Total IgE Antibody Levels Research Articles

Lactic acid bacteria with probiotic characteristics in fermented dairy products reduce cow milk allergy

The use of fermented dairy products containing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with probiotic properties has been suggested as a suitable solution to reduce cow milk allergy (CMA). In our previous study, we screened four LAB strains with the ability to hydrolyze allergic milk protein. In this study, we further evaluated the in vivo allergenicity of fermented milk beverage (FMB) made with the compound of four strains. Our results showed that FMB administration significantly reduced the allergic responses induced by milk proteins compared to skimmed milk (SM) administration. Specifically, FMB modulated the T helper cell (Th) 1/Th2 and Th17/T regulatory cell (Treg) immune balance of BALB/c mice, reduced total IgG, total IgG1, and total IgE antibody levels, mast cell protease in serum, and histamine levels in plasma. Additionally, intestinal microbiota analysis demonstrated that FMB administration increased the abundance of Lachnospiraceae, a common immunomodulatory commensal bacteria, and down-regulated the abundance of Muribaculaceae and Prevotellaceae. Overall, FMB is a low-allergenicity dairy product that can alleviate allergy symptoms by regulating the immune response and intestinal microbiota composition. FMB has the potential to be developed as a low-allergenicity dairy product or allergy therapy as well.

Effect of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum isolated from food and human origin on reduction of IgE-dependent hypersensitivity in Balb/c mice

Capacity and ability of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus probiotic strains isolated from some human and food sources were evaluated for modulating and regulating the immune system against hypersensitivity type 1 (dependent on IgE). In this study, given the probiotic properties of the strains and the use of mouse models, the strains were orally administered (1×109 cfu/ml) during 45 days with gavage needles. Levels of total IgE antibodies, cytokines TGF-β, INF-ɤ, and IL-4 were measured by ELISA and compared with control groups. In addition, the nasopharyngeal lavage (total and differential count) was evaluated. Among the strains, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum a7 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus M1 had the highest suppression of IL-4 cytokine production in splenocytes from ovalbumin-sensitized mice in vitro. Also, a7 and M1 had a significant (P < 0.0001) effect on reducing total IgE levels compared to the control group (OVA). Further, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum M8, a7 and M1 enhanced the production of INF-ɤ and TGF-β cytokines. Examination of nasal lavage results revealed that the total cell count in the a7, M1 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus RHM groups and eosinophil cells in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LF57, a7, and M1 significantly decreased compared to the control group. It was observed oral feeding of the isolated strains had a beneficial effect on reducing the total count on Plate Count Agar (PCA) and Mac Conkey Agar in mice feces during 7 days. M1 and a7 showed the highest level of Lactic Acid Bacteria at 7.28 and 6.9 Log cfu/g on day14, respectively. In conclusion, the animals that received the strains M1 and a7 (isolated from cow's milk and infant's small intestine) had the highest count of lactic acid bacteria in the mice gastrointestinal tract on day 14 (7.28 and 6.9 Log cfu/g), respectively. In addition, the mentioned strains can modulate immune system of mice by suppressing IL-4 production, increasing INF-ɤ and TGF-β cytokines, and reducing total IgE levels.

The CD63 basophil activation test as a diagnostic tool for assessing autoimmunity in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria

Over the past years, it has become widely recognized that a proportion of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) cases is of autoimmune origin, however, the search for reliable diagnostic tools to confirm underlying autoimmune pathophysiology is ongoing. The CD63 basophil activation test (CD63 BAT) has recently become useful for diagnosing autoimmune CSU. To analyse the correlation between positive CD63 BAT results, total IgE antibody levels, and the presence of autoimmune thyroiditis as a comorbidity in patients diagnosed with CSU. We performed a retrospective analysis of CD63 BAT results obtained from 87 CSU and 20 non-CSU patients. The information extracted from the patients' records included age, gender, total IgE levels, clinical history of autoimmune thyroiditis (AT), and the presence of anti-thyroid autoantibodies. Positive CD63 BAT results were significantly more frequent in CSU patients compared with non-CSU subjects (p=0.045). Furthermore, we found a strong significant negative correlation between the stimulation index (SI) value for CD63 BAT and total IgE levels in CD63 BAT-positive CSU patients (p=0.004; Spearman's rank correlation coefficient ρ=-0.322), meaning that higher SI values corresponded to lower total IgE values, and vice versa. The current standard set of diagnostic tools cannot be reliably used to determine when CSU is caused by autoimmune mechanisms. There is evidence that CD63 BAT represents a helpful diagnostic tool for detecting underlying autoimmunity. We show that high SI values in CD63 BAT-positive CSU patients correlate negatively with their total IgE levels. The clinical relevance of this effect needs to be investigated further.

Prospective cohort study of pregnancy complications and birth outcomes in women with asthma

BackgroundAsthma is the most common potentially serious medical complication in pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between maternal asthma and a spectrum of adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes.MethodsEvents during pregnancy and birth outcome were evaluated in 34 asthmatic as well as 1569 non-asthmatic pregnant women who were enrolled in a prospective cohort study undertaken at the antenatal clinics of Mobini Hospital in Iran. The women were interviewed and classified according to clinical severity and asthma control as per GINA guidelines. Information on asthma symptoms was collected by a questionnaire as well as by spirometry and physical examination. All subjects were followed until delivery, and postpartum charts were reviewed to assess neonatal and maternal outcomes. Eosinophil cells counts were obtained and total IgE was measured by ELISA. Results were assessed by multivariate logistic regression adjusting for maternal age and parity, and for birth outcomes, for gestational diabetes, and hypertension/pre-eclampsia.ResultsThe well-known relationship between family history of asthma and asthma in pregnancy was again supported (p < 0.001). Women with asthma had more bleeding events 3 weeks or more before delivery (OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.41–7.26), more often placenta problems (OR 6.86, 95% CI 1.42–33.02), and gestational diabetes mellitus (OR 3.82, 95% CI 1.06–13.75). No significant differences between asthmatic and non-asthmatic mothers regarding duration of gestation, birthweight, low Apgar scores, or neonatal respiratory difficulties were found. Total IgE antibody levels and eosinophil counts did not differ by asthma control and severity.ConclusionsAsthma in pregnancy poses some risk for pregnancy complications and adverse perinatal outcomes. Managing asthma effectively throughout pregnancy could benefit women and their babies and help to reduce the health burden associated with asthma during pregnancy.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Lactococcus lactis Strains

Strains of Lactococcus lactis are present in various natural environment or fermented products, and have been used as starters. In this review, we firstly discuss the immunomodulatory effects of Lactococcus strains from the perspective of their strain-specificity. Forty-six different Lactococcus strains were investigated for their ability to induce cytokine production in the murine macrophage-like cell line, J774.1. Strain-specificity and heat stability related to the ability of Lactococcus cells to induce interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12 and TNF-α, and induce cell necrosis or apoptosis were discussed. Secondly, to examine the immunomodulatory effects of Lactococcus cells in vivo, the effects of oral administration of four strains were investigated for their ability to regulate IgE production in ovalbumin-sensitized mice. Among the four strains, only L. lactis strain C59 showed a significant reduction in the total IgE antibody levels in serum. This suppressive effect on IgE antibody production was lost when strain C59 was heat-killed. Experiments using splenocytes of mice administered with live strain C59 indicated that the suppression of IgE antibody production by live strain C59 was due to the suppression of IL-4 production. The strain-specific immunomodulatory effects of Lactococcus strains are discussed. Discipline: Food Additional key words: apoptosis, IgE antibody, interleukin, lactic acid bacteria, macrophage

Oral administration of liveLactococcus lactisC59 suppresses IgE antibody production in ovalbumin-sensitized mice via the regulation of interleukin-4 production

To explore the potential probiotic effects of diary starter strains to suppress an IgE allergic response, 10 strains of live dairy lactic acid bacteria were screened for their ability to stimulate the T-helper (Th) type 1 response that counteracts the Th2 response. Four strains with distinct patterns of interleukin(IL)-12p70 and interferon-γ production by murine splenocytes were then orally administered to Balb/c mice, and serum IgE antibody production was examined after ovalbumin sensitization. Oral administration of live Lactococcus lactis strain C59 significantly reduced the total IgE antibody levels, whereas oral administration of the other three strains had no effect on the total IgE levels in ovalbumin-sensitized mice. This inhibitory effect on IgE antibody production was lost when heat-killed C59 was used for oral administration. Ex vivo experiments showed that IL-4 production upon stimulation with the anti-CD3 antibody was significantly reduced in splenocytes of mice with an oral administration of live strain C59 compared with the control. These results indicate that the inhibition of IgE antibody production in mice treated with live strain C59 was due to the suppression of IL-4 production.

The impact of transgenic papaya (TPY10-4) fruit supplementation on immune responses in ovalbumin-sensitised mice

A transgenic papaya line (TPY10-4) that is resistant to both papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) and papaya leaf distortion mosaic virus (PLDMV) has been developed in Taiwan. This study investigated the immunomodulatory properties of transgenic TPY10-4 and its native (TCK) papaya fruits using an ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitised mouse model. Both green and ripe papaya fruits at low (0.2 g powder kg(-1) body weight (BW)) and high (1.6 g powder kg(-1) BW) doses were administered to experimental mice by intragastric gavage for 5 weeks. Changes in serum total immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgE, IgG and IgM levels, OVA-specific IgE, IgG1 and IgG2a titres and Th1/Th2 cytokine secretions using splenocytes were determined. Transgenic TPY10-4 or native TCK papaya fruit supplementation did not significantly affect body, visceral organ and relative tissue weights, total IgE antibody levels, OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 antibody titres or OVA-stimulated interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 secretions using splenocytes. However, transgenic papaya fruits markedly increased serum total IgM levels. This study suggests that transgenic TPY10-4 papaya fruits do not increase the allergenic potential of OVA by oral administration but may have a protective immunity via increasing the serum total IgM level.

Total and allergen-specific IgE levels during and after pregnancy in relation to maternal allergy

Type 2 T-helper cell (Th2)-skewed immunity is associated with successful pregnancy and the ability to easily direct immune responses to a Th2-polarised profile may be an evolutionary benefit. The Th2-like immunity associated with allergic disease might generate favourable effects for the maintenance of pregnancy, but could also promote development of Th2-like immune responses and allergic disease in the offspring. The aim of this study was to explore, by using IgE as a stable proxy for Th2, the Th1/Th2 balance in allergic and non-allergic women by measuring allergen-specific and total IgE antibody levels in plasma during pregnancy and after delivery. Specific and total IgE antibody levels were determined by ImmunoCAP technology at five occasions during pregnancy (gestational weeks 10–12, 15–16, 25, 35 and 39), as well as at 2 and 12 months after delivery. Thirty-six women without and 20 women with allergic symptoms were included, of whom 13 were sensitised with allergic symptoms and 30 were non-sensitised without allergic symptoms. The levels of total IgE, but not allergen-specific IgE, were increased during early pregnancy when compared to 12 months after delivery in the sensitised women with allergic symptoms, but not in the non-sensitised women without allergic symptoms ( p < 0.01). This increase in total IgE levels during early pregnancy only in the sensitised women with allergic symptoms indicates that allergy is associated with an enhanced Th2 deviation during pregnancy.

TCDD exposure exacerbates atopic dermatitis-related inflammation in NC/Nga mice

Our previous study showed that 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD) exposure of NC/Nga mice, a mouse model of atopic dermatitis, induces no dermal changes. In the present study, to investigate whether TCDD exacerbates atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions elicited in NC/Nga mice, NC/Nga mice were applied with picryl chloride (PC), and then were exposed to a single oral dose of 0 (control), 5, and 20 μg TCDD/kg. Two weeks later, spleens, blood, and skin specimens were collected. TCDD exposure increased the production of Th1-type cytokine IFN-γ, but not Th2-type cytokine IL-4, from spleen cells stimulated with a mitogen. The plasma total IgE antibody levels of the TCDD-exposed mice remained at control levels. On the other hand, TCDD exposure markedly increased the mast cell infiltration and degranulation in PC-sensitized NC/Nga mice histologically, as compared with control mice. These results suggest that TCDD exposure exacerbates atopic dermatitis-related inflammation with no increase of IgE antibody production and that TCDD may be one of the environmental pollutants that induce exacerbations of atopic diseases.

The role of major olive pollen allergens Ole e 1, Ole e 9, and Ole e 10 on mice sensitization

Olive pollen is an important cause of allergy in Mediterranean countries. To date, 10 allergens (Ole e 1 to Ole e 10) have been isolated and characterized. Animal models of olive pollen allergy are suitable tools for testing the efficacy and safety of new forms of immunotherapy. To characterize the immune response in mice sensitized with olive pollen extract and to compare it with that of allergic patients. BALB/c mice were sensitized by 4 intraperitoneal injections of olive pollen extract in aluminum hydroxide. The allergic state was proved by measuring serum specific IgG1 and total IgE antibody levels. The IgG1 responses to olive pollen allergens were assayed by immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Competition experiments between human IgE and mouse IgG1 binding to olive pollen allergens were performed. Sensitization with olive pollen extract induced high levels of specific IgG1 and total IgE in all tested animals. Immunoblotting experiments showed that the mouse IgG1 binding pattern to pollen extract was complex and heterogeneous, as occurs with human IgE. High IgG1 antibody levels to the major olive pollen allergens described for humans were detected in serum samples from sensitized mice, whereas minor olive pollen allergens induced no significant IgG1 response. Coincubation of mouse serum samples with a cocktail of Ole e 1, Ole e 9, and Ole e 10 resulted in a significant decrease (60%) in IgG1 binding to olive pollen extract. Specific mouse IgG1 strongly inhibited human IgE binding to olive pollen allergens. This mouse model of olive pollen sensitization mimics immunologic features of human pollinosis and could be a useful tool for designing novel forms of immunotherapy for olive pollen allergy based on allergen cocktails.

Experience with quantitative IgE antibody analysis in relation to allergic disease within the BAMSE birth cohort--towards an improved diagnostic process.

This paper argues that with a certain allergen profile of airborne and food allergens and the use of total IgE-antibody levels, combined with the number of allergens positive at test represent a powerful tool to identify allergic disease in childhood. The allergens featured in such a profile will be dependent on the subject's age and geographical location.

Association of polymorphisms in the collagen region of SP-A2 with increased levels of total IgE antibodies and eosinophilia in patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

Background: Studies from our group have shown a protective role of pulmonary surfactant protein A (SP-A) against lung allergy and infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus . Objective: Present study investigated the association of polymorphisms in the collagen region of SP-A1 and SP-A2 (genes encoding SP-A) with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and its clinical markers. Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples of patients with ABPA and age-matched, unrelated control subjects. The polymorphisms were detected by means of PCR amplification and sequencing of the collagen region of SP-A1 and SP-A2 . Results: Two exonic (SP-A2 G1649C and SP-A2 A1660G, 10 patients and 11 control subjects) and 2 intronic (SP-A2 T1492C, 8 patients and 8 control subjects; SP-A1 C1416T, 5 patients and 7 control subjects) polymorphisms in the collagen region of SP-A2 and SP-A1 showed significant association with patients with ABPA. A significantly higher frequency of the AGA allele (A1660G) of SP-A2 was observed in patients with ABPA in comparison with control subjects (P = .0156, odds ratio [OR] = 4.78, 95% CI = 1.23 < OR < 18.52). This polymorphism, when existing along with a nonredundant polymorphism, SP-A2 G1649C (Ala91Pro) resulted in a stronger association with ABPA (A1660G and G1649C: P = .0079, OR = 10.4, 95% CI = 1.62 < OR < 66.90). Patients with ABPA with GCT and AGG alleles showed significantly high levels of total IgE and percentage eosinophilia versus patients with ABPA with CCT and AGA alleles. Conclusion: The results indicated that SP-A2 G1649C and SP-A2 A1660G, polymorphisms in the collagen region of SP-A2 , might be one of the contributing factors to genetic predisposition and severity of clinical markers of ABPA. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003;111:1001-7.)

Inducible nitric oxide synthase-deficient mice develop enhanced type 1 cytokine-associated cellular and humoral immune responses after vaccination with attenuated Schistosoma mansoni cercariae but display partially reduced resistance.

High levels of nitric oxide (NO) are produced by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in response to activating signals from Th1-associated cytokines and play an important role in cytotoxicity and cytostasis against many pathogenic microorganisms. In addition to its direct effector function, NO serves as a potent immunoregulatory factor. NO produced by gamma interferon-activated macrophages immobilizes and kills Schistosoma mansoni larvae, and several studies have indicated a role for this pathway in protective immunity against this parasite. The potential regulatory influence of NO in immunity to S. mansoni is less well understood. In this study, we have used iNOS-deficient mice to determine the role of NO in mice vaccinated with irradiated cercariae of S. mansoni. We show by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcriptase PCR analysis that vaccinated iNOS-deficient mice develop exacerbated type 1 cytokine responses in the lungs, the site where resistance to infection is primarily manifested. In addition, parasite-specific immunoglobulin G2a (IgG2a) and IgG2b antibody responses were significantly increased in vaccinated iNOS-deficient animals and total IgE antibody levels in serum were decreased relative to those in wild-type controls. Surprisingly, since resistance in this vaccine model is largely Th1 dependent and since Th1-related cellular and humoral immune responses were found to be exacerbated in vaccinated iNOS-deficient mice, vaccine-elicited protective immunity against challenge infection was found to be reduced. These findings demonstrate that iNOS plays a paradoxical role in immunity to S. mansoni, both in the effector mechanism of resistance and in the down regulation of the type 1 cytokine response, which is ultimately required for NO production.

Prevalence of latex-specific IgE antibodies in atopic and nonatopic children with type I diabetes.

The potential induction of allergic sensitization to latex from insulin vial tops stimulated an investigation of the prevalence of specific IgE antibodies to latex in serum and the relationship to atopic disease in children with diabetes. In a cross-sectional study, serum samples of 112 children with type I diabetes (age: 15 [5-18] years; diabetes duration: 6 [1-14] years; median [range]) were investigated for total IgE, IgE screening for inhalational and nutritional allergens, and specific IgE antibodies to latex. Specific IgE antibodies for inhalational and/or nutritional allergens was found in 42 (38%) children (atopic group). Seven children (6%) exhibited specific IgE antibodies (0.61 [0.40-3.84] kU/I) to latex in serum although none reported clinical symptoms of latex allergy. All latex-sensitized children were found in the atopic group. This prevalence of latex sensitization of 17% (7/42) in atopic children with diabetes is comparable with the frequency described in atopic children without diabetes. These seven patients had higher serum total IgE antibody levels (328 [113-1,000] kU/I) than atopic patients without latex sensitization (n = 35; 124 [24-857] kU/I; P < 0.05) or patients without atopy (n = 70; 33 [2-339] kU/I; P < 0.001). No differences in age or diabetes duration were observed between either group. Sensitization to latex is found exclusively in children with atopic sensitization and appears to be related to atopic disease and not to frequent contact to latex through insulin injections. However, atopic patients may be at risk for reactions secondary to latex from insulin vials and syringes.

Measurement of total IgE antibody levels in lacrimal fluid of patients suffering from atopic and non-atopic eye disorders. Evidence for local IgE production in atopic eye disorders?

Total IgE levels in lacrimal fluid of patients suffering from different eye disorders were quantitatively measured by a modification of the paper radio immuno sorbent test (PRIST). The geometric mean values for patients with atopic conjunctivitis, patients with keratoconjunctivitis vernalis, and patients with asthma without conjunctivitis differed significantly from those for control persons and those for patients without atopic conjunctivitis. Besides lacrimal fluid IgE levels, serum IgE levels as well as lacrimal fluid and serum albumin levels were measured. From these values the local IgE production was calculated. Although there seemed a good correlation between the level of lacrimal fluid IgE and the amount of local IgE production, the results suggest that local IgE production in lacrimal fluid is not restricted to patients with atopic eye disorders only.

The non-specific enhancement of allergy. III. Precipitation of bronchial anaphylactic reactivity in primed rats by injection of alum or B. pertussis vaccine: relation of response capacity to IgE and IgG2a antibody levels.

SD rats were sensitized by an i.p. injection of 1 microgram or 10 micrograms ovalbumin (OA) together with 10 mg Silica gel. At the indicated time after sensitization, allergic response capacity of the animals was estimated by measuring changes in intratracheal pressure induced by an i.v. injection of 0.3 mg OA (low challenge dose) or 5 mg OA (high challenge dose). Animals given 1 microgram OA in Silica gel showed no response capacity at 14, 35 or 47-48 days after sensitization. Animals injected with 10 micrograms OA showed a clear-cut response with a peak at 14 days; at 7 weeks after immunization the response capacity had faded almost completely. Specific OA-IgE antibody and total IgE serum levels were examined by radioimmunoassay. A slight increase in OA-IgE antibody was recorded in animals injected 14 days before test with 10 micrograms ovalbumin and Silica gel; animals given 1 microgram OA and Silica showed no OA-IgE antibody. Five weeks after sensitization, some animals of each group were injected i.p. with 100 mg alum, B. pertussis vaccine (2 ml of Perthydral), or saline, all injections being made without any further antigen addition. 12-13 days after such an injection, alum-treated animals showed high response capacity at bronchial anaphylactic tests and high OA-IgE antibody levels but comparably low levels of total IgE. Animals injected with B. pertussis, on the other hand, showed low response capacity (bronchial anaphylactic tests and OA-IgE antibody levels) but high total IgE-antibody levels. The bronchial anaphylactic response in the B. pertussis-injected animals but not the alum-injected animals was significantly correlated to serum IgG2a antibody levels. These results show that injection of alum or B. pertussis vaccine without antigen can precipitate/enhance anaphylactic response capacity and production of specific and non-specific IgE and IgG2a.