Search

Squamous cell carcinoma antigens 1 and 2 (SCCA1 and 2, SERPIN B3 and B4), members of the ovalbumin serpin (ov-serpin)/clade B serpin family, were originally discovered as tumor-specific antigens and are used as tumor markers for various kinds of squamous cell carcinomas. Recently, our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of how SCCA1/2 enhance tumor growth has greatly increased. Moreover, it has been shown that SCCA1/2 are involved in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory diseases: asthma, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis (AD). IL-22 and IL-17, signature cytokines of type 17 inflammation, as well as IL-4 and IL-13, signature cytokines of type 2 inflammation, both of which are positively correlated with the pathogenesis of psoriasis and allergic diseases, respectively, can induce expression of SCCA1/2 in airway epithelial cells and/or keratinocytes, leading to high expression of SCCA1/2 in these diseases. Based on these findings, several trials have been performed to examine the potential of applying SCCA1/2 to biomarkers for these diseases. The findings show that SCCA2 is useful to aid diagnosis, estimate clinical severity and disease type, and assess responses to treatment in psoriasis and AD. These results suggest that SCCA2 has emerged as a novel biomarker for skin inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periostin, an extracellular matrix protein belonging to the fasciclin family, has been shown to play a critical role in the process of remodeling during tissue organ development or repair. Periostin functions as a matricellular protein in cell activation by binding to their receptors on cell surface, thereby exerting its biological activities. After we found that periostin is a downstream molecule of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, signature cytokines of type 2 immune responses, we showed that periostin is a component of subepithelial fibrosis in bronchial asthma, the first formal proof that periostin is involved in allergic inflammation. Subsequently, a great deal of evidence has accumulated demonstrating the significance of periostin in allergic inflammation. It is of note that in skin tissues, periostin is critical for amplification and persistence of allergic inflammation by communicating between fibro-blasts and keratinocytes. Furthermore, periostin has been applied to development of novel diagnostics or therapeutic agents for allergic diseases. Serum periostin can reflect local production of periostin in inflamed le- sions induced by Th2-type immune responses and also can predict the efficacy of Th2 antagonists against bronchial asthma. Blocking the interaction between periostin and its receptor, αv integrin, or down-regulating the periostin expression shows improvement of periostin-induced inflammation in mouse models or in in vitro systems. It is hoped that diagnostics or therapeutic agents targeting periostin will be of practical use in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented which discusses various reports within the issue on topics including the relationship of group 2 innate lymphoid cells with allergic airway disease, epidemiology of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders and gene profile expressions of esophageal biopsies from patients with eosinophilic esophagitis.

The article discusses a study which investigated the usefulness of serum periostin level as a biomarker for allergic diseases in elementary school-age children from an elementary school attached to Chiba University in Japan. Topics covered include measurement of the serum periostin levels using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and lack of any increase in the serum periostin level in children with allergic diseases in comparison to healthy children.

An introduction to articles published within the issue is presented which includes one on the latest concepts in chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis, an analysis of serum periostin levels in asthma patients and standardization of house mite allergen vaccines.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) screening questionnaire and the diagnostic usefulness of measuring serum IgE responding to Der P1 and p2 for house dust mite (HDM)-specific reactivity in asthma patients.

The article discusses papers featured in the current issue of "Allergology International," including a paper on three systemic autoimmune diseases, including vasculitis, a paper on fluticazonefuroate nasal spray (FFNS) for children aged 6 to 15 years with allergic rhinitis and a paper on the effects of administering probiotics to pregnant mothes to prevent eczema from developing in their infants after birth.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including the roles of periostin in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, the usefulness of periostin in predicting responsiveness to inhaled corticosteroid in asthma patients, and the pathophysiological roles of periostin in skin tissues and diseases.

An introduction to this issue of "Allerology International" is presented.

The article introduces various reports published within the issue, including one on the identification of allergens in hydrolyzed wheat proteins-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis, another on the gene cloning of an allergen from sapodilla whose fruits occasionally cause oral allergy syndrome and a report on the emerging role of sublingual immunotherapy.

An introduction to this issue of "Allergology International" is presented.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including the interaction between the thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and IL-33, the use of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) against Japanese cedar pollen (JSP), and the IgE derived in peripheral blood.

Background: There is clinical uncertainty about the effectiveness and safety of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for the treatment of allergic asthma. Objectives: To undertake a systematic overview of the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and safety of AIT for the treatment of allergic asthma. Methods: We searched nine electronic databases from inception to October 31, 2015. Systematic reviews were independently screened by two reviewers against pre-defined eligibility criteria and critically appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme quality assessment tool for systematic reviews. Data were descriptively and thematically synthesized. Results: We identified nine eligible systematic reviews; these focused on delivery of AIT through the following routes: subcutaneous (SCIT; n = 3); sublingual (SLIT; n = 4); and both SCIT and SLIT (n = 2). This evidence found that AIT delivered by SCIT and SLIT can improve medication and symptom scores and measures of bronchial hyper-reactivity. The impact on measures of lung function or asthma control was however less clear. We found no systematic review level evidence on the cost-effectiveness of SCIT or SLIT. SLIT had a favorable safety profile when compared to SCIT, particularly in relation to the risk of systemic reactions. Conclusions: AIT has the potential to achieve reductions in symptom and medication scores, but there is no clear or consistent evidence that measures of lung function can be improved. Bearing in mind the limitations of synthesizing evidence from systematic reviews and the fact that these reviews include mainly dated studies, a systematic review of current primary studies is now needed to update this evidence base, estimate the effectiveness of AIT on asthma outcomes and to investigate the relative effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and safety of SCIT and SLIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective serum biomarker may improve cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) management. Periostin (PN) has been demonstrated to be associated with aggressive CCA. The current study evaluated PN in blood serum for its diagnostic and prognostic potential in patients with CCA. Sera of 68 patients with CCA were collected prior to treatment, and PN levels were measured using an ELISA. Sera from 50 normal controls, 6 patients with benign liver diseases, 2 with hepatocellular carcinoma and 21 with breast cancer were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry of PN in CCA tissues was also investigated. The data were analyzed using the Mann‑Whitney U test, Kaplan‑Meier log rank tests, Cox proportional hazard regression models and Fisher's exact tests. The median serum PN level in patients with CCA was significantly increased compared with that in healthy controls, patients with benign liver diseases and patients with breast cancer (all P<0.05). Using an optimal threshold value of 94 ng/ml PN, the diagnostic values for CCA compared with other conditions demonstrated a sensitivity level of 0.38 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.27‑0.51], specificity of 0.90 (95% CI, 0.81‑0.96), accuracy of 0.66 (95% CI, 0.58‑0.74), positive predictive value of 0.76 (95% CI, 0.59‑0.89) and negative predictive value of 0.63 (95% CI, 0.53‑0.72) (P<0.001). Furthermore, PN stain in stromal fibroblasts in CCA tissues was associated with serum PN levels (P=0.001), and patients with CCA were classified as low (≤94 ng/ml) or high PN (>94 ng/ml) accordingly. High serum and tissue PN levels were significantly associated with reduced survival rate (P<0.001 and P=0.033, respectively). Serum PN was an independent prognostic factor with a hazard ratio of 3.197 (P=0.001). In conclusion, serum PN may be used to divide patients with intrahepatic CCA into high and low PN groups. Elevated serum PN may be utilized as a marker of poor prognosis in patients with CCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Periostin is a biomarker indicating the presence of type 2 inflammation and submucosal fibrosis; serum periostin levels have been associated with asthma severity. Macrolides have immunomodulatory effects and are considered a potential therapy for patients with severe asthma. Therefore, we investigated whether macrolides can also modulate pulmonary periostin production.Methods: Using quantitative PCR and ELISA, we measured periostin production in human lung fibroblasts stimulated by interleukin-13 (IL-13) in the presence of two 14-member-ring macrolides-clarithromycin or erythromycin-or a 16-member-ring macrolide, josamycin. Phosphorylation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 6 (STAT6), downstream of IL-13 signaling, was evaluated by Western blotting. Changes in global gene expression profile induced by IL-13 and/or clarithromycin were assessed by DNA microarray analysis.Results: Clarithromycin and erythromycin, but not josamycin, inhibited IL-13-stimulated periostin production. The inhibitory effects of clarithromycin were stronger than those of erythromycin. Clarithromycin significantly attenuated STAT6 phosphorylation induced by IL-13. Global gene expression analyses demonstrated that IL-13 increased mRNA expression of 454 genes more than 4-fold, while decreasing its expression in 390 of these genes (85.9%), mainly "extracellular," "plasma membrane," or "defense response" genes. On the other hand, clarithromycin suppressed 9.8% of the genes in the absence of IL-13. Clarithromycin primarily attenuated the gene expression of extracellular matrix protein, including periostin, especially after IL-13.Conclusions: Clarithromycin suppressed IL-13-induced periostin production in human lung fibroblasts, in part by inhibiting STAT6 phosphorylation. This suggests a novel mechanism of the immunomodulatory effect of clarithromycin in asthmatic airway inflammation and fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypothiocyanite (OSCN-) serves as a potent innate defense system against microbes in the lungs. OSCN- is generated by the catalysis of peroxidases using thiocyanate transported via several anion transporters, including pendrin/SLC26A4 and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generated by Duox1 and Duox2. We previously demonstrated that expression of pendrin, peroxidases, and Duox1/Duox2 is up-regulated in bronchial asthma patients and/or asthma model mice and that these molecules are important in accelerating airway inflammation. However, it remained unclear how activating these molecules would lead to airway inflammation. In this study, we examined whether OSCN- produced via the pendrin/peroxidase/Duox pathway causes inflammation via airway epithelial cells. In an in vitro OSCN- production system, OSCN-, but not H2O2, activated NF-κB, a transcription factor critical for inflammatory responses, in the airway epithelial cells. OSCN- was sensed by protein kinase A (PKA) followed by formation of the dimerization of PKA. The dimerized PKA, the active form, was critical in activating NF-κB. Detoxifying H2O2, mainly by catalase, enabled the dominant abilities of OSCN- to dimerize PKA and activate NF-κB, compared with untreated H2O2. Furthermore, OSCN- in high doses caused necrosis of the cells, inducing release of IL-33, a trigger to initiate type 2 inflammation. These results demonstrate that OSCN- in low doses activates NF-κB via PKA in airway epithelial cells, whereas OSCN- in high doses causes necrosis, suggesting an important role in airway allergic inflammation for the production of OSCN- via the pendrin/peroxidase/Duox pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose We recently demonstrated that M2 macrophages were involved in the development of fibrovascular membranes (FVM) associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) possibly through the induction of periostin. The purpose of this study was to determine whether macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and interleukin (IL)-13, inducers of the M2 polarisation of macrophages from monocytes, are elevated in the vitreous of patients with PDR, and whether M2-polarised macrophages induce periostin production. Methods We measured the levels of M-CSF, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-4, IL-13, soluble (s)CD163, periostin and vascular endothelial growth factor by sandwich ELISA in vitreous samples collected from 61 eyes of 47 patients with PDR, and 39 eyes of 36 patients with non-diabetic ocular diseases (control group). Human monocytes were polarised in vitro with GM-CSF, interferon-γ, and lipopolysaccharide for M1 macrophages, and M-CSF, IL-4, and IL-13 for M2 macrophages. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to determine the mRNA level of periostin. Results The concentrations of M-CSF and IL-13 in the vitreous were significantly higher in patients with PDR than in non-diabetic controls ( p<0.0001). There was a strong positive correlation between the vitreous concentrations of M-CSF and sCD163 and periostin. The mean vitreous level of IL-13 was significantly higher in eyes with FVMs than in those without FVMs (epicentre only). In vitro studies showed that M2-polarlised macrophages significantly increased the expression of the mRNA of periostin. Conclusions These findings indicate that the M2 polarisation of macrophages is induced by M-CSF and IL- 13 in diabetic retinas. The presence of M-CSF and IL-13 would then promote FVM formation by periostin production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asthma is a heterogeneous disease composed of various phenotypes. Periostin, a molecule inducible with interleukin (IL)-4 or IL-13 in bronchial epithelial cells, is a biomarker of "TH2-high" asthma. The objective of this study is to examine whether the serum periostin concentrations are correlated with the severity, specific phenotype(s), or comorbidity of asthma. Methods: Serum concentrations of periostin were measured in 190 Japanese asthmatic patients and 11 healthy controls. The protocol was registered under UMIN 000002980 in the clinical trial registry. Results: The serum concentrations of periostin were significantly higher (P = 0.014) in asthmatics [70.0 (54.0e93.5) ng/ml] than in healthy subjects [57.0 (39.0-63.0) ng/ml], though we found no correlation between serum periostin concentrations and treatment steps required to control asthma. To characterize "high-periostin" phenotype(s), the patients with asthma were divided among tertiles based on the serum concentrations of periostin. The high-periostin group was older at onset of asthma (P = 0.04), had a higher prevalence of aspirin intolerance (P < 0.04) or concomitant nasal disorders (P = 0.03-0.001), higher peripheral eosinophil counts (P < 0.001), and lower pulmonary function (P = 0.02-0.07). The serum concentrations of periostin were particularly high in asthmatic patients complicated by chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and olfactory dysfunction. In contrast, neither atopic status, control status of asthma, nor quality of life were related with the "high-periostin" phenotype. Conclusion: Elevated periostin concentrations in serum were correlated with a specific phenotype of eosinophilic asthma, late-onset and often complicated by obstructive pulmonary dysfunction and nasal disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidermal hyperplasia is a histological hallmark observed in both atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis, although the clinical features and the underlying immunological disorders of these diseases are different. We previously showed that periostin, a matricellular protein, plays a critical role in epidermal hyperplasia in AD, using a mouse model and a 3-dimensional organotypic coculture system. In this study, we explore the hypothesis that periostin is involved in epidermal hyperplasia in psoriasis. Methods: To examine expression of periostin in psoriasis patients, we performed immunohistochemical analysis on skin biopsies from six such patients. To investigate periostin's role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, we evaluated periostin-deficient mice in a psoriasis mouse model induced by topical treatment with imiquimod (IMQ). Results: Periostin was substantially expressed in the dermis of all investigated psoriasis patients. Epidermal hyperplasia induced by IMQ treatment was impaired in periostin-deficient mice, along with decreased skin swelling. However, upon treatment with IMQ periostin deficiency did not alter infiltration of inflammatory cells such as neutrophils; production of IL-17, -22, or -23; or induction/ expansion of IL-17- and 1L-22-producing group 3 innate lymphoid cells. Conclusions: Periostin plays an important role during epidermal hyperplasia in IMQ-induced skin inflammation, independently of the IL-23-IL-17/IL-22 axis. Periostin appears to be a mediator for epidermal hyperplasia that is common to AD and psoriasis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular techniques are becoming commonplace in the diagnostic laboratory. Their applications influence all major phases of laboratory medicine including predisposition/genetic risk, primary diagnosis, therapy stratification and prognosis. Readily available laboratory hardware and wetware (i.e. consumables and reagents) foster rapid dissemination to countries that are just establishing molecular testing programs. Appropriate skill levels extending beyond the technical procedure are required for analytical and diagnostic proficiency that is mandatory in molecular genetic testing. An international committee (C-CMBC) of the International Federation for Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) was established to disseminate skills in molecular genetic testing in member countries embarking on the respective techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periostin is a 90-kDa member of the fasciclin-containing family; it functions as part of matricellular proteins, and its production by airway epithelial cells is induced by IL-4 and IL-13. Periostin is secreted by fibroblasts and upregulated in the airway epithelia of patients with bronchial asthma; it is considered to contribute to remodeling under this pathological condition. However, despite many studies in diverse research areas, our overall understanding of this intriguing molecule is still inadequate. Here, we integrate the available evidence on periostin expression and its roles in otolaryngological diseases, including allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, aspirin-induced asthma, organized hematoma, eosinophilic otitis media, and IgG4-related disease. Periostin might be involved as an important structural mediator in pathological processes such as insult and injury, Th2-driven inflammation, extracellular matrix restructuring, fibrosclerosis, tumor angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a severe, vision-threatening disorder characterized by the fibrous membrane formation that leads to tractional retinal detachment. There has been no effective therapeutic approach other than vitreoretinal surgery. In this study, DNA microarray analysis of the fibrous membranes revealed significant up-regulation of periostin. We also found increased periostin expression in the vitreous and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells from fibrous membranes of PVR patients. In vitro, periostin increased proliferation, adhesion, migration, and collagen production in RPE cells through integrin αV-mediated FAK and AKT phosphorylation. Periostin blockade suppressed migration and adhesion induce by TGFβ2 and PVR vitreous. In vivo, periostin inhibition had the inhibitory effect on progression of experimental PVR in rabbit eyes without affecting the viability of retinal cells. These results identified periostin as a pivotal molecule for fibrous membrane formation well as a promising therapeutic target for PVR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To study the clinical and pathological characteristics of patients with organized hematoma with malignant features in maxillary sinuses. Subjects and Methods. This was a retrospective study of five patients who were treated surgically for organized hematoma. The preoperative CT and MRI findings were studied clinically. The expressions of CD31, CD34, and periostin in surgical samples were investigated by immunohistoche mistry. Results. The clinical features of organized hematoma, such as a mass expanding from the maxillary sinus with bone destruction, resembled those of maxillary carcinoma. However, CT and MRI provided sufficient and useful information to differentiate this condition from malignancy. Surgical resection was the first-line treatment because of the presence of a firm capsule. Characteristic histopathological findings were a mixture of dilated vessels, hemorrhage, fibrin exudation, fibrosis, hyalinization, and neovascularization. The expressions of periostin, CD31, and CD34 were observed in organized hematoma of the maxillary sinus. Conclusion. The expressions of periostin, CD31, and CD34 were observed in organized hematoma of the maxillary sinus. Organized hematoma is characterized pathologically by a mixture of bleeding, dilated vessels, hemorrhage, fibrin exudation, fibrosis, hyalinization, and neovascularization. CT and MRI show heterogeneous findings reflecting a mixture of these pathological entities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a 6-year-old girl with amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia, the first case of this rare congenital disorder not to have an MPL gene mutation. Although no mutations were identified in MPL, Mpl protein was absent in the platelets and TPO induced phosphorylation of the Janus tyrosine kinase 2 (Jak2) was not detected. In addition to the defect of Mpl, the patient demonstrated markedly reduced expression of glycoprotein VI (GPVI) in contrast to normal expression of other platelet-specific proteins GPIbα, GPIbβ, and GPIIb. To explore the causes for the absence of Mpl, the entire coding resion of Jak2 and AML1 were sequenced and no mutations were identified. To our knowledge, this is the first report that describes a case of amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia that is not caused by a mutation in MPL and demonstrates the severe impairment of GPVI expression on platelets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a study which examined periostin in the bronchial lavage fluid (BLF) of asthma patients to explore whether it can be a more specific biomarker for bronchial asthma. Topics discussed include the characteristics of serum periostin, the value of periostin concentration in BLF and the secretion and production manner of periostin in the lumens.