Peak Pollen Research Articles

Duration of Action of Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray in Subjects with Symptoms of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Induced in an Environmental Exposure Chamber

Environmental exposure chamber (EEC) is a controlled environment for inducing allergen responses similar to those occurring outdoors on peak pollen days. This study measured mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS) duration of action following initial dose and maintenance (7-day) dosing after ragweed exposure in EEC.

Emission Rates, Survival, and Modeled Dispersal of Viable Pollen of Creeping Bentgrass

Dispersal and deposition of pollen of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) was estimated by using CALPUFF, a complex model originally developed to simulate dispersal of particulates and other air pollutants. In field experiments, peak pollen emission rates (8 × 106 pollen grains per min per m2 of a creeping bentgrass stand) occurred between 1000 and 1200 h. Pollen survival under outdoor conditions decreased exponentially with time, and only 1% survived for 2 h. CALPUFF simulations showed deposition of 100,000 viable pollen grains per m2 at distances of 2 to 3 km from the source field, and deposition of one pollen grain per 10 m2 at distances of 4.6 to 6.7 km from the source field. Pattern of simulated deposition varied with weather conditions and, to a lesser extent, source field size. Simulation of dispersal by a small thermal vortex produced deposition of one grain per 10 m2 at 15.3 km from the source field. Overall, the deposition modeling results suggest that pollen‐mediated gene flow is likely at distances of 2 to 3 km from a source field, and possible at distances up to 15 km.

EFFECTS OF THE NOVEL SYMBIOTIC IMMUBALANCE AS A FOOD SUPPLEMENT IN RELIEVING CLINICAL SYMPTOMS OF JAPNESE CEDAR POLLINOSIS: A PILOT STUDY

SUMMARY 1Probiotics have been suggested to have potential for treating food allergy in small children. Although oral probiotics have been studied extensively in animals and humans for various allergies, their effects on the prevention and/or treatment of pollinosis have not been adequately investigated. 2The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of the novel symbiotic food supplement ImmuBalance (a koji fungus (Aspergillus oryzae) and lactic acid bacteria (Pediococcus parvulus and Enterococcus faecium) soybean fermentation product; Nichimo Co. Ltd, Tokyo, Japan) on the prevention and treatment of allergic reactions in Japanese cedar pollinosis (JCP) during the pollen season. 3An open-label pilot study on seven individuals with JCP was conducted. Each participant received oral administration of 1.0–2.0 g ImmuBalance daily for 3 months, which contained 1.8 ¥ 1010/g heat-killed lactobacteria. Six participants (four men, two women; 26–55 years of age) completed the 3 months of supplementation. One participant was excluded from the study because the JCP-specific IgE in RAST scores was lower than 2 UA/mL. The clinical severity of JCP in past year for each participant was self-evaluated on a five-point scale from 0 to 4, in accordance with the guidelines of the Nasal Allergy Clinic 2002, Japan. 4Self-evaluated overall average symptom scores (1.7 ± 0.8) in the peak pollen season showed significant improvement compared with the past year (3.5 ± 0.5; P = 0.001). Furthermore, the average scores for sneezing and runny nose in the peak pollen season showed significant improvement compared with the past year. The scores for swelling and colour of the mucosa and snivel in the nasal cavity did not increase significantly in the peak pollen season compared with baseline. 5Our studies suggest that dietary ImmuBalance may be effective in the prevention and treatment of JCP. The underlying mechanisms of action and the possibility of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial are being investigated.

Metabolism of reactive oxygen species in cotton cytoplasmic male sterility and its restoration

To elucidate reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism of cotton cytoplasmic male sterility and the effects of restorer gene on the metabolism of ROS, the metabolism changes in the production and scavenging of ROS and gene expression related to ROS-scavenging enzymes were investigated in the anther mitochondria of CMS line, maintainer line and hybrid F(1). During the abortion preliminary stage (sporogenous cell division stage), anthers of CMS line had a little higher superoxide (O(2)(-)) production rate and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents than those of maintainer or hybrid F(1. )Simultaneously, a little higher ROS contents might serve as a signal to increase the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in anthers of CMS line to reduce the ROS damage to the anther development. But at the abortion peak (pollen mother cell meiosis stage), anthers of CMS line had extraordinarily higher ROS contents and lower ROS-scavenging enzymic activities compared with the hybrid F(1), during which the ROS contents and ROS-scavenging enzymic activities in hybrid F(1) were approximate to those of maintainer line. The expression of Mn-sod and apx mRNA in anther of CMS line was obviously inhibited when ROS produced with a great deal during anther abortion, however the gene expression in hybrid F(1) kept normal with the maintainer. Excessive accumulation of O(2)(*-) , H(2)O(2 )and MDA, significant reduction of ROS-scavenging enzymic activities and lower gene expression level of ROS-scavenging enzyme were coinstantaneous with male cells death in anthers of CMS line. But when the restorer gene was transferred into CMS line, excessive production of ROS could be eliminated in the anthers of hybrid F(1). The restorer gene likely plays an important role in keeping the dynamic balance between the production and elimination of ROS.

Clonal-row versus random seed orchard designs: interior spruce mating system evaluation

Mating system pattern (selfing or outcrossing and correlated matings levels) comparisons between two interior spruce seed orchard designs (clonal-row and random) managed under intensive crown and pollen management were conducted. Crown manipulation consisted of tree topping and branch pruning, while pollen management involved multiple supplemental mass-pollination applications during peak seed-cone reproductive receptivity and pollen agitation using helicopters. Significant differences between orchards’ multilocus outcrossing rate estimates were observed, and both estimates significantly departed from complete outcrossing (t = 1.0). Clonal arrangements in the clonal-row design permitted higher chances for selfing (t = 0.948) in comparison with those of the random design (t = 0.989). Intensive pollen management, while effective, still produced a minor component of selfing. Both orchard designs produced similar individual tree's outcrossing rate trends with the majority showing high outcrossing, while few individuals showed high selfing propensity. Estimates of correlated mating varied substantially between the two seed orchard designs with 9.3% and 4.3% for the clonal-row and random seed orchards, respectively. While small but significant differences in the genetic quality of the seed crops were observed between the two orchard designs, the establishment of clonal-row seed orchards should be given serious considerations specifically under committed pollen and crown management. The ease of crop and orchard management in the clonal-row design outweighs the observed differences in the seed crop genetic quality. A slight modification to the clonal-row design is proposed and is expected to reduce the observed minor genetic quality differences between the two orchard designs.

Seasonal distribution of pollen in the atmosphere of Darwin, tropical Australia: Preliminary results

Pollen loads in the atmosphere of Darwin, a city located in the wet‐dry tropics of Australia, have been monitored for the period March 2004 to November 2005 as part of a large research program looking at atmospheric particles and human health. Seven pollen types dominate the pollen spectrum, the herbaceous families of Poaceae (grasses) and Cyperaceae (sedges), as well as several native tree and shrub taxa, Acacia, Callitris, Casuarina, Arecaceae and Myrtaceae. The pollen loads were found to have a strong seasonal component associated with the alternating wet (November to March) and dry (April to October) seasons of the region. Seventy percent of the yearly pollen load is captured during the dry season, with the peak pollen period occurring at the onset of the dry season (April–May) when most grasses are in flower. The daily pollen concentration decreases as the dry season progresses, accompanied by a change in composition; fewer herbaceous but increasing woody taxa. Preliminary health outcomes reveal a positive association between hay fever, Poaceae and Acacia pollen, as well as a significant association between total fungal spore concentrations and asthma. The Darwin record contrasts significantly with surveys conducted in the subtropical and temperate cities of Australia where temperature as opposed to rainfall and the prevalence of northern hemisphere exotic tree species have a greater influence over the seasonality and composition of the pollen loads.

An Eight Year Survey (1998-2005) of the Major Tree Pollens in the Washington, DC Area

RATIONALE: The last significant sampling for the Washington, DC area was over a decade ago (1989-1994); detailing concentrations and peak pollination periods for 16 major area tree species. The current investigation provides an update to the previous study and allows for comparison with respect to the predominant species and their peak pollinating periods.METHODS: Aeroallergan sampling was conducted using a volumetric rotating arm impaction Rotorod Sampler (Multidata/Sampling Technologies, St. Louis Park, Minnesota). Pollen counts were collected as recommended by the National Allergy Bureau and recorded in grains/cubic meter.RESULTS: The Fagaceae family (oaks and beech) are the predominant pollinating trees; accounting for 47% of the pollen collected. Other identified pollens included 10% Cupressaceae (cypress, juniper, cedar), 9% Pinaceae (pine), 8% Moraceae (mulberry), 5% Betulaceae (birch, alder), and 21% other (each <5%). The peak total pollen count (avg 1275 g/m3) and timing varied between the 2nd week of April to the 1st week of May each year. The most prevalent tree pollens peaked in April or May, except for Cupresseaceae and the alders of Betulaceae peaking in February or March.CONCLUSIONS: As part of a continual aeroallergen survey conducted at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, our data was consistent with previous surveys showing a “tree season” of February to June for this geographic area. Peak total pollen counts appear late in the season with oak as the primary pollinating trees. Further study is needed to establish an area specific severity scale and to correlate these observations with allergic disease outcomes. RATIONALE: The last significant sampling for the Washington, DC area was over a decade ago (1989-1994); detailing concentrations and peak pollination periods for 16 major area tree species. The current investigation provides an update to the previous study and allows for comparison with respect to the predominant species and their peak pollinating periods. METHODS: Aeroallergan sampling was conducted using a volumetric rotating arm impaction Rotorod Sampler (Multidata/Sampling Technologies, St. Louis Park, Minnesota). Pollen counts were collected as recommended by the National Allergy Bureau and recorded in grains/cubic meter. RESULTS: The Fagaceae family (oaks and beech) are the predominant pollinating trees; accounting for 47% of the pollen collected. Other identified pollens included 10% Cupressaceae (cypress, juniper, cedar), 9% Pinaceae (pine), 8% Moraceae (mulberry), 5% Betulaceae (birch, alder), and 21% other (each <5%). The peak total pollen count (avg 1275 g/m3) and timing varied between the 2nd week of April to the 1st week of May each year. The most prevalent tree pollens peaked in April or May, except for Cupresseaceae and the alders of Betulaceae peaking in February or March. CONCLUSIONS: As part of a continual aeroallergen survey conducted at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, our data was consistent with previous surveys showing a “tree season” of February to June for this geographic area. Peak total pollen counts appear late in the season with oak as the primary pollinating trees. Further study is needed to establish an area specific severity scale and to correlate these observations with allergic disease outcomes.

２００５年石川県７施設におけるスギ花粉症に対する塩酸オロパタジンの初期治療効果―日本アレルギー性鼻炎ＱＯＬ標準調査票（ＪＲＱＬＱ）を用いた検討―

Clinical usefulness of olopatadine hydrochloride was studied in 97 patients with cedar pollinosis in 2005. The subjects were divided into 2 groups based on the time of starting treatment before or after the onset of pollen season. Subjective symptoms, objective findings of nose and quality of life scores using Japanese Rhino-conjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (JRQLQ No 1) were compared between the two groups. Both the clinical scores and QOL scores remained normal even at the peak of pollen scattering in patients who started medication before pollen season, and showed significant differences in each index compared with those in the patient group starting treatment after the onset of pollen season. The patients who started medication after pollen dispersal were not relieved of their symptoms at the peak of pollen scattering, but they had lower scores at both the beginning and end of pollen season. There were strong correlations between the clinical symptom scores and QOL scores in both groups. In conclusion, olopatadine hydrochloride appeared to be sufficiently effective for cedar pollinosis during the season of peak pollen of scattering by starting medication before the onset of pollen season.

A Comparison of Peak Pollen Times in the Missoula Valley from 1978 and 2006

A Comparison of Peak Pollen Times in the Missoula Valley from 1978 and 2006

ASSESSING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIC RHINOCONJUNCTIVITIS AND POLLEN COUNTS

The relationship between daily pollen counts during the peak pollen season and hay fever symptoms in known sufferers of pollen allergy was investigated in a Sydney hospital-based study. This paper develops statistical models for both the short term (day to day) associations and the longer term relationships between these time series. Possible effects of asthma status are investigated. The analyses illustrate how different relationships between time series may be explored in a simple way by working on different time scales with suitably transformed variables.

Safety and Efficacy of Juniperus ashei Sublingual-Swallow Ultra-Rush Pollen Immunotherapy in Cypress Rhinoconjunctivitis

Background: The safety and efficacy of high-dose sublingual-swallow immunotherapy (SLIT) has been established in pollen rhinoconjunctivitis. This treatment has now been evaluated using an ultra-rush incremental dose regimen with a Juniperus ashei allergen extract in patients allergic to Cupressus sempervirens and Cupressus arizonica. Methods: Patients received either placebo or SLIT. Evaluation of safety was based on the frequency of adverse events during the incremental dose period (half a day) and during maintenance therapy (4 months). Evaluation of efficacy was based on symptom and medication scores at the pollen peak. Results: Seventy of the 76 patients included completed the study. There were no drop-outs during the rush procedure. One patient in the active group dropped out during the maintenance therapy due to adverse events: gastric pain and vomiting. There was also 1 drop-out in the placebo group due to pregnancy. Adverse events were infrequent, local and mild. Symptom scores for rhinitis and conjunctivitis were not statistically different between groups, but there was a marked and significant (p < 0.03) decrease of the medication score (about 50%) and nasal steroid consumption (about 75%) in the active treatment group. An increase from baseline of serum IgE and IgG4 J. ashei-specific antibodies was only observed in actively treated patients (p < 0.04 and p < 0.01, respectively). Conclusions: The tolerability and safety of high-dose ultra-rush SLIT were comparable to those reported in previous SLIT studies. SLIT with J. ashei extract, due to its high Jun a 1 content, significantly reduced nasal steroid consumption in patients allergic to European cypress.

Airborne Pollen Concentrations and the Incidence of Allergic Asthma and Rhinoconjunctivitis in Northern Italy from 1992 to 2003

Background: Aeroallergens and the environment play an important role in the pathogenesis of respiratory allergies. In a 12-year study carried out in Northern Italy (geographic area of Parma), the effects of airborne pollen and meteorological conditions on the incidence of allergic asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis were evaluated. Patients and Methods: Among 9,060 subjects examined for respiratory pathologies at our Allergy Unit, Parma Hospital, Italy, from 1992 to 2003, only 1,054 positive to only one type of inhalant allergen in the skin prick test were studied, to avoid bias of cross-reactivity. Allergy and clinical aspects were compared with the duration of the pollination period, and peaks and total concentrations of airborne pollen. Results: Our data showed a significantly growing trend of allergy to mites, pets and birch pollen and a significant increase in asthma, and a significantly decreasing trend of positive reactions to grasses and a decrease in rhinoconjunctivitis. At the same time, there was a significant decrease in total pollen counts, concentration peaks and pollination period of grasses. A significant increase was only observed in ragweed and ash-olive total and peak pollen concentrations. Conclusions: Significant correlations between the increasing incidence in asthma and allergy to mites, pets and birch pollen are shown. The decrease in the total pollen count and concentration peaks of grass pollen was correlated to the decreasing trend of rhinoconjunctivitis. The trend of increasing concentrations of ash-olive and ragweed pollen was not accompanied by an increase in the related allergy.

Integration of flowering dates in phenology and pollen counts in aerobiology: analysis of their spatial and temporal coherence in Germany (1992–1999)

We studied the possibility of integrating flowering dates in phenology and pollen counts in aerobiology in Germany. Data were analyzed for three pollen types (Betula, Poaceae, Artemisia) at 51 stations with pollen traps, and corresponding phenological flowering dates for 400 adjacent stations (< 25 km) for the years 1992-1993 and 1997-1999. The spatial and temporal coherence of these data sets was investigated by comparing start and peak of the pollen season with local minima and means of plant flowering. Our study revealed that start of birch pollen season occurred on average 5.7 days earlier than local birch flowering. For mugwort and grass, the pollen season started on average after local flowering was observed; mugwort pollen was found 4.8 days later and grass pollen season started almost on the same day (0.6 days later) as local flowering. Whereas the peak of the birch pollen season coincided with the mean flowering dates (0.4 days later), the pollen peaks of the other two species took place much later. On average, the peak of mugwort pollen occurred 15.4 days later than mean local flowering, the peak of grass pollen catches followed 22.6 days after local flowering. The study revealed a great temporal divergence between pollen and flowering dates with an irregular spatial pattern across Germany. Not all pollen catches could be explained by local vegetation flowering. Possible reasons include long-distance transport, pollen contributions of other than phenologically observed species and methodological constraints. The results suggest that further research is needed before using flowering dates in phenology to extrapolate pollen counts.

Influence of meteorological parameters on Olea flowering date and airborne pollen concentration in four regions of Portugal

For calculating the total annual Olea pollen concentration, the onset of the main pollen season and the peak pollen concentration dates, using data from 1998 to 2004, predictive models were developed using multiple regression analysis. Four Portuguese regions were studied: Reguengos de Monsaraz, Valença do Douro, Braga and Elvas. The effect of some meteorological parameters such as temperature and precipitation on Olea spatial and temporal airborne pollen distribution was studied. The best correlations were found when only the pre‐peak period was used, with thermal parameters (maximum temperature) showing the highest correlation with airborne pollen distribution. Independent variables, selected by regression analysis for the predictive models, with the greatest influence on the Olea main pollen season features were accumulated number of days with rain and rainfall in the previous autumn, and temperatures (average and minimum) from January through March. The models predict 59 to 99% of the total airborne pollen concentration recorded and the initial and peak concentration dates of the main Olea pollen season.

Effects of high‐dose sublingual immunotherapy on quality of life in patients with cypress‐induced rhinitis: a placebo‐controlled study

SummaryThe efficacy of specific immunotherapy and particularly of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in subjects allergic to Cupressaceae pollen is well defined, but no study assessed its effects on quality of life (QoL). We evaluated the effectiveness of SLIT with a standardized, high‐dose extract of Juniperus ashei in patients with cypress‐induced rhinitis, using QoL as the major outcome measure. Thirty‐four patients, 20 males and 14 females, mean age 33.8 years, with allergic rhinitis (AR) from cypress pollen were randomly assigned to receive an allergen extract standardized in index of reactivity (IR) of J. ashei (19 patients) or a placebo (15 patients). The schedule was pre‐coseasonal, with a build‐up phase in 12 days and a maintenance treatment with 300 IR a day up to the end of the cypress pollen season. All patients registered in diary cards their symptoms, drug consumption and side‐effects. The QoL was measured before and after SLIT by the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) by Juniper during the peak of the cypress pollen season. QoL significantly improved in respect to baseline in actively (P=0.017) but not in placebo‐treated patients, and there was a significant difference in favour of actively treated patients during the pollen season (P=0.02). Actively and placebo‐treated patients had comparable symptom–medication scores in the period from 15 February to 15 March, corresponding to the peak pollen season, but placebo‐treated patients showed an uneven drug consumption compared with actively treated patients. Side‐effects were relatively common, but mostly with local short‐lasting symptoms, and no systemic reaction was reported. These findings show that SLIT with high doses of J. ashei in subjects with cypress‐induced rhinitis significantly improves QoL and confirm previous observations on the disagreement between QoL – which assesses patient's perception – and medical parameters used in trials.

Aeroallergen prevalence in the northern New Jersey-New York City metropolitan area: a 15-year summary

Elevated environmental pollen levels result in allergic and asthmatic symptoms in sensitive individuals. To present data collected during a 15-year period demonstrating the seasonal pollen variation in a metropolitan area. Pollen was collected daily except for weekends. Pollen counts were counted using light microscopy and were used to calculate the average daily pollen count per month between March 1 and October 31 of each calendar year. The month in which each class of pollen reached the highest level (peak) was analyzed across the sampling period. Spearman p correlation coefficients were calculated to show changes in peak pollen levels across time. The average daily pollen level (tree, grasses, and weeds) for each month was analyzed (1987-2002). Tree pollen peaked in May and composed 98.7% of the measurable pollen between March and May. Grass pollen had a biphasic peak (June and September), representing 42.9% of measurable pollen in July and 6.4% in September. Weed and ragweed levels peaked in September. Total weed pollen constituted 93.5% of the measurable pollen between August and October. The combined total pollen levels peaked in May. The highest annual peak tree pollen count was observed between 1992 and 1997, with a linear relationship between tree and total pollen (R2 = 0.97); highest levels of grass pollen were observed between 1993 and 1997; and highest levels of weed pollen were observed between 1993 and 1995. A trend toward declining levels of total pollen was observed between 1993 and 2002. This declining trend was most pronounced for weed pollen. Aeroallergens pollinate sequentially, starting with trees in the spring, grass throughout the summer, and weeds in late summer to early fall. Pollen levels have declined from 1993 to the present. The most pronounced drop has been in weed pollen levels. Grass pollen demonstrates a biphasic pattern. Tree pollen composes most annual pollen measured in the northern New Jersey-New York City area.

Efficacy and safety of specific immunotherapy with SQ allergen extract in treatment-resistant seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis

Specific immunotherapy is widely used to treat allergic rhinitis, but few large-scale clinical trials have been performed. We sought to assess the efficacy and safety of specific immunotherapy with 2 doses of Alutard grass pollen in patients with moderately severe seasonal allergic rhinitis inadequately controlled with standard drug therapy. We performed a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of 410 subjects (203 randomized to 100,000 standardized quality units [SQ-U] maintenance, 104 to 10,000 SQ-U, and 103 to placebo). Three hundred forty-seven (85%) completed treatment. Groups were well matched for demographics and symptoms. Across the whole pollen season, mean symptom and medication scores were 29% and 32% lower, respectively, in the 100,000-SQ-U group compared with those in the placebo group (both P < .001). Over the peak pollen season, mean symptom and medication scores were 32% and 41% lower, respectively, than those in the placebo group. The 10,000-SQ-U group had 22% less symptoms than the placebo group over the whole season (P < .01), but medication scores reduced by only 16% (P = .16). Quality-of-life measures confirmed the superiority of both doses to placebo. Local and delayed side effects were common but generally mild. Clinically significant early and delayed systemic side effects were confined to the 100,000-SQ-U group, but no life-threatening reactions occurred. One season of immunotherapy with Alutard grass pollen reduced symptoms and medication use and improved the quality of life of subjects with moderately severe hay fever. The 100,000-SQ-U regimen was more effective, but the 10,000-SQ-U regimen caused fewer side effects.

Relationship between indoor and outdoor bioaerosols collected with a button inhalable aerosol sampler in urban homes

This field study investigated the relationship between indoor and outdoor concentrations of airborne actinomycetes, fungal spores, and pollen. Air samples were collected for 24 h with a button inhalable aerosol sampler inside and outside of six single-family homes located in the Cincinnati area (overall, 15 pairs of samples were taken in each home). The measurements were conducted during three seasons - spring and fall 2004, and winter 2005. The concentration of culturable actinomycetes was mostly below the detection limit. The median indoor/outdoor ratio (I/O) for actinomycetes was the highest: 2.857. The indoor of fungal and pollen concentrations followed the outdoor concentrations while indoor levels were mostly lower than the outdoor ones. The I/O ratio of total fungal spores (median=0.345) in six homes was greater than that of pollen grains (median=0.025). The low I/O ratios obtained for pollen during the peak ambient pollination season (spring) suggest that only a small fraction penetrated from outdoor to indoor environment. This is attributed to the larger size of pollen grains. Higher indoor concentration levels and variability in the I/O ratio observed for airborne fungi may be associated with indoor sources and/or higher outdoor-to-indoor penetration of fungal spores compared to pollen grains. Practical Implication This study addresses the relationship between indoor and outdoor concentrations of three different types of bio-aerosols, namely actinomycetes, fungal spores, and pollen grains. The results show that actinomycetes are rare in indoor and outdoor air in Midwest, USA. Exposure to pollen occurs mainly in the outdoor air even during peak pollen season. Unexpectedly high fungal spore concentrations were measured outdoors during winter. The presented pilot database on the inhalable levels of indoor and outdoor bio-aerosols can help apportion and better characterize the inhalation exposure to these bio-aerosols. Furthermore, the data can be incorporated into existing models to quantify the penetration of biological particles into indoor environments from outdoors.

スギ花粉症に対するアレグラの初期治療効果

Cedar pollinosis is prevalent in Japan with a growing number of patients reporting increasingly severe symptoms each year. This study evaluated the clinical effect of treating patients with fexofenadine early in the cedar pollinosis season. Patients were divided into two treatment groups: early pollen season patients who consulted the clinic before the pollen season (Group 1); full pollen season patients who consulted the clinic after the start of the pollen season (Group 2). Both groups received fexofenadine HCI 60mg bid from the date of arrival in the clinic until pollen season end. Mean duration of treatment was 55.2 days (Group 1), 19.2 days (Group 2). Clinical efficacy was assessed based on changes in patient-reported symptoms [collected in daily diaries] and concurrent usage of other medications. Other assessments included measurement of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and eotaxin concentrations in the nasal wash. Forty-nine patients were included in this study (Group 1: N=26; Group 2: N=23). Symptom and symptom-medication scores for Group 1 at weeks 2 and 4 (peak pollen season) were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those of Group 2. While both groups showed elevation of ECP, VEGF and eotaxin in the nasal wash during the peak pollen season, the elevation was lower in Group 1 (p=NS). This study showed that fexofenadine treatment prior to the pollen season reduced cedar pollinosis symptoms to a greater extent than commencing treatment after the start of the pollen season. This difference in efficacy may be linked to the inhibition of ECP and VEGF by fexofenadine.

Long distance transport of ragweed pollen as a potential cause of allergy in central Italy

Ambrosia pollen is an important allergen in North America and, as recently discovered, in some European countries. In Italy, the most affected area is the northeast, whereas ragweed has not been reported in the central and southern parts of the country. To identify the source of ragweed pollen detected in Florence and Pistoia in central Italy. Ragweed pollen data were collected in Florence and Pistoia for a 6-year period (1999-2004). The relationship between pollen counts and local ground prevalent wind directions was evaluated with analysis of variance and the least significant difference test. Weather conditions were also evaluated on a large-scale circulation pattern by analyzing weather maps and air mass back trajectories. A highly statistically significant relationship between daily prevailing wind direction and pollen count was found in the period under investigation; the ragweed pollen peaks were recorded when winds from northeast in Florence and north-northeast in Pistoia were observed. The synoptic weather situation and the path of back trajectories suggest an area around southern Hungary as a possible source of Ambrosia pollen. Furthermore, the pollen count was above the clinical threshold several times in both Florence and Pistoia. Several factors indicate that the detection of ragweed pollen in central Italy is due to long distance transport. Taking into consideration the high allergenicity of Ambrosia pollen, the present findings, if confirmed, suggest that the number of sensitized individuals might significantly increase in the near future.