Symptoms Of Atopic Disease Research Articles

First episode depression during the perinatal period is associated with atopic diseases and persistently increased eosinophil and basophil levels.

A previous diagnosis of depression is a strong predictor for perinatal depression, apart from other mental disorders, stress, and atopies. It is less clear which factors interfere if perinatal depression occurs as a first depression episode (fePND). We examined the associations with atopies and related blood parameters using data of CoLaus|PsyCoLaus. Newly occurring depression during the perinatal period but not recurrent depression was associated with a lifetime diagnosis of allergies and asthma together with persistently increased levels of basophils and eosinophils. The results imply that immune function may play a relevant role in the risk of a fePND. If confirmed and detailed, these findings could serve as the basis for designing preliminary prevention strategies by observing eosinophil and basophil levels as well as symptoms of atopic diseases before/during pregnancy.

Considering Phytosphingosine-Based Ceramide Formulations for Atopic Skin Care

This review provides an overview of the structural and functional features of key phytosphingosine-based ceramides (CERs), notably CER[EOP], CER[NP], and CER[AP], and their role in atopic skin health. Herein, we discuss how these indispensable stratum corneum (SC) lipids maintain skin barrier homeostasis and contribute to the skin’s barrier function in terms of its cohesiveness and resilience. We also consider the usefulness of CER[EOP], CER[NP], and CER[AP] in preserving skin hydration and protecting and/or repairing dry, itchy, or sensitive skin. Next, we explore how and to what extent an imbalance or inadequate amounts of CER[EOP], CER[NP], and CER[AP] contribute to the hallmark characteristics of atopic skin diseases like eczema. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of complementary SC resident lipids such as cholesterol (CHOL) and free fatty acids (FFAs), which are crucial for optimal CER function. Studies have shown that delivering topical CERs in balanced and optimal combination with CHOL and FFAs—while supporting and boosting the endogenous biosynthesis of CERs using ingredients such as niacinamide and lactic acid—helps relieve symptoms of atopic diseases to provide some measure of relief. Finally, we look at some emerging ingredients that can complement the science of CERs in healthy and diseased skin.

Design of Glycoengineered IL-4 Antagonists Employing Chemical and Biosynthetic Glycosylation.

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) plays a key role in atopic diseases. It coordinates T-helper cell differentiation to subtype 2, thereby directing defense toward humoral immunity. Together with Interleukin-13, IL-4 further induces immunoglobulin class switch to IgE. Antibodies of this type activate mast cells and basophilic and eosinophilic granulocytes, which release pro-inflammatory mediators accounting for the typical symptoms of atopic diseases. IL-4 and IL-13 are thus major targets for pharmaceutical intervention strategies to treat atopic diseases. Besides neutralizing antibodies against IL-4, IL-13, or its receptors, IL-4 antagonists can present valuable alternatives. Pitrakinra, an Escherichia coli-derived IL-4 antagonist, has been evaluated in clinical trials for asthma treatment in the past; however, deficits such as short serum lifetime and potential immunogenicity among others stopped further development. To overcome such deficits, PEGylation of therapeutically important proteins has been used to increase the lifetime and proteolytic stability. As an alternative, glycoengineering is an emerging strategy used to improve pharmacokinetics of protein therapeutics. In this study, we have established different strategies to attach glycan moieties to defined positions in IL-4. Different chemical attachment strategies employing thiol chemistry were used to attach a glucose molecule at amino acid position 121, thereby converting IL-4 into a highly effective antagonist. To enhance the proteolytic stability of this IL-4 antagonist, additional glycan structures were introduced by glycoengineering utilizing eucaryotic expression. IL-4 antagonists with a combination of chemical and biosynthetic glycoengineering could be useful as therapeutic alternatives to IL-4 neutralizing antibodies already used to treat atopic diseases.

Клінічні прояви гастроінтестинальної форми харчової алергії у дітей і підходи до її діагностики

Гастроінтестинальна харчова алергія обумовлена розвитком алергічного запалення в слизовій оболонці шлунково-кишкового тракту, механізмами якого є як імуноглобулін E (IgE)-опосередковані (оральний алергічний синдром, негайна гастроінтестинальна гіперчутливість.), так і не-IgE-опосередковані (білок-індукований ентероколітичний синдром, білок-індукована ентеропатія, білок-індукований алергічний проктоколіт) і змішані, IgE- та не-IgE-опосередковані реакції (еозинофільний езофагіт, еозинофільний гастрит, еозинофільний гастроентерит). Гастроінтестинальні прояви харчової алергії також поєднуються із симптомами атопічних захворювань, частіше з атопічним дерматитом, кропив’янкою й ангіонабряком. Клінічні прояви алергічного ураження шлунково-кишкового тракту різноманітні та не є специфічними. До загальних ознак гастроінтестинальної алергії належать: блювання (виникає від декількох хвилин до 4–6 годин після прийому їжі); коліки (одразу чи через декілька годин після вживання їжі); запори; діарея; відмова від їжі (від конкретного продукту або взагалі від прийому їжі); абдомінальний біль; метеоризм, наявність слизу та еозинофілів у випорожненнях; зниження апетиту; головний біль. Зважаючи на неспецифічність клінічних проявів гастроінтестинальної харчової алергії, диференціальну діагностику слід проводити з такими захворюваннями, як захворювання й аномалії розвитку травної системи, психічні та метаболічні порушення, інтоксикації, інфекційні хвороби, недостатність ендокринної функції підшлункової залози, целіакія, муковісцидоз, імунодефіцити, дисахаридазна недостатність, побічна дія лікарських засобів, ендокринна патологія, синдром подразненого кишечника. Існуючі методи діагностики гастроінтестинальної алергії є обмеженими та недосконалими, що вимагає подальших наукових пошуків і досліджень, спрямованих на вчасне виявлення цієї патології, профілактику виникнення у генетично схильних дітей, розробку оптимальних алгоритмів діагностики, запобігання прогресуванню клінічних проявів, вибору індивідуальної дієтотерапії й адекватного медикаментозного лікування. В огляді літератури наведені сучасні погляди щодо діагностики гастроінтестинальної харчової алергії у дітей. Розглянуто клінічні прояви та діагностичні підходи до окремих видів гастроінтестинальної алергії залежно від механізму їх виникнення.

Infant gut microbiome is enriched with Bifidobacterium longum ssp. infantis in Old Order Mennonites with traditional farming lifestyle.

Growing up on traditional, single-family farms is associated with protection against asthma in school age, but the mechanisms against early manifestations of atopic disease are largely unknown. We sought determine the gut microbiome and metabolome composition in rural Old Order Mennonite (OOM) infants at low risk and Rochester, NY urban/suburban infants at high risk for atopic diseases. In a cohort of 65 OOM and 39 Rochester mother-infant pairs, 101 infant stool and 61 human milk samples were assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing for microbiome composition and qPCR to quantify Bifidobacterium spp. and B. longum ssp. infantis (B. infantis), a consumer of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). Fatty acids (FAs) were analyzed in 34 stool and human 24 milk samples. Diagnoses and symptoms of atopic diseases by 3years of age were assessed by telephone. At a median age of 2months, stool was enriched with Bifidobacteriaceae, Clostridiaceae, and Aerococcaceae in the OOM compared with Rochester infants. B. infantis was more abundant (p<.001) and prevalent, detected in 70% of OOM compared with 21% of Rochester infants (p<.001). Stool colonized with B. infantis had higher levels of lactate and several medium- to long/odd-chain FAs. In contrast, paired human milk was enriched with a distinct set of FAs including butyrate. Atopic diseases were reported in 6.5% of OOM and 35% of Rochester children (p<.001). A high rate of B. infantis colonization, similar to that seen in developing countries, is found in the OOM at low risk for atopic diseases.

Distribution of atopic conditions among attendants to specialized allergy center/ Kirkuk/ Iraq

Atopy is a syndrome characterized by genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. The risk factors of atopic diseases can be placed in two categories, namely host and environmental factors. The host factors of allergy include genetics, race, gender, age… etc. The environmental factors include exposure to environmental pollution and allergens. To define the distribution of atopic conditions (asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis) according to age, residence and available skin prick test. This cross-sectional study included (100) patients, representing research sample. It was conducted in specialized allergy center in Kirkuk city during the period from first January .2016 to the end of December 2016 All patients included in this study were referred from primary health centers, complaining from signs and symptoms of atopic diseases. Depending on medical history and clinical examinations, the sample was classified into (3) groups (asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis). Skin prick test was used to identify patients allergy to house dust mite and pollen. Regarding the distribution of samples according to residence, most patients (about 91%) were from urban areas compared with (9%) of them were from rural areas. Also, it was found that the frequency of atopic diseases decreases by age advancement. The frequency distribution of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis was 49%, 26% and 25%, respectively. The skin test data revealed the frequency of 2 aeroallergen mite and pollen in all patients under study. .Hence, 65% were sensitive to house dust mite, 26% to pollen and 9% to both mite and polle In conclusion this study confirmed that most patients complaining from atopic disease were from urban area. Also, the frequency of atopic diseases decreased by age advancement. The most common atopic disease was asthma followed by allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. Most patients were sensitive to house dust mite.

A case of atopic dermatitis with a severe resistant course in adult patient with atopic march

Introduction. The atopic march is the natural course of development of atopy symptoms. It is characterized by a typical sequence of development of clinical symptoms of atopic disease, when some symptoms become more significant, others are recede. Timely allergological diagnostics with the identification of causal allergens allows to preventor suspend the atopic march.&#x0D; Purpose of the study was to demonstrate the stages of the atopic march formation and clinical manifestations of atopy, the importance of on timely detection of causal allergens, the capability of modern diagnostics and treatment of severe resistant forms of allergic diseases.

Factors associated with the symptoms of atopic diseases in children aged 6-7 years in a municipality in southern Brazil

Factors associated with the symptoms of atopic diseases in children aged 6-7 years in a municipality in southern Brazil

Temporal and Long-term Gut Microbiota Variation in Allergic Disease: A Prospective Study from Infancy to School Age

How the early-life gut microbiota changes over time has been implicated in the development of immunoglobulin E– (IgE) mediated allergic diseases, but there is lack of data from longitudinal studies. In this study, researchers compared gut microbiota from infancy to school age in relation to the onset of allergic disease while also examining the relationship of gut microbiota to T-cell activation at age 8 years.Ninety-three children were included from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in which researchers investigated the effects of probiotics for primary prevention of allergic disease. That original trial group consisted of 179 infants without previous allergic manifestations who were randomly assigned to a daily intake of infant cereals with or without the probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei.Parents reported signs and symptoms of atopic disease and medications by using diary cards. Stool samples were collected at 4, 6, and 13 months and at age 8 years. Clinical follow-up was conducted at age 8 to 9 years. Clinical diagnoses for eczema and asthma were established primarily by history, those with allergic rhinitis also had evidence of IgE sensitization, and food allergy was diagnosed by history of reaction within 1 hour of food ingestion and/or documented IgE sensitization. The gut microbiota was profiled taxonomically using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Mononuclear cells from peripheral blood drawn at age 8 years were polyclonally activated, and levels of interleukin-10 and FOXP3 messenger RNA were determined.At age 8 years, 21 children had allergic disease, with 20 being sensitized to airborne allergens and 13 to foods. Seventy-two children were nonallergic and nonsensitized. The longitudinal design allowed for the study of compositional changes in gut microbiota from infancy through school age in relation to development of IgE-associated allergic disease. Allergic children had temporal underrepresentation of Ruminococcus and consistent underrepresentation of Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Coprococcus from infancy through age 8 years. The gut microbiota in 8-year-olds who were allergic was enriched in Bifidobacterium and depleted in Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Lachnospira; and in this same group, Faecalibacterium correlated with interleukin-10 messenger RNA levels. FOXP3 trended similarly and was not statistically significant. There were no significant differences in whether the children had received the Lactobacillus probiotic in infancy.There are both temporal and long-term variations in specific gut bacterial genera in children developing allergic disease. Dietary interventions aimed at expanding gut immunomodulatory taxa could be studied for preventing allergic disease.The authors describe how certain gut organisms, especially commensal Clostridia, colonize specific regions of the intestinal mucosa and may play key roles as immunomodulators. Given the compelling hereditary nature of atopic disease irrespective of diet, why are certain bacterial taxa more or less represented at this seemingly important intestinal mucosal location? Might not gut bacterial taxa be the result of the atopic milieu, therefore making efforts to ameliorate atopic disease by the planned ingestion of certain bacteria moot?

Associations of genotype variants of single nucleotide polymorphism of gene orosomucoid-1-like-protein 3 and atopic diseases at children.

The paper presents data of the firstly conducted in Ukraine own study of associations of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs7216389 of orsomucoid-1-like protein 3 gene (ORMDL3) variants’ with atopic diseases in children. Aim: to detect clinical significance of the SNP rs7216389 ORMDL3 in genesis of atopic diseases in children. We examined 153 children aged 3 to 18 years. The main group consisted of 119 children with clinical manifestations of atopic diseases with elevated total serum immunoglobulin E, confirmed by immunofluorescence assay method. The comparison group consisted of 34 children with a non-aggravated individual or family allergic anamnesis in whom there was detected the absence of any clinical syndromes and symptoms of atopic diseases and, mostly, physiological parameters of the serum total immunoglobulin E by immunofluorescence assay method. All the children were genotyped by ORMDL3 gene using polymerase chain reaction in real time with a restricted fragment length polymorphism. The genotype T/T within SNP rs7216389 of ORMDL3 gene significantly prevails among the children with atopic diseases and is associated with an increased incidence risk of seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (SARC) by 4.11 times (95% CI 1.55; 16.61), perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) by 5.07 times (95% CI 1.22; 13.90) times and bronchial asthma (BA) by 10.31 times (95% CI 2.50; 42.62). Children with genotype T/T in locus rs7216389 of the ORMDL3 gene are the increased risk group for developing the atopic diseases. Children with genotype C/C in locus rs7216389 of the ORMDL3 gene are the decreased risk group for the development of atopic dermatitis.

The temporal order of fluctuations in atopic disease symptoms and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms: a time-series study in ADHD patients

In a recent meta-analysis, we found that atopic diseases, like asthma and allergic rhinitis, occur more frequently prior to the onset of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Our aim was to determine the temporal order of the association between daily fluctuations in atopic disease symptoms and in ADHD symptoms in individual participants. In this observational study among 21 participants, age 7–16 years, we performed a replicated time-series analysis of symptom fluctuations in asthma and/or allergic rhinitis and ADHD. Data were collected through parents who filled in a daily online questionnaire during up to 50 days. In each individual, we investigated the temporal order of fluctuations in atopic disease symptoms and ADHD symptoms using a vector autoregressive (VAR) model while using sleep problems and medication use as covariates. For 16 out of 21 participants, we constructed a VAR model. For a majority of the participants, significant associations were detected between atopic disease symptoms and ADHD symptoms. The results were heterogeneous; the direction, sign, and timing of the relationship between ADHD, atopy, sleep problems, and medication use varied between individuals. This study provides additional evidence that the symptom expression of atopy and ADHD are related. However, the connection between both diseases in children is found to be heterogeneous within our study population.

Effect of Fish Oil on the Level of Interferon Gamma on the Breast Milk of Atopic Mothers: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: The prevalence of allergic diseases is increasing worldwide. The effective role of omega-3 fatty acids in the maturation of immune system and protection against atopic diseases has been well discussed. However, previous studies revealed conflicting results. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of fish oil consumption by nursing atopic mothers on the level of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in their breast milk and incidence of allergic disease in their infants. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 94 atopic mothers, who were assigned to two equal groups receiving either 1000 mg fish oil capsules or placebo for 60 days after delivery. The breast milk was collected 120 days after delivery, and IFN-γ level was measured. The history of the symptoms of atopic disease in infants was collected from their mothers through ISAAC questionnaire; in addition, the infantsג�� growth was evaluated. Results: Sixty mother-infant pairs completed the trial. The mean values of IFN-γ in breast milk was higher in the fish oil group (1.11±1.15 Pg/ml) than in the placebo group (0.81±0.86 Pg/ml), but the difference was not significant (P=0.288). In addition, the incidence of allergic symptoms of infants was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.84). Conclusion: In this trial, the consumption of fish oil by lactating mothers did not have a significant effect on IFN-γ level in their breast milk and the incidence of allergic symptoms in their infants. Future studies with longer follow-ups are necessary in this regard.

Could daratumumab be used to treat severe allergy?

In the management of allergic diseases, targeting IgE using biologicals is a current research focus. This proof of concept shows that plasma cell depletion using daratumumab results in decreased total and allergen-specific IgE levels.

Filaggrin gene loss-of-function mutations explain discordance of atopic dermatitis within dizygotic twin pairs.

This study was designed to examine the association between loss-of-function mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG) and atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma in adult twins. A previously well-characterized cohort of 575 adult twins were genotyped for the loss-of-function mutations in FLG (R501X, 2282del4 and R2447X) most common among northern Europeans. Subjects were examined for symptoms of atopic diseases as well as for lung function, airway responsiveness, and atopy. In the whole population of twins, the risk for AD was significantly increased in individuals with FLG mutations in comparison with wild-type carriers (34.3% vs. 21.8%) after adjustment for possible confounders (odds ratio [OR] 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-3.41; P = 0.028). A significant association was also observed for persistent AD (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.02-4.36; P = 0.046). There were no significant differences in risk for asthma by FLG mutation status in individuals with and without AD, respectively (P-value for interaction, 0.595). In 11 dizygotic twin pairs discordant for FLG mutation status, risk for AD was higher in the twin carrying the FLG mutation (five of 11 [45.5%] twins had developed AD) than in the non-carrier co-twin (two of 11 [18.2%] twins had developed AD) (OR 2.50, 95% CI 0.45-13.85; P = 0.293). FLG status did not explain a significant proportion of the variation in AD (P = 0.328) or asthma (P = 0.321). Filaggrin gene mutations are risk factors for the presence and persistence of AD and explain the discordance of AD within dizygotic twin pairs.

The atopic desease development in infants and preschool children in Lesnoy town of Sverdlovsk region

The aim of study. To determine the structure of atopic diseases and characterization of different allergens in their progression in infants and preschool children in Lesnoy town. Material and methods. We studied a spectrum of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in children’s blood with different allergic diseases. Comparative analysis of the results was conducted with methods of mathematical statistics. Results. Our data demonstrate the different stages of formation of atopic diseases in children. We revealed that clinical symptoms of atopic diseases and relevance of allergens were changing gradually as children were getting older. Our results showed that the role of nutrition allergens is reduced while airborne allergens came to the fore. Conclusion. Formation and progression of atopic diseases are determined by various allergens. The temporary relevance of different types of allergens indicates a diversity of multivalent sensibilization during affection of the «shock» organ; the result of this phenomenon appears as atopic march. Detection the relevant causative allergens is important for prevention of progression of allergic diseases.

Vitamin A supplementation and BCG vaccination at birth may affect atopy in childhood: long‐term follow‐up of a randomized controlled trial

Recent evidence suggests that immunogenic interventions such as vaccines and micronutrients may affect atopic sensitization and atopic disease. We aimed to determine whether neonatal BCG vaccination, vitamin A supplementation and other vaccinations affect atopy in childhood. In Guinea-Bissau, low-birthweight infants were randomized to early (intervention) or delayed (usual policy) BCG. A subgroup was also randomly assigned vitamin A supplementation or placebo in a two-by-two factorial design. Participants were followed up at age 3-9 years. The main outcome was atopy defined as skin prick test reaction ≥3 mm. Secondary outcomes were symptoms of eczema, asthma and food allergy. Two hundred eighty-one children had valid skin prick tests performed, and 14% (39/281) were atopic. There was no significant difference in atopy between the early and delayed BCG groups (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.34-1.47). Atopy was significantly reduced in children who had responded to BCG with a scar (OR, 0.42; 0.19-0.94). Vitamin A supplementation was associated with increased atopy (OR, 2.88; 1.26-6.58), especially in those who received simultaneous BCG (5.99; 1.99-18.1, P = 0.09 for interaction between vitamin A supplementation and BCG). Early vs delayed BCG was not associated with symptoms of atopic disease, but vitamin A supplementation increased odds of wheeze within the past 12 months (OR, 2.45; 1.20-4.96). There were no statistically significant effects of early vs delayed BCG on atopy or symptoms of atopic disease. Having a BCG scar was associated with reduced atopy, whereas neonatal vitamin A supplementation was associated with increased atopy. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT 01420705.

Development of atopic disease and disturbed sleep in childhood and adolescence – a longitudinal population‐based study

Both atopic diseases and sleep disturbances have increased during recent decades, especially in children. Sleep is important for many aspects of immune regulation relevant in allergic diseases, and sleep disturbances are common in patients with such diseases. A connection between sleep disturbances and fatigue, and atopic disease is well established. However, the time course and putative causal relationships between these factors are obscure. We aimed at investigating the developmental relationships between subjectively reported sleep disturbances and symptoms of atopic disease, from childhood to adolescence. This longitudinal study used parent-report questionnaire data on symptoms of atopic disease, and sleep disturbances, from the Twin Study of Child and Adolescent Development (TCHAD). Overall, 1480 twin pairs born in Sweden were approached first when children were 8-9 years old, and again later at 13-14 years old. Response rates were 75% and 72%. Data from the TCHAD questionnaires were linked to the Swedish Medical Birth Register based on personal identification numbers. Being overtired at age 8 increased the risk [OR; 95% CI (2.59; 1.31-5.11)] to develop rhinitis symptoms at age 13, even when controlling for gender, previous rhinitis, Socio-economic status, birth weight and other sleep disturbances at age 8. Likewise, symptoms of asthma at age 8 was an independent risk factor for being overtired at age 13 [OR; 95% CI (2.64; 1.44-4.84)], controlling for similar confounders. The findings from this study are consonant with the proposition that atopic disease and disturbed sleep are more than passively interrelated. Future research needs to delineate whether causal relationships between these problems are at hand and, if so, at what periods in development this applies. These results point to a need for clinicians to investigate sleep difficulties and treat impaired sleep in paediatric patients with atopic disease.

Analysis of the course and treatment of toxocariasis in children-a long-term observation.

Toxocariasis is a helminthozoonotic disease caused by ascarid larvae of Toxocara genus: Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. In the reported study, the clinical course of toxocariasis and administered therapy were evaluated in 103 children. The majority of the children (68.9%) were from the rural environment, with a prevalence of boys (62.1%). At diagnosis of infection, 36 (35%) children reported recurrent abdominal pain, 19 (18.4%) headache, 6 (5.8%) loss of appetite, 2 subfebrile conditions, and 2 arthralgia, Moreover, 23 (22.3%) children demonstrated symptoms of atopic diseases; in 30 (29.1%) children, moderate enlargement of lymphatic nodes was noted. In five children (4.9%), ophthalmic examination revealed unilateral changes in the eye: in two cases retinitis; in one case fibrotic lesions in the vitreous body, complicated 1 year from diagnosis by retinal detachment; and in other children parafoveal lesions and cataract. Only two children with ocular changes at diagnosis reported visual disorders. In 64.3% of children, eosinophilia was observed. A covert form of the disease was diagnosed in 95.1% of the children and an ocular form in 4.9%. In all the children, antiparasitic treatment was implemented, repeated several times in some of them. After therapy, the mean titer of specific antibodies, the number of children with abdominal pains and enlarged lymphatic nodes were decreased, while headaches maintained at unchanged levels. In approximately one fourth of the children with negative results of antibodies after the therapy, the symptoms of the disease were still reported. Evaluation of the efficacy of treatment is not easy due to non-characteristic symptoms and low kinetics of specific anti Toxocara IgG decrease; however, high IgG titers suggest non-effective treatment of concomitant infection requiring subsequent therapy. Due to risk of ocular form, which may develop in any stage of the disease, irrespectively of specific antibodies concentrations, it seems justified to implement antiparasitic treatment in all children infected with T. canis.

Principal Components Analysis of Atopy-Related Traits in a Random Sample of Children

Aim. To study the relationship between atopy-related traits in a random sample of children. Methods. A total of 1007 randomly selected children, 7–17 years of age, from Copenhagen, Denmark were studied. The children were interviewed about symptoms of atopic diseases, and skin test reactivity, serum total IgE, lung function, and airway responsiveness were measured. Principal components analysis was performed in order to examine the relationship between the different traits. Results. Most of the studied traits were significantly correlated. A three-component solution explained about 55% of the variation in the observed traits. The first component loaded most strongly on hay fever, serum total IgE, skin test reactivity and sensitisation to grass, cat and house dust mite allergen; the second factor was most associated with asthma, airway obstruction, and airway hyperresponsiveness, whereas the third factor corresponded most strongly to atopic dermatitis. There was some indication of cross-relations between the three components with respect to serum total IgE. Conclusion. Asthma, hay fever, and atopic dermatitis are characterised by different sets of biomarkers suggestive of a high degree of heterogeneity within the atopic syndrome.

Human Breast Milk as a Source of DNA for Amplification

Studies consistently find beneficial effects of breastfeeding on overall maternal and infant health.(1) Breast-fed infants have a significantly lower incidence of respiratory infection, otitis media, diarrhea, and dehydration, as well as fewer signs and symptoms of atopic disease.(2-4) These health advantages underscore the importance of maintaining the breastfeeding relationship for mother and infant as long as possible. Although many healthcare providers actively encourage breastfeeding for mothers and infants, there are clinical situations that require evidence-based information to inform breastfeeding management. One such situation is decision-making regarding the safety of continuing breastfeeding in the face of needed maternal medications. The current evidence regarding medication and breastfeeding utilizes measurement of drug concentrations in human milk. While strides are being made in human milk pharmacology,(5) it is important to understand the potential role of genetic variability in drug disposition and clinical response- including the impact of genetic changes on drug concentrations in human milk. By identifying genetic factors that are associated with variability in drug concentrations in human milk, we may be able to prospectively provide better guidance to breastfeeding mothers needing to take medications. As in other areas of medical science, pharmacogenetics may be able to advance the human milk science regarding medication use and breastfeeding. In order to perform pharmacogenetic studies, researchers need to obtain deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from a human biologic sample. Banked milk samples may help unlock some of the reasons for differences in response, toxicity, or milk drug concentrations if DNA could be extracted sufficiently from these specimens, making them useful for pharmacogenetic studies. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not DNA could be extracted from human milk in significant amounts to be clinically useful in pharmacogenetic studies. This approach may provide an explanation for inter-patient variability of drug expression into human milk and in exposure of the recipient infant. This is a first step toward integrating pharmacogenetics into human milk pharmacology and breastfeeding management.