Biomedical subjects

Y Y Kim

Publications and source records attributed to Y Y Kim.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

Association of HLA-DRB1()07 and DRB1()04 to citrus red mite (Panonychus citri) and house dust mite sensitive asthma.

BACKGROUND: Specific IgE responses to allergens provide useful models for evaluating the genetic factors that control human immune responses. A recent survey demonstrated that the citrus red mite (Panonychus citri, CRM) is the most important allergen in the development of asthma in citrus farmers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether susceptibility or resistance to CRM-induced asthma was associated with HLA-DRB1 gene. METHODS: DNAs were extracted from two groups of unrelated Korean adults living around citrus farms: (1) Ninety-one adults with CRM-sensitive asthma; and (2) 98 exposed, healthy nonatopic controls. Genotypes of HLA-DRB1 alleles were carried out using PCR-based methods. RESULTS: Allelic frequency of HLA-DRB1(*)07 was higher in the CRM-sensitive asthmatics compared to the controls (17.6% vs 4.1%, Pc = 0.01). Conversely, the frequency of DRB1*04 was lower in the CRM-sensitive asthmatics compared to the controls (19.8% vs 40.8%, Pc = 0.01). No significant difference was found in the distributions of the other HLA-DRB1 gene-encoded antigens between the two groups. CONCLUSION: HLA-DRB1 genes may be involved in the development of CRM-induced asthma. In addition, HLA-DR7 may increase, and DR4 decrease, the risk of developing the asthma in CRM-exposed adults.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Effect of vitamin E sources (RRR- or all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate) and levels on sow reproductive performance, serum, tissue, and milk alpha-tocopherol contents over a five-parity period, and the effects on the progeny.

Two dietary sources of vitamin E (DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate [DL-beta-TAc], or D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate [DL-alpha-TAc]) at two dietary supplemental levels (30 vs 60 IU/kg) were evaluated in reproducing sows over a five-parity period. The experiment was a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments conducted as a randomized complete block in two replicates. A total of 48 gilts were fed their treatment diets from 40 kg BW through five parities, reflecting a total of 171 farrowings. Reproductive measurements of litter size, sow weight, and back-fat thickness were collected. The incidence of mastitis-metritis-agalactia (MMA) and fluid discharge from the vagina were evaluated for each sow on each of the first 3 d postpartum. Sows were bled at periodic intervals during gestation and at weaning (21 d) and serum was frozen. After the fifth parity, two to four sows from each treatment group were killed and tissues collected. At birth, two to three neonatal pigs were killed from each sow treatment group within each parity and livers were collected and frozen. In addition, three pigs from each litter from three to four sows per treatment group within each parity were bled at weaning and serum was saved. Six pigs from each sow group at weaning of Parity 5 were also killed and livers were collected and frozen. Sow and pig sera and tissues were analyzed for a-tocopherol. There was no effect (P > .15) of vitamin E source or level on the various sow reproductive measurements, litter size, or the incidences of MMA or fluid discharges from the vagina. Feeding D-alpha-TAc compared with DL-alpha-TAc or 60 IU compared with 30 IU vitamin E/kg diet resulted in higher (P < .01) sow serum, colostrum, and milk alpha-tocopherol contents at each measurement period. Sow liver, adipose, lung, and heart alpha-tocopherol contents were also higher (P < .01) when the 60 IU vitamin E level had been fed. Both serum and liver a-tocopherol contents in 21-d-old nursing pigs were higher (P < .01) when the sow had been fed D-alpha-TAc compared with the DL-alpha-TAc source or when the 60 IU level had been fed. There were no vitamin E source x vitamin E level interactions (P > .15) for the various alpha-tocopherol measurements. Although the supplemental vitamin E sources were provided on an equivalent IU basis, these results suggest that D-alpha-TAc has a higher equivalency than DL-alpha-TAc on an IU basis, but higher dietary levels also resulted in higher sow and pig alpha-tocopherol contents.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Atopic status and level of bronchial responsiveness in parents of children with acute bronchiolitis.

To examine whether children with a genetic predisposition to asthma are more likely to be afflicted with bronchiolitis, we studied 122 parents of infants who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of acute bronchiolitis (index group) and 120 parents of children who had never suffered from this disease (control group). The parents underwent bronchial challenge testing with methacholine and skin prick testing with common airborne allergens, and gave blood specimens for measurement of serum total IgE. There was no difference in atopic status, as assessed by the prevalence of atopy (at least one positive response to the allergens tested) or by serum total IgE levels, between index and control parents. The prevalence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) (concentration of methacholine causing a 20% reduction in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec [PC20] < 18 mg/mL) was higher in index parents than in control parents (17.2% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.02). Bronchial responsiveness (BR) index was significantly higher in index parents than in control parents (1.135 +/- 0.088 vs. 1.104 +/- 0.071, p < 0.01). Parents of children who were hospitalized with acute bronchiolitis showed a higher level of BR, but not atopy. This suggests that in terms of BHR, there may be a genetic predisposition to the development of bronchiolitis.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2000

Effect of zinc on the visual sensitivity of the bullfrog's eye.

There is a high concentration of zinc in ocular tissue, especially the retinachoroids, and the presence of physiological levels of zinc in these tissues seems essential for their normal function. The purpose of our study was to clarify this point using electroretinogram (ERG) recordings and spectrophotometer measurements before and after zinc treatment in a bullfrog's eye. The optimal zinc concentration used in this experiment was 1 microM ZnCl2, 100 microliters/6 ml ringer solution, with the result that the total zinc concentration in the ringer solution was 16.4 nM. To determine the effects of zinc on the retinal function, the changes of ERG parameters, such as threshold, a-, b- and c-waves and absorption spectra were observed before and after zinc treatment. It is noteworthy that high concentrations of zinc are present in the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium. Our results indicate that zinc treatment elevated the dark-adapted ERG threshold, all of the peak amplitudes of ERG were increased and rhodopsin regeneration was accelerated during visual adaptation. In spectral scans, absorbance increment due to zinc treatment was shown over the whole range of spectral scanning (300 nm-750 nm). We believe that zinc, which is abundant in the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium particularly, is an essential factor for the visual process and may be required to improve visual sensitivity during visual adaptation.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Specific IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies to citrus red mite in citrus farmers: a study of their relationship to respiratory symptoms.

Citrus red mite (CRM) is known as the most common sensitizing allergen in subjects with asthma and rhinitis working on citrus farms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of specific IgG1 (slgG1) and specific IgG4 (slgG4) to CRM in citrus farmers. Questionnaire survey and skin prick test including CRM antigen was done by 136 workers. Specific IgE (slgE), slgG1 and slgG4 to CRM were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CRM-sensitive-asthma was diagnosed upon presence of asthmatic symptoms by questionnaire, airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine and slgE to CRM. CRM-sensitive rhinitis was diagnosed upon presence of rhinitis symptoms and slgE to CRM. Eleven (8.1%) had CRM-sensitive asthma and 25 (18.4%) had CRM-sensitive rhinitis. Significant association was noted between presence of asthmatic symptoms and slgE or slgG4 (p<0.05, respectively), while no significant association was noted in slgG1 (p>0.05). Significant association was noted in the prevalence between slgG4 and slgE (p<0.05), while no significant association was noted between slgG1 and slgG4 or slgE (p<0.05, respectively). There was a significant correlation between slgE and slgG4 level (r=0.39, p<0.05). These findings suggest that the presence of slgG1 to CRM is response to CRM exposure, and further studies will be needed to evaluate the role of slgG4.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) expression is associated with intestinal type of gastric carcinoma.

Increased expression of glucose transporter1 (GLUT1) has been reported in many human cancers. We hypothesized that the degree of GLUT1 might provide a useful biological information in gastric adenocarcinoma. RT-PCR and immunostaining were used to analyze GLUT1 expression in gastric cancer. RT-PCR showed GLUT1 expression was not largely detected in normal gastric tissue but was detected in cancerous gastric tissue of counterpart. By immunohistochemistry, GLUT1 protein was absent in normal gastric epithelium and intestinal metaplasia. 11 of 65 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma had specific GLUT1 immunostaining in a plasma membrane pattern with varied intensities. GLUT1 protein did not show any significant correlation with tumor stage and nodal metastasis (p>0.05 by Mann-Whitney test). However, the positive immunostaining for GLUT1 is associated with intestinal differentiation (p=0.003). Our results suggest that GLUT1 protein is associated with intestinal type of gastric cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2000

Detection of Hantaan and Seoul viruses by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in renal syndrome patients with hemorrhagic fever.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), also called Korean hemorrhagic fever (KHF), is the most common cause of acute renal failure in the Far East. Two serotypes of hantavirus, Hantaan and Seoul viruses are known pathogens for HFRS in Korea. PURPOSE: To elucidate the diagnostic applicability for the serotype diagnosis in HFRS patients, we used nested reverse transcriptase-PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism (nRT-PCR/RFLP) to screen 2 prototype viruses, 11 virus isolates from HFRS patients, and 69 specimens obtained from 31 HFRS patients. METHODS: The nRT-PCR was performed using primers specific for the G1 segments of the Hantaan (HF3 1140-1163, HB14 1363-1342) and Seoul (SF2 809-832, SB3 1200-1177) viruses. The initial PCR products were then further amplified using nested primers for the Hantaan (HF4 1141-1164, HB13 1360-1339) and Seoul (SF7 863-884, SB1 1165-1142 ) viruses. Amplified segments were then digested with restriction enzymes specific for either Hantaan (C1a I) or Seoul (Sac I) virus sequences. RESULTS: In all cultured viruses, the serotypes identified by nRT-PCR/RFLP were consistent with those of PRNT. nRT-PCR/RFLP results indicated the presence of Hantaan virus in 10 patients and of Seoul virus in 15 patients. In 3 patients, both Hantaan- and Seoul-specific amplified bands were visualized in serially collected samples, and in 4 patients no amplicon was detected. Among 69 specimens, 55 were positive; these positive specimens were obtained between days 3 and days 33 of illness. The positive rate was not affected by the clinical phase, day of illness, or severity of HFRS. CONCLUSIONS: nRT-PCR/RFLP is a rapid and convenient method for serotype diagnosis in most HFRS patients. It could also allow detection of genetic variation of hantavirus within the same serotype.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Extra-articular pigmented villonodular synovitis of the temporomandibular joint: case report and review of the literature.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a benign proliferative disorder of the synovial tissue, that usually affects the knee, ankle and other major joints. Involvement of the temporomandibular joint is, however, very rare. We describe a new case of recurrent PVNS arising from the temporomandibular joint that was classified as diffuse extra-articular type and was successfully treated surgically. The etiology and clinical features of PVNS are discussed and the previously reported cases in the literature are reviewed.

Bone Transplantation↗

PubMed1999

Risk factors for early filtration failure requiring suture release after primary glaucoma triple procedure with adjunctive mitomycin.

PURPOSE: Postoperative release of scleral flap closure suture is useful in trabeculectomy combined with cataract surgery. We determined risk factors for early filtration failure requiring suture release during the first month after primary glaucoma triple procedure. METHODS: The medical records of 71 consecutive patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who underwent a primary glaucoma triple procedure (primary trabeculectomy, phacoemulsification, and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation) were reviewed. Suture release had been performed in 24 of the patients for early filtration failure with postoperative intraocular pressure greater than the target value during the first postoperative month. The long-term filtration failure was defined according to 2 criteria based on medical dependency and requirement of additional surgical procedure for intraocular pressure control. Cox proportional hazards multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors. RESULTS: African American race (P = .02), more than 2 preoperative glaucoma drugs (P = .02), and intraocular pressure greater than 14 mm Hg during the first postoperative week (P = .006) were identified as significant independent risk factors requiring suture release for filtration failure during the first postoperative month. Their significance was further confirmed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with Mantel-Cox log-rank test (P = .03, P = .02, and P = .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: African American race, more than 2 preoperative medications, and intraocular pressure greater than 14 mm Hg in the first postoperative week are major independent risk factors for initial filtration failure requiring suture release during the first month after primary glaucoma triple procedure. Presence of the risk factors may warrant a more aggressive antiproliferative regimen and/or earlier suture release.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Foldable posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in the absence of capsular and zonular support.

PURPOSE: To implant foldable posterior chamber intraocular lenses in the absence of capsular and zonular support. METHODS: Case reports. In two patients, two eyes with aphakia, lack of capsular or zonular support, and contact lens intolerance underwent the implantation of a silicone and an acrylic foldable posterior chamber intraocular lens, respectively. RESULTS: In the two eyes, final visual acuity was 20/25 and 20/50, respectively. No intraoperative vitreal, retinal, or choroidal complications were noted. The postoperative recovery was rapid, and there was minimal induced astigmatism. CONCLUSIONS: The implantation of foldable posterior chamber intraocular lenses in aphakic eyes without capsular and zonular support may result in fewer intraoperative complications. It also allows for faster postoperative recovery and less postoperative astigmatism.

Acrylates↗

PubMed1999

Long-term brimonidine therapy in glaucoma patients with apraclonidine allergy.

PURPOSE: To report the use of brimonidine in patients with a documented ocular allergy to apraclonidine. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, open-label study on the use of long-term brimonidine therapy in 57 patients with chronic glaucoma with documented allergy to apraclonidine. The study patients were placed on brimonidine tartrate 0.2%, 1 drop three times daily in one or both eyes, either as additive therapy to a medical regimen devoid of apraclonidine for further lowering of intraocular pressure (25 patients) or as a replacement for apraclonidine at the time of diagnosis of apraclonidine ocular allergy for maintenance of intraocular pressure control (32 patients). Clinical symptoms and signs of ocular allergy to brimonidine were monitored for up to 18 months. RESULTS: During the treatment period of up to 18 months, six (10.5%) of 57 patients developed slit-lamp biomicroscopic findings and subjective symptoms of an ocular allergic reaction that led to discontinuation of brimonidine treatment. All six patients developed ocular allergy to topical brimonidine 0.2% during the first 4 months of therapy. The addition of brimonidine 0.2% topical medication or the replacement of apraclonidine with brimonidine resulted in a significant decrease in mean intraocular pressure from 20.5+/-5.3 to 16.5+/-4.2 mm Hg (P < .0001) at the mean treatment period of 10.6+/-4.6 months (range, 0.5 to 18.0 months in all 57 patients: 5 to 18 months in the 51 patients without brimonidine allergy and 0.5 to 3.8 months in the six patients who developed brimonidine allergy. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of ocular allergy after the use of brimonidine 0.2% topical medication for up to 18 months was 10.5% in patients with a documented history of apraclonidine allergy. Therefore, it is generally safe as well as efficacious to administer brimonidine to patients with an ocular allergy to apraclonidine.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

PubMed1999

Spider mite allergy in apple-cultivating farmers: European red mite (Panonychus ulmi) and two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) may be important allergens in the development of work-related asthma and rhinitis symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Recent investigations have suggested that the citrus red mite (Panonychus citri) is the most important allergen affecting citrus-cultivating farmers with asthma, allergic rhinitis, or both. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate type I hypersensitivity to spider mites, particularly the European red mite (Panonychus ulmi) and the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae), and to determine the relationship between hypersensitivity to spider mites and respiratory dysfunction. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional survey. Questionnaires were given, and skin prick tests for 11 inhalant allergens common in Korea and 2 species of spider mites (European red mite and two-spotted spider mite) were performed in 725 apple-cultivating farmers in Korea. RESULTS: Results of skin prick tests in the apple farmers indicated that European red mite (23.2%) was the most common sensitizing allergen, followed by Tyrophagus putrescentiae (21.2%), two-spotted spider mite (16.6%), Dermatophagoides farinae (16.3%), D pteronyssinus (14.4%), cockroach (13.1%), and Hop Japanese (Humulus Japonicus) pollen (12.0%). Positive skin responses (mean wheal size >/=3 mm) to one or more of 13 inhalant allergens were found in 48.2% of farmers tested, whereas 40 subjects (8.6%) had an isolated skin response to the spider mites. Among 119 farmers with work-related asthmatic symptoms, the positive skin response rates to European red mite and two-spotted spider mite were 40.4% and 27.0%, respectively. These figures were significantly higher than those found among farmers without work-related symptoms (19.1% and 14.1%, respectively; P <.01). The prevalence of work-related asthma symptoms was higher in farmers with positive skin responses to spider mites than in those with negative skin responses to spider mites and those with positive skin responses to any allergen tested (31.4% vs 15.0% vs 21.0%, respectively; P <.05). CONCLUSION: Spider mites, particularly European red mite and 2-spotted spider mite, are common sensitizing allergens in apple-cultivating farmers. These spider mites may be important causative allergens in the development of work-related respiratory symptoms in these workers.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1999

Specific IgG, but not specific IgE, antibodies to toluene diisocyanate-human serum albumin conjugate are associated with toluene diisocyanate bronchoprovocation test results.

BACKGROUND: The role of specific IgG to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) in the pathogenesis of TDI-induced asthma still remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the clinical significance of serum-specific IgG to TDI-human serum albumin (HSA) conjugate in subjects with TDI-induced asthma compared with specific IgE antibody. METHODS: One hundred three subjects were enrolled and divided into 4 groups according to specific bronchoprovocation test (BPT) results: 50 subjects with TDI-induced asthma with positive results on TDI BPT were defined as group 1, 13 symptomatic workers exposed to TDI with negative results on TDI BPT were defined as group 2, 20 unexposed patients with allergic asthma were defined as group 3, and 20 unexposed healthy control subjects were defined as group 4. Serum-specific IgG and IgE antibodies to TDI-HSA conjugate were detected by means of ELISA. RESULTS: The prevalence of specific IgG antibody to TDI-HSA conjugate was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (46% vs 7.7%, P =.01) or group 3 (0%, P <.01). No significant difference was noted between group 2 and group 3 (P >. 05). However, the prevalence of specific IgE antibody to TDI-HSA conjugate was not significantly different between group 1 and group 2 (14% vs 7.7%, P >.05) or group 2 and group 3 (7.7% vs 0%, P >.05). There was no significant difference in prevalence of specific IgE or specific IgG according to the type of asthmatic response during the TDI BPT (P >.05). Overall, statistically significant association was noted between the prevalence of specific IgE and IgG antibodies in 103 subjects (P <.05), but no difference was noted within group 1 subjects only (P >.05). CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that the presence of serum-specific IgG is closely related to TDI BPT results, and it may contribute to the development of TDI-induced asthma.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Linkage between IgE receptor-mediated histamine releasability from basophils and gene marker of chromosome 11q13.

BACKGROUND: The genetics of the regulation of the release of mediators involving the interaction of IgE with cells and their ability to release mediators have not been extensively investigated. With use of the candidate gene approach, it was reported that the gene regulating the beta chain of the high-affinity receptor for IgE is on chromosome 11q13. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether gene(s) in chromosome 11q13 may control the expression of maximal histamine release from basophil to anti-IgE stimuli, linkage analysis between this phenotype and the gene marker of chromosome 11q13 was performed. METHODS: Maximal histamine release to anti-IgE and calcium ionophore A23187 and genotyping chromosome 11q13 with use of microsatellite marker (D11S97) were performed in 56 probands with asthma and 59 of their siblings. The linkage was analyzed by affected sib-pair analysis and the quantitative trait locus approach. RESULTS: Maximal histamine release (mean +/- SE) to anti-IgE and A23187 was 43.3% +/- 3.5% and 30.9 +/- 3.4% in probands and 29.5% +/- 2.6% and 22.2% +/- 2.7 in siblings, respectively. Of 20 sib-pairs with the maximal histamine release to anti-IgE more than 33% (mean plus 1 SD of nonasthmatic controls), 11 (55%) shared 2 D11S97 alleles, 9 (45%) shared 1 allele, and neither sib-pair shared identical alleles, which indicates a significant linkage of maximal histamine to anti-IgE and gene marker of chromosome 11q13 (P =.02). The difference (mean +/- SE) of the maximal histamine release to anti-IgE between each proband and sibling was smaller in sib-pairs with 2 identical alleles than in those with 1 identical allele and with no identical allele (14.1% +/- 2.6% vs 25.8% +/- 3.1% vs 41.0% +/- 4.9%). However, the difference (mean +/- SE) to A23187 between each proband and sibling was not different among the 3 groups (9.7% +/- 1.8% vs 17.9% +/- 3.6% vs 10.4% +/- 4.8%). CONCLUSION: Maximal histamine release from basophils to anti-IgE stimuli was linked to the gene marker of chromosome 11q13.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Skin reactivity to inhalant allergens, total serum IgE levels, and bronchial responsiveness to methacholine are increased in parents of nonatopic asthmatic children.

BACKGROUND: Family studies suggest that asthma has an increased familial occurrence, but the hypothesis of a genetic predisposition to IgE response and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) on the expression of nonatopic asthma is controversial. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate familial predisposition to IgE response and BHR on expression of nonatopic asthma. METHODS: One hundred four parents of nonatopic asthmatic children, 154 parents of atopic asthmatic children, 78 parents of atopic nonasthmatic control children, and 80 parents of nonatopic control children provided questionnaire data and underwent allergy skin prick tests with 10 inhalant allergens and methacholine bronchial provocation tests. Total serum IgE levels were determined in 352 parents (134 with atopic asthmatic children, 87 with nonatopic asthmatic children, 65 with atopic control children, and 66 with nonatopic control children). RESULTS: Prevalence of asthma, based on questionnaire data and on BHR to methacholine, was higher among parents of nonatopic asthmatic children (10.6%) and atopic asthmatic children (9.1%) than among those of nonatopic control children (1.3%). BHR to methacholine was higher among parents of nonatopic asthmatic children (19.2%) and atopic asthmatic children (16.2%) than among those of atopic and nonatopic control children (5.1% and 1.3%, respectively). The percentage of positive skin test responses to 10 inhalant allergens was higher among parents of atopic asthmatic children (43.9%), nonatopic asthmatic children (39.4%), and atopic control children (38.5%) than among those of nonatopic control children (23.7%). Geometric means (IU/mL +/- SEM) of total serum IgE were higher among parents of atopic and nonatopic control children than among those of nonatopic control children (2.11 +/- 0.05 vs 2. 20 +/- 0.06 vs 2.09 +/- 0.07 vs 1.92 +/- 0.06). CONCLUSION: Nonatopic asthma runs in families. The prevalence of positive skin test responses to inhalant allergens, BHR to methacholine, and total serum IgE levels is higher among the parents of nonatopic and atopic asthmatic children than among those of nonatopic control children.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

New occupational allergen in citrus farmers: citrus red mite (Panonychus citri).

BACKGROUND: There have been several reports of occupational allergy to spider mites (Tetranychidae), but no published report has described citrus red mite (CRM, Panonychus citri)-induced occupational asthma confirmed by specific bronchial challenge. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and immunologic characteristics of CRM-induced occupational asthma. METHODS AND RESULTS: We encountered 16 cases of CRM-induced occupational asthma among farmers cultivating citrus fruits. Asthmatic attacks corresponded closely with their work on citrus farms. The mean duration of the latent period was 12.9 (range 7 to 20) years. During their first visit to our clinic, nine patients with FEV1 lower than 70% of predictive value showed reversible airway obstruction after inhalation of bronchodilator, and seven with FEV1 greater than 70% of predictive value showed airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine. Fifteen of the 16 also complained of recurrent nasal symptoms, which had developed at an earlier time than the asthmatic symptoms. They showed strong positive reactions to CRM extract on skin prick test (A/H ratio > or = 1.0) and had high serum specific IgE antibody against CRM which was detected by ELISA. Skin prick test with common inhalant allergens revealed that 10 had an isolated positive response to CRM with negative results to common inhalant allergens in their environment. The ELISA inhibition tests with CRM demonstrated significant inhibitions by CRM in a dose-dependent manner, while minimal inhibitions were noted by D. pteronyssinus and mugwort allergens. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that CRM could induce IgE-mediated bronchoconstriction in exposed workers on citrus farm.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Citrus red mite (Panonychus citri) is the most common sensitizing allergen of asthma and rhinitis in citrus farmers.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate type I hypersensitivity to citrus red mite (Panonychus citri), its prevalence, and relationship to respiratory dysfunction, a cross-sectional survey was performed among citrus farmers on Cheju Island, Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Questionnaires, and skin prick test responses to 11 common inhalant allergens and citrus red mite were performed in 181 citrus farmers, and serum-specific IgE antibodies to citrus red mite were measured by ELISA in sera of 123 subjects. To determine airway hyperresponsiveness, methacholine bronchial provocation tests were performed in 55 subjects who complained of recurrent lower respiratory symptoms. RESULTS: The prevalence of asthma-based on presence of asthmatic symptoms on the questionnaire and airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine, and allergic rhinitis based on presence of nasal symptoms on the questionnaire and positive skin-test response were 12.1% and 19.3%, respectively. The positive rate of skin responses to one or more of 11 common inhalant allergens excluding citrus red mite was 17.1%, and if citrus red mite was included, 25.9% of farmers had positive responses. On skin prick tests, citrus red mite (16.5%) was the most common sensitizing allergen, followed by cockroach (11.0%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (9.9%), and D. farinae (9.3%). Among farmers with asthma and allergic rhinitis, the positive skin responses to citrus red mite were noted in 54.5 and 68.5%, respectively. Serum-specific IgE antibodies to citrus red mite were detected in 45 farmers (36. 5%) of the 123 tested, and there was significant correlation between specific IgE level and weal (A/H ratio) to citrus red mite (r = 0.57, P < 0.001). The prevalence of asthma was higher in subjects with positive skin responses or high serum-specific IgE antibodies to citrus red mite than in those without skin response or serum specific IgE (P < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: Citrus red mite is the most important allergen in citrus farmers with asthma and rhinitis in which causative allergen has not been identified. It should be included in the skin test battery for screening the causative allergen in farmers exposed to citrus red mite.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Unilateral renal cystic disease in adults.

Unilateral renal cystic disease (URCD) is morphologically indistinguishable from autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) except for its unilaterality. Unlike ADPKD, URCD patients show neither a genetic background nor progressive deterioration in renal function; thus, the differential diagnosis of URCD from ADPKD is important. Only a few cases of URCD have been reported. This study reports two cases of URCD in adults together with a literature review. We identified these two cases using abdominal computerized tomography and family screening with renal ultrasonography.

Adult↗