Changes In Serum Immunoglobulin Research Articles

An Evaluation of Skin and Immunological Responses after Using a Novel Cross-Linked Porcine-Based Dermal Injectable Collagen with Lidocaine for Nasolabial Fold Correction.

Background: Hypersensitivity to the new dermal injectable porcine-based collagen with lidocaine featuring a novel cross-linking technology (test filler) for nasolabial fold correction was compared to the commercially available traditional cross-linked dermal injectable porcine-based collagen with lidocaine (control filler). Methods: Recruited participants (n = 279) received a single 0.1 mL intradermal injection of either test filler or control filler in the left forearm as a screening skin allergy test. Injection sites were assessed clinically at 24 h post-implant. Treatment was given to 252 successfully screened participants, and injection sites were monitored for 21 days. Immunological examinations were performed at screening and then at 4 and 24 weeks post-treatment. Observations for adverse events continued until the 52nd week. Results: Intradermal allergy testing results were negative for all the test recipients (0/124) and positive for two control recipients (2/132, 1.5%). Most of the participants exhibited no changes in serum immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM) and complement (C3, C4) levels. No serious adverse events related to the device were recorded. Most adverse events were common complications of dermal filler treatment and were related to the injection site. Most adverse effects were resolved or under control by 52 weeks. Conclusions: Hypersensitivity reactions with the test filler were lower than those with the control filler, validating the safe use of test filler for nasolabial fold correction without the need for pretreatment skin testing.

247.7: The time dependent changes in serum immunoglobulin after kidney transplantation and its association with infection.

247.7: The time dependent changes in serum immunoglobulin after kidney transplantation and its association with infection.

Changes in serum immunoglobulin G glycosylation patterns for antiphospholipid syndrome patients with lectin microarray.

Antiphospholipid syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by persistent antiphospholipid antibodies. Immunoglobulin G plays a vital role in disease progression, with its structure and function affected by glycosylation. We aimed to investigate the changes in the serum immunoglobulin G glycosylation pattern in antiphospholipid syndrome patients. We applied lectin microarray on samples from 178 antiphospholipid syndrome patients, 135 disease controls (including Takayasu arteritis, rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease) and 100 healthy controls. Lectin blots were performed for validation of significant differences. Here, we show an increased immunoglobulin G-binding level of soybean agglutinin (p = 0.047, preferring N-acetylgalactosamine) in antiphospholipid syndrome patients compared with healthy and disease controls. Additionally, the immunoglobulin G from antiphospholipid syndrome patients diagnosed with pregnancy events had lower levels of fucosylation (p = 0.001, recognized by Lotus tetragonolobus) and sialylation (p = 0.030, recognized by Sambucus nigra I) than those with simple thrombotic events. These results suggest the unique serum immunoglobulin G glycosylation profile of antiphospholipid syndrome patients, which may inform future studies to design biomarkers for more accurate diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome and even for the prediction of clinical symptoms in patients.

The time-dependent changes in serum immunoglobulin after kidney transplantation and its association with infection.

Kidney transplant recipients often experience significant alterations in their immune system, which can lead to increased susceptibility to infections. This study aimed to analyze time-dependent changes in serum immunoglobulin and complement levels and determine the risk factors associated with infection. A retrospective analysis of serum samples from 192 kidney transplant recipients who received transplantations between August 2016 and December 2019 was conducted. The serum samples were obtained at preoperative baseline (T0), postoperative 2 weeks (T1), 3 months (T2), and 1 year (T3). The levels of serum C3, C4, IgG, IgA, and IgM were measured to evaluate immune status over time. The analysis revealed significant decreases in IgG and IgA levels at T1. This period was associated with the highest occurrence of hypogammaglobulinemia (HGG) and hypocomplementemia (HCC), as well as an increased incidence of severe infection requiring hospitalization and graft-related viral infections. Using a time-dependent Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for time-varying confounders, HGG was significantly associated with an increased risk of infection requiring hospitalization (HR, 1.895; 95% CI: 1.871-1.920, P-value<0.001) and graft-related viral infection (HR, 1.152; 95% CI: 1.144-1.160, P-value<0.001). The findings suggest that monitoring serum immunoglobulin levels post-transplant provides valuable insights into the degree of immunosuppression. Hypogammaglobulinemia during the early post-transplant period emerges as a critical risk factor for infection, indicating that serum immunoglobulins could serve as feasible biomarkers for assessing infection risk in kidney transplant recipients.

Effect of Periodontal Treatment on Reducing Chronic Inflammation in Systemically Healthy Patients With Periodontal Disease

BackgroundWe determined the effects and an accurate marker of periodontal treatment on serum interleukin (IL)-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HsCRP) levels in systemically healthy individuals with periodontal disease. MethodsThis multicenter study included systemically healthy individuals with periodontal disease who received initial periodontal treatment and had no periodontal treatment history. Periodontal parameters, including periodontal inflamed surface area, masticatory efficiency, and periodontal disease classification; serum IL-6 and HsCRP levels; and serum immunoglobulin (Ig)G titers against periodontal pathogens were evaluated at baseline and after treatment. Subjects were classified as low or high responders (group) based on periodontal inflamed surface area changes. ResultsThere were 153 participants. Only periodontal inflamed surface area changes were markedly different between low and high responders. Periodontal treatment (time point) decreased both serum IL-6 and HsCRP levels. The interaction between group and time point was remarkable only for serum IL-6 levels. Changes in serum immunoglobulin (Ig)G titers against periodontal pathogens were not associated with IL-6 changes in high responders. We analyzed the indirect effect of serum anti-Porphyromonas gingivalis type 2 IgG titer changes using mediation analysis and found no significance. However, the direct effect of group (low or high responder) on IL-6 changes was considerable. ConclusionsPeriodontal treatment effectively decreased serum IL-6 levels, independent of periodontal pathogen infection, in systemically healthy individuals with periodontal disease.

Chicken adaptive response to nutrient density: immune function change revealed by transcriptomic analysis of spleen.

Feed accounts for the largest portion (65-70%) of poultry production costs. The feed formulation is generally improved to efficiently meet the nutritional needs of chickens by reducing the proportion of crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) levels in the diet. Although many studies have investigated the production performance during dietary restriction, there is a lack of research on the mechanisms by which immune cell function is altered. This study examined the effects of ME and CP restriction in the chicken diet on serum immunoglobulins and expression of immune function genes in spleen. Changes in serum immunoglobulins and immune-related gene expression were analyzed in 216 YS-909 broilers fed with 9 different dietary treatments, including experimental treatment diets containing low, standard, and high levels of ME or CP in the diet. At 42 days of age, serum immunoglobulins and expression of spleen immune genes in 6 female chickens selected randomly from each dietary treatment (3×3 factorial arrangement) group were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and transcriptomic analysis using RNA sequencing, respectively. The results showed that the IgM level in the low ME group chickens was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that in other groups. In addition, immune-related genes, such as MX1, USP18, TLR4, IFNG and IL18 were significantly upregulated when the dietary nutrient density was reduced, which may put the body in an inflammatory state. This study provided general information on the molecular mechanism of the spleen immune response to variable nutrient density.

Relationship between coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination and the risk of immune thrombocytopenia

To study the relationship between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and the risk of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). A retrospective analysis was conducted on children aged 3-17 years with newly diagnosed ITP who were hospitalized in Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from November 2021 to December 2022. Clinical data and COVID-19 vaccination status were compared among three groups: ITP patients vaccinated within 12 weeks before onset, vaccinated more than 12 weeks before onset, and unvaccinated. Changes in serum immunoglobulin and complement levels were analyzed among five groups: ITP patients vaccinated <4 weeks before onset, 4-<8 weeks before onset, 8-<12 weeks before onset, ≥12 weeks before onset, and unvaccinated. A case-control design was used to estimate the risk of ITP: 387 children aged 3-17 years with fractures hospitalized during the same period in the emergency department of the hospital were selected as the control group, and the exposure to COVID-19 vaccination within 12, 8, and 4 weeks before onset in ITP children was compared to estimate the risk of ITP. Among 129 ITP children, there were no statistically significant differences in age, gender, rate of preceding infections, absolute platelet count at initial diagnosis, absolute lymphocyte count at initial diagnosis, bleeding score, positive anti-nuclear antibody rate, absolute platelet count after 4 days of treatment, recurrence rate, and proportion of patients with disease duration ≥3 months among the three groups vaccinated within 12 weeks before onset, vaccinated more than 12 weeks before onset, and unvaccinated (P>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in serum immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin A, and complement component 3 levels among the groups vaccinated <4 weeks, 4-<8 weeks, 8-<12 weeks, and ≥12 weeks before onset, and unvaccinated (P<0.05). The risk estimation results showed that COVID-19 vaccination within 12 weeks, 8 weeks, and 4 weeks before onset did not increase the risk of ITP (P>0.05). COVID-19 vaccination does not increase the risk of ITP.

Anti-CD73 antibody activates human B cells, enhances humoral responses and induces redistribution of B cells in patients with cancer

BackgroundCD73 is widely expressed on immune cells playing a critical role in immunomodulatory functions including cell adhesion and migration, as a costimulatory molecule for T cells and in production of...

Changes in serum total protein and immunoglobulin G concentrations and Brix percentages in neonatal Arabian foals from birth up to 21 days of age

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and serum total protein (STP) concentrations and serum Brix percentages of neonatal Arabian foals during first 3 weeks of life. Blood samples were collected from 12 apparently healthy foals by jugular venipuncture at birth and at 12-hours, 24-hours, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15 and 21 days of age. Serum IgG and STP concentrations and Brix percentages were measured by the radial immunodiffusion assay, and digital STP and Brix refractometers, respectively. Based on the serum IgG concentrations measured at 24 h, two foals were diagnosed with failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI). While IgG concentrations were determined using the data of foals with adequate transfer of passive immunity, other calculations were made using the data of all foals. The mean IgG concentration of the foals increased from birth (<200 mg/dl) to 12 (2068.5 mg/dl) and 24 h (2184.7 mg/dl), and progressively decreased up to 21 days of age (1318.5 mg/dl). The serum IgG concentrations at 12 h were highly correlated with each of the IgG concentrations measured over the 21-day period. The serum IgG and STP concentrations and Brix percentages of the foals diagnosed with FTPI at 12 h did not reach the adequate strata over time. These results suggest that foals can be reliably tested for passive immunity status at 12 h after birth.

Changes in Serum Immunoglobulin G Subclasses during the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Infectious Exacerbations.

Despite the theoretical importance of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) in the outcome of COPD exacerbations, the existing evidence for this has not been enough. This study was performed to evaluate changes in serum Ig levels and their relationship with outcomes of acute infectious exacerbations in patients with COPD. The prospective study was conducted at Military Hospital 103 from August 2017 to April 2019. Group D patients with COPD with infectious exacerbation were selected for participation in the study. The control group consisted of 30 healthy people. The patients were provided clinical examination and laboratory service; simultaneously, we measured their serum Ig levels (total IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4) at two time points: at admission (T1) and the final health outcome (T2). The median levels of total IgG in patients at times T1 and T2 were significantly lower compared with those in the healthy group (1119.3 mg/dL and 1150.6 mg/dL compared with 2032.2 mg/dL) (p &lt; 0.001). Regarding changes among IgG subclasses, the IgG1, IgG3, and IgG4 levels measured at T1 and T2 were reduced significantly compared with the control group (p &lt; 0.05); the IgG3 levels at T1 were significantly higher than those at T2. IgG3 levels in patients with life-threatening exacerbations were significantly lower than the remaining ones (24.6 (26.8-155.5) mg/dL and 25.6 (29.5-161.2) mg/dL, respectively, p = 0.023). In group D patients with COPD with infectious exacerbations, there was a decrease in the serum IgG, IgG1, IgG3, and IgG4 levels. IgG3 levels were associated with the severity of COPD exacerbation.

Identification of serum glycobiomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma using lectin microarrays.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most commonly occurring cancer and ranks third in mortality among all malignant tumors; as a result, HCC represents a major human health issue. Although aberrant glycosylation is clearly implicated in HCC, changes in serum immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM glycosylation have not been comprehensively characterized. In this study, we used lectin microarrays to evaluate differences in serum IgG and IgM glycosylation among patients with HCC, hepatitis B cirrhosis (HBC), or chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and healthy normal controls (NC) and aimed to establish a model to improve the diagnostic accuracy of HCC. In total, 207 serum samples collected in 2019-2020 were used for lectin microarray analyses, including 97 cases of HCC, 50 cases of HBC, 30 cases of CHB, and 30 cases of NC. Samples were randomly divided into training and validation groups at a 2:1 ratio. Training group data were used to investigate the diagnostic value of the relative signal intensity for the lectin probe combined with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). The efficacy of models for HCC diagnosis were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. In terms of IgG, a model combining three lectins and AFP had good diagnostic accuracy for HCC. The area under the ROC curve was 0.96 (P &lt; 0.05), the sensitivity was 82.54%, and the specificity was 100%. In terms of IgM, a model including one lectin combined with AFP had an area under the curve of 0.90 (P &lt; 0.05), sensitivity of 75.41%, and specificity of 100%. Estimation of serum IgG and IgM glycosylation could act as complementary techniques to improve diagnosis and shed light on the occurrence and development of the HCC.

Serum immunoglobulins, C-reactive protein, and trace element level in preeclamptic Nigerian subjects.

The mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE) remains uncertain, and the research into a better understanding, its possible prediction, and subsequent prevention continues. This study evaluated changes in serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM), C-reactive protein, and trace elements (Zn, Cu, and Mn) in preeclamptic, normotensive pregnant, and non-pregnant females. The study was conducted among 150 subjects consisting of 50 preeclamptic subjects, 50 healthy normotensive pregnant women in their third trimester, and 50 non-pregnant women, all within the same age bracket. The serum concentration of the immunoglobulins and C-reactive protein were measured using standard immunoturbidimetric methods, whereas the trace elements were assayed using the atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. Serum IgG and IgM levels were observed to be significantly lower (P < 0.05) in preeclamptic subjects (101.22 ± 4.44 and 769.43 ± 1.43 mg/dl), respectively, when compared to the normotensive pregnant women (123.87 ± 1.81 and 881.71 ± 2.80 mg/dl), respectively. There was a non-significant difference in immunoglobulin A levels between the groups (P > 0.05). The C-reactive protein was significantly higher, whereas the trace elements were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in preeclamptic subjects compared to the normotensives. There was a positive correlation between the immunoglobulin G and Zn levels (r = 0.334; P = 0.046) and also between immunoglobulin G and C-reactive protein levels (r = 0.340; P = 0.043) and a negative correlation between systolic blood pressure and manganese levels in preeclamptic subjects (r = -0.375; P = 0.024). This study therefore reveals significantly lower levels of immunoglobulins and trace elements among the preeclamptic subjects. These micronutrient deficiencies and low levels of immunoglobulins could be risk factors for the development of high blood pressure and PE.

O-Glycosylation Changes in Serum Immunoglobulin G Are Associated with Inflammation Development in Advanced Endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease, the pathogenesis of which seems to be directly related to inflammatory processes with an immune basis. Our study aimed to analyze the O-glycosylation of native serum IgG and IgG isolated from sera of women with advanced endometriosis, without endometriosis but with benign gynecological diseases, and from a control group of healthy women, in the context of its utility for differentiation of advanced endometriosis from the other two groups of women studied. For the analysis of serum IgG O-glycosylation and the expression of multi-antennary N-glycans, lectin-ELISA with lectins specific to O-glycans (MPL, VVL, and Jacalin) and highly branched N-glycans (PHA-L) was used. The relative reactivities of isolated serum IgG O-linked glycans with specific lectins as well as the MPL/VVL O-glycosylation ratio were significantly higher in patients with advanced endometriosis and those with other gynecological diseases when compared to the control group of healthy women. We also showed significantly higher expression of PHA-L-reactive multi-antennary N-glycans in isolated IgG in the advanced endometriosis and the non-endometriosis groups in comparison to the control group. Additionally, significantly higher expression of Jacalin-reactive O-glycans in isolated IgG was observed in the non-endometriosis than in the advanced endometriosis group. The results of the ROC curve and cluster analysis additionally confirmed that the lectin-based analysis of isolated serum IgG O-glycosylation and the expression of highly branched N-glycans may help distinguish women with advanced endometriosis from healthy women. Moreover, the analysis of the expression of Jacalin-reactive i-IgG O-glycans may be helpful in differentiation between women with advanced endometriosis and patients with other gynecological diseases with an inflammatory background. In the case of non-endometriosis patients, the observed differences were most probably caused by increased expression of core 3 type O-glycans.

Preliminary study on serum immunoglobulin G responses following intramuscular inoculation of adjuvanted polyhydroxyalkanoate microparticles with Pasteurella multocida vaccine in white rats

A natural biodegradable polymer, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), was adjuvanted with a vaccine seed to observe the biomaterial's ability in enhancing an immune response in rats. The adjuvant potential of PHA was tested using the whole-killed Pasteurella multocida B:2 (PMB2) vaccine in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats to detect changes in serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) responses. A common PHA, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)], from Bacillus megaterium UMTKB-1 was constructed into microparticles using the solvent evaporation method. Twelve SD rats were divided into four treatment groups: 1) non-treatment as negative control, 2) P(3HB) adjuvant, 3) PMB2 vaccine, and 4) adjuvanted-P(3HB)/PMB2 vaccine groups, which were intramuscularly vaccinated twice. Immunoglobulins IgG and IgM levels were used as markers of the immune response induced by the adjuvanted-P(3HB)/PMB2 vaccine and analysed over an eight-week study period. The group vaccinated specifically with adjuvanted-P(3HB)/PMB2 vaccine had higher concentrations of immunoglobulins compared to other treatment groups, hence demonstrating the potential of the adjuvant to enhance immune response. Findings showed a need to delay the delivery of the second booster dose to determine the appropriate regime for the adjuvanted-P(3HB)/PMB2 vaccine.

Clinical Efficacy and Possible Mechanism of Endoscopic Vidian Neurectomy for House Dust Mite-Sensitive Allergic Rhinitis

Background/Aims: Endoscopic vidian neurectomy (EVN) for allergic rhinitis (AR) has good clinical effects. However, the pathophysiological basis of the effect of EVN on AR is still poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of EVN on house dust mite (HDM)-sensitive AR and the dynamic changes of serum immunoglobulin E and some immune regulatory factors. Methods: Twenty HDM-sensitive AR patients were treated with bilateral EVN (EVN group), 15 HDM-sensitive AR patients were treated with subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT group), and 15 healthy subjects served as healthy controls. Quality of daily life was assessed by the scores of the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQs). The visual analog scale was used to assess clinical efficacy. Serum molecules were measured by ELISA and the UNICAP system. Results: Compared with the SCIT group, the RQLQs in the EVN group were lower 12 months after treatment (both p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in improving nasal itching and sneezing (both p > 0.05), but the clinical efficacy of bilateral EVN was greater than SCIT in improving nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, eye itching, and lachrymation 12 months after treatment (all p < 0.05). Compared with before treatment, the serum levels of total immunoglobulin E (tIgE), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus- and Dermatophagoides farinae-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the EVN group and the serum levels of TNF-α and interleukin-4 in the SCIT group were lower 12 months after treatment (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: The short-term efficacy of bilateral EVN is more effective than SCIT in treating HDM-sensitive AR. This may be because the surgery reduced the tIgE and sIgE levels. TNF-α may be involved in the therapeutic mechanism.

The dynamic changes of serum IgM and IgG against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has become a worldwide pandemic since it emerged in December 2019. Previous studies have reported rapid antibody response to SARS‐CoV‐2 in the first 2 to 3 weeks after symptom onset. Here, we retrospectively described the dynamic changes of serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG specifically against SARS‐CoV‐2 in later weeks (mainly 4‐10 weeks) in 97 hospitalized patients with COVID‐19. We observed that serum IgM and IgG, especially in patients with moderate‐to‐high levels, declined significantly between week 4 to 10 after illness onset. Notably, IgG levels in high percentage of patients (77.5%, 31 of 40) rapidly declined by half, from 212.5 (range, 163.7‐420.3) to 96.3 (range, 75.0‐133.4) AU/mL, within 1 to 2 weeks in the second month and then sustained at around 100 AU/mL until discharge from hospital. Significant reduction of IgM was also observed as SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid turned negative (P = .002). In the recovery stage, serum IgG declined significantly (early vs late recovery stage, n = 16, P = .003) with a median reduction of 50.0% (range, 3.7%‐77.0%). Our results suggested that the decline of IgM may be an indicator of virus clearance and recovered patients may have a robust immunity against reinfection within at least 3 months after illness onset. Yet, the rapid reduction of IgG by half rises serious concerns on the robustness and sustainability of the humoral immune response in the period after discharge, which is crucial for immunity strategy and developing a vaccine.

Analysis of the diagnostic value of serum specific antibody testing for coronavirus disease 2019.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has spread to various regions worldwide. As of 27 April 2020, according to real‐time statistics released by the World Health Organization, there have been 84 341 confirmed cases and 4643 deaths in China, with more than 2 979 484 confirmed cases and 206 450 deaths outside China. The detection of antibodies produced during the immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections has become an important laboratory method for the diagnosis of COVID‐19. However, at present, a little research on these specific antibodies has been conducted. In this study, a retrospective analysis was used to explore the dynamic changes of serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibody and factors affecting diagnostic efficacy, so as to provide a theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Impact of Food Immunoglobulin G-Based Elimination Diet on Subsequent Food Immunoglobulin G and Quality of Life in Overweight/Obese Adults.

The goal of this study was to assess changes in serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) food antibody titers and quality-of-life measurements following a targeted elimination diet in overweight/obese adults. We performed a randomized control trial. Participants were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to either an intervention group or waitlist group for 3 months. Food IgG testing was performed on all participants. The intervention group was instructed to eliminate up to 10 foods, for which they had high titers of IgG and communicated with health coaches for nutritional counseling for meal planning and adherence. The waitlist group did not receive their IgG testing results or health coaching. Primary outcome was serum IgG titers for foods eliminated during the trial, compared with baseline concentrations. Secondary outcomes were health-related quality of life measured by Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29) and change in participant-identified symptom severity measured by Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile. Exploratory outcomes were changes in body weight and waist circumference. IgG antibody concentrations decreased in 83% of the targeted foods in the treatment group and in 60% of the foods in the waitlist group, but this was not found to be a statistically significant difference. The intervention group reported improvement in sleep during the trial compared with waitlist, which was the only statistically significant finding in the study. The findings are consistent with changes in IgG titer measurements following an elimination diet based on IgG testing. Future larger clinical trials are necessary to determine the degree to which these findings are generalizable.

An analysis of factors related to the effect of sublingual immunotherapy on Japanese cedar pollen induced allergic rhinitis

BackgroundSublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) can improve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and modify its natural history; however, its efficacy varies among patients. This study aimed to determine which factors modify the effect of SLIT through post hoc analysis of a previous phase 3 trial of standardized Japanese cedar (JC) pollen extract (CEDARTOLEN®). MethodsThe study included 482 patients who had previously completed a phase 3 trial during two seasons. The SLIT and placebo groups each contained 241 subjects. Because pollen dispersal differed in the two seasons, we identified good and poor responders from the SLIT group in the 2nd season. We compared patient baseline characteristics, changes in serum immunoglobulin, and severity of symptoms in the 1st season between good and poor responders, as well as between SLIT and placebo groups. ResultsWhen we compared the baseline characteristics of good and poor responders, a significant difference was observed in body mass index (BMI) such that the patients with BMI ≥25 presented with lower treatment efficacy. No significant difference was observed in correlation with any other factors or treatment-induced alterations of serum immunoglobulin levels. We found that 75.3% of the patients with moderate symptoms and 50.9% of the patients with severe or very severe symptoms in the 1st season met our criteria for good responders in the 2nd season. ConclusionsBMI might modify the effect of SLIT; however, other factors were not related clearly. The severity of symptoms in the 1st season of treatment does not predict that in the 2nd season.

Serum Immunoglobulin Changes in Pregnancy Complicated with Pre-Eclampsia and Diabetes in Nigerian Women

Objectives: Serum concentrations of IgA, IgG and IgM were determined in subjects with pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes as compared to both apparently healthy pregnant and non-pregnant subjects resident in Port Harcourt, Nigerian. Materials and methods: A total of 200 femalesubjects comprising four groups of 50 subjects each were recruited into the study: healthy non-pregnant subjects (Group A); healthy pregnant subjects (Group B); subjects with pre-eclampsia (Group C) and subjects with gestational diabetesmellitus (Group D). All pregnant subjects were further subdivided into the appropriate semester according to gestational age of pregnancy. Venousblood samples were obtained and determined for immunoglobulins A, G and M with theturbidimetric immunoassay method usingan automated chemical analyzer. Results: Significant differences were observed in the values of the various types of immunoglobulins studied between healthy HIV sero-negative non-pregnant (group A) subjects and healthy HIV sero-negative pregnant (group B) subjects. Noteworthy is the observation that the values of both IgG and IgM were significantly higher while the values of IgA were significantly lower amongst the non-pregnant subjects in group A, compared to all the other pregnant subject groups: B, C and D (p<0.05). Furthermore, group B subjects were found to have significantly higher values of IgG and lower levels of IgM compared to groups C and D subjects (p<0.05). Values of IgA were significantly higher (P<0.05) in all pregnant groups compared to the non-pregnant subjects but highest in the GDM (group D) women.During the course of gestation, a graded decrease in the mean values of all three immunoglobulin classes was observed in the healthy pregnant group from the 1 st to 3 rd trimester. However, whereas a graded increase in mean IgA and IgM were observed in group C subjects across trimesters, mean IgG showed a similar graded but significant decrease (P<0.05). Also, the mean IgG decreased significantly in the pregnant diabetic (D) group in the 2 nd trimester,but that of IgM significantly increased in the 2 nd trimester. Conclusion: The observed changes in immunoglobulins A, G and M levels may be indicative of poorly transferred secondary immunity in the children born to pregnant diabetic and pre-eclamptic women, as well as pose complications related to indirect immune responses in these conditions.