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Biomedical subjects

D Charpin

Publications and source records attributed to D Charpin.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Sex difference in Fel d 1 allergen production.

BACKGROUND: Previous experiments have shown that in vivo Fel d 1 production is under hormonal control. It strongly decreased 1 month after castration of male cats and increased after testosterone injection. OBJECTIVE: These results led us to put forward the hypothesis that Fel d 1 production could be more important in male that in female cats. Five adult male and five adult female cats were studied. METHODS: On day 0 three separate sites of each cat's trunk were shaved, and a 5.72 cm2 area in each site was washed twice (D0a and D0b) with 5 ml of distilled water. Then a collar was attached to the neck to prevent contamination from saliva. Twenty-four hours later on day 1, all areas were washed again once (D1a). Skin washes and fur extracts from the shaved areas were evaluated for Fel d 1 content. The same procedures (apart from collection of fur) were repeated 5 months later. RESULTS: The Fel d 1 level was higher in the first skin wash of male cats compared with that of female cats on each separate site of the trunk in both experiments, initially and 5 months later. Results were significant in the first experiment (median Fel d 1 per milliliter: 69.4 and 28.9 mU, respectively, for the combined three sites; p < 0.05). Fel d 1 production over a 24-hour period was higher in male cats, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Furthermore, correlation between Fel d 1 levels in washes D0a and in fur was highly significant (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: These results confirm that Fel d 1 originates from skin. Furthermore, they suggest that Fel d 1 production is higher in male than in female cats.

Allergens↗
PubMed1996

Fel d I levels in cat anal glands.

BACKGROUND: Major cat allergen Fel d I is produced consistently by skin and by sebaceous glands before being spread on the fur. OBJECTIVE: Since cats have tubular anal glands secreting sebum, proteins and lipids, we looked at the possible presence of Fel d I in these secretions and compared the levels found to those already reported in other cat tissues or secretions. METHODS: Thirty-seven cats were studied. Fel d I dosage in the anal sacs' secretions was performed using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and total protein evaluation by the Bradford's method. RESULTS: The geometric mean Fel d I concentration was 41 U/g secretion which represents 3.4% of the total protein levels. This amount is the highest ever reported in cat tissues or secretions. CONCLUSION: The close association of Fel d I protein with skin sebaceous glands and anal sacs both with holocrine function and lipids' secretions in one hand, and the homology of chain I of Fel d I with some steroid-binding proteins in other hand, suggest a possible physiological role for Fel d I in the regulation of lipids on skin and cat fur.

Allergens↗
PubMed1996

[The morphological characteristics of the alveolar macrophages in those who cleaned up the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station at a late period (1)].

The paper presents morphological, morphometric and densitometric evidence obtained on cytoplasmic inclusions of alveolar macrophages from bronchoalveolar lavage of chronic obstructive bronchitis (COB) sufferers. All of them previously worked in the zone contaminated after the Chernobyl accident. The control consisted of nonexposed to radiation COB patients. In the exposed subjects alveolar macrophages were more active, 20% of cytoplasm was occupied by numerous phagolysosomes varying in form. Their densitometric evaluation has been performed. Further bronchoalveolar lavages will be conducted to follow up the above changes in alveolar macrophages.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Role of atmospheric pollutants in asthma].

Air pollution can be divided into two basic types, industrial acid pollution (black smoke-dust particles sulfur oxide) and photochemical pollution (nitrogen oxides-ozone from automobile exhausts). In western countries, industrial pollution has greatly decreased while photochemical pollution has remained stable or increased depending on the area. In animal models, all types of air pollution, at high concentration, have an effect on the airways: irritation, facilitation of allergic sensitization, reduced resistance to infections. In humans, is the prevalence of asthma higher in polluted areas? Most surveys have found that the prevalence of respiratory, ear-nose-throat, and bronchial symptoms is higher but not symptoms of asthma. The surveys comparing East and West Germany suggest that irritation (repeated rhinobronchitis) is related to acid-particle pollution. The higher prevalence of allergic diseases in ex-West Germany does not appear to be related to photochemical pollution but rather to western lifestyle in general. In addition, changes in air pollution have an effect on the clinical and functional score in asthma patients, affecting the demand for medication and health care. Of particular importance for health care is the fact that these effects occur at concentrations below "standard" levels of pollution.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1995

A multicenter clinical study of the efficacy and tolerability of azelastine nasal spray in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis: a comparison with oral cetirizine.

A new topically administered intranasal antiallergic drug, azelastine, was investigated in a large randomized multicenter study that compared it with oral cetirizine from the aspects of efficacy and safety. Patients were treated for 14 days, and efficacy was assessed on days 7 and 14 by means of an investigator rating scale measuring the severity of eight nasal and ocular symptoms of seasonal rhinitis. In addition, patients recorded the extent of individual symptoms on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Tolerability was assessed on the basis of adverse events reported. Data from a total of 129 patients were included in the analysis of drug efficacy. Treatment groups had significant reductions in the investigators' total symptom score during treatment. These reductions were 47% and 55% for azelastine and cetirizine, respectively, at day 7 and 61% and 67% at day 14. There were no differences between the two groups whether they were analyzed overall or separately for nasal and ocular symptoms. Patients' daily VAS scores showed a significantly better resolution of nasal stuffiness and rhinorrhea in the azelastine-treated group than in the cetirizine-treated group. There were no differences for any other symptom. Adverse events were reported by 12 patients in the azelastine group and 20 patients in the cetirizine group. Drowsiness was the only frequently occurring event and this was reported by 9 patients in the cetirizine group and 2 patients in the azelastine group (P = 0.003).

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1995

Indoor allergen levels in day nurseries.

BACKGROUND: Because allergic sensitization seems to occur especially during infancy, we decided to evaluate such an exposure in day nurseries. METHODS: Thirty day nurseries in Marseilles, which were selected at random, were visited during 2 weeks in April 1993. Routine cleaning includes daily cleaning of smooth floors, weekly laundering of sheets, and monthly cleaning of soft toys. Mattresses are encased in synthetic covers. Dust samples were collected from four settings: infants' mattresses and pillows, smooth floors, and soft toys. Levels of mite, cockroach, cat, and dog allergens were analyzed with a monoclonal antibody-based ELISA. RESULTS: Mite allergen levels were lower than the proposed threshold level for sensitization (2 micrograms/gm of dust) on 94% of mattresses and soft toys and on 100% of floors and pillows. Cat allergen levels in mattresses ranged from less than 0.1 to 4.5 micrograms/gm dust. On floors, cat allergen levels ranged from less than 0.1 to 2.4 micrograms/gm dust. Only 10% of pillows and soft toys had levels greater than 2 micrograms/gm of dust. Fel d I levels were significantly higher (p < 0.03) in mattresses from nurseries with curtains and were correlated with the percentage of children with a cat at home. In almost all day nurseries, cockroach allergen (Bla g I and Bla g II) levels were very low. Only three samples from mattresses had dog allergen levels greater than 2 micrograms of Can f I allergen per gram of dust. On floors the level was always lower than 2 micrograms/gm. CONCLUSIONS: These data clearly show that indoor allergen levels are much lower in day nurseries than in most houses. Most samples contain allergen levels below threshold levels for sensitization. Thus children of atopic parents are less likely to become sensitized to indoor allergens in day nurseries than in their own homes. In addition, this study emphasizes the efficacy of avoidance measures such as use of synthetic protective mattress covers, frequent washing of sheets and soft toys, and avoidance of carpets and curtains.

Allergens↗
PubMed1995

Evaluation of atopy through an expert system: description of the database.

BACKGROUND: In order to understand the medical decisions taken during the initial visit of a new asthmatic patient, a group of experts designed an expert system which provides conclusions about severity, precipitating factors and treatment. Rules for atopy and the assessment of allergic factors have been discussed and implemented in the expert system. Conclusions about severity have been yet validated using an appropriate methodology. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate a sample of 471 patients according to conclusions regarding atopy. METHODS: A total of 471 cases report forms (CRF) was filled in for adult asthmatic outpatients, seen for the first time in our clinic without emergency situations. Data of each CRF were used by the expert system to draw conclusions. The expert system discerns three patterns for atopy, yes, possible or no. The variables known to reflect different features according to the classification of asthma as atopic or not have been studied. The variables used in the rules for atopy, obviously linked to the conclusion, were not compared. For many medical problems no unique objective solution exists and this is why a group of patients with possible atopy was introduced. RESULTS: Patients with atopy had less severe asthma (P = 0.01), a better FEV1 value (P = 0.0007) and showed their first symptoms of asthma earlier (P = 0.00001) than patients without atopy. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics of the group studied here are consistent with the literature. This could be considered as an indirect validation of the expert system. Moreover, patients with possible atopy show intermediate findings for these variables and it is possible to suggest a 'dose-effect' relationship.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Is systematic preoperative screening for muscle relaxant and latex allergy advisable?

We investigated a female population prior to general anaesthesia, using skin prick tests with latex and muscle relaxants to appraise the validity and feasibility of a systematic preoperative screening for these substances. Anaesthetists performed skin tests, and positive and doubtful tests were checked in our allergy department. Of 114 patients, 42 had uninterpretable tests because of dermographism (28 patients) or suppression of skin reactivity (14 patients). Among the other 72, nine had a positive or doubtful test to latex, and seven a positive or doubtful test to one or more muscle relaxants. After checking, only four sensitizations to latex and one to muscle relaxant were confirmed. In conclusion, a systematic screening for latex and muscle relaxant allergy is not advisable. In contrast, screening for latex allergy in selected high-risk groups (spina bifida, health-care workers) is necessary.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Housing and house-dust mites.

Because the mite-allergen content in homes is highly variable even in the same geographic area, we tried to determine which variables influence mite infestation. We evaluated mite-allergen content in bedding relative to housing conditions and living habits. This cross-sectional study included 108 homes. Housing conditions were assessed by an architect and living habits by a researcher specialized in social and family economics. Group I allergen level was measured on the mattress dust with monoclonal antibodies, and relative humidity (RH) was monitored in the bedroom during a 2-week period. Homes with low RH did have low mite-allergen content. In contrast, homes with intermediate RH levels had very variable mite-allergen content. Using analysis of variance and a logistic regression analysis, we were unable to identify any variable predictive of mite-allergen content. Thus, factors other than relative humidity seem to influence mite infestation. Moreover, the absence of association between mite infestation and ventilation rate might be accounted for by the gentle climate in our area with notable outdoor RH.

Allergens↗
PubMed1995

Assessment of the severity of asthma by an expert system. Description and evaluation.

Asthmaexpert, an expert system (ES), was produced at the special request of several clinicians in order to better understand the medical decisions made clinical experts in managing an asthmatic patient. We describe and evaluate this knowledge base, focusing mainly on assessment of the severity of asthma. After compiling data from a patient, Asthmaexpert assesses the severity of the disease and identifies the trigger factors involved, suggests any further investigations that may be required, and offers a treatment strategy. Implemented with Nexpert and Hypercard, it runs on a MacIntosh personal computer. The validation stage involved eight clinical experts who provided 20 case report forms (CRF) with their conclusions about management of asthma. The CRF were then programmed into the ES, which provided its own conclusions about the same subjects. Afterward, all the experts evaluated the conclusions given by ES or by their colleagues in a double-blind manner. One hundred twenty-seven CRF were available. The reliability of the experts' opinions was good, with a substantial consensus between them when assessing severity scores (kappa = 0.27 to 0.54). There was no difference in concordance of opinions on severity scores either between the experts who designed the system and ES or between the other experts and ES (weighted kappa = 0.72 and 0.69, respectively). Experts judged that the severity scores given by ES were as good as those proposed by their colleagues, and that the overall conclusions given by ES were as good as or better than those given by their colleagues. The conclusions drawn by ES were given a good rating.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

[Is atopy a risk factor of occupational asthma?].

General reviews about occupational asthma divide the susceptible allergens capable of initiating asthma into two distinct groups: those of high and of low molecular weight. Atopy would be a risk factor for developing occupational asthma to high molecular weight allergens but not to those of low molecular weight. In this work we have examined several studies and have analysed in a critical manner the relationship which exists between atopy and occupational asthma. The high molecular weight allergens studied were: snow crabs, laboratory animals, flour, proteolytic enzymes and psyllium. Those of low molecular weight were: red cedar, isocyanates, phthalic anhydride. Amongst allergens of high molecular weight there is a undeniable relationship between atopy and sensitisation to the allergen incriminated. However, the relation between atopy and asthma is more debatable except for baker's asthma. For more allergens of low molecular weight, atopy does not seem to favour the appearance of asthma, however, it may play a role in the occurrence of asthma to red cedar. The difference between the two groups of allergens is not as clear-cut as in the work that has appeared up until now and the exclusion of atopics from being hired would appear excessive.

Allergens↗
PubMed1995

House dust mite allergen content in two areas with large differences in relative humidity.

BACKGROUND: Striking differences in mite counts and mite-allergen levels have been documented between dwellings located at sea level and high altitude. Apart from relative humidity (RH), several other factors, ie, temperature, UV exposure, and altitude per se could account for this difference. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether RH by itself could influence mite infestation by comparing mite-allergens levels in two towns differing only with respect to RH. METHODS: We compared group I allergen content in two Moroccan towns: Casablanca, located on the seashore and Marrakech located at 1404 feet. Mean (+/- SD) RH in years 1990 and 1991 was 81.2 +/- 2.9% in Casablanca and 56.0 +/- 7.6% in Marrakech. Mean annual temperatures were 17.7 +/- 4.0 degrees C and 20.2 +/- 6.4 degrees C in Casablanca and Marrakech, respectively. In each town, 20 asymptomatic subjects agreed to participate in the study. Their mattresses were vacuum-cleaned for a standardized duration (2 min/m2). Mite allergen-content was evaluated using monoclonal antibodies and ELISA and results expressed as micrograms of group I (Der pI+Der f I) allergens per gram of dust (micrograms/g dust). RESULTS: Mean (+/- SD) group I allergen level was 8.3 +/- 8.8 micrograms/g in Casablanca and 0.6 +/- 0.6 micrograms/g dust in Marrakech, a difference that is highly significant (P = .001). In both areas, mean Der f I allergen level was low (0.7 +/- 0.5 and < 0.1 micrograms/g dust, in Casablanca and Marrakech, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study shows that house dust mite allergen content in households depends on RH rather than on temperature.

Allergens↗
PubMed1994

[Asthma-allergy. Altitude: a study model].

Several epidemiological studies have now established the relationship between atopy and bronchial asthma. The study of the role of altitude in sensitization, bronchial reactivity, clinical symptoms and allergen exposure in asthma is a good model for understanding the disease. It is now demonstrated that in altitude there is a major decrease in the number of mites (one of the major aeroallergens) and a low mite antigenic load (measured with monoclonal antibodies). In altitude, the climatic factor which has by far the greatest effect on the development of mites is indoor relative humidity which is much lower that at sea level. These findings explain the clinical improvement of some asthmatic patients and help understand the association between the presence of indoor allergens and asthma.

Allergens↗