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Biomedical subjects

A Krakowiak

Publications and source records attributed to A Krakowiak.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Allergy to laboratory animals in children of parents occupationally exposed to mice, rats and hamsters.

Sensitization to laboratory animals (LA) has a high prevalence among laboratory workers. It is unknown whether transportation of LA allergens can be a risk factor for sensitization of subjects outside the laboratory environment. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of sensitization to LA among children whose parents were and were not occupationally exposed to LA. The first group consisted of 50 children (age 12.3+/-4.3 yrs) whose parents were occupationally exposed to mice, rats and hamsters. The second group consisted of 40 children (age (mean+/-SD) 10.8+/-3.0 yrs) whose parents were not occupationally exposed to LA. Children having LA at home were eliminated from the study. All children responded to a questionnaire, underwent spirometry and were also tested with skin prick tests with the use of common allergens and prick tests with hair extracts from mouse, hamster and rat. Total immunoglobulin (Ig)E levels and the presence of specific IgE against LA were also estimated. Children of parents occupationally exposed to LA presented significantly more positive skin prick tests against allergens from the hair of laboratory animals compared to children of nonexposed parents. Five children from the first group were also found to have specific IgE against LA, with three of these five children complaining of rhinitis and cough while visiting their parents' workplace. It is concluded that the observed increased sensitization to laboratory animals among children of occupationally exposed parents could be the result of poor hygienic conditions at their parents' workplace. Hence, parents' job seems to be an additional risk factor of sensitization and should be taken into consideration when recording an allergic history.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Airway response to formaldehyde inhalation in asthmatic subjects with suspected respiratory formaldehyde sensitization.

The aim of the study was to characterize the mechanism of formaldehyde (FM)-induced nasal and bronchial response in asthmatic subjects with suspected FM allergy. Ten subjects purported to have FM rhinitis and asthma and 10 healthy subjects submitted to an inhalation provocation in an exposure chamber with FM at a dose of 0.5 mg/m3 over 2 hr. Spirometry at rest and following bronchial provocation with histamine (PC20) were recorded before and after FM inhalation. In addition, FM-specific serum IgE antibodies were measured and cellular, biochemical, and mediator changes were assessed in nasal lavage before, and immediately after, provocation and at 4 hr and 24 hr later. Provocation with FM caused only transient symptoms of rhinitis in both groups. None of the subjects supposed to have occupational asthma developed clinical symptoms of bronchial irritation. No specific IgE antibodies to FM were detected in persons with occupational exposure to FM. No differences in the nasal response to FM were found between subjects reporting to have occupational allergic respiratory diseases and healthy subjects (P > 0.05). In summary, inhaled formaldehyde at a level as low as 0.5 mg/m3 did not induce a specific allergic response either in the upper or in the lower part of the respiratory tract. Moreover, there is no difference in nasal response to FM in asthmatic subjects occupationally exposed to FM and healthy subjects.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1998

Nasal challenge test in the diagnosis of allergic respiratory diseases in subjects occupationally exposed to a high molecular allergen (flour).

The objective of this study was the evaluation of the usefulness of the nasal challenge test in the diagnosis of allergic respiratory diseases in subjects occupationally exposed to flour. A single-blind, placebo controlled study was conducted in 100 subjects with occupational atopic asthma with rhinitis. The control groups consisted of 20 atopic subjects not sensitized to investigated allergens and 20 healthy subjects. A 'nasal pool' technique was used to evaluate the changes of the cellular response and protein level in nasal washings after topical provocation with allergen or placebo. The concentrations of eosinophil cationic protein and mast cell-derived tryptase in nasal fluid were evaluated in 60 cases. There were significant increases in eosinophil and basophils number, albumin/total protein ratio, eosinophil cationic protein and tryptase levels in occupationally sensitized patients challenged with specific allergens. There were neither severe bronchial reactions or an increase of bronchial hyperreactivity in occupationally sensitized patients after the nasal provocation with flour. The nasal challenge test appears to be a very useful and safe tool for diagnosing occupational allergy.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed1998

Synthesis, biochemical and biological studies on oligonucleotides bearing a lipophilic dimethoxytrityl group.

Dimethoxytritylphosphono-oligonucleotide conjugates have been prepared. They are totally resistant to nucleases present in human serum and do not affect cleavage of a complementary oligoribonucleotide by RNase H. Conjugates possessing a phosphate backbone gave better antisense inhibition of expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 within endothelial cells as compared with unconjugated oligonucleotides.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1997

Occupational respiratory diseases in laboratory animal workers: initial results.

UNLABELLED: Laboratory-animal allergy (LAA) is a well-known occupational hazard to workers employed in biological or medical research institutes and in the pharmaceutical industry. The aim of this study was to focus on the problem of LAA and to assess factors predisposing to sensitization among subjects occupationally exposed to animals. Sixty workers were examined in our study. They responded to a questionnaire and underwent spirometry (Vital Capacity, VC and Forced Expiratory Volume in one second, FEV1). In addition, Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) and the histamine provocation test were estimated in 5 subjects that had been hospitalized in the Department of Occupational Diseases. Skin prick tests with common allergens and with hair extracts from laboratory animals were performed, and total IgE levels and specific IgE antibodies were also measured. Among 60 subjects who had been working with animals, 26 had positive skin prick tests for one or more of the common allergens. Five subjects supposed to have occupational bronchial asthma and four with occupational allergic rhinitis showed positive skin prick tests for one or more animal allergens, increased total IgE levels and specific serum IgE antibodies. All these subjects had smoked for years. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Laboratory animal allergy develops within first years of exposure; 2) atopy and smoking predispose to laboratory animal sensitization and to a development of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Laboratory animals as a cause of occupational allergy].

Animal allergens are the strongest occupational allergens which sensitize the respiratory tract. Allergy to the animal is the most important occupational health hazard among people working with experimental animals in university and other research laboratories. The most common manifestations of allergy to laboratory animals are: bronchial asthma, rhinitis, contact urticaria, angioedema and contact dermatitis. The major source of allergen is the excreta and secreta of such animals as: rat, mouse, guinea pig, rabbit, dog, cow and horse. Among risk factors responsible for the development of animal allergy are: atopy, tobacco smoking and allergy to domestic pets. The diagnosis of laboratory animal allergy is usually based on a medical history. The objective evidence to support the diagnosis can be obtained from skin testing, a specific immunologic response and work related changes in peak flow rate. Reduction in the airborne levels of animal allergens not only at home, but also at work (proper ventilation, filter masks, elimination of domestic animals) and reduction of factors responsible for the development of bronchial hyperreactivity (avoidance of smoking), can contribute to decreasing the incidence of diseases.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Stereodifferentiation--the effect of P chirality of oligo(nucleoside phosphorothioates) on the activity of bacterial RNase H.

P stereoregular phosphorothioate analogs of pentadecamer 5'-d(AGATGTTTGAGCTCT)-3' were synthesized by the oxathiaphospholane method. Their diastereomeric purity was assigned by means of enzymatic degradation with nuclease P1 and, independently, with snake venom phosphodiesterase. DNA-RNA hybrids formed by phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (PS-oligos) with the corresponding complementary pentadecaribonucleotide were treated with bacterial RNase H. The DNA-RNA complex containing the PS-oligo of [all-RP] configuration was found to be more susceptible to RNase H-dependent degradation of the pentadecaribonucleotide compared with hybrids containing either the [all-SP] counterpart or the so called 'random mixture of diastereomers' of the pentadeca(nucleoside phosphorothioate). This stereodependence of RNase H action was also observed for a polyribonucleotide (475 nt) hybridized with these phosphorothioate oligonucleotides. The results of melting studies of PS-oligo-RNA hybrids allowed a rationalization of the observed stereodifferentiation in terms of the higher stability of heterodimers formed between oligoribonucleotides and [all-RP]-oligo(nucleoside phosphorothioates), compared with the less stable heterodimers formed with [all-SP]-oligo(nucleoside phosphorothioates) or the random mixture of diastereomers.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1993

Changes in nasal lavage fluid due to formaldehyde inhalation.

The aim of the study was to characterize the nature of the formaldehyde-induced nasal response consisting in symptoms of rhinitis and changes in nasal lavage fluid. Eleven healthy subjects and nine patients with specific skin sensitization were provoked in a toxicological chamber with formaldehyde at a dose of 0.5 mg/m3 over 2 h. Nasal lavage was performed prior to and immediately after provocation and 4 and 18 h later. Provocation with formaldehyde caused transient symptoms of rhinitis and prolonged changes in nasal washings. There were increases in the number and proportion of eosinophils and elevated albumin and total protein levels in nasal lavage fluid 4 and 18 h after provocation. No difference in the nasal response to formaldehyde was found between patients with skin sensitization and healthy subjects. These data confirm the irritative effects of formaldehyde and are also suggestive of nonspecific proinflammatory properties when formaldehyde is inhaled at a low (0.5 mg/m3) dose.

Albumins↗
PubMed1992

[Does formaldehyde-induced asthma exist?].

Formaldehyde is a ubiquitous airborne pollutant in our modern environment. There are many potential sources of formaldehyde in the industrial setting. Ambient formaldehyde affects primarily the upper airways and eyes. Lower airway and pulmonary effects occur at exposure levels between 6-38 mg/m3. It is so soluble and rapidly metabolized that it seldom reaches the lower respiratory tract to inflict damage. There is no consistent evidence indicating that formaldehyde can be a respiratory sensitizer. It may, on rare occasions, induce bronchial asthma at relatively high exposure doses. There are no conclusive studies that would prove the development of de novo-IgE-mediated respiratory tract symptoms as resulting from inhalation of formaldehyde.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMed1992

[Objective evaluation of respiratory ventilation at work by measuring peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)].

Eleven patients suffering from baker's asthma, 27 patients with bronchitis and 2 patients with suspected bronchial asthma resulting from occupational exposure to formaldehyde were subjected to a single blinded 3-day observation. Clinical symptoms' analysis and PEFR were performed to diagnose asthmatic symptoms at the workplaces. In all the patients with barker's asthma bronchoconstriction was observed as a result of exposure to formaldehyde on both "no drug" and "placebo" days. No bronchoconstriction on the "bronchodilator" day was observed. Reactions to other asthmatic and bronchitic patients differed significantly. The proposed model seems to be useful as a routine diagnostic procedure in occupational asthma.

Allergens↗
PubMed1991

Formaldehyde--induced bronchial asthma--does it really exist?

These studies try to explain if there is a correlation between exposure to formaldehyde (FM) and bronchospastic reactions. 367 workers were examined in our study. They were aged 23 to 52. They had been exposed occupationally to FM at concentration not exceeding 0.5 mg/m3. All subjects suffered from respiratory symptoms; 14 had chronic bronchitis, 2 bronchial asthma. A history was taken and spirometry performed (peak expiratory flow (PEF)) with use of a single blind crossover method, in a three-day clinical observation. All subjects were provoked with histamine (PC20). Skin prick tests with common allergens, a patch test with FM and formaldehyde-specific IgE antibodies assay were performed. There were no significant differences in the respiratory parameters during the three-day clinical observation. Two subjects were supposed to have bronchial asthma induced by FM, but for lack of differences in respiratory parameters the occupational background of their asthma was excluded. None of the subjects complained of significant irritant symptoms. On the basis of our results one may doubt that FM is capable of acting as a respiratory sensitizer.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Neutrophil chemiluminescence following exposure to formaldehyde in healthy subjects and in patients with contact dermatitis.

13 formaldehyde-sensitive contact dermatitis patients and 5 healthy subjects were exposed to formaldehyde (FM) at a concentration 0.5 mg/m3, in an exposure chamber for 2 hours. There was no significant decrease of the ventilatory parameters either in healthy subjects or in contact dermatitis patients following the exposure Bronchial hyperreactivity to histamine (PC20) increased in one healthy and two patients with contact dermatitis. Neutrophils were isolated from whole venous blood before the test and 30 minutes and 24 hours after the exposure. All subjects with allergic contact dermatitis had chemiluminescence higher before the FM provocation in a comparison with the healthy ones. It increased significantly 30 minutes post the exposure and was much higher 24 hours after the exposure in the comparison with the neutrophil chemiluminescence before the test.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Eosinophil and neutrophil chemiluminescence in patients with atopic asthma and in healthy subjects.

The 10 patients with atopic asthma and 6 healthy subjects were selected for the study. Each person underwent prick testing to common allergens (extracts of house dust, grass, trees, animal danders, feathers and mould). In addition blood was drawn for the specific IgE antibodies to D. pteronyssinus and total serum IgE levels. Neutrophil and eosinophil chemiluminescence induced by PMA and FMLP was measured in both groups. Eosinophils obtained from patients with atopic asthma stimulated with PMA and FMLP generated significantly greater free radicals than obtained from normal subjects. There was no observed significant difference of neutrophil chemiluminescence activated by PMA and FMLP and of the percentage of hypodense eosinophils in the peripheral blood between subjects with asthma and healthy ones.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Nasal response to allergen challenge in patients with immediate asthmatic reaction.

Ten patients with bronchial asthma and allergy to house-dust mite (HDM) and ten normal, nonatopic control subjects underwent a bronchial challenge with flour. Before and 24 h after the allergen provocation with flour, the levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were determined in the serum and nasal lavage fluid. All allergics showed an isolated immediate asthmatic reaction (IAR). After the flour challenge only in asthmatic patients the increase was detected in the mean values of: 1/eosinophils (mean value before 16.7 x 10(3)/mm3; mean after; 10 min 132.9 x 10(3)/ml; 3 hr 183.6 x 10(3)/mm3; 24 h 110.6 x 103/mm3, p < 0.05), 2/basophils (mean before 1.2 x 10(3)/mm3; mean after: 10 min 5.3 x 10(3)/ml; 3 h s 14.1 x 10(3)/mm3 24 h was 18.3/mm3, p < 0.05), 3/neutrophils (mean before 9.2 x 10(3)/mm3; mean after 24 h 18.2 x 10(3)/mm3, p < 0.05) in the nasal lavage fluid. In contrast to a group of normal subjects, asthmatics were found to have higher postchallenge levels of ECP and MPO in the nasal secretions as compared with the prechallenge levels (ECP-mean 3.85 ug/l compared with 32.17 ug/l p < 0.05; MPO-mean 120.02 ug/l compared with 1313.2 ug/l, p < 0.05). The authors did not find any significant difference between pre- and postchallenge levels of ECP and MPO in the serum of asthmatics and controls. The higher levels of MPO as well as higher count of neutrophils observed in asthmatic patients 24 h after allergen challenge support the neutrophil involvement in the allergic inflammation. Our results indicate that both neutrophils and eosinophils take part in allergic reaction in the mucosa.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Nasal response to allergen challenge in patients with immediate asthmatic reaction.

Ten patients with bronchial asthma and allergy to house-dust mite (HDM) and ten normal, nonatopic control subjects underwent a bronchial challenge with flour. Before and 24 hr after the allergen provocation with flour, the levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were determined in the serum and nasal lavage fluid. All allergics showed an isolated immediate asthmatic reaction (IAR). After the flour challenge only in asthmatic patients the increase was detected in the mean values of: 1) eosinophils (mean value before 16.7 x 103/mm3; mean after: 10 min 132.9 x 103/ml; 3 hr 183.6 x 103/mm3; 24 hr 110.6 x 103/mm3, p < 0.05), 2) basophils (mean before 1.2 x 103/mm3; mean after: 10 min 5.3 x 103/ml; 3 hr s 14.1 x 103/mm3 24 hr was 18.3 x 103/mm3, p < 0.05), 3) neutrophils (mean before 9.2 x 103/mm3; mean after 24 h 18.2 x 103/mm3, p < 0.05) in the nasal lavage fluid. In contrast to a group of normal subjects, asthmatics were found to have higher postchallenge levels of ECP and MPO in the nasal secretions as compared with the prechallenge levels (ECP-mean 3.85 ug/l compared with 32.17 ug/l, p < 0.05; MPO-mean 120-02 ug/l compared with 1313.2 ug/l, p < 0.05). The authors did not find any significant difference between pre- and postchallenge levels of ECP and MPO in the serum of asthmatics and controls. The higher levels of MPO as well as higher count of neutrophils observed in asthmatic patients 24 hr after allergen challenge support the neutrophil involvement in the allergic inflammation. Our results indicate that both neutrophils and eosinophils take part in allergic reaction in the mucosa.

Adult↗