of T-helper type 2 (Th2) responses in the asthmatic airway. We investigated IL-5 genetic polymorphisms associated with asthma phenotypes, including IgE responses to staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B (SEA and SEB, respectively), in asthmatics. Adult asthmatics (n=310) and normal controls (n=160) were enrolled in the present study. Serum total and specific IgE to SEA and SEB were measured. Two IL-5 polymorphisms, -746A>G and +4499T>G, were genotyped using the primer-extension method. There were no significant differences in genotype or haplotype frequencies of these polymorphisms between the two groups. Asthmatics carrying the AG/GG genotype at -746A>G had a significantly higher prevalence of serum specific IgE to SEA (P=0.008), higher total IgE levels (P=0.014), and lower PC20 methacholine levels (P=0.002) compared to those with the AA genotype. These findings suggest that the IL-5 promoter polymorphism at -746A>G enhances serum total and specific IgE responses to SEA, which may augment airway hyperresponsiveness in adult asthmatics.

Clinical characteristics that distinguish eosinophilic organ infiltration from metastatic nodule development in cancer patients with eosinophilia

BackgroundWhen new space-occupying lesions are observed together with peripheral blood eosinophilia in patients diagnosed with cancer, the possibility of eosinophilic organ involvement should be differentiated from metastasis of primary cancer, since a misdiagnosis could lead to unnecessary chemotherapy. The aim of this study is to identify the clinical characteristics of eosinophilic organ involvement that distinguish it from distant metastasis in patients with primary cancer.MethodsThe medical records of 43 cancer patients who developed hepatic or pulmonary nodules with peripheral blood eosinophilia between January 2005 and February 2010 in the Asan Medical Center (Seoul) were reviewed. Eosinophilic infiltration and distant metastasis were identified on the basis of pathological findings and radiological features. Fisher’s exact test, χ2 test or Mann-Whitney test were used for statistical analysis.ResultsIn total, 33 patients (76%) were diagnosed with eosinophilic infiltration, 5 (12%) with cancer metastasis and 5 (12%) had undetermined diagnoses. Compared to the patients with metastases, the patients with eosinophilic infiltration were significantly more likely to have serology indicating a parasitic infection, a history of eating raw food, high serum levels of total IgE, normal liver function, normal C-reactive protein levels, a normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and fewer and smaller nodules. The most common underlying malignancy in the eosinophilic organ infiltration group was stomach cancer. Physicians tended to neglect the eosinophilia in patients with a history of cancer.ConclusionsSeveral clinical characteristics of eosinophilic organ infiltration distinguish it from cancer metastasis. Physicians should make greater efforts to determine the causes of organ involvement with peripheral blood eosinophilia, especially in cancer patients.