Nasal Provocation Test Research Articles

A critical appraisal of analyzing nasal provocation test results in allergen immunotherapy trials.

The statistical analysis of nasal provocation tests is very complex. We compared the conventional analysis with the maximally selected test statistics and the hierarchical ordered logistic model. We re-analyzed data from a trial with 112 patients suffering from grass pollen allergy. The patients had been randomized to receive either intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) or subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). The conventional analysis indicated that the logarithmized ratio between the pre- and the post-treatment threshold concentration was significantly lower for ILIT than for SCIT. The maximally selected test statistics was used to test different threshold symptom scores that would imply positive clinical symptoms at the given allergen concentration. A threshold score of 3 maximised the difference in improvement between the ILIT and the SCIT groups. The hierarchical ordered logistic model does not take threshold allergen concentrations as the basis for analysis, but the single scores measured at each concentration. This approach simultaneously considers the treatment effect (ILIT versus SCIT), the time effect (pre- versus post-treatment), and the dose effect (different allergen concentrations). The hierarchical ordered logistic model revealed that the clinical improvement was greater after ILIT than after SCIT. As the choice of method can affect the outcome, guidelines for analysis are highly needed.

Allergic rhinitis is a risk factor for traffic safety.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) affects up to 30% of the adult population and symptomatic patients continue to engage in daily life activities, including car driving. Previous studies have shown that AR can impair cognitive functions, especially during longer-lasting tasks. Other reports suggest negative effects on psychomotor functions such as driving, but no clear evidence has been presented yet. Primary objective was to determine the effect of AR per se on actual driving performance and compare it with the effects of treated AR. Nineteen patients with documented AR history underwent a unique and validated 1-h on-the-road driving test outside the pollen season. In a 4-leg repeated measures design, patients underwent a nasal provocation test with either pollen or inactive control prior to the driving test. In the three conditions with pollen provocation, patients were pretreated with either cetirizine 10mg, fluticasone furoate 27.5μg, or placebo to alleviate the provoked AR symptoms. The driving performance of patients when symptomatic and not treated was significantly impaired compared to the placebo condition. When engaging in a secondary memory task during driving, their performance deteriorated further. The magnitude of impairment was relevant and comparable to that seen at a blood alcohol level of 0.05%, the legal limit in many countries. Treatment of AR symptoms partially counteracted the effect of AR on driving. Untreated AR can impair driving ability and put patients at risk. Drug therapy reduces this impairment, and AR patients should therefore be advised to always treat their condition.

Heterogeneity of molecular sensitization profiles in grass pollen allergy – implications for immunotherapy?

Data on molecular allergy diagnostics in adults with grass pollen allergy with regard to conjunctival and nasal provocation test outcome and specific immunotherapy are lacking to date. To assess whether molecular allergy diagnostics for grass pollen allergens could help with predicting provocation test outcomes and serve as a basis for future component-resolved specific immunotherapy. Sera of 101 adults with grass pollen allergy was analysed for IgE against timothy grass pollen (Phleum pratense), rPhl p 1, rPhl p 2, nPhl p 4, rPhl p 5b, rPhl p 6, rPhl p 7, rPhl p 11 and rPhl p12 and correlated with the individuals' outcome in the nasal and conjunctival provocation tests and investigated in regard to a potential component-resolved specific immunotherapy. An increasing number of sensitizations to timothy grass allergens was correlated to a positive reaction in the conjunctival (4.9 vs. 3.6, P=0.003) and nasal provocation tests (4.5 vs. 2.2, P=0.0175). In molecular sensitization profiles, a substantial heterogeneity was detected, with none of the patients exactly matching the allergen composition of a previously published component-resolved specific immunotherapy containing Phl p 1, Phl p 2, Phl p 5a/b and Phl p 6. The results indicate that in 95% of the patients, a proportion of 50% of timothy-IgE would be targeted with such a specific immunotherapy, while in 50% and 10% of patients, 80% and 90% of timothy-IgE would be targeted, respectively. Molecular allergy diagnostics is a prerequisite for future component-resolved specific immunotherapy due to the high heterogeneity of sensitization profiles. However, of current clinical relevance is the observed correlation between the number of sensitizations and provocation test outcome.

Turbinoplasty with Quantic Molecular Resonance in the Treatment of Persistent Moderate-Severe Allergic Rhinitis: Comparative Analysis of Efficacy

Allergic rhinitis (AR) presents as the main and most invasive symptom in the blocking of the nose. This condition is almost always related to hypertrophy of the inferior turbinates. When the medical treatments are found to be insufficient to solve the obstructive symptom of the patient, the quality of life is considerably impaired and it is often necessary to submit the patient to a surgical approach. In the present study we aimed to establish the efficacy and safety of a new technique recently introduced for the shrinkage of hypertrophic turbinates using a specific device, based on a new radiofrequency energy that does not produce thermal mucosal damage, viz., quantic molecular resonance (QMR) in a group of patients with persistent moderate-severe allergic rhinitis, in addition to standard medical treatment (nasal steroid and oral antihistamine). All patients were randomly assigned to two homogeneous groups (group A, control subjects; group B, treated patients); each group included 145 individuals. During the study, both groups received standard medications (ebastine, 10-mg tablet, and budesonide nasal spray at 100 micrograms/nostril per day) for 90 days. Before the medical treatment, patients in group B underwent inferior endoscopic turbinoplasty using QMR. All of the patients enrolled in this study were submitted to a complete otorhinolaryngologic evaluation with objective clinical examination (basal rhinomanometry, nasal provocation test rhinomanometry, and mucociliary transport time), endoscopy, and questionnaires (22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test and visual analog scale for nasal symptoms). Greater efficacy has been achieved using a combined approach with the association of medical and QMR treatment, compared with medical treatment alone, in the control of AR associated with hypertrophy of the inferior turbinates, in particular in the reduction of turbinate volume at rhinoendoscopy. QMR inferior turbinoplasty, in conjunction with medical therapy, improves the nasal flow, without any thermal mucosal damage, more effectively when compared with medical treatment alone in persistent moderate-to-severe AR. In particular, local reactivity, as measured with nasal provocation test, was noticeably reduced.

Evaluation Of Acoustic Rhinometry In Histamine Nasal Provocation Test In Children and Adolescents

although acoustic rhinometry (AR) is considered a well established technique to evaluate nasal patency its role in nasal provocation tests is still to be defined, especially in children and adolescents.

Nasal Provocation Test In The Diagnosis Of Mite Allergic Rhinitis : Standard Or Rapid?

Diagnosis of mite allergic rhinitis is difficult. Limited studies of Standard Nasal Provocation Test (SNPT) against mites have shown that about 20% of rhinitics sensitized to mite had negative NPT. SNPT is time consuming and impractical in routine. We develop a “rapid” NPT (RNTP). Objective: Determine the sensitivity and specificity of SNTP and compare the RNTP to SNTP.

Cellular changes in tears associated with keratoconjunctival responses induced by nasal allergy.

Allergic keratoconjunctivitis occurs in a primary form, caused by an allergic reaction localized in the conjunctiva, and in a secondary form, induced by an allergic reaction originating in the nasal mucosa. Various hypersensitivity mechanisms involved in the keratoconjunctivitis forms result in different keratoconjunctival response types. To investigate the cytologic changes in tears during the secondary immediate (SIKCR), late (SLKCR), and delayed (SDYKCR) keratoconjunctival responses. In 61 patients, comprising 20 SIKCRs, 23 SLKCRs, and 18 SDYKCRs, nasal provocation tests (NPTs) with allergens and 61 phosphate-buffered control challenges were repeated and supplemented with cell counting in the tears. The SIKCR (P<0.01), appearing 10-120 min after the NPT, was associated with increased eosinophil and mast cell counts in tears. The SLKCR (P<0.01), appearing 5-12 h after the NPT, was accompanied by increased counts of eosinophils, neutrophils, basophils, and conjunctival epithelial and goblet cells. The SDYKCR (P<0.05), appearing 24-48 h after NPT, was associated with increased counts of lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, basophils, conjunctival epithelial, corneal epithelial and goblet cells. The SIKCR, SLKCR, and SDYKCR, induced by nasal allergy, were associated with different cellular profiles in the tears. The cells, except mast, epithelial and goblet cells, displaying no intracellular changes, migrated probably from the conjunctival capillaries, in response to the factors released during the primary allergic reaction in the nasal mucosa and subsequently penetrating into the conjunctiva. These results demonstrate a causal role of nasal allergy and diagnostic value of NPT combined with recording of ocular features and cellular profiles in tears in some keratoconjunctivitis patients.

Azelastine and budesonide (nasal sprays): Effect of combination therapy monitored by acoustic rhinometry and clinical symptom score in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

The aim of this study was to objectively evaluate the effects of intranasal therapy with azelastine (AZE), budesonide (BUD), and combined AZE plus BUD (AZE/BUD) using a nasal provocation test (NPT) and acoustic rhinometry in patients with allergic rhinitis. A randomized, single-blind, crossover study with three treatment sequences was used. Thirty patients with persistent AR received the three treatments using a nasal spray twice daily for 30 days and were evaluated by an NPT with histamine before and after each period of treatment. The treatment comparison, assessed by the nasal responsiveness to histamine, was monitored based on subjective (symptom score) and objective parameters (acoustic rhinometry). The minimal cross-area 2 (MCA2) was measured by acoustic rhinometry at 1, 4, 8, and 12 minutes after NPT for each histamine concentration administered (0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 6 mg/mL) up to at least a 20% reduction in the MCA2 from baseline (NPT20). The subjects were scored regarding nasal response encompassing histamine dose and time after histamine administration that caused nasal obstruction (NPT20 score) to assess the treatments' effects. Combination therapy produced a significant increase in baseline MCA2, viz., the improvement of nasal patency (p = 0.005). The symptoms score was significantly decreased after treatment with AZE (p = 0.03), BUD (p < 0.0001), and AZE/BUD (p < 0.0001), compared with pretreatment. The NPT20 score was significantly higher (p = 0.0009) after AZE/BUD, compared with AZE and BUD on their own. Thus, AZE therapy combined with BUD might provide more therapeutic benefits than the isolated drugs for improving nasal patency.

A critical appraisal of analyzing nasal provocation test results in allergen immunotherapy trials

The statistical analysis of nasal provocation tests is very complex. We compared the conventional analysis with the maximally selected test statistics and the hierarchical ordered logistic model. We re-analyzed data from a trial with 112 patients suffering from grass pollen allergy. The patients had been randomized to receive either intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) or subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). The conventional analysis indicated that the logarithmized ratio between the pre- and the post-treatment threshold concentration was significantly lower for ILIT than for SCIT. The maximally selected test statistics was used to test different threshold symptom scores that would imply positive clinical symptoms at the given allergen concentration. A threshold score of 3 maximised the difference in improvement between the ILIT and the SCIT groups. The hierarchical ordered logistic model does not take threshold allergen concentrations as the basis for analysis, but the single scores measured at each concentration. This approach simultaneously considers the treatment effect (ILIT versus SCIT), the time effect (pre- versus post-treatment), and the dose effect (different allergen concentrations). The hierarchical ordered logistic model revealed that the clinical improvement was greater after ILIT than after SCIT. As the choice of method can affect the outcome, guidelines for analysis are highly needed.

Bet v 2 Responsibility in Birch-Induced Symptoms

We report the case of a patient who first had grass pollinosis associated to food allergy, especially melon, and who developed secondarily early spring pollinosis which could be related to sensitization to the birch profilin. This patient, whose birch pollinosis was confirmed by nasal provocation test, was not sensitized to Bet v 1, the major birch pollen allergen in North Western Europe. We demonstrated by inhibition studies using grass and birch profilins that the clinical birch allergy was induced by the cross reacting profilin present both in birch and grass pollen and also in melon.

Comparison of two oral probiotic preparations in a randomized crossover trial highlights a potentially beneficial effect of Lactobacillus paracasei NCC2461 in patients with allergic rhinitis

BackgroundThere is promising but conflicting evidence to recommend the addition of probiotics to foods for prevention and treatment of allergy. Based on previous studies with fermented milk containing Lactobacillus paracasei NCC2461, we aimed to compare the effect of a powder form of the latter probiotic with the effect of a blend of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC SD5221 and Bifidobacterium lactis ATCC SD5219 in patients with allergic rhinitis.MethodsA double-blind, randomized, cross-over study, involving 31 adults with allergic rhinitis to grass pollen, was performed outside the grass pollen season (registration number: NCT01233154). Subjects received each product for 4-weeks in two phases separated by a wash-out period of 6 to 8 weeks. A nasal provocation test was performed before and after each 4-week product intake period, and outcome parameters (objective and subjective clinical symptoms; immune parameters) were measured during and/or 24 hours after the test.ResultsOut of the 31 subject enrolled, 28 completed the study. While no effect was observed on nasal congestion (primary outcome), treatment with NCC2461 significantly decreased nasal pruritus (determined by VAS), and leukocytes in nasal fluid samples, enhanced IL-5, IL-13 and IL-10 production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in an allergen specific manner and tended to decrease IL-5 secretion in nasal fluid, in contrast to treatment with the blend of L. acidophilus and B. lactis.ConclusionsDespite short-term consumption, NCC2461 was able to reduce subjective nasal pruritus while not affecting nasal congestion in adults suffering from grass pollen allergic rhinitis. The associated decrease in nasal fluid leukocytes and IL-5 secretion, and the enhanced IL-10 secretion in an allergen specific manner may partly explain the decrease in nasal pruritus. However, somewhat unexpected systemic immune changes were also noted. These data support the study of NCC2461 consumption in a seasonal clinical trial to further demonstrate its potentially beneficial effect.

Poster 1000: Efficacy and safety of specific sublingual immunotherapy with carbamylated allergoid tablets of ragweed pollen: a dose-ranging study

Methods A prospective multicenter double-blind randomized dose-ranging study (EudraCT number 2011-004522-10) was conducted following GCP rules in patients with history of ragweed-related moderate-to-severe allergic rhinoconjunctivitis for at least 2 years, with or without controlled seasonal allergic asthma, and positive response to allergen specific nasal provocation test (NPT). Before the 2013 ragweed pollen season adult patients were assigned to different daily dosages (3001000-2000 UA) of tablets of ragweed pollen carbamylated extract given for 4 months. The primary end-point was the individual change in the response to NPT before and after the treatment (allergic symptoms and threshold provocative dose to identify improved, unchanged, worsened subjects). Secondary end-points included the analysis of this improvement considering the severity level (depending on symptoms score and provocative dose), the change of nasal peak inspiratory flow (NPIF) in response to NPT, and the incidence of adverse events. Results Seventy-three subjects were enrolled and 52 were randomized (1:1:1) and treated. The proportion of improved patients was 77%, 88% and 81% in the 300 UA, 1000UA and 2000 UA groups respectively. A progressive trend to increased efficacy with flattening of the slope (mean severity level improvement: +1.38, +1.71 and +1.90 respectively) and a statistically significant difference between 300 UA and 2000 UA (p = 0.0187) were found. NPIF improved in all groups at the end of the study without significant differences among treatments (p = 0.41). One probable treatment-related AE occurred in group 1, 3 probable and 1 certain (mild) in group 2, 3 possible and 1 certain (moderate) in group 3. No serious treatment-related AEs occurred.

Local allergic rhinitis

Local allergic rhinitis is a localized allergic response of the nasal mucosa to aeroallergens in the absence of atopy with characteristic production of specific local immunoglobulin E antibodies in the nasal mucosa, T helper type 2 cellular infiltration response during the exposure to aeroallergens and positive results via the nasal allergic provocation test with the release of inflammatory mediators (triptase and eosinophil cationic proteins). Even though the prevalence of local allergic rhinitis has been and is still being investigated, a large number of patients with diagnosed non-allergic rhinitis or idiopathic rhinitis are currently classified as having local allergic rhinitis. The causes of local allergic rhinitis are most commonly house dust, dust mites, pollens and many others. Diagnosis of local allergic rhinitis is made using nasal allergen provocation tests when the prick test for standard inhalation allergens and the serum specific immunoglobulin analysis for aeroallergens are negative. The increasing amount of data on localized allergic response in non-atopic patients asks for many answers regarding local allergic rhinitis. These answers can be obtained by a study on the prevalence and incidence in children and adults, the impact of positive family atopy in the development of disease, the impact of associated diseases of the lower respiratory tract and conjunctiva, the effectiveness of drug treatment and the issue of administration of specific immunotherapy.

Cytokines in Tears during the Secondary Keratoconjunctival Responses Induced by Allergic Reaction in the Nasal Mucosa

Background: Allergic keratoconjunctivitis (KC) can occur in a primary form due to an allergic reaction taking place in the conjunctivae or in a secondary form induced by nasal allergy. Objectives: To search for the cytokine changes in tears accompanying the secondary keratoconjunctival response types (SKCR), caused by the nasal allergy. Methods: In 43 KC patients developing 15 immediate (SIKCR), 16 late (SLKCR) and 12 delayed (SDYKCR) responses to nasal provocation tests with allergens (NPT), the NPTs were repeated with subsequent recording of cytokine concentrations in tears up to 72 h. Results: The SIKCRs (p < 0.001), occurring 10-120 min after the NPT, were accompanied by significant changes (p < 0.05) of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The SLKCRs (p < 0.01), appearing 5-12 h after the NPT, were associated with significant changes (p < 0.05) of IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, GM-CSF and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. The SDYKCRs (p < 0.01), occurring 24-48 h after the NPT, were accompanied by significant changes (p < 0.05) of IL-2, IL-8, IL-10, interferon-γ, transforming growth factor-β and TNF-α. Conclusions: The particular SKCR types, induced by an allergic reaction in the nasal mucosa, were accompanied by different cytokine profiles in the tears, suggesting involvement of different hypersensitivity mechanisms. These results also stress the diagnostic usefulness of NPTs combined with monitoring of ocular features in KC patients who did not respond satisfactorily to the topical ophthalmological treatment.

A prospective study comparing the efficacy and safety of two sublingual birch allergen preparations.

BackgroundSUBLIVAC FIX Birch (SUB-B) is a liquid oral preparation of Betula verrucosa pollen extract for the treatment of allergic rhinitis/rhinoconjuctivitis induced by birch pollen. The major allergen content of SUB-B and Staloral Birch (Stal-B) have been shown to be comparable. In order to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of both products, the present study was designed to investigate efficacy of treatment with SUB-B compared to Stal-B by means of reduction in allergy symptoms assessed by a titrated nasal provocation test (TNPT) in subjects suffering from IgE mediated allergy complaints triggered by birch pollen.MethodsA prospective, randomized, open, blinded endpoint (PROBE), controlled, single-centre study in 74 birch allergic adults was performed. Treatment consisted of either SUB-B (10,000 AUN/ml) or Stal-B (initial phase 10 I.R./ml and maintenance phase 300 I.R./ml) for 16–20 weeks at maintenance dose. The primary efficacy outcome was defined by the difference in change of the TNPT-threshold dose between the two treatment groups at baseline and after completion of treatment. Secondary outcomes included determination of birch pollen specific IgE and IgG levels, safety lab and ECG. During the first 30 days of treatment, subjects were requested to fill out a diary concerning compliance with study medication, occurrence of AEs and the use of concomitant medication.ResultsAnalysis of the primary efficacy parameter showed that the percentage of subjects showing a beneficial treatment effect was similar in both treatment groups, 33.3% for SUB-B vs. 31.4% for Stal-B in the intention to treat population. Evaluation of the immunologic response, showed that treatment with SUB-B and Stal-B induced similar increases (approximately 2 times) in IgE, IgG and IgG4 specific for Bet v 1.In total, 143 related adverse events (AEs) were reported. The majority of the AEs was of mild intensity. The same pattern of AEs was observed for both products. No clinically relevant changes in other safety parameters, such as safety laboratory parameters, vital signs, physical examination and ECGs were observed.ConclusionTaken together, treatment with both products was effective by means of reduction in allergic symptoms during a TNPT. In addition, safety analysis revealed a good tolerability of both SLIT extracts.

Safety and efficacy of Nasya/Prevalin in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

BackgroundNasya/Prevalin is a natural, drug-free nasal spray for treatment and prevention of allergic rhinitis. Because of its thixotropic property, it forms a barrier on the nasal mucosa, preventing allergen contact. This study assesses the clinical efficacy and safety of Nasya/Prevalin in a nasal provocation test with house dust mite allergens.Methodology/PrincipalIn this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 20 subjects suffering from allergic rhinitis because of house dust mite allergens received a single dose of Nasya/Prevalin or saline spray before allergen challenge. Total nasal symptom score and total ocular symptom score were assessed 15, 30, 60, 75, 90, 120 and 240 min after challenge. Further, the appearance of the mucosa was examined by rhinoscopy.ResultsA single treatment with Nasya/Prevalin led to a significant reduction of TNSS at 60, 75 and 90 min after dust mite allergen challenge as compared with placebo (pVCAS = 0.021, pVCAS = 0.035, pVCAS = 0.036, respectively). Mucosa changes assessed by the rhinoscopic score (on swelling, secretion and colour) were significantly worse in the placebo group compared with the Nasya/Prevalin group (P = 0.033). Nasya/Prevalin was well tolerated, and the safety was comparable with placebo.ConclusionsTreatment with Nasya/Prevalin was effective in preventing allergic reactions induced by dust mite allergen challenge.Please cite this paper as: Stoelzel K, Bothe G, Chong PW and Lenarz M. Safety and efficacy of Nasya/Prevalin in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Clin Respir J 2014; 8: 382–390.

Follow-up study in local allergic rhinitis shows a consistent entity not evolving to systemic allergic rhinitis

Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) is a common disease that affects 25.7% of the rhinitis population and more than 47% of patients previously diagnosed with nonallergic rhinitis. Whether LAR is the first step in the natural history of allergic rhinitis (AR) with systemic atopy or a consistent entity is unknown. The aim was to evaluate the natural history of a population with LAR of recent onset and the development of AR and asthma. A prospective 10-year follow-up study with initial cohorts of 194 patients with LAR of recent onset and 130 healthy controls is being undertaken. A clinical-demographic questionnaire, spirometry, skin prick test, and specific IgE to aeroallergens were done yearly. Nasal allergen provocation tests with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Alternaria alternata, Olea europea, and a mix of grass pollen were performed at baseline and after 5 years. At disease onset, most of the patients with LAR had moderate-to-severe persistent-perennial rhinitis; conjunctivitis and asthma were the main comorbidities (51.1% and 18.8%, respectively), and D pteronyssinus was the most relevant aeroallergen (51.1%). After 5 years of follow-up, a worsening of rhinitis was detected in 26.2%, with an increase in symptom persistence and severity, and new associations with conjunctivitis and asthma. Atopy was detected by skin prick test and/or serum specific-IgE in patients with LAR (6.81%) and in controls (4.5%). This study shows a similar rate of development of systemic atopy in LAR and controls, which suggests that LAR is an entity well differentiated from AR. To determine the natural course of LAR more precisely, this study is in progress to complete 10 years of follow-up.

Nonspecific Hyper‐reactivity and Localized Allergy: Cause of Discrepancy Between Skin Prick and Nasal Provocation Test

Disagreement between results of skin prick test (SPT) and nasal provocation tests (NPT) causes difficulty in differential diagnosis of allergic rhinitis (AR) and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR). We hypothesized this discrepancy could be due to the nonspecific hyper-reactivity (NHR) and localized allergy of the nasal cavity. Prospective pilot. Academic tertiary rhinologic practice. Sixty patients with AR and 62 with NAR were enrolled. We categorized patients according to results of SPT and NPT. We compared: (1) the clinical characteristics and severity of the disease, (2) change of minimal cross-sectional area (MCA) and total nasal volume (TNV) after normal saline (NS) challenge, and (3) change of nasal symptoms and acoustic parameters after intranasal house dust mite (HDM) challenge between groups. Patients in groups A (SPT[+]/NPT[+]) and C (SPT[-]/NPT[+]) complained of more persistent discomfort than those in groups B (SPT[+]/NPT[-]) and D (SPT[-]/NPT[-]). The proportion of moderate to severe symptoms was significantly higher in groups A, B, and C compared to group D. After NS challenge, MCA/TNV showed a significantly greater decrease in groups A (MCA: 27.6% ± 21.3%, TNV: 24.6% ± 16.4%) and C (MCA: 31.2% ± 24.0%, TNV: 24.1% ± 23.4%) compared to groups B (MCA: 0.1% ± 13.2%, TNV: 3.9% ± 13.5%) and D (MCA: 2.1% ± 12.1%, TNV: 2.0% ± 17.2%) (P < .05). After HDM challenge, groups A/B showed a greater decrease in MCA (Group A: 62.4% ± 16.1%, Group B: 6.4% ± 11.3%) compared to groups C/D (Group C: 45.5% ± 14.4%, Group D: -3.0% ± 9.5%). NHR and/or localized allergy should be considered in patients with rhinitis whose SPT and NPT results are not in agreement.

Cytokine Profiles in Tears Accompanying the Secondary Conjunctival Responses Induced by Nasal Allergy

Purpose/aim: Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) occurs either in a primary form, due to the allergic reaction localized in the conjunctivae or in a secondary form, induced by an allergic reaction initiated primarily in the nasal mucosa. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cytokine profiles in tears associated with the secondary conjunctival response (SCR) types.Materials and methods: In 47 AC patients developing 16 immediate (SICR; p < 0.01), 20 late (SLCR; p < 0.001) and 11 delayed (SDYCR; p < 0.05) responses to nasal provocation tests (NPTs) with allergens, the NPTs were repeated and combined with recording of cytokine concentrations in the tears.Results: The SCRs were associated with significant concentration changes of particular cytokines in tears (p < 0.05) as follows: (1): SICRs: interleukin (IL)-3, IL-4, IL-10 and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF); (2) SLCRs: IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p40, GM-CSF and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF); and (3) SDYCRs: IL-2, IL-8, IL-10, interferon gamma, G-CSF and tumor necrosis factor alpha. No significant cytokine changes were recorded in tears during the phosphate-buffered saline controls or negative SCRs.Conclusions: Different cytokine profiles in the tears accompanying the immediate, late and delayed types of SCR, induced by nasal allergy, would indicate involvement of different hypersensitivity mechanisms in the particular SCR types. The low cytokine concentrations in tears recorded during the SCRs may suggest their origin from the nasal mucosa. These results emphasize the diagnostic value of NPTs with allergens combined with monitoring of various ocular features in patients suffering from the secondary form of AC. These results may also have an impact on the therapeutical approach to this clinical entity.

Role of Art v 3 in pollinosis of patients allergic to Pru p 3

Food allergy caused by lipid transfer protein (LTP) from peach (Pru p 3) is frequently associated with sensitization to mugwort LTP (Art v 3). Although in vitro cross-reactivity is already well known, it has yet to be elucidated whether a pollen LTP can induce rhinitis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether mugwort LTP could elicit respiratory symptoms and whether a primary food LTP allergy could lead to a respiratory allergy. Patients with confirmed Pru p 3 allergy and control subjects were selected. Immediate responses to nasal allergen provocation tests (NAPTs) with Art v 3, Pru p 3, and mugwort were assessed by using the visual analog scale score, total nasal symptom score, and acoustic rhinometry. Tryptase and cysteinyl leukotriene (cysLT) levels were measured in nasal lavage fluid. Immunoblotting, ELISAs, and ELISA inhibition assays were also performed. Fifteen patients and 9 control subjects were selected. NAPT results with Art v 3 and Pru p 3 showed significant changes in acoustic rhinometry, visual analog scale scores, total nasal symptom scores, and cysLT levels (P < .001). Tryptase levels were only increased in NAPTs with Pru p 3. NAPTs with mugwort were used in those patients who were only sensitized to Art v 3, with similar results (P < .05). No significant changes were detected in control subjects. The results demonstrated that a pollen LTP can elicit rhinitis in sensitized patients. Findings also suggest that a primary sensitization to Pru p 3 can lead to a respiratory allergy through cross-reactivity.