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Biomedical subjects

P Venge

Publications and source records attributed to P Venge.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Inflammation markers in nasal lavage, and nasal symptoms in relation to relocation to a newly painted building: a longitudinal study.

INTRODUCTION: There is a need to evaluate possible health effects of ventilation improvements and emissions from new buildings, in longitudinal studies. New methods to study biological effects on the eyes and upper airways are now available. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A longitudinal study was performed on 83 trained social workers in two offices in Uppsala, Sweden. The exposed group (n = 57) moved to a newly redecorated building nearby. Low emitting building material had been used, including a new type of solvent-free water-based paint. The control group (n = 26) worked in the same office during the study period (November 1995 to February 1996). Hygiene management was carried out in both offices, at the beginning and the end of the investigation. Tear film stability (BUT) was measured. Nasal patency was measured by acoustic rhinometry, and eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), lysozyme and albumin were analyzed in nasal lavage fluid (NAL). RESULTS: The relocation resulted in an increase in the personal outdoor airflow rate from 11 to 22 l/s. Indoor concentrations of terpenes were higher in the new building, and powdering of the new linoleum floor was observed. Measurements showed low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC), formaldehyde, carbon dioxide (CO(2)), nitrogen dioxide, respirable dust, and microorganisms in the air of all buildings. The move resulted in an increased nasal patency and an increase of ECP and lysozyme in NAL, after adjusting for changes in the control group. No changes were observed for nasal or ocular symptoms. A seasonal effect, with a decrease of ECP, was observed in the control group. CONCLUSSION A well-ventilated office building can be redecorated without any major ocular or nasal effects, or measurable increase of indoor air pollution if low-emitting building materials are selected. In agreement with previous evidence, the improved ventilation flow may explain the increase of nasal patency. The increase of ECP and lysozyme in NAL suggested an inflammatory effect in the new building. Since this building had increased ventilation flow, increased concentrations of terpenes, and powdering from the polish on the new linoleum floor, identification of causative agents was difficult. The hygiene measures did not give any evidence that emissions from the new type of solvent-free water-based paints or building dampness were responsible for the observed nasal effects. Considering the higher emissions of VOC reported from older types of water-based latex paints and solvent-based wall paints, the new type of solvent-free water-based paint seems to be a good choice from the hygiene point of view.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Low molecular weight heparin (dalteparin) as adjuvant treatment of thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction--a pilot study: biochemical markers in acute coronary syndromes (BIOMACS II).

OBJECTIVES: This randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial evaluated the effect of dalteparin as an adjuvant to thrombolysis in patients with acute myocardial infarction regarding early reperfusion, recurrent ischemia and patency at 24 h. BACKGROUND: Low-molecular-weight heparin, given subcutaneously twice daily without monitoring, might be an attractive alternative to conventional intravenous heparin in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: In 101 patients dalteparin/placebo 100 IU/kg was given just before streptokinase and a second injection 120 IU/kg after 12 h. Monitoring with continuous vector-ECG was done to obtain signs of early reperfusion and later ischemic episodes. Blood samples for myoglobin were obtained at start and after 90 min to evaluate signs of reperfusion. Coronary angiography was performed after 20-28 h to evaluate TIMI-flow in the infarct-related artery. RESULTS: Dalteparin added to streptokinase tended to provide a higher rate of TIMI grade 3 flow in infarct-related artery compared to placebo, 68% versus 51% (p = 0.10). Dalteparin had no effects on noninvasive signs of early reperfusion. In patients with signs of early reperfusion, there seemed to be a higher rate of TIMI grade 3 flow, 74% versus 46% (myoglobin) (p = 0.04) and 73% versus 52% (vector-ECG) (p = 0.11). Ischemic episodes 6-24 h. after start of treatment were fewer in the dalteparin group, 16% versus 38% (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: When dalteparin was added as an adjuvant to streptokinase and aspirin, there were tendencies for less ECG monitoring evidence of recurrent ischemia and better patency at 24 h, warranting further study.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Inflammatory markers in acute exacerbations of obstructive pulmonary disease: predictive value in relation to smoking history.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the effect of emergency treatment and inflammatory markers in patients with acute exacerbations of obstructive pulmonary disease, especially with respect to smoking history. We investigated 50 unselected patients with acute bronchial obstruction. Blood, urine and sputum samples were taken and analysed for eosinophil and neutrophil markers. The patients were observed for at least 2 h and recordings of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were taken. They were re-examined after 1 and 4 weeks. The absolute levels of inflammatory markers did not differ significantly between non- or short-term smokers (< or = 5 pack-years) and long-term smokers (> 5 pack-years) with the exception of myeloperoxidase in serum (S-MPO), which was higher in long-term smokers. The patients with higher levels of eosinophil markers before emergency treatment experienced a greater improvement in lung function. In non- or short-term smokers this relationship was found in blood and urine, whereas in long-term smokers it was seen in sputum. No correlation was found between neutrophil markers and changes in lung function. We conclude that patients with obstructive pulmonary disease with acute exacerbations and high levels of eosinophil markers respond well to treatment.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

Increased nitric oxide in expired air in patients with Sjögren's syndrome. BHR study group. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

Nitric oxide has an important role in the regulation of airway function and can have pro-inflammatory effects. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and respiratory symptoms are common in patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS). The aim of this study was to determine whether patients with SS have an increased amount of exhaled NO and whether this NO correlates with respiratory symptoms and BHR. Exhaled NO was measured in 18 patients with SS and 13 normal subjects on three different occasions with intervals of at least 3 days using a chemiluminescence method. Airway responsiveness was assessed with methacholine provocation. Serum levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), human neutrophil lipocalin (HNL), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) were measured. Exhaled NO was significantly higher in patients with SS than in controls (147+/-82 versus 88+/-52 nL x min(-1); mean+/-SD; p=0.041). Exhaled NO was correlated with age (partial r=0.52, p=0.006) and serum HNL (partial r=0.46, p=0.014). There were no significant correlations between exhaled NO and respiratory symptoms, BHR or serum MPO, ECP or EPO. Disease duration was negatively associated with serum MPO (r=-0.47, p=0.043). In patients with SS, a positive correlation was found between symptom score and serum ECP (partial r=0.65, p=0.003) and EPO (partial r=0.62, p=0.004) and a negative correlation with age (partial r=-0.60, p=0.005). In conclusion, elevated levels of exhaled nitric oxide in patients with Sjögren's syndrome were demonstrated. The mechanism underlying this increase in exhaled nitric oxide in Sjögren's syndrome is not known.

Breath Tests↗
PubMed1999

The role of interleukin-5, interleukin-8 and RANTES in the chemotactic attraction of eosinophils to the allergic lung.

BACKGROUND: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from patients with birch-pollen allergy lavaged during the season showed an elevated chemotactic activity for eosinophils compared with BAL fluid from the same patients before the start of the season. AIM: The aim of this study was to identify the eosinophil chemotactic agents in the BAL fluid, to compare these findings with in vitro studies on selected cytokines, and to investigate the interactions between these cytokines. METHODS: Neutralizing antibodies for interleukins (IL) -2, -5 and -8, RANTES and leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) were added to the BAL fluid, and the chemotactic activity was tested with eosinophils from allergic donors. Eosinophils from healthy donors were preincubated with IL-5 in order to mimic the primed state of eosinophils from allergics, and the migration towards recombinant IL-5, IL-8, and RANTES in different combinations was measured. Eosinophils from allergic donors were also used. RESULTS: Anti-IL-5, anti-IL-8 and anti-RANTES inhibited the chemotactic activity in the BAL fluid. Recombinant RANTES induced migration, which was enhanced by preincubation of the cells with IL-5. Only eosinophils from symptomatic allergics responded to IL-8, and IL-5 was not sufficient to prime normal eosinophils in vitro to an IL-8 response. A negative correlation was found between the level of in vivo activation of the cells and their response to IL-5, and a positive correlation with the response to RANTES. CONCLUSION: IL-8 and RANTES are important for eosinophil accumulation to the lung of pollen-allergic asthmatics. IL-5 alone may not be responsible for the priming of eosinophils in vivo, but is an essential cofactor for the other chemoattractants.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Serum lysozyme: a potential marker of monocyte/macrophage activity in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Estimate the contribution of monocytes/macrophages to the disease process in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), by measuring the serum levels of the leucocyte-derived granular proteins: lysozyme, myeloperoxidase (MPO), lactoferrin and human neutrophil lipocalin (HNL). METHODS: Serum levels of these granular proteins were measured in patients with RA (n=23) and in healthy controls (n=27), and in 10 patients with RA after treatment with low-dose prednisolone. The serum levels of the granular proteins were also measured before and after treatment with metyrapone, a substance that inhibits the synthesis of cortisol in the adrenals. RESULTS: The serum levels of lysozyme and MPO were elevated in patients with RA, while the concentrations of lactoferrin and HNL were similar in both groups. Prednisolone treatment decreased the serum concentration of lysozyme and MPO. Metyrapone did not influence the level of the granular proteins measured. CONCLUSIONS: The increased serum levels of lysozyme and MPO, but not of HNL and lactoferrin in RA could indicate a stimulated secretory activity of mononuclear phagocytes. The measurement of serum lysozyme, as an indicator of monocyte/macrophage activity, might be used to study disease activity in RA.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗
PubMed1999

Evidence of mast cell activity in the middle ears of children with otitis media with effusion.

OBJECTIVES: This is the first study to report the presence of tryptase, a reflection of mast cell activity, in chronic middle ear effusion of patients whose atopic status was characterized. DESIGN AND METHODS: Mediator activity of mast cells and eosinophils was measured prospectively from effusion of 33 randomly selected patients and 5 control subjects with chronic otitis media with effusion (OME). Atopy was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Middle ear biopsies from a second group of 8 OME patients and 4 controls were fixed in plastic and stained immunohistochemically for mast cells. RESULTS: Sixty-one percent of patients had extensive activation of mast cells in their middle ears. Among those with elevated tryptase in their effusion, 95.6% were atopic and 94.7% also had elevated levels of effusion eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP). Tryptase levels were elevated only in the effusion of atopic patients, as compared with 5 controls (P < .01). Mast cells were present in 6 of 8 OME ears and absent in all 4 normal ears. CONCLUSION: Mast cells and its mediator tryptase, both indicators of a Th2-driven immune response, are present in a majority of ears that have chronic effusion. These findings support the hypothesis that middle ear mucosa is capable of an allergic response and that the inflammation within the middle ear of most OME patients is allergic in nature.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Increased intraluminal release of eosinophil granule proteins EPO, ECP, EPX, and cytokines in ulcerative colitis and proctitis in segmental perfusion.

OBJECTIVE: The role of the eosinophil granulocyte in bowel mucosa in inflammatory bowel disease still remains obscure. The present study was performed in order to elucidate the local eosinophil activity and activating cytokines in the inflamed lesions of colon and rectum in patients with ulcerative colitis and proctitis. METHODS: The activity of intestinal eosinophils with respect to the release of granule proteins was studied in 18 patients (10 with colitis and 8 with isolated proctitis) and 18 healthy controls, using intraluminal segmental perfusion of the sigmoid colon and rectum. The released amounts of eosinophil granule proteins: eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), eosinophil peroxidase (EPO), and eosinophil protein X (EPX) to perfusion fluid were determined by radioimmunoassays. The intraluminal release of possible eosinophil priming cytokines granulocyte/macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin 8 (IL-8), were analyzed by immunoassays. RESULTS: The mucosal release of ECP, EPO, and EPX was increased 10- to 20-fold in patients with colitis and proctitis compared with controls. The intraluminal release of GM-CSF and IL-8, was several-fold enhanced in patients with colitis and proctitis. We also found a correlation between all three eosinophil granule proteins and the levels of IL-8/GM-CSF in the sigmoidal segments of patients with colitis. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the increased release of ECP, EPO, and EPX to colorectal perfusion fluid indicate eosinophil involvement in the local disease in patients with colitis and proctitis. IL-8 and GM-CSF may play a role in eosinophil accumulation and priming in colitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Neutrophil granule proteins in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from subjects with subclinical emphysema.

Evidence for the contribution of neutrophils to the pathogenesis of pulmonary emphysema is not convincing. We evaluated neutrophil involvement in subclinical pulmonary emphysema by measuring human neutrophil lipocalin (HNL) and two matrix metalloproteinases, gelatinase B (MMP-9) and neutrophil collagenase (MMP-8), in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from 65 community-based older volunteers. HNL is a recently isolated 24-kD protein secreted from secondary granules of activated neutrophils. Despite no appreciable increase in the number of neutrophils, the level of HNL was significantly increased in BALF from subjects with emphysema evidenced by computed tomography regardless of current smoking, as compared with smokers without emphysema. The levels of MMP-9 and MMP-8 were also significantly higher in current smokers with emphysema than in those without emphysema. The appearance of a 130-kD HNL/MMP-9 complex on gelatin zymography and HNL immunoblot indicated neutrophils to be a significant source of MMP-9 in the subjects' BALF. In a 24-h culture medium of alveolar macrophages, only a latent form of MMP-9 was detected, and there was no difference in the level of MMP-9 between the groups. These data provide further evidence for neutrophil involvement in subclinical pulmonary emphysema.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗
PubMed1999

Human neutrophil lipocalin, a highly specific marker for acute exacerbation in cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by the production of abnormally thick secretions in the airways, chronic bacterial endobronchial infections and a chronic, predominantly neutrophilic inflammatory response. Therefore, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and lactoferrin are frequently used as inflammatory markers. Recently, a new protein in the neutrophil granules, human neutrophil lipocalin (HNL) has been discovered. The aim of the present study was to investigate HNL in sera of patients with CF and its relation to MPO and lactoferrin as well as to acute pulmonary exacerbation. Serum concentrations of HNL, MPO and lactoferrin were determined in 42 patients with CF and in 25 healthy subjects. Patients with CF were divided into groups with and without acute pulmonary exacerbation (APE) and also with and without colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa). Median serum levels of HNL (200.5 microg x L(-1)), MPO (595 microg x L(-1)) and lactoferrin (1,356.5 microg x L(-1)) were significantly increased in patients with CF compared to control subjects (57.7, 178 and 478 microg x L(-1), respectively; p<0.0001). CF patients with APE had significantly increased serum concentrations of HNL (321 versus 97.7 microg x L(-1); p<0.0001), MPO (1,125 versus 300 microg x L(-1); p<0.005) and lactoferrin (4,936 versus 980 microg x L(-1); p<0.001) compared with patients in stable clinical condition. Similarly, patients colonized with Pa had significantly higher concentrations of HNL, MPO and lactoferrin than Pa negative patients. These results indicate that in patients with cystic fibrosis, serum concentrations of human neutrophil lipocalin are markedly increased with a strong relationship to myeloperoxidase and lactoferrin. Thus, determination of serum human neutrophil lipocalin concentrations may be another useful diagnostic tool to monitor neutrophil inflammation in cystic fibrosis. The more marked difference in human neutrophil lipocalin compared with myeloperoxidase concentrations with no overlap between patients with acute pulmonary exacerbation and those in stable condition even suggests that human neutrophil lipocalin may be a more sensitive and specific discriminator.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗
PubMed1999

Neutrophils from term and preterm newborn infants express the high affinity Fcgamma-receptor I (CD64) during bacterial infections.

The high affinity Fcgamma-receptor I (FcgammaRI, CD64) is normally expressed only to a very low extent by neutrophils. During bacterial infections, however, neutrophils from adult patients significantly increase their expression of FcgammaRI. Stimulation through FcgammaRI is a highly effective way to improve various aspects of neutrophil function, including phagocytosis. In our study the expression of FcgammaRI on neutrophils from preterm (n = 9) and term (n = 3) newborn infants, children (n = 14), and adults (n = 6) during the early phase of an acute bacterial infection was investigated. Our results showed that neutrophils from newborn infants with bacterial infection expressed FcgammaRI to a significantly higher extent than both noninfected preterm (p < 0.001) and term (p < 0.001) newborn infants and that neutrophils from preterm neonates expressed FcgammaRI to the same extent as neutrophils from term neonates and older infants, children, and adults. No difference in the neutrophil cell surface expression of FcgammaRI during bacterial infections was found among newborn infants, children, and adults. Expression of FcgammaRI probably represents an important mechanism to improve neutrophil phagocytosis as well as other aspects of neutrophil function during bacterial infections, especially in preterm infants. Our study indicates that measurement of cell surface expression of FcgammaRI on neutrophils could be a useful indicator of severe bacterial infections in preterm and term neonates, as well as in older children and adults.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Nasal patency and lavage biomarkers in relation to settled dust and cleaning routines in schools.

OBJECTIVES: This study determined the relations between settled dust and cleaning routines in classrooms on one hand, and nasal symptoms, nasal cavity dimensions, and the concentration of selected biomarkers of inflammation in nasal lavage on the other. METHODS: Measurements of settled dust via standardized vacuum cleaning and an investigation of the cleaning routines were performed in 12 randomly selected primary schools in the municipality of Uppsala. Clinical examinations including acoustic rhinometry and nasal lavage were performed in the school environment among 279 school personnel working in the main buildings of the schools. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), lysozyme, and albumin were analyzed in the lavage fluid. The relationships between the medical and hygienic data were analyzed both bivariately and with a multiple regression model controlling for age, gender, smoking, atopy, room temperature, and urban vicinity of the school. RESULTS: The amount of settled dust was positively related to subjective nasal obstruction and smaller nasal cavity dimensions measured with acoustic rhinometry. The noses were less patent, and the levels of ECP or lysozyme in the lavage were increased for the subjects in schools with a lower frequency of floor mopping, a lower frequency of desk cleaning, and where wet mopping was used. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the actual dust levels in Swedish classrooms can affect the occurrence of nasal obstruction among school personnel. A beneficial effect on the clinical signs of the nasal mucosa was observed for a higher frequency of both floor mopping and desk cleaning, whereas the use of wet mopping seemed disadvantageous in comparison with dry mopping. These findings illustrate the need for adequate cleaning procedures to minimize the environmental effects on the airway mucosa.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed1998

Nasal patency and biomarkers in nasal lavage--the significance of air exchange rate and type of ventilation in schools.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to examine the relationships between the ventilation rate and the type of ventilation system, on the one hand, and objective nasal measures, on the other. METHODS: A standardized investigation, including acoustic rhinometry and nasal lavage, was performed in the school environment. All 279 school personnel working in the main buildings of 12 randomly selected primary schools in the municipality of Uppsala were invited, and 234 (84%) participated. The dimensions of the nasal cavity were measured with acoustic rhinometry. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), lysozyme, and albumin were analyzed in the lavage fluid. The air exchange rate and the room temperature were measured in the classrooms. Relationships between nasal symptoms, nasal patency, and the concentration of biomarkers, on the one hand, and the type of ventilation system, the air exchange rate, and the temperature, on the other, were analyzed by both crude bivariate analysis and multiple regression models, controlling for the type of ventilation, the air exchange rate, room temperature, age, gender, smoking, atopy, and the urban vicinity of the school. RESULTS: A lower degree of nasal patency as measured by acoustic rhinometry and increased levels of ECP and lysozyme in nasal lavage were associated with a lower air exchange rate in the schools. Although mechanically ventilated schools had higher air exchange rates, they were associated with more nasal symptoms, and nasal mucosal swelling and with increased lavage levels of ECP and lysozyme as compared with schools with natural ventilation only. In contrast, 12 subjects working in a school with mechanical displacement ventilation had more patent noses and lower levels of inflammatory markers as compared with the personnel in schools with natural ventilation only. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that both a low air exchange rate and mechanical ventilation systems based on dilution can be associated with reduced nasal patency and an inflammatory biomarker response of the nasal mucosa among school personnel. The only school with sufficient ventilation according to the current Swedish recommendations had a displacement system and the fewest signs of nasal reactions among the personnel.

Albumins↗
PubMed1998

Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP).

ECP (eosinophil cationic protein) was first purified from human myleoid cells in 1971 and identified as an eosinophil granule protein in 1975. ECP is a heterogeneous protein with molecular weights of the variants from 16-24 kDa. ECP is extremely basic with a pI of pH 10.8. The gene for ECP is found on chromosome 14 adjacent to other proteins of the ribonuclease family, with which ECP shares some sequence homologies. ECP has a variety of biological activities interacting with other immune cells and plasma proteins such as coagulation factors and proteins of the complement system. The cytotoxic activity, however, is the most conspicuous. The different isoforms of ECP seem to have different biological properties with respect to cytotoxicity and the effects on fibroblasts. ECP can be measured in biological fluids, by means of sensitive immunoassays, as an indication of eosinophil turnover and activity in vivo.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Serum eosinophil cationic protein, eosinophil protein X and eosinophil peroxidase in relation to pulmonary function in cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Recently, increased serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in cystic fibrosis (CF) have been reported which were closely related to the levels in sputum. In the present study we investigated other eosinophil proteins such as eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) and eosinophil protein X (EPX) in sera of patients with CF and their relation to pulmonary function. METHODS: Serum samples from 42 patients with CF and from 25 healthy control subjects were measured for ECP, EPO and EPX. Lung function tests were performed by using whole body plethysmographic technique, and the results were correlated with the levels of eosinophil granule proteins. RESULTS: Serum ECP (median: 20.9 microg/L), EPO (median: 30.3 microg/L) and EPX (median: 37.9 microg/L) levels were significantly increased in CF compared with healthy controls (3.5 microg/L, P < 0.0001, 5.6 microg/L, P < 0.0001 and 14.6 microg/L, P < 0.0001, respectively) whereas eosinophil counts were not different. There was a strong correlation between the levels of eosinophil proteins and variables of pulmonary function, like between ECP and forced vital capacity (r = -0.764, P < 0.0001). In addition, ECP concentrations were significantly related to the levels of EPO and EPX, albeit, in some patients with low ECP levels, increased EPO and EPX concentrations were observed. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that in patients with CF, ECP, EPO and EPX concentrations also were increased with a significant relationship between these three eosinophil proteins. Since eosinophil activity in patients with CF is strongly correlated with pulmonary function, the assessment of eosinophil granule proteins might be useful for clinical monitoring in CF.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Activation of B-lymphocytes during pollen season. Effect of immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: B-lymphocytes play an important part in the allergic reaction as producers of IgE antibodies. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the cell surface expression of the activation antigens CD23, CD40 and HLA-DR on B-lymphocytes in birch pollen allergic patients before and during birch pollen season and to study the effect of immunotherapy. METHODS: The study included 24 birch pollen allergic patients half of whom were treated with immunotherapy against birch pollen before the start of the season. Eleven of the 24 patients had asthma. Blood samples were taken and lung function was registered before the season began and before the immunotherapy treatment in January to February and during the season in May. The relative number of B-lymphocytes (CD19+) of the lymphocyte population and the cell surface expression of CD23, CD40 and HLA-DR on B-lymphocytes was measured by the use of flow cytometry. RESULTS: In the control group of patients the relative number and concentration of B-lymphocytes, the cell surface expression of CD23, CD40 and HLA-DR on B cells, and the serum concentration of IgE increased during season compared with before season. In contrast, in the immunotherapy treated patients no changes in the number of B cells or cell surface expression of CD23, CD40 and HLA-DR were demonstrated. CONCLUSION: The elevated expression of CD23, CD40 and HLA-DR on B cells, combined with increased levels of IgE in allergic patients during season could be explained by the effect of cytokines produced by activated TH2 cells. A shift from TH2 to TH1 cells might be the mechanism after the absence of signs of B-cell activation in immunotherapy treated patients. The prevention of increased cell surface expression on B cells by immunotherapy may constitute a significant mechanism behind the beneficial effects of immunotherapy in the treatment of pollen atopy.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Platelet adhesion in patients prone to arterial and venous thrombosis: the impact of gender, smoking and heredity.

Platelet adhesion was measured in 271 consecutive subjects (151F, 120M) referred to the department for investigation of their propensity to develop thrombosis. Arterial thrombosis was the cause in 27% of the subjects and pulmonary embolism in 23%, whereas venous thrombosis was the cause in 50%. Ninety-three patients were using nicotine in the form of smoking or snuffing, 45 were ex-users and 130 patients never-users. Adhesion was measured as the retention of platelets in a commercially available column of glass beads. After strict standardization of the method the reproducibilities within-day and between-day were good. Platelet retention was increased in thrombosis-prone patients as compared to references (p=0.016). This increase was seen irrespective of type of thrombosis. Multifactor ANOVA analysis revealed a strong dependence of gender and smoking habits with higher platelet retention in men and in ex-smokers and current smokers. The highest levels were found in ex-smokers with arterial thrombosis and in current smokers with pulmonary embolism. In the control population we found high platelet retention in smokers (p=0.001) and in those with a family history of thrombosis (p=0.0025). It is concluded that the measurement of platelet retention may form a basis for the selection of patients to antiplatelet therapy and that the activity of platelets is affected by smoking and related to sex and family history of thrombosis. It is also concluded that thrombus formation in men and women may be governed partly by different mechanisms.

Adolescent↗