Sensitization to Airborne Fungal Allergens Associates with Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis Presentation and Severity in the Singaporean/Malaysian Population.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Sio YY
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8536550 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:BackgroundDiagnosis of pollen allergies is mainly based on test allergens for skin prick testing. In the minimum battery of test inhalant allergens recommended by the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network 10 pollen allergens are included. Complementary other pollen allergens may need to be considered; however, respective awareness may not always be granted. Furthermore, at least in Germany, the situation may be even more complicated by the fact that test allergens need regulatory approval. A decline in commercially available test allergens may result in a diagnostic gap regarding patients with non-frequent allergies. How many patients with non-frequent pollen allergies would be affected by this gap? The data presented here partly answer this question.MethodsThe study consisted of a descriptive and an analytical part. In the descriptive part, sensitization to frequent pollen allergens (alder, hazel, birch, sweet grasses; according to the German Therapy Allergen Ordinance) and to respective non-frequent pollen allergens (cypress, Japanese cedar, ash, plane tree, olive, Bermuda grass, wall pellitory, plantain, goosefoot, mugwort, ragweed, and saltwort) was measured in adult patients with physician-diagnosed allergic rhinitis from two German federal states, namely North-Rhine Westphalia (n = 360) and Bavaria (n = 339), using skin prick testing and/or ISAC technology. Furthermore, respective regional pollen data were assessed. In the analytical part, sensitization data were correlated with each other and with anamnestic data on symptom periods.ResultsSensitization to frequent pollen allergens ranged from 45% (sIgE to Aln g 1/Alder, NRW) to 72% (prick test reactivity to birch, NRW). Sensitization to non-frequent pollen allergens ranged from 0% (sIgE to Amb a 1/ragweed, NRW) to 41% (prick test reactivity to olive, Bavaria). Sensitization data partly correlated with each other and in connection with symptom periods showed a partly similar seasonal pattern as pollen data.ConclusionsSensitization to non-frequent pollen allergens have to be considered when examining patients with respective seasonal symptoms, and test (and respective therapy) allergens for non-frequent pollen allergies need to be available. Further prerequisites for adequate patient management would be a nationwide pollen monitoring system giving continuous pollen data and a systematic sensitization monitoring at patient level.
| S-EPMC8488942 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Allergies arise from aberrant T helper type 2 responses to allergens. Several respiratory allergens possess proteolytic activity, which has been recognized to act as an adjuvant for the development of a Th2 response. Allergen source-derived proteases can activate the protease-activated receptor-2, have specific effects on immune cells by cleaving cell membrane-bound regulatory molecules, and can disrupt tight junctions. The protease activity can induce a non-allergen-specific inflammatory response in the airways, which will set the stage for an allergen-specific Th2 response. In this review, we will discuss the evidence for the induction of oxidative stress as an underlying mechanism in Th2 sensitization to proteolytic allergens. We will discuss recent data linking the proteolytic activity of an allergen to its potential to induce oxidative stress and how this can facilitate allergic sensitization. Based on experimental data, we propose that a less proficient anti-oxidant response to allergen-induced oxidative stress contributes to the susceptibility to allergic sensitization. Besides the effect of oxidative stress on the immune response, we will also discuss how oxidative stress can increase the immunogenicity of an allergen by chemical modification.
| S-EPMC5485936 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Tobacco exposure has been linked with sinonasal pathology and may be associated with allergic sensitization. This study evaluates the association between exposure to active smoking or secondhand smoke (SHS) and the prevalence of rhinitis and allergic sensitization in the US adult population.Cross-sectional study in 4,339 adults aged 20-85 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005-2006. Never smoking was defined as reported lifetime smoking less than 100 cigarettes and serum cotinine levels <10ng/ml, while active smoking was defined as self-reported smoking or serum cotinine concentrations > 10 ng/mL. Self-reported rhinitis was based on symptoms during the past 12 months, and allergen sensitization was defined as a positive response to any of the 19 specific IgE antigens tested.Almost half of the population (43%) had detectable levels of IgE specific to at least one inhaled allergen and 32% reported a history of rhinitis. After multivariate adjustment, there was a statistically significant association between the highest serum cotinine tertile and rhinitis in active smokers (OR 1.42; 95%CI 1.00-2.00). The association between active smoking and rhinitis was stronger in individuals without allergic sensitization (OR 2.47; 95%CI 1.44-4.23). There was a statistically significant association between increasing cotinine tertiles and decreased odds of inhaled allergen sensitization (p-trend <.01).Tobacco smoke exposure was associated with increased prevalence of rhinitis symptoms, but not with allergic sensitization. The results indicate that the relationship between tobacco smoke exposure and sinonasal pathology in adults may be independent of allergic sensitization.
| S-EPMC4501790 | biostudies-other
Project description:BackgroundThe use of molecular allergology has increasingly become common in the diagnosis and management of allergic diseases. However, there is still a lack of data on cat molecular allergens in adults. Therefore, we aimed to uncover the sensitization patterns to cat molecular allergens.MethodsParticipants were recruited from the West Asthma Sweden Study, a population-based study enriched with asthma subjects aged 16-75 years. Of 1872, 361 individuals were positive for cat dander immunoglobulin E and were further analysed for cat molecular allergens (Fel d 1/2/4/7). Sensitization patterns were classified as monosensitization, polysensitization, and concomitant sensitization, and were related to demographic and clinical measurements.ResultsAmong cat-sensitized subjects, 84.2% were sensitized to secretoglobin, while 42.4% were sensitized to lipocalins. Nearly half of the subjects were monosensitized to Fel d 1. Polysensitization was observed in 20.2%, and concomitant sensitization to protein families was seen in 7.2%. Asthma prevalence, cat exposure, and rural living were associated with poly- and concomitant sensitization to protein families. Concomitant sensitization to single allergens was more common in those with asthma than in those without, while concomitant sensitization to both Fel d 1 and Fel d 4 was the most common pattern in individuals with asthma. Sensitization patterns also differed according to cat ownership and the degree of urbanization.ConclusionSensitization to molecular allergens was observed in 90.9% of cat-sensitized subjects and showed variations across participants' background characteristics and the presence of asthma. Identification of sensitization patterns to cat allergens might provide better characterization of cat-allergic subjects.
| S-EPMC10422092 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundSpecific patterns of allergic sensitization as well as quantification of the in vitro IgE response in early life may provide relevant clinical insight into future rhinitis and asthma risk.ObjectiveTo define relationships among established sensitization to particular aeroallergens, quantitative analyses of allergen-specific IgE levels, pet exposure and sensitization, and asthma and rhinitis risk.MethodsChildren at high-risk for the development of asthma and allergic diseases were enrolled at birth into the Childhood Origins of ASThma (COAST) study. Allergen-specific IgE was assessed at ages 1, 3, 6, and 9 years by fluoroenzyme immunoassay (Unicap(®) 100; Pharmacia Diagnostics). Current asthma and rhinitis were diagnosed at age 6 and 8 years.ResultsSensitization to dog was strongly associated with increased asthma risk (P < 0.0001). Sensitization to perennial compared with seasonal allergens was more strongly associated with asthma risk, while sensitization to seasonal allergens was more closely associated with rhinitis risk. Increased levels of specific IgE to perennial allergens were associated with an increased asthma risk (P = 0.05), while any detectable level of IgE to seasonal allergens was associated with increased rhinitis risk (P = 0.0009). While dog and cat sensitization were both independently associated with increased asthma and rhinitis risk, dog exposure at birth was associated with a reduced risk of asthma, regardless of dog sensitization status during the first 6 years of life (P = 0.05).Conclusions and clinical relevanceAnalysing specific patterns of an individual's allergic sensitization profile reveals additional relevant associations with asthma and rhinitis risk as opposed to the information gained from characterizing an individual as 'atopic' by the presence of any demonstrable sensitization alone. Furthermore, protective mechanisms of dog exposure with regards to asthma risk appear to be unrelated to the prevention of sensitization.
| S-EPMC3557802 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe role of early-life vitamin D in childhood allergy is controversial.ObjectiveWe sought to assess vitamin D exposure in early life by multiple modalities and ascertain its association with childhood allergic rhinitis and allergic sensitization.MethodsOne thousand two hundred forty-eight mother-child pairs from a US prebirth cohort unselected for any disease were studied. Vitamin D exposure was assessed by measures of maternal intake during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels in mothers during pregnancy, cord blood, and children at school age (median age, 7.7 years; interquartile range, 1.0 years). Tests for associations between vitamin D exposure with ever allergic rhinitis, serum total IgE level, and allergen sensitization at school age were conducted.ResultsThe correlations between maternal intake of vitamin D during pregnancy and serum 25(OH)D levels in pregnant mothers, cord blood, and children at school age were weak to moderate (r = -0.03 to 0.53). Each 100 IU/d of food-based vitamin D intake during the first and second trimesters (equivalent to the amount of vitamin D in an 8-ounce serving of milk) was associated with 21% and 20% reduced odds of ever allergic rhinitis at school age (odds ratios of 0.79 [95% CI, 0.67-0.92] and 0.80 [95% CI, 0.68-0.93]), respectively. There were no associations between maternal supplemental vitamin D intake or serum 25(OH)D levels at any time point with ever allergic rhinitis. There were no associations between any vitamin D exposure and serum total IgE level or allergen sensitization at school age.ConclusionsInclusion of foods containing vitamin D in maternal diets during pregnancy may have beneficial effects on childhood allergic rhinitis.
| S-EPMC4826831 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Recently, the concept of local allergic rhinitis (LAR) was established, namely rhinitis symptoms with local IgE production and negative serum antigen-specific IgE. However, the natural course of LAR development and the disease pathogenesis is poorly understood. This study investigated the pathophysiology of mice with allergic rhinitis that initially sensitized with ragweed pollen through the nasal route. Mice were nasally administrated ragweed pollen over consecutive days without prior systemic immunization of the allergen. Serial nasal sensitization of ragweed pollen induced an allergen-specific increase in sneezing, eosinophilic infiltration, and the production of local IgE by day 7, but serum antigen-specific IgE was not detected. Th2 cells accumulated in nose and cervical lymph nodes as early as day 3. These symptoms are characteristic of human LAR. Continual nasal exposure of ragweed pollen for 3 weeks resulted in the onset of classical AR with systemic atopy and adversely affected lung inflammation when the allergen was instilled into the lung. Fcer1a(-/-) mice were defective in sneezing but developed normal eosinophilic infiltration. Contrary, Rag2(-/-) mice were defective in both sneezing and eosinophilic infiltration, suggesting that T cells play a central role in the pathogenesis of the disease. These observations demonstrate nasal allergen sensitization to non-atopic individuals can induce LAR. Because local Th2 cell accumulation is the first sign and Th2 cells have a central role in the disease, a T-cell-based approach may aid the diagnosis and treatment of LAR.
| S-EPMC4132107 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveTo specify clinical and immunological parameters of the mechanisms, which may lead to development of persistent asthma, or regression of the disease symptoms.MethodsEighty children with childhood asthma, diagnosed in the past by using the modified Asthma Predicted Index (mAPI), were divided into two groups: remission group and persistent group. There were 3 study visits (baseline, at 6 mo, and at 12 mo). Clinical remission of asthma was defined as the absence of asthma symptoms for at least 12 mo without treatment. The patients could switch from one group to another during the 12 mo of follow-up. Clinical, inflammatory, and immunoregulatory predictors of asthma remission/persistence were analyzed.ResultsThe presence of mAPI criteria as well as house dust mite (HDM) allergy and allergic rhinitis at 7-10 y, were associated with a reduced prevalence of asthma remission. The increased eosinophil blood count in mAPI criteria was associated with a lower expression of CD25 positive cells. HDM allergy was associated with a higher fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) level (p = 0.0061) and higher expression of CD25CD71 (p = 0.0232). Allergic rhinitis was associated with a higher expression of PPAR (p = 0.0493) and CD25CD71 (p = 0.0198), and lower expression of glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP).ConclusionsPersistence of childhood asthma was largely determined by the presence of allergic rhinitis and sensitization to HDM. Additionally, API criteria but not immunoregulation processes, were related to asthma persistence.
| S-EPMC9205813 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionIt is difficult to accurately predict the natural course of allergic rhinitis (AR), because it is affected by a wide variety of environmental influences, as well as genetic predisposition. Considering the high prevalence of allergic rhinitis in children and adolescents, caregivers should be given appropriate information regarding the disease course. This study aimed to understand the prognosis of allergic rhinitis by examining the relationship between allergic sensitization and rhinitis symptoms during this developmental period.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 1069 children aged 9-16 years from the Korean International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Survey database who had completed health questionnaires, and for whom skin prick test results were available. Data were collected during May 2016. The distribution of sensitization and allergic symptoms was compared by age groups (elementary, middle, and high school). Data were analyzed using linear-by-linear analysis.ResultsSensitization to at least one tested allergen differed by age (59.2%, 58.3%, 68.2%, in elementary, middle, and high school students, respectively; p = 0.025), and seasonal allergen sensitization (35.0%, 37.1%, 53.9%, respectively) increased with age (p < 0.001). Conversely, the proportion of rhinitis symptoms among sensitized children decreased as age increased (58.80%, 52.90%, 49.70%, respectively; p = 0.047). However, the rate of non-allergic rhinitis was age-independent.ConclusionWith increasing age during childhood and adolescence, symptomatic allergic rhinitis decreases; thus, subclinical allergic rhinitis increases. This suggests that the symptoms of later-sensitized children are less clearly manifested, or that the symptoms reduce as previously sensitized children mature. This should be clarified further in a longitudinal study.
| S-EPMC6336313 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe distribution of allergens has geographic characteristics. Local epidemiological data provides evidence-based strategies for the prevention and management of allergic diseases. Age and sex differences may exist in the prevalence of sensitivity to various allergens. We investigated the distribution of common allergens in allergic children in Shanghai, southeastern China.Methods39,926 children 1 month to 18 years of age diagnosed with allergic diseases were tested for the presence of serum-specific Immunoglobulins E (sIgE) to 17 allergens common to this region, using a reversed enzyme allergosorbent test.Results25,757 (64.5%) of the subjects showed elevated sIgE to at least one of the tested allergens. House mite and dust mite were the most common aeroallergens, while egg and milk were the most common food allergens. The most common aeroallergens and food allergens were similar among each allergic disease. By age-group analysis, the positive rates of aeroallergens were higher at older age. Several peaks of sensitization to food allergens were observed in children between 1 and 3 years of age for eggs, milk, nut, crab and shrimp. In addition, the sensitization to beef and mango was highest in children 3-6 years of age. The rate of positive sIgE detection was higher in males than females for all the tested allergens except cockroach, trees and beef. Considering the interplay between sex and ages and other related components (including season, monthly temperature, humidity, air quality index, test rate of patients), the sIgE positive rates of the main aeroallergens increased with age, while the main food allergens decreased; males are more sensitive to several aeroallergens (including dust mite, house mite, cat epithelium, dog epithelium and mulberry).ConclusionsHouse mite, dust mite, milk, and egg are major allergens in Shanghai. Children at younger age are more sensitive to food allergens, while increasing overall prevalence of sensitization can be found with increasing age. Boys have higher positive rates of sIgE responses than girls. Knowledge of the prevalence of allergen sensitization in different age groups and sex may help facilitate diagnosis and intervention efforts to mitigate the impact of allergic diseases in this large geographical region. This approach may be extrapolated to other regions.
| S-EPMC9013110 | biostudies-literature