Lower serum concentration of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate in patients suffering from chronic idiopathic urticaria.
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
B Rogala
Publications and source records attributed to B Rogala.
Platelet function in anaphylaxis.
Human platelets, following immunological or nonimmunological activation, are capable of releasing a variety of biologically active mediators and are able to actively participate in hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis. These cells constitutively express functional receptors for the Fc fragment of IgE, both the low affinity receptor (Fc epsilonRII) and the high affinity receptor (Fc epsilonRI), and could be activated via IgE. Alterations in platelet function have been demonstrated in patients with allergy and nonallergic hypersensitivity, including hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid. Moreover, activated platelets may be responsible for anaphylactic transfusion reactions. Various haemostatic disturbances, particularly a drop in platelet number, were observed during anaphylactic shock. The current review summarises the data from human and experimental studies on platelet function in anaphylactic reactions.
Anaphylaxis↗
Intracellular production of IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-gamma by peripheral blood CD3+ cells in intermittent allergic rhinitis.
BACKGROUND: Allergic inflammation is mainly driven by type 2 T helper cells. The aim was to assess the changes in production of type 1 and 2 cytokines by CD3+ T cells dependent on natural exposure to allergens in subjects with intermittent allergic rhinitis (IAR) and in non-atopic subjects. MATERIAL: A total of 13 patients with IAR and 13 healthy non-atopics were recruited into the study. 11 patients with IAR were examined during the grass pollen season and 11 patients outside the season, 9 of them were assessed on both occasions. METHODS: A flow cytometric assessment of intracellular expression of IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-gamma by CD3+ cells was performed. For statistical analysis non-parametric tests were used. RESULTS: A tendency to decreased production of IL-4 outside the season was observed (6.94% [3.42-13.33] in season vs. 2.06% [0.7-3.6] out of season). The production of IL-4 was higher in the rhinitic group in the season than in the control group (1.93% [1.07-4.97], p=0.0034) and production of IL-2 was higher both in and outside the season (9.1% [3.94-15.09] and 10.0% [4.79-25.35] vs. 3.64% (2.64-5.03), p=0.037 and 0.045, respectively). IL-4/IL-2 and IL-4/IFN-gamma ratios were higher in the IAR group in the season than outside the season. CONCLUSION: A tendency towards a switch from a predominant type 2 response during natural allergen exposure to its suppression outside the season was found, together with a stable type 1 response.
Adult↗
Markers of platelet activation in plasma of patients suffering from persistent allergic rhinitis with or without asthma symptoms.
BACKGROUND: Increased circulating levels of platelet release products are detected in various types of inflammation. It has been demonstrated that allergen challenge promotes platelet activation and leads to the release of chemokines such as platelet factor 4 (PF-4) and beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether or not circulating platelets get into an activated state during allergic inflammatory reactions induced by long-term natural exposure to allergens. METHODS: Plasma levels of PF-4 and beta-TG (established markers of in vivo platelet activation) were determined by ELISA method in symptomatic patients with allergy to house dust mites, suffering from persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR) in the absence of asthma symptoms (12 men and 8 women; mean age 22 years) and from PAR with mild asthma (10 men and 6 women; mean age 23 years), as well as in healthy controls (10 men and 10 women; mean age 23 years). RESULTS: No significant differences were found between PAR patients with or without symptoms of asthma and healthy non-atopic subjects with respect to plasma levels of PF-4 and beta-TG as well as platelet count. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that patients undergoing continuous natural exposure to sensitizing allergens, with subsequent PAR alone or with concomitant mild asthma, have no altered platelet activity in vivo, as reflected by plasma levels of the chemokines. These findings, in conjunction with earlier data, indicate that differences may exist in platelet activity, including releasability of platelet products between patients with distinct clinical manifestation of atopy.
Adolescent↗
A rare case of intravascular coagulation after honey bee sting.
A patient presented with coagulation problems a few days after honeybee sting. The purpuric skin changes developed on the legs and buttocks. She manifested signs of hypotension with disturbance of consciousness. Allergen-specific IgE serum levels against honey bee venom antigens reached >17.5 kU/l. The platelet count was 33,000/ml . The prothrombin index decreased to 28%, prothrombine time was prolonged to 34". Fibrin degradation products were present in serum. After 10 day treatment the girl improved, but necrotic skin changes required further plastic surgery. Honeybee sting problems should be taken into account as a cause of coagulation problems.
Adolescent↗
Platelet activity measured by plasma levels of beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 in seasonal allergic rhinitis during natural pollen exposure.
BACKGROUND: Upon activation, platelets release mediators with potent inflammatory properties in IgE-mediated immune responses. Moreover, the atopic state leads towards functional abnormalities of these cells. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to examine the degree of activation of circulating platelets in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) during the symptomatic period, to improve the understanding of platelet function in atopy. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Plasma levels of beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) and platelet factor 4 (PF4) - specific markers of platelet activation were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay in 20 patients suffering from SAR and in 15 healthy, nonatopic subjects. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in peripheral blood platelet numbers and plasma levels of beta-TG and PF4 in SAR patients when compared with control subjects. CONCLUSION: It seems that increased in vivo platelet activity, assessed by measuring plasma beta-TG and PF4, may not occur during allergic inflammation that is associated with SAR.
Adolescent↗
Enhanced release of platelet factor 4 into the circulation in patients with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome.
PURPOSE: The active participation of platelet in IgE-mediated inflammatory response is well documented. Platelet factor 4 (PF4), a platelet-specific protein may play an important role in the development of the atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS). OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the activation state of circulating platelets in patients suffering from AEDS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In vivo platelet activity was assessed by measuring plasma level of PF4 (enzyme-linked immunoassay method) in 9 males AEDS patients and 11 healthy, nonatopic subjects. RESULTS: Plasma PF4 was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in AEDS (31.88 +/- 20.48 IU/ml) patients compared with control subjects (2.95 +/- 0.6 IU/ml). CONCLUSIONS: This result suggests that patients with AEDS may have increased in vivo platelet activation expressed by PF4 release. The aim of the study was to evaluate the activation state of circulating platelets in patients suffering from AEDS.
Adult↗
[Nitric oxide (NO) in the pathophysiology of asthma and interstitial lung diseases].
NO is an important mediator of immune and inflammatory responses. NO is produced from L-arginine by three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), neuronal (nNOS; NOS1), endothelial (eNOS; NOS3) and inducible (iNOS). Exhaled NO has been shown to be increased in asthma and has been put forward as a marker of airways inflammation. Moreover, increased production of NO and peroxynitrite may be responsible for the oxidative damage and fibrosis seen in interstitial lung diseases. The present review focuses on clinical and laboratory studies that are aimed at identifying the role of NO in the physiopathology of these disorders.
Asthma↗
The role of R576Q polymorphism of interleukin-4 receptor alpha gene in atopy: results of a family-based study design.
INTRODUCTION: There is strong evidence that the R576 allele of interleukin-4 receptor alpha gene (IL-4R) might predispose to atopy. To test this hypothesis, we examined the association between the R576Q polymorphism and atopy in a Polish population using the family-based study design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 44 atopic patients (age range from 11 to 34 years) with pollen and house dust mite allergy or/and mild asthma together with both parents were studied. The R576Q polymorphism of the IL-4R gene was genotyped in each patient and both parents, respectively, using the PCR-based protocol. The results were analyzed by the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT). The total IgE serum level, allergen-specific IgE to the common aeroallergens, IL-4, and sIL-4Ralpha were assessed in each patient and both parents. RESULTS: In the TDT test the R576 and Q576 alleles were transmitted from the heterozygous parents to the affected offspring 20 and 15 times, respectively (McNemar test: p = 0.19). The results of the transmission disequilibrium test did not reach statistical significance. Thus, the R576 allele might contribute to the pathogenesis of allergic diseases in patients with high total IgE serum level (p < 0.05). A larger study group has to be studied to prove the observed linkage and association.
Adolescent↗
[The role of neutrophil elastase in pathophysiology of obturative pulmonary diseases].
The article is the review of the data from literature concerning the role of neutrophil elastase in pathophysiology of bronchial obturative diseases. The functions of elastase and its inhibitors in airways remodelling and in development of asthmatic responses are discussed.
Animals↗
[Mosquito bites hypersensitivity: clinical and therapeutic approach].
Hypersensitivity to mosquito bites is an underestimated clinical and therapeutical problem. When feeding, female mosquitoes inject saliva, containing antigens and potentially toxic substances, into the human skin. The cutaneous response to mosquito bites is expressed as pruritus and oedema. The systemic symptoms are observed rarely. Nevertheless, the symptoms caused by mosquito bites are troublesome. In this paper clinical picture of mosquito bites consequences and up-to-date conceptions pathomechanism relating to their are shown. Moreover, prophylactic and therapeutical approaches are presented.
Animals↗
[The analysis of the selected epidemiological aspects in patients with inhalant allergy treated at the Allergology Outpatient Clinic in Zabrze].
The study was designed to analyse the selected epidemiological aspects in patients with inhalant allergy treated at the Allergology Outpatient Clinic in Zabrze from 1989 till 1994. The analysis was based on the data from the files of 11,540 patients. The data of the pollinotic patients (1571 subjects) and of those with bronchial asthma (521 subjects) were analysed with regard to frequency of the diseases, place of residence (urban or country area), sex, date of birth, age when the illness had occurred, hereditary factors, type of allergens and the coexistence of other atopic diseases. Additionally, a group of 317 patients (183 men and 134 women) with inhalant allergy in period studied was randomly chosen to estimate the concentration of IgE. In the group of 28 patients with pollinosis the serum level of specific IgE antibodies against grass (g5, g6), trees (t3, t4) and weeds (w6, w9) was evaluated as well. The relationship between the concentration of IgE and sex, age, the month of birth, family history was estimated.
Adolescent↗
[Genetic aspects of atopic disorders].
Atopy tends to run in families, suggesting the existence of a genetic predisposition. The review of the literature data concerning the issue has been performed.
Adult↗
Platelet aggregation in atopic dermatitis.
Many observations suggest the active role of platelets in allergic inflammation. However, this problem is poorly researched in atopic dermatitis. The aim of study was to examine the intensity and velocity of platelet aggregation and a potential relationship with some immunological parameters (total IgE and specific-IgE serum levels) in atopic dermatitis patients. Platelet aggregation was evaluated in 12 subjects with atopic dermatitis and 12 healthy, nonatopic persons, according to the Born method, in a dual-channel aggregometer, in response to three exogenous stimulators (ADP, thrombin and collagen). The intensity and velocity of platelet aggregation and total platelet counts did not differ between the two groups irrespective of the type of extrinsic stimulator used. In contrast to other atopic diseases, in atopic dermatitis platelet aggregation is not impaired.
Journal Article↗
Soluble CD23 in allergic diseases.
CD23, a differentiation marker of B cells is identified with the low-affinity receptor for IgE--FcepsilonRII. The CD23 molecule is continuously cleaved by autoproteolysis into soluble fragments called sCD23, considered as a multifunctional cytokine. sCD23 is supposed to play an important role in IgE synthesis. IgE is a hallmark of atopy and its overproduction is a characteristic feature of allergic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine sCD23 (25 kDA) serum levels in patients with inhalant allergy and hymenoptera venom-induced allergy with relevance to IgE system. The trial consisted of 18 patients with pollinosis, 25 with house dust mite allergy and 12 with hymenoptera venom-induced allergy. Eighteen healthy volunteers without signs of atopy served as a control group. Serum levels of sCD23 (25 kDa), total IgE and allergen specific IgE were measured as well. The results were presented as median value, 25-75% range and a total value range. Nonparametric tests (the U Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal and Wallis test and Spearman's correlation rang test) were used. In patients with allergic disorders serum levels of sCD23 were significantly higher than in the control group (p<0.05). No correlation between IgE levels and sCD23 was detected in all the investigated groups. sCD23 does not appear to be a hallmark of allergic diseases, however serum level of that molecule is significantly elevated in patients suffering from allergic disorders. No correlation between sCD23 and IgE has been observed. sCD23 serum level has no relevance to the types of allergic diseases.
Adolescent↗
[Platelet aggregation test in specific immunotherapy].
The aim of study was to investigate the effect of a specific immunotherapy (sIT) on the results of the platelet aggregation test (agregometr, chronolog Corp. Broomall, Pa model 345) in patients with inhalant allergy. The trial consisted of 57 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (exclusively allergic to grass pollens) and 55 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis sensitive to house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. sIT was applied in only 29 patients suffering from pollinosis and 27 sensitive to house dust mite. The remaining patients were subjected to routine pharmacotherapy alone. The control group consisted of 30 laboratory workers with no history of atopy. Platelet aggregation test was performed before sIT and after 2 years course of treatment and finally revealed the partial improvement of the impaired aggregation capacity of platelets which suggest their involvement in the mechanism of sIT. There was no correlation between the platelets function and IgE serum level and the clinical efficacy of sIT as well.
Adolescent↗
[Coexistence of bronchial asthma and diabetes mellitus type 2--retrospective analysis].
Bronchial asthma and diabetes mellitus type 2 are often found among adult patients. However, coincidence of these two diseases is very rare. The aim of the study was the retrospective analysis of all patients with bronchial asthma and diabetes mellitus type 2 hospitalised in Department and Clinic of Internal Diseases and Allergology in Zabrze, Silesian School of Medicine in Katowice in 1988-1997. Diabetes mellitus type 2 was diagnosed according to WHO criteria of 1985 and bronchial asthma was diagnosed with the use of American Thoracic Society criteria. Bronchial asthma and diabetes mellitus type 2 occurring together were found in 18 patients (0.3% of all hospitalized patients). In most patients the symptoms of bronchial asthma preceded the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus by a few years. All these cases were heterogeneous in terms of the duration of the diseases, clinical picture, and therapeutical approaches. In patients with bronchial asthma the existence of diabetes mellitus type 2 was not related to use of glikocorticosteroids. Patients in whom the coexistence of bronchial asthma and diabetes mellitus type 2 was found should be subjects of further studies to extend our knowledge of patomechanism of these diseases.
Adult↗
Chemokine RANTES in atopic dermatitis.
Chemokines play a key role in inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to estimate chemokine RANTES in the sera of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and to analyze the correlation between RANTES serum level and the immunological and clinical parameters of the disease. Serum levels of RANTES (ELISA; R&D Systems), total IgE and specific IgE (FEIA; Pharmacia CAP System) were estimated in 24 patients with AD, 28 patients with pollinosis (PL) and 22 healthy nonatopic subjects (HC). The division of the AD group into a pure AD (pAD) subgroup, without a coexisting respiratory allergy, and a subgroup of patients with AD and a respiratory allergy (AD+AO) was done according to Wütrich. Levels of RANTES were higher in the AD group than in the HC group and the PL group. RANTES levels did not differ among subgroups with various clinical scores and between the pAD and AD+AO subgroups. There were no correlations between levels of RANTES and total IgE. Significant positive correlations between serum levels of RANTES and Dermatophagoides farinae and cat dander-specific IgE were found in the AD group. We conclude that the serum level of chemokine RANTES differs patients with AD from patients with PL. The increase of RANTES concentration in the serum of patients with AD depends neither on a clinical picture nor an IgE system.
Adolescent↗