过敏原检测在幼儿喘息性疾病中的临床意义

目的:探讨过敏原检测在幼儿喘息性疾病中的临床应用价值。方法:选择我院儿科收治的的1～5岁下呼吸道感染的特应性体质患儿217例,按照有无喘息症状分为喘息组与非喘息组。采集并比较两组患儿年龄、性别、过敏史(食物过敏,药物过敏,鼻炎,湿疹)、体外过敏原检测结果:TIgE(总IIgE)及sIgE(特异性IgE),(视sIgE≥2级为阳性)、一二级亲属过敏性疾病史。结果:(1)喘息组反复呼吸道感染及鼻炎人数均高于非喘息组(P0.05)。两组在湿疹、喜揉眼、食物过敏、药物过敏、一级亲属过敏史、二级亲属过敏史方面比较差异不具有统计学意义(P0.05)。(2)两组体外过敏原检测结果比较:喘息组户尘螨阳性人数多于非喘息组;(3)喘息患儿组根据是否伴有鼻炎及湿疹分为:A组,喘息,不伴有鼻炎及湿疹;B组,喘息伴有鼻炎或者湿疹;C组,喘息,伴有鼻炎及湿疹。ABC三组TIgE、年龄、吸入过敏原个数、吸入过敏原阳性人数、户尘螨阳性率逐渐增多,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05),其他吸入过敏原及食入过敏原比较差异无统计学意义。结论:反复呼吸道感染、鼻炎和喘息密切相关。尘螨是幼儿喘息、变应性鼻炎和特应性皮炎主要过敏原之一,是特应性体质患儿是否发生喘息的关键过敏原。     

盐城地区未成年过敏性疾病患者吸入性过敏原IgE检测结果分析

摘要 目的：通过研究分析盐城地区未成年过敏性疾病患者吸入性过敏原特异性IgE检测结果分布变化特点,为过敏性疾病预防和临床诊疗提供科学依据。方法：自2020年1月至2021年3月期间,选择430例未成年(<18岁)过敏性疾病患者,血清检测方法采用欧蒙公司生产的过敏原特异性IgE检测试剂盒。结果：430例患者中,血清过敏原IgE阳性166例(38.60%),其中尘螨和屋尘是主要的吸入性过敏原。血清IgE阳性率男性39%,女性36% (P>0.05),中学组女性阳性率（61.11 %）高于男性（45.83 %）（P<0.05）。不同年龄组间IgE阳性率有统计学差异（P<0.05）,蟑螂、尘螨、霉菌、豚草、屋尘和年龄组间有统计学差异（P<0.05）。不同临床症状与IgE阳性率有统计学差异(P<0.05),其中呼吸道过敏症状组IgE阳性率最高（48.30 %）,不同症状组间主要过敏原都是尘螨。屋尘阳性患者均合并尘螨阳性,其中70.93 %的患者表现出了呼吸道过敏症状。结论：尘螨、屋尘是盐城地区未成年过敏性疾病患者最主要的吸入性过敏原,研究血清过敏原分布,对未成年人过敏性疾病的预防、诊疗具有重要意义。     

肺炎支原体肺炎合并喘息患儿血清25（OH）D3水平与肺功能的相关性及其影响因素分析

摘要 目的：探讨肺炎支原体肺炎（MPP）患儿合并喘息的影响因素,分析血清25-羟维生素D3[25(OH)D-3]水平与MPP合并喘息患儿肺功能的关系。方法：选择2017年1月至2020年1月我院收治的90例MPP患儿,根据是否合并喘息将其分为MPP合并喘息组（39例）和MPP未合并喘息组（51例）。检测血清25(OH)D-3水平以及肺功能[最大呼气流速（PEF）、PEF占预计值百分比(PEF% pred)、第一秒用力呼吸容积（FEV₁）、用力肺活量（FVC）、FEV₁/FVC比值、FEV₁占预计值百分比（FEV1%pred）],Pearson相关性分析25(OH)D-3与MPP合并喘息患儿肺功能的关系,单因素及多因素Logistic回归分析影响MPP合并喘息的危险因素。结果：MPP合并喘息组血清25(OH)D-3水平、PEF、PEF% pred、FEV₁/FVC比值、FEV1%pred低于MPP未合并喘息组（P＜0.05）,Pearson相关性分析显示,MPP合并喘息组患儿血清25(OH)D-3水平与PEF、PEF% pred、FEV₁/FVC比值、FEV₁%pred均呈正相关（r=0.519、0.612、0.571、0.593,P＜0.05）。单因素分析显示,MPP合并喘息组年龄低于MPP未合并喘息组（P＜0.05）,病程长于MPP未合并喘息组（P＜0.05）,肺部啰音比例、嗜酸性粒细胞计数、MP-IgM抗体滴度高于MPP未合并喘息组（P＜0.05）。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示低龄、肺部啰音、嗜酸性粒细胞计数增高、MP-IgM抗体滴度增加、25(OH)D-3减少是MPP合并喘息的危险因素（P＜0.05）。结论：MPP合并喘息患儿25(OH)D-3水平较低,低龄、肺部啰音、嗜酸性粒细胞计数增高、MP-IgM抗体滴度增加、25(OH)D-3缺乏为MPP合并喘息的危险因素,25(OH)D-3缺乏与MPP合并喘息患儿肺功能下降有关。     

YKL-40、CD4+/CD8+比值与腺病毒肺炎患儿炎性因子和并发喘息的关系研究

摘要 目的：探讨血清壳多糖酶3样蛋白1（YKL-40）、外周血CD4⁺/CD8⁺比值与腺病毒肺炎（AP）患儿炎性因子和并发喘息的关系。方法：选取2019年10月～2022年10月湖北省妇幼保健院收治的97例AP患儿为AP组,根据是否并发喘息分别为喘息组和无喘息组,另选取同期50例体检健康儿童为对照组。收集AP患儿的临床资料,采用酶联免疫吸附法检测血清YKL-40和炎性因子[白细胞介素（IL）-6、IL-8、肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNFα）]水平,流式细胞术检测外周血CD4⁺、CD8⁺比例并计算CD4⁺/CD8⁺比值。采用Spearman相关性分析AP患儿血清YKL-40、CD4⁺/CD8⁺比值与炎性因子水平的相关性,多因素Logistic回归分析AP患儿并发喘息的影响因素。结果：与对照组比较,AP组血清YKL-40、外周血CD8⁺比例升高,CD4⁺比例、CD4⁺/CD8⁺比值降低（P＜0.05）。AP组血清IL-6、IL-8、TNF-α水平高于对照组（P＜0.05）。Spearman相关性分析显示,AP患儿血清YKL-40与IL-6、IL-8、TNF-α水平呈正相关,外周血CD4⁺/CD8⁺比值与IL-6、IL-8、TNF-α水平呈负相关（P＜0.05）。97例AP患儿住院期间喘息发生率为50.52%（49/97）。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,呼吸衰竭、小气道病变、特应性体质和血清IL-6、IL-8、TNF-α、YKL-40升高为AP患儿并发喘息的独立危险因素,外周血CD4⁺/CD8⁺比值升高为独立保护因素（P＜0.05）。结论：AP患儿血清YKL-40水平升高和外周血CD4⁺/CD8⁺比值降低,与炎性因子水平升高和并发喘息密切相关。     

支气管哮喘患儿血清硫化氢、嗜酸性粒细胞趋化因子水平与炎症因子及肺功能的关系研究

摘要 目的：探讨支气管哮喘患儿血清硫化氢（H2S）、嗜酸性粒细胞趋化因子（Eotaxin）水平与炎症因子及肺功能的关系。方法：选取我院收治的95例支气管哮喘患儿,按照《儿童支气管哮喘诊断及防治指南(2016年版)》将支气管哮喘患儿分为急性发作期组43例和缓解期组52例。检测血清中H2S 水平;检测Eotaxin、肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）,白介素6（IL-6）和白介素13（IL-13）的水平;对患儿进行肺功能测定,采用Pearson检验分析血清H₂S、Eotaxin水平与血清炎症因子及肺功能之间的相关性。ROC曲线分析血清H2S、Eotaxin对支气管哮喘患儿病情的预测价值。结果：急性发作期组患儿血清H₂S水平、第一秒用力呼气容积占预计值百分比（FEV₁%pred）、最大呼气流量占预计值百分比（PEF%pred）和FEV₁/用力肺活量（FVC）低于缓解期组患儿,Eotaxin、TNF-α、IL-6和IL-13水平高于缓解期组患儿（P<0.05）;支气管哮喘患儿血清H₂S水平与TNF-α、IL-6和IL-13水平均呈负相关（P<0.05）,与FEV₁%pred、FEV₁/FVC和PEF%pred均呈正相关（P<0.05）;支气管哮喘患儿血清Eotaxin水平与TNF-α、IL-6和IL-13水平均呈正相关（P<0.05）,与FEV₁%pred、FEV₁/FVC和PEF%pred均呈负相关（P<0.05）。血清H₂S预测支气管哮喘患儿病情的曲线下面积为0.854,灵敏度和特异度分别为77.89%和81.05%,Youden指数为0.5894;血清Eotaxin预测支气管哮喘患儿病情的曲线下面积为0.924,灵敏度和特异度分别为92.71%和84.38%,Youden指数为0.7709。结论：支气管哮喘急性发作期患儿与缓解期患儿相比,其血清H2S水平较低,Eotaxin水平较高,血清H₂S和Eotaxin水平与机体炎症反应及肺功能密切相关,有助于辅助评估支气管哮喘患儿的病情。     

西安地区儿童支气管哮喘吸入性过敏原的调查分析

目的:探讨西安地区儿童支气管哮喘吸入性过敏原的分布情况。方法:选择950例来自西安地区的支气管哮喘患儿为研究对象,采用过敏原皮肤点刺试验检测,以组胺作为阳性对照,生理盐水为阴性对照,分析不同年龄和性别的患儿过敏原的分布情况。结果:950例支气管哮喘患儿中,384例皮肤点刺过敏原检测呈阳性,占40.4%,男女患儿过敏原检测阳性分布无明显差异(P0.05);尘螨为主要的过敏原,其次为艾蒿和霉菌类;随着患儿年龄的增加,其过敏原检测的阳性率明显升高(P0.05),且大多数过敏原检测阳性患儿至少合并2-3种过敏原阳性。结论:西安地区支气管哮喘患儿吸入性过敏原阳性率与其性别无关,但与其年龄有关,过敏原以尘螨类为主,大多数检测阳性的患儿对至少一种以上的过敏原阳性。     

支气管哮喘患儿血清半乳糖凝集素3、类胰蛋白酶、25-羟维生素D3与肺功能和生活质量的相关性分析

摘要 目的：探讨支气管哮喘（简称"哮喘"）患儿血清半乳糖凝集素3（Gal-3）、类胰蛋白酶、25-羟维生素D₃ [25（OH）D₃]与肺功能和生活质量的相关性。方法：选取我院2018年2月～2021年3月收治的136例哮喘患儿为研究组，行肺功能检测，将其按照病情严重程度分作轻度组63例、中度组41例及重度组32例。另取同期健康体检儿童40例作为对照组。检测并比较各组血清Gal-3、类胰蛋白酶、25（OH）D₃水平。对比各组哮喘患儿肺功能指标，以中文版儿科哮喘生命质量调查问卷(PAQLQ)对哮喘患儿进行生活质量评估。并以Pearson相关性分析哮喘患儿血清Gal-3、类胰蛋白酶、25（OH）D₃水平与肺功能和生活质量的关系。结果：研究组的血清Gal-3、类胰蛋白酶水平均高于对照组，且轻度组、中度组、重度组逐渐升高；血清25（OH）D₃水平均低于对照组，轻度组、中度组、重度组逐渐下降（P＜0.05）。中度组及重度组第1秒用力呼气容积占预计值百分比（FEV₁%pred）、呼吸峰流速占预计值百分比（PEF%pred）、第1秒用力呼气容积/用力肺活量（FEV₁/FVC）以及PAQLQ各项评分均低于轻度组，且重度组低于中度组，差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。经Pearson相关性分析可得：哮喘患儿血清Gal-3、类胰蛋白酶水平与各项肺功能指标以及PAQLQ各项评分均呈负相关，而血清25（OH）D₃水平与与各项肺功能指标以及PAQLQ各项评分均呈正相关（均P＜0.05）。结论：血清Gal-3、类胰蛋白酶、25（OH）D₃水平与哮喘患儿的肺功能以及生活质量密切相关，可能成为评估其病情及生活质量的可靠指标。     

血清中IL-17和Eotaxin水平检测在支气管哮喘患儿中的应用价值

摘要 目的：研究血清中白介素-17（interleukin,IL-17）和嗜酸性粒细胞趋化因子（Eotaxin）水平检测在支气管哮喘患儿中的应用价值。方法：选择2018年1月～2019年12月陕西省中医医院和西安市第一医院的60例支气管哮喘患儿为观察组,其中的18例缓解期患儿为缓解期组,42例急性发作期患儿为急性发作期组,且选择在我院体检的60例健康儿童为对照组。比较缓解期组、急性发作期组患儿和对照组儿童的血清IL-17和Eotaxin水平;比较缓解期组、急性发作期组患儿的一秒钟用力呼气量（forced expiratory volumeat 1st,FEV₁）以及最大呼气流量（peak expiratory flow,PEF）和生活质量评分;分析缓解期组、急性发作期组患儿的血清IL-17与Eotaxin的相关性;并分析缓解期组、急性发作期组患儿的血清IL-17、Eotaxin水平与PEF、FEV₁和生活质量评分的相关性。结果：缓解期组、急性发作期组患儿的血清IL-17和Eotaxin水平明显高于对照组（P<0.05）,且急性发作期组患儿的血清IL-17和Eotaxin水平明显高于缓解期组（P<0.05）;急性发作期组患儿的PEF、FEV₁和生活质量评分明显低于缓解期组（P<0.05）;缓解期组、急性发作期组患儿的血清IL-17与Eotaxin之间均呈明显的正相关性（P<0.05）;缓解期组患儿的血清IL-17、Eotaxin水平与PEF、FEV₁和生活质量评分均呈明显的负相关性（P<0.05）;急性发作期组患儿的血清IL-17、Eotaxin水平与PEF、FEV₁和生活质量评分均呈明显的负相关性（P<0.05）。结论：血清IL-17和Eotaxin在支气管哮喘患儿的发病过程中可以相互影响,共同参与患儿生理病理改变过程,血清IL-17和Eotaxin可作为评估支气管哮喘患儿病情严重程度和生活质量的客观指标。     

高山被孢霉中二酰甘油酰基转移酶2同源基因的克隆、表达和活性分析

[背景] 高山被孢霉（Mortierella alpina）是一种可积累大量花生四烯酸（Arachidonic Acid,AA）的产油丝状真菌,其所产脂肪酸主要被组装到甘油骨架上以三酰甘油（Triacylglycerol,TAG）形式存在。二酰甘油酰基转移酶（Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase,DGAT）是TAG生物合成途径的关键酶,对于高山被孢霉TAG的生产具有重要意义。[目的] 通过探究高山被孢霉DGAT2在TAG生物合成方面的功能特点,以期为提高产油真菌的TAG产量及改善TAG的脂肪酸组成提供参考。[方法] 利用序列比对在高山被孢霉ATCC32222基因组中筛选出2个编码DGAT2的候选基因MaDGAT2A/2B,在酿酒酵母（Saccharomyces cerevisiae）中异源表达后进行功能分析,并在外源添加AA条件下通过检测TAG产量进一步分析MaDGAT2A/2B的活性,最后在高山被孢霉中同源过表达MaDGAT2A/2B,通过检测重组菌总脂肪酸产量及组分以分析MaDGAT2A/2B的体内活性。[结果] MaDGAT2A在S. cerevisiae中异源表达时,重组酵母菌TAG的产量达到细胞干重的3.06%,为对照组的4.91倍;而MaDGAT2B未明显提高重组酵母菌TAG的产量。在外源添加AA时,MaDGAT2A/2B均可显著促进重组酵母菌中TAG合成,表达MaDGAT2A的重组酵母菌TAG含量为对照组的3.67倍,表达MaDGAT2B的重组酵母菌TAG含量为对照组的2.61倍。MaDGAT2A/2B在高山被孢霉中过表达对其总脂肪酸产量无显著影响,但可显著提高总脂肪酸中AA的含量,AA占总脂肪酸比例最高达到39.15%,相比对照组提高16.14%。[结论] MaDGAT2A/2B可以参与TAG的生物合成,表明2个候选基因编码的蛋白具有DGAT活性,并且可提高高山被孢霉脂肪酸中AA的含量,对于改善产油真菌的脂肪酸组成从而提高其应用价值具有重要意义。     

中重度支气管哮喘急性发作期患儿Fe NO表达水平与肺功能的相关性研究

摘要 目的：探究中重度支气管哮喘急性发作期患儿呼出气一氧化氮（Fe NO）表达水平与肺功能的相关性。方法：选择2016年3月-2019年3月来我院就诊的中重度支气管哮喘急性发作期患儿69例为观察组,其中,中度支气管哮喘急性发作期患儿58例,重度支气管哮喘急性发作期患儿11例;另选取同期来我院体检的69例正常健康儿童作为对照组,对比观察组中中度、重度支气管哮喘急性发作期患儿Fe NO表达水平、用力肺活量（forced vital capacity,FVC）、最大呼气流量占预计值百分比（Maximum expiratory flow as a percentage of expected value,PEF%）、第一秒用力呼气容积占预计值的百分比（Forced expiratory volume as a percentage of expected value in the first second,FEV1%）与对照组健康儿童的差异,并对观察组患儿Fe NO表达水平与肺功能的相关性进行分析。结果：观察组患儿的Fe NO表达水平均高于对照组,且重度组患儿的Fe NO表达水平明显高于中度组（P＜0.05）;观察组患儿的PEF%、FEV₁%、FVC水平均高于对照组,且重度组患儿的PEF%、FEV₁%、FVC水平均高于中度组（P＜0.05）;观察组患儿Fe NO表达水平与FVC、PEF%、FEV₁%指标均呈负相关关系（r=-0.503、-0.551、-0.532,P均＜0.05）。结论：中重度支气管哮喘急性发作期患儿Fe NO表达水平与肺功能成负相关,可通过监测 Fe NO 水平间接判断炎症程度。     

义乌地区儿童过敏性结膜炎过敏原分析

目的了解过敏性结膜炎患儿常见过敏原及其分布特征,为预防和脱敏治疗提供依据。方法采用免疫印迹法对363例过敏性结膜炎患儿进行血清过敏原检测,并对结果进行分组比较。结果患儿中检出率居前3位的吸入性过敏原分别为尘螨(50.41%)、猫毛(3.03%)和霉菌(2.48%);检出率居前3位的食物性过敏原分别为淡水鱼(10.74%)、海鱼(7.44%)和鸡蛋白(6.34%)。吸入性过敏原(62.26%)和食物性过敏原(41.60%)总检出率比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。婴幼儿组、学龄前组和学龄组患儿均以尘螨为常见过敏原,其检出率分别为33.33%、52.76%和52.00%。不同年龄患儿牛奶过敏检出率比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05),婴幼儿组牛奶过敏检出率最高,为12.82%。男、女患儿过敏原阳性率比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。不同年龄患儿过敏原阳性率比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。婴幼儿组、学龄前组和学龄组患儿均以单纯吸入性过敏原和单一过敏原为常见。1月-3月为儿童过敏性结膜炎的低发季节。结论通过血清过敏原检测可明确过敏性结膜炎的过敏原。尘螨是本地区儿童过敏性结膜炎常见过敏原。     

Clinical Significance of Skin Reactions to Mite Extracts in Children with Asthma

The mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus has been identified in dust from the houses of children in Birmingham suffering from asthma. Skin tests were carried out on 150 asthmatic children with extracts of D. pteronyssinus, of the related species D. farinae, of other mites found in house dust, and of crude house dust. Though positive reactions to D. pteronyssinus were obtained more frequently and were of greater size than those to the other extracts, it was considered that D. farinae is a suitable substitute for D. pteronyssinus for skin testing.In further tests on 302 asthmatic children with mite extracts and with extracts of allergens obtained commercially reactions to the former extracts were much more common than reactions to the latter.Major skin reactions (weals with diameter of 5 mm. or more) were present in 77% of children with a history of perennial asthma and house-dust sensitivity. Hence allergy to house-dust mites, particularly D. pteronyssinus, is of considerable importance in childhood asthma, and further study of the ecology and control of the mites in dust is desirable.     

Is There a Threshold Concentration of Cat Allergen Exposure on Respiratory Symptoms in Adults?

Background and Objective

Cat allergen concentrations higher than 8 μg/g in settled house dust, have been suggested to provoke exacerbation of allergic respiratory symptoms. However, whether the 8μg/g of indoor cat allergen concentration is indeed the minimal exposure required for triggering the asthma related respiratory symptoms or the development of sensitization has not yet been confirmed. We studied the associations between domestic cat allergen concentrations and allergic symptoms in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II, with the aim of confirming this suggested threshold.

Methods

Cat allergen concentrations were measured in the mattress dust of 3003 participants from 22 study centres. Levels of specific immunoglobulin E to cat allergens were measured in serum samples using an immunoassay. Information on allergic symptoms, medication use, home environment and smoking was obtained from a face-to-face interview.

Results

Domestic cat allergen concentrations were not associated with allergic/ asthmatic symptoms in the entire study population, nor in the subset sensitized to cat allergen. We also found no association among individuals exposed to concentrations higher than 8 μg/g. However, exposure to medium cat allergen concentrations (0.24-0.63 μg/g) was positively associated with reported asthmatic respiratory symptoms in subjects who have experienced allergic symptoms when near animals.

Conclusions

The proposed 8 μg/g threshold of cat allergen concentrations for the exacerbation of allergic/ respiratory symptoms was not confirmed in a general European adult population. Potential biases attributable to avoidance behaviours and an imprecise exposure assessment cannot be excluded.     

Birch pollen-associated peanut allergies in children

Panallergens show structural similarities, and they are responsible for many cross-reactions between pollen and plant food sources. The aim of the present study was to investigate IgE reactivity to peanut allergen components in children with birch pollen allergy. Patients experienced symptoms of allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and urticaria, and they underwent a complete diagnostic evaluation, including skin prick test (SPT), specific IgE (sIgE) to birch pollen allergen (t3), peanut allergen (f13). In addition, measurement of sIgE to the major birch allergen components, Betula verrucosa (Bet v1, Bet v2), and to peanut allergen components, Arachis hypogaea (genuine componens: Ara h1, Ara h2, Ara h3, and cross-reactive Ara h8) was performed, by using a microarray technique (component resolved diagnosis, CRD). SPT to birch extract was positive in all children, and SPT to peanut extract was positive in 51 % of them. sIgE to both allergens was increased in 39 % of children, 55 % of them had increased sIgE (t3), and one child had increased sIgE (f13). CRD results confirmed that some children were sensitized to Bet v1 only, and some children to genuine Ara h only. Bet v1/Ara h8 cross-reactivity was found in 16 % of children. Results of the present study reveal that SPT, sIgE, and CRD may detect sensitization and co-sensitization with birch and peanut allergens/allergen components, and CRD may help to differentiate sensitization to genuine peanut components from sensitization to peanut cross-reactive component in birch-sensitive children. Diagnostic approach has to be individualized for each patient.     

Asthma,Airway Symptoms and Rhinitis in Office Workers in Malaysia: Associations with House Dust Mite (HDM) Allergy,Cat Allergy and Levels of House Dust Mite Allergens in Office Dust

A prevalence study was conducted among office workers in Malaysia (N= 695). The aim of this study was to examine associations between asthma, airway symptoms, rhinitis and house dust mites (HDM) and cat allergy and HDM levels in office dust. Medical data was collected by a questionnaire. Skin prick tests were performed for HDM allergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae) and cat allergen Felis domesticus. Indoor temperature and relative air humidity (RH) were measured in the offices and vacuumed dust samples were analyzed for HDM allergens. The prevalence of D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae and cat allergy were 50.3%, 49.0% and 25.5% respectively. Totally 9.6% had doctor-diagnosed asthma, 15.5% had current wheeze and 53.0% had current rhinitis. The Der p 1 (from D. pteronyssinus) and Der f 1 (from D. farinae) allergens levels in dust were 556 ng/g and 658 ng/g respectively. Statistical analysis was conducted by multilevel logistic regression, adjusting for age, gender, current smoking, HDM or cat allergy, home dampness and recent indoor painting at home. Office workers with HDM allergy had more wheeze (p= 0.035), any airway symptoms (p= 0.032), doctor-diagnosed asthma (p= 0.005), current asthma (p= 0.007), current rhinitis (p= 0.021) and rhinoconjuctivitis (p< 0.001). Cat allergy was associated with wheeze (p= 0.021), wheeze when not having a cold (p= 0.033), any airway symptoms (p= 0.034), doctor-diagnosed asthma (p= 0.010), current asthma (p= 0.020) and nasal allergy medication (p= 0.042). Der f 1 level in dust was associated with daytime breathlessness (p= 0.033) especially among those with HDM allergy. Der f 1 levels were correlated with indoor temperature (p< 0.001) and inversely correlated with RH (p< 0.001). In conclusion, HDM and cat allergies were common and independently associated with asthma, airway symptoms and rhinitis. Der f 1 allergen can be a risk factor for daytime breathlessness.     

Prevention and reversal of pulmonary inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness by dexamethasone treatment in a murine model of asthma induced by house dust

The morbidity and mortality from asthma in the Western world have increased 75% in the past 20 years. Recent studies have demonstrated that sensitization to cockroach allergens correlates strongly with the increased asthma morbidity for adults and children. We investigated whether dexamethasone administered before or after allergen challenge would inhibit the pulmonary inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in a mouse model of asthma induced by a house dust extract with high levels of cockroach allergens. For the prevention experiment, mice were treated with an intraperitoneal injection of dexamethasone 1 h before each pulmonary challenge, and airway hyperresponsiveness was measured 24 h after the last challenge. Mice were killed 48 h after the last challenge. For the reversal study, airway hyperresponsiveness was measured 24 h after the last challenge, and the mice were treated with dexamethasone. Dexamethasone treatment before allergen challenge significantly reduced the pulmonary recruitment of inflammatory cells, myeloperoxidase activity in the lung, airway hyperreactivity, and total serum IgE levels compared with PBS-treated mice. Additionally, dexamethasone treatment could significantly reduce the airway hyperreactivity of an established asthmatic response. These results demonstrate that dexamethasone not only prevents but also halts the asthmatic response induced by house dust containing cockroach allergens. This model exhibits several features of human asthma that may be exploited in the study of pathophysiological mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions.     

Sensitization to secretoglobin and lipocalins in a group of young children with risk of developing respiratory allergy

Background

Multiple sensitizations in early age have been reported to be a risk for development of asthma. This study evaluates the emergence and evolution of IgE to aeroallergens among a cohort of children with physician-diagnosed atopic dermatitis and/or showing food allergy symptoms and to examine the relation to asthma development.

Methods

Three-hundred and four children (median age 13.4 months at entry) with food allergy symptoms and/or atopic dermatitis without asthma at inclusion were analysed for IgE antibodies against food-, indoor- and outdoor-allergens and pet allergen components and correlated to the individuals’ outcome on asthma inception.

Results

At 2 years of follow-up, physician-diagnosed asthma was 19.7% (n = 49) and asthma diagnosed any time was 24% (n = 67). History of persistent cough and asthma of father, combination of milk- and wheat-allergy symptoms and dual sensitization to house dust mite and Japanese cedar were independent risk factors for asthma. Sensitization to dog was the most prevalent inhalant allergen at entry. Asthma children had a higher proportion of sensitization to dog, cat and horse allergens at entry compared with non-asthma children. Being sensitized to both food, house dust mite and pet allergens was strongly associated with asthma (p = 0.0006). Component resolved diagnosis for dog and cat allergens showed that IgE antibodies to Can f 1 and Fel d 1 was common even at very young age.

Conclusions

Early sensitization to inhalant allergens increases the risk of developing asthma as well as having milk and wheat allergy symptoms. Sensitization to dog, was common at an early age despite dog ownership. Sensitization to secretoglobin and lipocalins and less to serum albumins explained the pet sensitization.

     

The colonisation of new houses by house dust mites (Acari: Pyroglyphidae)

House dust mites,Dermatophagoides species (Acari: Pyroglyphidae), produce allergens, known for the provocation of asthma and other allergic reactions. To determine the time needed for complete colonisation of a new house by house dust mites, dust samples were collected from carpets of houses varying from 2 weeks to 2 years in age. In contrast to the expectation, no relation was found between age of the houses on the one hand and average levels of mite-allergensDer pI andDer pII and mite numbers on the other. However, presence of dogs appeared to be positively related to allergen levels. Furthermore, carpets in bedrooms appeared to contain more allergens than carpets in living-rooms. Finally, the age of the mattress was not related to allergen levels of bedroom floors.