Serum Levels Of IgE Antibodies Research Articles

Intestinal microbiota and probiotic intervention in children with bronchial asthma

ObjectiveThis study aims to understand the differences in intestinal flora, expression of helper T cells, allergy-related indicators, and cytokine levels between children with bronchial asthma and healthy children. The study seeks to clarify the effectiveness and safety of probiotic preparations in the treatment of bronchial asthma in children, and to provide new methods for the treatment of bronchial asthma. MethodsA total of 66 pediatric patients aged 3–6 years with bronchial asthma and 35 healthy children undergoing physical examination during the same period were enrolled, designated as the asthma group and the healthy group, respectively. The asthma group was further divided into the probiotic group and the non-probiotic group based on whether probiotics were used. The gut microbiota, serum IgE antibody levels, cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-13 levels), proportions of helper T cells (Th1, Th2), and hypersensitive C-reactive protein were measured and compared among the groups. ResultsChildren with bronchial asthma had decreased abundance and reduced diversity of intestinal flora compared to the healthy group. At the genus level, the asthma group showed increased abundance of Bacteroides and decreased abundance of Faecalibacterium and Veillonella; The probiotic group demonstrated a significantly higher improvement in the abundance of these genera before and after treatment compared to the non-probiotic group (P < 0.05). Compared to the healthy group, children with asthma had elevated levels of serum IgE, IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13, as well as a decreased Th1/Th2 ratio, all of which showed statistical differences (P < 0.05). After treatment, all immune indicators improved. Specifically, the probiotic group exhibited a more significant decrease in serum IgE, IL-4, and IL-13 levels compared to the non-probiotic group (P < 0.05). ConclusionChildren with bronchial asthma exhibit dysbiosis of intestinal flora, characterized by an increased abundance of the Bacteroides and decreased abundance of the Faecalibacterium and Veillonella. This imbalance in intestinal flora increases the risk of allergic diseases. Probiotics can effectively improve dysbiosis of intestinal flora, contributing to the balance of immune function in children, and can be used as an adjunct therapy for the treatment of bronchial asthma.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in resistant asthmatics

Background: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an immune mediated lung disease caused due to hypersensitivity reaction of antigen Aspergillus fumigates. ABPA is more prevalent in patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis. Thus, the current investigation was done to estimate the prevalence and association of ABPA with resistant asthma, to identify the clinical and laboratory pointers of ABPA and to identify the effect of ABPA and its treatment on the course of resistant asthma.Methods: Current investigation was a prospective and non-blinded study conducted on patients of Rajiv Gandhi government general hospital, Chennai with bronchial asthma, having frequent exacerbation related problems. Demographic, clinical (hematological) and radiological investigations were performed for staging and treatment of all the enrolled patients. Follow up of patients was done periodically to investigate re-admission of respiratory events or other illnesses. All the collected data was statistically analyzed.Results: Prevalence of ABPA in treatment resistant bronchial asthma patients was 19%. Positive family history, history of atopy and recurrent exacerbations were identified as significant risk factors among ABPA patients. Whereas duration and severity of asthma had no significant association with ABPA patients, bronchiectasis and parenchymal damage were significantly observed in patients of ABPA. Skin prick test serum eosinophils and IgE antibody levels were observed as good screening test parameters to identify ABPA. Prednisolone and itraconazole are considered as highly reliable and effective treatment strategies in ABPA.Conclusions: Current investigation revealed that ABPA must be considered as a possible prevailing disease in treatment refractory cases of asthma on conventional steroids.

Molecular diagnosis approach in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a disease that occurs in patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis who have positive skin tests for immediate hypersensitivity against Aspergillus fumigatus, and elevated levels of serum IgE and IgG antibodies against fungal‑specific antigen,​​ determined by fluoroimmunoenzymatic assay. In this review, we present the diagnostic criteria for ABPA revised in the last decade by several expert groups. The officially recognized molecular allergens of Aspergillus fumigatus used in commercially available singleplex and multiplex immunoassays for the determination of serum specific IgE are mitogillin Asp f 1 from ribonuclease family, fibrinogen binding-protein Asp f 2, peroxisomal membrane protein Asp f 3, group 4 fungal allergen Asp f 4, and Mn superoxide dismutase Asp f 6. The detailed evaluation of IgE sensitization molecular profiles, using the panel of recombinant allergenic components of Aspergillus fumigatus, is useful in clinical practice to identify genuine versus cross-reactive sensitization in patients sensitized to Aspergillus fumigatus, including patients with comorbid atopic dermatitis and sensitization to other fungi with cross-reactive allergenic components, for an accurate molecular allergy diagnosis of ABPA, and to distinguish ABPA from asthma with Aspergillus fumigatus sensitization without ABPA.

Advances in IgE Testing for Diagnosis of Allergic Disease

Since its discovery in 1967, IgE antibody detection in skin and blood has identified a state of allergic sensitization and served as a necessary but not sufficient risk factor that requires objective symptoms to make the definitive diagnosis of human allergic disease. More recently, quantitative IgE antibody levels in serum against allergenic extracts, molecules, and epitopes have pushed its application into more accurately identifying the specificity of the allergic response for targeting immunotherapy, predicting allergic symptom severity after allergen exposure, and attempting to distinguish tolerance from food allergy. This review examines new invivo and invitro developments in the design, performance, interference, and application of the methods used to identify allergic sensitization. The increasing accepted applications of molecular allergen and allergen epitope-based IgE antibody measurements, especially as applied to food allergy diagnosis and management, are highlighted as state-of-the-art advances. Despite these major advances in allergic sensitization documentation, their ultimate value requires integration by the clinician with the patient's history and pretest probability of disease.

Oral tolerance to peanut allergy is mediated by CTLA-4-positive regulatory T cells

Abstract Peanut allergies are life-long diseases that cause severe anaphylactic responses to affected individuals. Oral ingestion of peanut products prevents infants from developing peanut allergy. However, little information is currently available regarding the immunologic mechanisms for this protection. Therefore, the goal of this project was to establish an oral tolerance model to peanut allergy in mice and to determine the immunologic mechanisms. Naïve BALB/c mice that were exposed intranasally (i.n.) to peanut flour (PNf) developed peanut allergy as demonstrated by increased serum levels of IgE antibody as well as acute anaphylactic response when challenged with peanut extract. When mice were fed peanut butter (PNB) prior to i.n PNf exposure, they were protected from developing peanut allergy; these mice showed decreased serum levels of IgE antibody and lacked anaphylactic response. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and germinal center (GC) B cells were decreased in lung draining lymph nodes of mice fed PNB. Furthermore, scRNSseq revealed 2 distinct CD4+ T cell subpopulations that are increased in those protected mice. CTLA-4, a checkpoint molecule, was highly expressed in one of these subpopulations. Systemic administration of a CTLA-4 blocking antibody to mice fed PNB increased the numbers of Tfh cells and GC B cells and increased serum levels of IgE antibody. Finally, anti-CTLA-4 reversed the clinical efficacy of oral PNB administration, resulting in manifestation of acute anaphylaxis when challenged with peanut extract. Thus, oral administration of peanut product(s) prevents development of peanut allergy in mice. CTLA4+CD4+ T cells likely play a pivotal role in this process by regulating the development of Tfh cells.

Macrophage Response to Particulates Plays a Pivotal Role in Development of Allergic Immune Response to Airborne Pollens

Innate immune responses in respiratory mucosa, such as those mediated by airway epithelial cells, likely play pivotal roles in development of type 2 immunity to inhaled allergens. The goal of this project was to investigate the roles for another innate immune cell type, namely airway macrophages, to induce allergic sensitization to pollens by using mouse models. Naïve BALB/c mice were exposed intranasally (i.n.) to ragweed pollen particles or ragweed extract twice a week for up to 3 weeks. Development of allergic immune responses was examined by analyzing sera and by challenging the animals i.n. with ragweed extract. The roles for macrophages were examined by in vitro culture and by depleting them in CD169-DTR transgenic mice. Clodronate liposome particles were used to characterize macrophage responses. Mice developed allergic immune responses to ragweed, including increased serum levels of IgE antibodies and airway eosinophilia, when exposed to ragweed pollen particles but not to ragweed extract. Pollen particles showed adjuvant activities to promote development of follicular helper T cells and allergen-specific IgE antibodies. Isolated airway macrophages produced IL-1α in response to pollen particles or clodronate liposome particles, but not to ragweed extract, in vitro. IL-1α and clodronate liposomes showed similar adjuvant activities as ragweed pollen particles to promote allergic immune responses in vivo. Finally, depletion of airway macrophages in CD169-DTR mice abolished IL-1α production and development of allergic immune response to ragweed pollens. Airway macrophages play a pivotal role to promote development of allergic immune responses to inhaled allergen particles.

Allergic airway sensitization impairs antibacterial IgG antibody responses during bacterial respiratory tract infections

Mycoplasma pneumoniae, an atypical human pathogen, has been associated with asthma initiation and exacerbation. Asthmatic patients have been reported to have higher carriage rates of M pneumoniae compared with nonasthmatic subjects and are at greater risk for invasive respiratory infections. We sought to study whether prior allergen sensitization affects the host response to chronic bacterial infection. BALB/cJ and IL-4 receptor α-/- mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and then infected with M pneumoniae or Streptococcus pneumoniae. Immune parameters were analyzed at 30days postinfection and included cellular profiles in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum IgG and IgE antibody levels to whole bacterial lysate, recombinant P1 adhesin, and OVA. Total lung RNA was examined for transcript levels, and BALF was examined for cytokine protein profiles. Anti-M pneumoniae antibody responses were decreased in allergen-sensitized, M pneumoniae-infected animals compared with control animals, but OVA-specific IgG responses were unaffected. Similar decreases in anti-S pneumoniae antibody levels were found in OVA-sensitized animals. However, M pneumoniae, but not S pneumoniae, infection augmented anti-OVA IgE antibody responses. Loss of IL-4 receptor signaling partially restored anti-M pneumoniae antibody responses in IgG2a and IgG2b subclasses. Inflammatory cytokine levels in BALF from OVA-sensitized, M pneumoniae-infected or S pneumoniae-infected animals were reduced compared with those in uninfected OVA-sensitized control animals. Unexpectedly, airway hyperreactivity to methacholine was essentially ablated in M pneumoniae-infected, OVA-sensitized animals. An established type 2-biased host immune response impairs the host immune response to respiratory bacterial infection in a largely pathogen-independent manner. Some pathogens, such as M pneumoniae, can augment ongoing allergic responses and inhibit pulmonary type 2 cytokine responses and allergic airway hyperreactivity.

Airway exposure initiates peanut allergy by involving the IL-1 pathway and T follicular helper cells in mice

Little is currently known regarding the immunologic mechanism(s) that initiate peanut allergy. Notably, peanut proteins have been detected in house dust, and their levels correlate with peanut allergy prevalence. This study aimed to develop a new mouse model for peanut allergy and to investigate the immunologic mechanisms involved in peanut allergen sensitization. To mimic environmental exposure, naive mice were exposed to peanut flour by inhalation for up to 4weeks. We then analyzed serum levels of IgE antibody and challenged mice with peanut proteins. Immunological mechanisms involved in sensitization were analyzed using cytokine reporter mice, an adoptive cell transfer model, and gene knockout mice. When exposed to peanut flour by inhalation, both BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice developed peanut allergy, as demonstrated by the presence of peanut-specific IgE antibodies and manifestation of acute anaphylaxis on challenge. Alarge number of follicular helperT (Tfh) cells were also detected in draining lymph nodes of allergic mice. These cells produced IL-4 and IL-21, and they more robustly promoted peanut-specific IgE production than Th2 cells did. Genetic depletion of Tfh cells decreased IgE antibody levels and protected mice from anaphylaxis, without affecting Th2 cells. Furthermore, peanut flour exposure increased lung levels of IL-1α and IL-1β, and mice deficient in the receptor for these cytokines showed a significant decrease in Tfh cells compared with in wild-type mice. Tfh cells play a key role in peanut allergy, and the IL-1 pathway is involved in the Tfh response to peanut allergen exposure.

Immunomodulatory effects induced by intramuscular administration of autologous total immunoglobulin G in patients with atopic dermatitis

BackgroundPolyvalent human immunoglobulin G (IgG) preparations produced from the plasma pools of healthy blood donors have been used for the treatment of various autoimmune diseases and allergic diseases because of their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. We hypothesized that intramuscular administration of autologous total IgG would induce immunomodulatory effects in patients with allergic diseases, based on the clinical efficacy of autologous blood therapy in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). MethodsSixteen adult AD patients with IgE-mediated sensitization to the house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae) received intramuscular injections of 50 mg autologous total IgG twice a week for 4 weeks. The serum levels of IgE, IgG, and IgG4 antibodies to the recombinant group 2 major allergen of Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f 2) and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-4, IL-12, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12. ResultsThe serum level of IgE antibodies to Der f 2 was significantly decreased at 12 weeks compared with baseline (p<0.005). The serum levels of IgG and IgG4 antibodies to Der f 2 were significantly increased at 4, 8, and 12 weeks compared with baseline (p<0.05). The serum levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ were significantly increased at 4, 8, and 12 weeks compared with baseline (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in the serum levels of IL-4 or IL-12 before and after intramuscular administrations of autologous total IgG (p>0.05). ConclusionIntramuscular administration of autologous total IgG induced anti-allergic immunomodulatory effects in AD patients. Further studies are required to evaluate the detailed immunological mechanism underlying these effects.

The absence of immunoreactivity to donkey’s milk in patients with recurrent aphthous ulcers and immunoreactivity to cow’s milk

ABSTRACTDespite the numerous benefits of milk constituents for human health a considerable number of the general population follow a milk-restricted diet due to clinically confirmed or self-assessed adverse reactions to cow’s milk consumption. Recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU) are currently one of the most common oral disorders, with a worldwide distribution and insufficiently defined etiology, which, among other factors, implies the immunological reaction to food proteins. The aim of this study was to determine the immune-reactivity to donkey’s milk proteins in patients with RAU and compare it to the reactivity towards the proteins from cow’s and goat’s milks, in a set of simultaneous experiments. Levels of serum IgA, IgG and IgE antibodies to the same quantity of the examined antigens were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results indicate that patients with RAU with increased immunity to cow’s milk proteins could consider the use of donkey’s milk as the best protein source.

Characteristics of the eosinophilic fenotype of bronchial asthma in children

The purpose of the work is clinical and laboratory examination of children with an eosinophilic phenotype of bronchial asthma. Materials and methods. 160 children aged 5 to 18 years were examined: 130 patients with atopic bronchial asthma, 30 children of the control group. During the work, the level of eosinophils, the level of eosinophils carrying FcεRI+ and CD23+IgE+ receptor, the level of total IgE, IgE antibodies to domestic and epidermal allergens in the blood serum were determined, clinical and anamnestic data were studied. Results. In children with atopic bronchial asthma, the relative and absolute content of eosinophils, as well as eosinophils carrying FcεRI+ and CD23+IgE+ receptors, is statistically significantly higher than in the control group (p&lt;0.001). In 71 (54.62%) children with bronchial asthma, eosinophilia was detected, with 58 (81.69%) patients having a high level of eosinophils bearing the FcεRI + receptor and 56 (78.87%) children with a high level of eosinophils carrying CD23+IgE+ receptor. In the group of children with bronchial asthma, a correlation was established between the level of total IgE and the level of eosinophils carrying FcεRI+ (r=+0.389; p&lt;0.01) and CD23+IgE+ receptors (r=+ 0.677; p&lt;0.0001). In children with eosinophilia, in most cases, the hereditary nature of the disease is observed, the first manifestations of allergy are already present in the first year of life, concomitant allergopathology has been established. The optimal effect in the treatment of patients with eosinophilia was obtained with the appointment, as a basic therapy, of inhaled glucocorticosteroids, as well as short-acting β2-agonists for arresting episodes of bronchial obstruction. In most patients with asthma who have eosinophilia, serum levels of IgE antibodies to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, to the coat of the cat and the dog's coat are revealed, and positive skin scarification tests with these allergens are detected. Conclusion. In children with atopic bronchial asthma, there are signs of an eosinophilic phenotype: eosinophilia, high expression of FcεRI+ and CD23+IgE+ receptors, increased levels of total IgE and IgE antibodies, positive skin tests with domestic and epidermal allergens, hereditary predisposition, effectiveness of inhaled glucocorticosteroids.

Staphylococcal superantigen-specific IgE antibodies: degree of sensitization and association with severity of asthma.

ABSTRACTObjective:To determine the presence of staphylococcal superantigen-specific IgE antibodies and degree of IgE-mediated sensitization, as well as whether or not those are associated with the severity of asthma in adult patients. Methods:This was a cross-sectional study involving outpatients with asthma under treatment at a tertiary care university hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Consecutive patients were divided into two groups according to the severity of asthma based on the Global Initiative for Asthma criteria: mild asthma (MA), comprising patients with mild intermittent or persistent asthma; and moderate or severe asthma (MSA). We determined the serum levels of staphylococcal toxin-specific IgE antibodies, comparing the results and performing a statistical analysis. Results:The study included 142 patients: 72 in the MA group (median age = 46 years; 59 females) and 70 in the MSA group (median age = 56 years; 60 females). In the sample as a whole, 62 patients (43.7%) presented positive results for staphylococcal toxin-specific IgE antibodies: staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA), in 29 (20.4%); SEB, in 35 (24.6%); SEC, in 33 (23.2%); and toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST), in 45 (31.7%). The mean serum levels of IgE antibodies to SEA, SEB, SEC, and TSST were 0.96 U/L, 1.09 U/L, 1.21 U/L, and 1.18 U/L, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of the qualitative or quantitative results. Conclusions:Serum IgE antibodies to SEA, SEB, SEC, and TSST were detected in 43.7% of the patients in our sample. However, neither the qualitative nor quantitative results showed a statistically significant association with the clinical severity of asthma.

What makes children outgrow food allergy?

What makes children outgrow food allergy?

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PRESENCE OF ALLERGEN-SPECIFIC IgE RESPONSES IN ASTHMA PATIENTS WHO HAD NO IgE RESPONSES DETECTABLE BY MAST-26

To elucidate the characteristics of patients with asthma who have specific IgE responses to inhaled allergens detected by ImmunoCAP, which is not detectable by MAST-26. A total of 168 patients with adult asthma who reside in the Kanto region were recruited. Levels of total serum IgE and allergen specific IgE antibodies towards 14 common inhaled allergens (MAST-26) were measured. Among these samples, 48 patients with no detectable allergen-specific IgE (group A) and 44 patients with strong sensitization to Dermatophagoides farinae (group B) were selected for further assessment of their sensitization to inhaled allergens such as cockroach and moth using ImmunoCAP. In group A, ImmunoCAP detected specific IgE responses to some inhaled allergens in 27.1% of the patients. The strongest predictive factor for the presence of allergen-specific IgE responses detected by ImmunoCAP was elevated levels of total serum IgE (p=0.0007). In group B, the presence of IgE responses specific to cockroach or moth by ImmunoCAP were found in 27.8% or 52.3% of the patients, respectively. The predictive factor for the presence of these positive IgE responses was also elevated levels of total serum IgE (p=0.0003). Asthma patients with no detectable specific IgE responses to any inhaled allergens by MAST-26 may be still sensitized to common inhaled allergens, including cockroach and moth. Thus, the presence of allergen-specific IgE responses may be re-assessed by ImmunoCAP in patients with asthma, especially when patients have higher levels of total serum IgE.

IgE Abs to Der p 1 and Der p 2 as diagnostic markers of house dust mite allergy as defined by a bronchoprovocation test

BackgroundLimited information is available regarding the clinical usefulness of measuring the levels of IgE to allergen components from house dust mites (HDMs) in the diagnosis of genuine HDM allergy. MethodsTo evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of measuring levels of serum IgE antibodies (Abs) to allergen components from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) as a predictor of immediate asthmatic response (IAR) to bronchoprovocation, we studied 55 DP-sensitized asthmatic patients who underwent a bronchoprovocation test using crude DP extract. The levels of IgE Abs to crude DP, nDer p 1, rDer p 2, and rDer p 10 in patients who showed IAR (n = 41) were compared with those in patients who showed no IAR (n = 14). ResultsWhile the frequencies of positivity for IgE Abs to nDer p 1 and rDer p 2 among the entire study population were 89 and 86%, respectively, all patients with IAR tested positive for both of them with high IgE concentrations. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for IgE to nDer p 1 and rDer p 2 as predictors of IAR were 0.913 and 0.906, respectively. The specificity of IgE to nDer p 1 and rDer p 2 was higher than IgE to crude DP even at low cut-off points. ConclusionsIgE to nDer p 1 and/or rDer p 2 was highly predictive of allergen-induced IAR. These findings validate the clinical usefulness of measuring the levels of IgE to nDer p 1 and rDer p 2 as a diagnostic tool for genuine HDM allergy.

The Development of a Murine Model for Forcipomyia taiwana (Biting Midge) Allergy

Background Forcipomyia taiwana (biting midge) allergy is the most prevalent biting insect allergy in Taiwan. An animal model corresponding to the human immuno-pathologic features of midge allergy is needed for investigating the mechanisms and therapies. This study successfully developed a murine model of Forcipomyia taiwana allergy.MethodsBALB/c mice were sensitized intra-peritoneally with midge extract on days 0, 7, 14, 21 then intra-dermally on days 28, 31 and 35. Serum midge-specific IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a were measured every 14 days by indirect ELISA. The mice were challenged intradermally with midge extract at day 40 and then sacrificed. Proliferation and cytokine production of splenocytes after stimulation with midge extract were determined by MTT assay and ELISA, respectively. The cytokine mRNA expression in response to midge stimulation was analyzed by RT-PCR.ResultsSerum IgE, total IgG, and IgG1 antibody levels against midge extract were significantly higher in the midge-sensitized mice than in the control mice. After the two-step sensitization, all mice in the midge-sensitized group displayed immediate itch and plasma extravasation reactions in response to challenge with midge extract. Skin histology from midge-sensitized mice showed marked eosinophil and lymphocyte infiltrations similar to that observed in humans. Stimulation of murine splenocytes with midge extract elicited significant proliferation, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13 and IFN-γ protein production, and up-regulation of mRNA in a dose-dependent manner in the midge-sensitized group, but not in the control group.ConclusionsA murine model of midge bite allergy has been successfully developed using a two-step sensitization protocol. The sensitized mice have very similar clinical and immunologic reactions to challenge with midge proteins as the reactions of human to midge bites. This murine model may be a useful platform for future research and the development of treatment strategies for insect bite allergy.

Recombinant Allergens for Diagnosis of Cockroach Allergy

Molecular cloning of cockroach allergens and their expression as recombinant proteins have allowed a better understanding of the mechanisms of cockroach allergic disease. Recombinant cockroach allergens have been used for skin testing or in vitro methods to measure IgE antibody levels in serum. Early studies evaluating selected U.S. patients revealed that a cocktail of four cockroach allergens, Bla g 1, Bla g 2, Bla g 4, and Bla g 5, would identify 95% of cockroach allergic patients. More recent studies pointed to an important role of sensitization to tropomyosin among certain populations, and suggested that a cocktail of five allergens Bla g 1 and/or Per a 1, Bla g 2, Bla g 4, Bla g 5, and Bla g 7, and/or Per a 7, would be expected to diagnose 50- 64% of cockroach-allergic patients worldwide. Variation in IgE reactivity profiles could be in part due to IgE responses to cross-reactive homologous allergens from different origins. The availability of purified natural or recombinant cockroach allergens provides the capacity to improve diagnosis of cockroach allergy and to develop novel forms of immunotherapy for cockroach-allergic patients.

The pathogenic role of Blastocystis isolated from patients with irritable bowel syndrome and colitis from Iasi, Romania.

Blastocystis is a common parasite and regarded as one of the etiologic agents of irritable bowel syndrome, colitis and chronic diarrhea. Our study was undertaken in order to identify different subtypes of Blastocystis isolated in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and colitis, as well as with chronic diarrhea and to evaluate their pathogenic potential. Seventy-three subjects (10 asymptomatic infected subjects, 49 subjects harboring Blastocystis or associated with other etiologic agents like bacteria, yeasts, protozoa, helminthes and 14 subjects with unknown etiologic agents) were investigated by in vitro parasitological and bacteriological stool samples followed by PCR subtyping of Blastocystis using STS primers, immunological markers (total serum IgA and IgE antibody levels), Helicobacter pylori antigen rapid test and fecal occult blood test. Also, among 49 subjects, there were 12 subjects harboring Blastocystis as the single etiologic agent. Subtyping proved that only three subtypes of Blastocystis were identified as following: subtype II (66.66%) in single infected subjects, subtype I (16.66%) in mixed infection with subtype II and subtype IV (8.33%) in single infected subjects. Total serum IgA and IgE antibody levels were in normal range. Subtype II was the most frequent subtype followed by subtype I and subtype IV of Blastocystis isolates in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and chronic diarrhea as well as in asymptomatic infected group. Our results suggest that the severity of clinical manifestations depend on factors involving the host and possible parasitic density and not necessarily by isolated subtype.

Good tolerance to goat's milk in patients with recurrent aphthous ulcers with increased immunoreactivity to cow's milk proteins

Recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU) represent a very common, but poorly understood mucosal disorder. The connection between immunity to cow's milk proteins (CMP) and oral diseases was noted earlier. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of the increased levels of serum antibodies to goat's milk proteins (GMP), by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test, in subjects who have RAU and proven increased immunity to CMP. Fifty subjects with RAU (36 with proven increased immunity to CMP and 14 without this increased immunity) were included in this research. Levels of serum IgA, IgG, and IgE antibodies to the same quantity of the examined antigens were determined by ELISA. The statistical analysis of data was performed by Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Mann-Whitney test. The levels of serum antifresh cow's milk IgA, IgG, and IgE antibodies were significantly higher than the levels of serum antifresh goat's milk, in subjects with RAU with proven increased immunoreactivity to CMP (P = 0.0003; P < 0.0001; P < 0.0001). These results indicate that patients with RAU with increased immunity to CMP could consider the use of goat's milk as the alternative protein source.

The sensitivity to different types of milk in patients with Ulcerative colitis

Event Abstract Back to Event The sensitivity to different types of milk in patients with Ulcerative colitis Irina Besu1*, Aleksandra Konic-Ristic2, Njegica Jojic3, Dragan Popovic4 and Zorica Juranic1 1 Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Experimental Oncology, Serbia 2 Institute for Medical Research, Department of Nutrition and Metabolism, Serbia 3 KBC Zvezdara, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Serbia 4 Clinical Center of Serbia, Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Serbia Objective: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease, which is treated as an autoimmune disease. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the increased levels of serum antibodies to different types of milk: fresh cow’s milk (FCM), fresh goat’s milk (FGM), boiled cow’s milk (BCM) and boiled goat’s milk (BGM) in patients with UC. Methods: Seventeen patients with UC (15 with proven increased, mainly IgG and IgE immunity to cow’s milk proteins (CMP) and 2 without it) were included in this research. Levels of serum IgA, IgG and IgE antibodies to FCM, FGM, BCM and BGM were determined by ELISA test. The statistical analysis of data was performed by Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results: The levels of serum anti-FCM IgA, IgG and IgE antibodies were significantly higher than levels of serum anti-BCM (p=0.0313; p=0.0256; p=0.0029) respectively. Statistical analysis of IgG and IgE immunoreactivity to BGM and BCM showed that the levels of anti-BCM IgG and IgE antibodies were significantly higher in comparison to levels of anti-BGM IgG and IgE antibodies (p=0.0066; p=0.0005). The level of serum anti-FCM IgG antibody was significantly higher than level of serum anti-FGM (p=0.0125). The level of IgE immunity to FGM is significantly higher than level of IgE immunity to BGM (p=0.0231). Conclusion: These results indicate that patients with UC with increased immunity to CMP, could consider the use of BGM as the alternative protein source. Keywords: Immunoreactivity, Milk, antibody, IgA, IgG, IgE Conference: 15th International Congress of Immunology (ICI), Milan, Italy, 22 Aug - 27 Aug, 2013. Presentation Type: Abstract Topic: Immune-mediated disease pathogenesis Citation: Besu I, Konic-Ristic A, Jojic N, Popovic D and Juranic Z (2013). The sensitivity to different types of milk in patients with Ulcerative colitis. Front. Immunol. Conference Abstract: 15th International Congress of Immunology (ICI). doi: 10.3389/conf.fimmu.2013.02.00805 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 19 Jun 2013; Published Online: 22 Aug 2013. * Correspondence: Dr. Irina Besu, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Experimental Oncology, Belgrade, Serbia, irina.besu@ncrc.ac.rs Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Irina Besu Aleksandra Konic-Ristic Njegica Jojic Dragan Popovic Zorica Juranic Google Irina Besu Aleksandra Konic-Ristic Njegica Jojic Dragan Popovic Zorica Juranic Google Scholar Irina Besu Aleksandra Konic-Ristic Njegica Jojic Dragan Popovic Zorica Juranic PubMed Irina Besu Aleksandra Konic-Ristic Njegica Jojic Dragan Popovic Zorica Juranic Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.