Maternal IgE Levels Research Articles

Relationship of Cord Blood Immunoglobulin E and Maternal Immunoglobulin E with Birth Order and Maternal History of Allergy in Albanian Mother/Neonate Pairs.

BACKGROUND:Previous studies reported that familial factors such as birth order and mothers atopy might influence cord blood levels and development of allergies.AIM:The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship of cord blood IgE and maternal IgE with birth order and mothers history of allergy in Albanian mother/neonate pairs.MATERIAL AND METHODS:Study population represented 291 mother-infant pairs. Mothers were interviewed with a questionnaire for personal history of allergy and pregnancy history whereas serum IgE levels were determined using sandwich IRMA assay.RESULTS:The mean level of cIgE in neonates with detectable levels was 1.59 (n = 78). No significant difference in means of cIgE was found between first born and later born neonates (p = 0.232) and between neonates of mothers with a negative and positive history of allergy (p = 0.125). Also, no significant difference was found between means of mIgE by birth order, whereas there was a significant difference of mIgE between mothers with and without a history of allergy (p = 0.01). In a group of neonates with detectable cIgE levels, maternal IgE levels were moderately correlated with cIgE levels.CONCLUSION:Cord blood IgE is not affected by birth order and mothers history of allergy, whereas mothers IgE are affected by the history of allergy but not by birth order.

Maternal allergy is associated with surface‐boundIgEon cord blood basophils

BackgroundThe cell type(s) mediating the maternal influence on allergic disease in children remain unclear. We set out to define the relationship between maternal allergy and frequencies of cord blood (CB) basophils, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs); to characterize surface-bound IgE and FcεRI expressions on these cells; and to investigate the association between maternal and CB serum IgE levels with surface-bound IgE and FcεRI expressions.MethodsOne hundred and three mother/infant dyads were recruited prenatally, and maternal allergic history was recorded. Maternal blood was collected prior to delivery, and CB was collected after birth. Flow cytometry was used to identify CB basophils and pDCs and to determine surface-bound IgE and FcεRI expressions.ResultsFrequencies of CB basophils and pDCs were low and not related to maternal history of allergy. Percentages of CB basophils with surface-bound IgE were significantly higher in infants of allergic mothers compared with infants of non-allergic mothers (median, 59.60% vs. 19.70%, p = 0.01). IgE on CB basophils correlated with CB IgE levels (r = 0.72, p < 0.0001), but not with maternal IgE levels (r = 0.26, p = 0.06). IgE on CB pDCs was low and not significantly associated with maternal or CB IgE levels. Similarly, FcεRI expression by CB basophils and pDCs was not significantly associated with maternal or CB IgE levels.ConclusionsFrequencies of CB basophils and pDCs are not influenced by maternal allergy. CB basophils and pDCs have surface-bound IgE and express FcεRI; however, only IgE on CB basophils appears influenced by maternal allergy.

Prenatal and postnatal probiotics reduces maternal but not childhood allergic diseases: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial

The prevalence of atopic diseases has increased rapidly in recent decades globally. The administration of probiotics to reduce gastrointestinal inflammation has been popular, but its role in the prevention or treatment of allergic disease remains controversial. This study evaluated the effectiveness of prenatal and postnatal probiotics in the prevention of early childhood and maternal allergic diseases. In a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, pregnant women with atopic diseases determined by history, total immunoglobulin (Ig)E>100kU/L, and/or positive specific IgE were assigned to receive either probiotics (Lactobacillus GG; ATCC 53103; 1×10(10) colony-forming units daily) or placebo from the second trimester of pregnancy. Both of clinical evaluation performed by questionnaires concerning any allergic symptoms and plasma total IgE, and allergen-specific IgE were obtained in high-risk parents and children at 0, 6, 18, and 36months of age. The primary and secondary outcomes were the point and cumulative prevalence of sensitization and developing of allergic diseases, and improvement of maternal allergic symptom score and plasma immune parameters before and after intervention, respectively. In total, 191 pregnant women (LGG group, n=95; control group, n=96) were enrolled. No significant effects of prenatal and postnatal probiotics supplementation on sensitization, development of allergic diseases, and maternal IgE levels between placebo and LGG groups. Symptoms of maternal allergic scores improved significantly in the LGG group (P=0.002). Maternal allergic diseases improvement was more prominent in pregnant women with IgE>100kU/L (P=0.01) and significantly associated with higher interleukin-12p70 levels (P=0.013). LGG administration beginning at the second trimester of pregnancy reduced the severity of maternal allergic disease through increment of Th1 response, but not the incidence of childhood allergic sensitization or allergic diseases (ClinicalTrials.govnumber, IDNCT00325273).

The effect of parental allergy on childhood allergic diseases depends on the sex of the child

The parent-of-origin effect is important in understanding the genetic basis of childhood allergic diseases and improving our ability to identify high-risk children. We sought to investigate the parent-of-origin effect in childhood allergic diseases. The Isle of Wight Birth Cohort (n= 1456) has been examined at 1, 2, 4, 10, and 18 years of age. Information on the prevalence of asthma, eczema, rhinitis, and environmental factors was obtained by using validated questionnaires. Skin prick tests were carried out at ages 4, 10, and 18 years, and total IgE measurement was carried out at 10 and 18 years. Parental history of allergic disease was assessed soon after the birth of the child, when maternal IgE levels were also measured. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and their 95% CIs were estimated, applying log-linear models adjusted for confounding variables. When stratified for sex of the child, maternal asthma was associated with asthma in girls (PR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.34-2.72; P= .0003) but not in boys (PR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.85-1.96; P= .23), whereas paternal asthma was associated with asthma in boys (PR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.42-2.79; P< .0001) but not in girls (PR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.59-1.80; P= .92). Maternal eczema increased the risk of eczema in girls (PR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.37-2.68; P= .0001) only, whereas paternal eczema did the same for boys (PR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.32-3.25; P = .002). Similar trends were observed when the effect of maternal and paternal allergic disease was assessed for childhood atopy and when maternal total IgE levels were related to total IgE levels in children at ages 10 and 18 years. The current study indicates a sex-dependent association of parental allergic conditions with childhood allergies, with maternal allergy increasing the risk in girls and paternal allergy increasing the risk in boys. This has implications for childhood allergy prediction and prevention.

Differences in total and allergen specific IgE during pregnancy compared with 1 month and 1 year post partum

Pregnancy alters the function of many body systems, including the immune system. However, little is known regarding the effect of pregnancy on maternal IgE levels or atopy. To determine whether pregnancy consistently influences serum levels of total or allergen specific IgE. Blood samples were obtained from 764 women during the third trimester of pregnancy and 1 month post partum. A third sample was obtained from 106 of these women 1 year post partum. Samples were analyzed for total and specific IgE to 8 regionally common allergens using a commercially available system. Sensitization was defined as an allergen specific IgE level of 0.35 kU of allergen per liter or higher to any allergen. Total IgE increased significantly post partum, both at 1 month (40.36 vs 35.37 IU/mL intrapartum; P = .001) and at 1 year (44.97 vs 37.00 IU/mL intrapartum; P = .005). Allergen specific IgE decreased significantly at 1 month for cat, dog, ragweed, timothy grass, and egg (P = .001 to P = .02) but not for dust mite, cockroach, or Alternaria (P = .15 to P = .90). Similar patterns of change in total and specific IgE were seen at 1 year. However, on average, only 3.5% of participants changed sensitization status to the individual allergens studied during the 1 year of observation. Compared with intrapartum levels, total IgE levels increased significantly at 1 month and 1 year post partum. Conversely, at the same time points, IgE levels specific for common allergens significantly declined to most but not all allergens. Few women changed their sensitization status over 1 year.

Cord blood cytokines and chemokines and development of allergic disease

Exposure to ubiquitous allergens early in life, even before birth, may influence the incidence of allergic diseases later in life. During pregnancy, the fetomaternal interface is surrounded by high levels of T-helper (Th)2-like cytokines, possibly favouring the development of Th2-like immune responses in the offspring. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between cord blood (CB) IgE antibodies, Th1- and Th2-like cytokines and chemokines, maternal allergy and development of allergic disease during the first 2 yr of life in the offspring. The CB cytokine and chemokine levels from children of 20 allergic and 36 non-allergic women were determined by a multiplexed Luminex assay and ELISA. Total CB and maternal IgE antibody concentrations were quantified using ImmunoCAP technology. The maternal IgE levels during and after pregnancy correlated with CB IgE and Th2-associated macrophage-derived chemokine [MDC (CCL22)] levels. Development of allergic disease and sensitization was associated with increased CB IgE and MDC (CCL22) levels, as well as high ratios of MDC (CCL22) to Th1-associated interferon-gamma inducible protein 10 [IP-10 (CXCL10)] and interferon-gamma inducible T-cell alpha-chemoattractant [I-TAC (CXCL11) (n = 7 allergic vs. n = 25 non-allergic)]. The correlations between maternal IgE and CB IgE and MDC (CCL22) levels possibly indicate that the maternal immunity can affect the Th1/Th2 profile in the neonate. Development of allergic disease is associated with a more marked Th2-like deviation already at birth, shown as increased levels of CB IgE and MDC (CCL22) and higher ratios of MDC (CCL22) to IP-10 (CXCL10) and I-TAC (CXCL11).

Prenatal exposure to a farm environment modifies atopic sensitization at birth

Previous cross-sectional surveys have suggested that maternal exposure to animal sheds during pregnancy exerted a protective effect on atopic sensitization in children lasting until school age. We sought to evaluate the effects of maternal exposure to animal sheds and other farm-related exposures during pregnancy on cord blood IgE levels in a prospective birth cohort. Pregnant women living in rural areas in Austria, Finland, France, Germany, and Switzerland were recruited in the third trimester of pregnancy. Information on maternal farm-related exposures, nutrition, and health during pregnancy was obtained by means of interviews. Specific IgE levels for food and common inhalant allergens were assessed in cord blood of 922 children and peripheral blood samples of their mothers. Different sensitization patterns in cord blood of farm and nonfarm children were observed. In multivariable analysis consumption of boiled, but not unboiled, farm milk during pregnancy was positively associated with specific IgE to cow's milk independently from maternal IgE. In contrast, there was an inverse relationship between maternal exposure to animal sheds and cord blood IgE levels against seasonal allergens (adjusted odds ratio, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.21-0.70). This association was not confounded by maternal IgE levels. Maternal contact with hay enhanced the protective effect of exposure to animal sheds on IgE levels to grass pollen in cord blood. Maternal exposure during pregnancy influences atopic sensitization patterns in cord blood. The (microbial) context of allergen contact possibly modifies the risk of atopic sensitization.

Does maternal immunoglobulin E decrease with increasing order of live offspring? Investigation into maternal immune tolerance.

Identifying the protective effect of a higher number of siblings is a significant finding in understanding the aetiology of allergic sensitization, asthma, eczema, and hayfever. Knowledge about causes behind the sibling effect may allow us to prevent atopic manifestations. We tested the hypothesis that rising order of live offspring increases maternal immune tolerance (immune non-reactivity) against allergens. To this end, we investigated whether maternal IgE levels are associated with the number of live offspring. In a cohort of 1456 newborns recruited between January 1989 and February 1990 on the Isle of Wight, UK, we determined maternal and cord serum IgE, and the order of live offspring. The data were analysed by means of linear and path analysis. Maternal and cord serum IgE were available in 820 mother-infant pairs with birth order information. We found that the number of live offspring significantly reduces maternal IgE. The decline was more prominent in mothers with atopy (n=268). The geometric means of IgE after the first, second, and third or higher delivery were 74.4, 66.6, and 43.0 kU/L, respectively. Findings of path analysis suggest a significant direct effect of birth order on maternal IgE, but no direct effect of birth order on cord serum IgE. The findings support that maternal immune tolerance against allergens may increase with increasing order of live offspring and thus pass on a lower risk of developing atopy in children of higher birth order.

THE OBSTETRICAL FACTORS AT BIRTH AND THE CORD SERUM IgE LEVELS

We studied the relationship between the cord serum IgE levels and the obstetrical factors at birth.The maternal peripheral serum IgE levels at delivery were measured by radio immuno sorbent test (RIST) and the cord serum IgE levels by full automation enzyme immuno assay system, IMx.1. The mean levels of maternal and the cord serum IgE were 142.3±320.8IU/ml (n=226) and 0.476±0.9IU/ml (n=242) respectively.2. A significant correlation (r=0.996, n=80) was observed between the levels of arterial and venous cord serum IgE.3. There was no apparent correlation between the weights of newborn babies and their cord serum IgE levels.4. There was no difference between the two sexes in the cord serum IgE levels.5. Although there was no correlation between the gestational period and the cord serum IgE level from 37 to 42 weeks of pregnancy, statistically significant difference in the IgE level was observed between the group of 37-38weeks of gestation and that of over 41weeks.6. A statistically significant correlation (r=0.1518, n=210) was found between the maternal and cord serum IgE levels, and the group of high maternal IgE levels showed significantly high IgE levels in the cord serum IgE.These results suggest that the maternal IgE concentration is the most important factor of the cord serum IgE.