Search

Background: Nasal polyps infiltrated with eosinophils are commonly found in chronic asthmatic patients, more frequently in those with aspirin-intolerant asthma (AIA) than aspirin-tolerant asthma (ATA). Some studies have suggested a contribution of superantigens derived from Staphylococcus sp to nasal polyposis and eosinophilia, but their relative importance in AIA and ATA subjects is unknown., Objective: We investigated whether local production of specific IgE to staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B (SEA and SEB) and relationships with markers of eosinophilic inflammation differ in the nasal polyps of AIA and ATA subjects., Methods: Fifteen AIA subjects with positive responses to lysine-aspirin bronchoprovocation and 15 ATA subjects underwent polypectomy. Immunoassays were used to quantify eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), IL-5, mast cell tryptase, soluble IL-2 receptors (sIL-2R), total IgE, and specific IgE for SEA and SEB., Results: ECP levels in nasal polyp homogenates were higher in AIA subjects than in ATA subjects (P < 0.02), with no significant differences in tryptase, IL-5 or sIL-2R. Total IgE, and specific IgE to both SEA and SEB, were detectable in some nasal polyps from both subject groups, but median levels were markedly higher in AIA subjects than in ATA subjects (P = 0.04, 0.01, 0.05, respectively). Levels of specific IgE to SEA and SEB correlated significantly with levels of ECP and IL-5, but not those of tryptase or sIL-2R., Conclusion: These findings suggest that staphylococcal superantigens may drive local eosinophilic inflammation in nasal polyp tissue, and that this is exacerbated in subjects with AIA.

Background: Our previous study reported that more than 50% of toluene diisocyanate (TDI)-induced asthma patients had persistent asthmatic symptoms even after complete avoidance. Although specific IgE (sIgE) has been detected in a portion of patients with TDI-asthma, a recent investigation suggests that the presence of serum specific IgG (sIgG), not sIgE, is more closely associated with positive bronchoprovocation test (BPT) results., Objective: To evaluate the possible role of sIgE and sIgG in predicting long-term prognosis of TDI-asthma., Materials and Methods: Forty-one TDI-asthma patients whose diagnosis was confirmed by TDI-BPT, and 20 unexposed healthy controls were enrolled. Both sIgE and sIgG to TDI-human serum albumin (HSA) conjugate were detected by ELISA. All patients with persistent asthmatic symptoms took anti-asthmatic medications during the follow-up period (mean: 67.5 months) and were instructed to avoid exposure to TDI. Airway hyper-responsiveness to methacholine (AHM) was monitored every year during the study period. The patients were classified into three groups according to changing patterns of AHM and asthmatic symptoms as follows: group I, no improvement with persistent asthmatic symptoms (n = 12); group II, partial improvement with persistent asthmatic symptoms (n = 13); group III, in remission (n = 16)., Results: Favourable prognosis was associated with a mild degree of AHM at initial diagnosis (P < 0.05). Although there were no significant differences in the prevalence of sIgE antibody to TDI-HSA conjugate among the three groups (P > 0.05), prevalence of sIgG in group I tended to be higher than in group II (0.05 < P < 0.1). However, the levels of sIgG were significantly higher in group I than in group II (P = 0.05), whereas levels of sIgE were significantly higher in group II than in group I (P = 0.014). No significant differences were noted in exposure duration, sex, age, atopic status, and total IgE level among the three groups (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: This study confirmed that a favourable outcome is related to a mild degree of AHM and to low levels of sIgG to predict persistent asthmatic symptoms, it also suggested that the presence of high serum-specific IgE at initial diagnosis may represent a better prognosis.

Background: There have been no reports dealing with the pathogenic mechanism and IgE-binding components in patients with anaphylaxis caused by a sting from Pachycondyla chinensis., Objectives: This study was conducted to observe the clinical features of patients with P chinensis -induced anaphylaxis. The roles of specific (s) IgE and sIgG4 antibodies were evaluated, and IgE-binding components were identified., Methods: Seven patients with P chinensis -induced anaphylaxis and 15 unexposed control subjects were enrolled. P chinensis ants were collected at the patients' homes, and venom was prepared as P chinensis extract. Five patients complained of bee venom-induced anaphylaxis and had positive sIgE levels to yellow jacket venom, wasp venom, or both as well. Serum sIgE and sIgG4 were detected by means of ELISA. To identify IgE-binding components within P chinensis extracts, 12% SDS-PAGE with immunoblot analysis was applied., Results: All patients had positive skin prick test responses to P chinensis antigen and positive sIgE levels. Five (71%) patients had positive sIgG4 levels. Eight IgE-binding components (58, 46, 3l, 29, 27, 25, 22, and 12 kd) were noted, and the component at 12 kd was the most frequently found allergen (85%). IgE ELISA inhibition tests were performed on 2 groups of sera: one from patients with anaphylaxis induced by both P chinensis and bee venom (group A) and the other from patients with anaphylaxis induced by P chinensis venom alone without bee venom allergy (group B). ELISA inhibition tests with serum from group A showed significant inhibitions with addition of P chinensis extract, partial inhibitions with yellow jacket antigen, and minimal inhibitions with wasp or imported fire ant antigens. However, ELISA inhibition tests with serum from group B showed significant inhibitions with P chinensis antigen but no inhibition with wasp, yellow jacket, or imported fire ant antigens., Conclusions: IgE-mediated reactions contributed to the development of P chinensis -induced anaphylaxis. Eight IgE-binding components and one major allergen (12 kd) were identified. Further studies will be needed to clarify the role of sIgG4 and to identify allergenic relationships with major bee and wasp allergens.

Background: Our previous investigations demonstrated that citrus red mite (CRM) antigen could cause IgE-mediated bronchoconstriction in exposed farmers working on citrus farms., Objective: This study was performed to confirm IgE-binding components and major allergens within the CRM antigens., Methods: Ten subjects who had been diagnosed as having CRM-induced asthma were enrolled. Serum-specific IgE antibodies to CRM antigens were measured by using an ELISA. To identify IgE-binding components and major allergens, SDS-PAGE, 2-dimensional PAGE, IgE-immunoblot analysis, and amino acid sequencing of major allergens were performed., Results: All the asthmatic subjects had high specific IgE antibodies to CRMs. Twelve percent SDS-PAGE analysis showed more than 10 protein bands ranging from 6 to 64 kd. SDS-PAGE and IgE-immunoblot analysis with each individual serum showed 5 IgE-binding components (11, 24, 35, 40, and 64 kd), with 2 (24 and 35 kd) of them bound in more than 50% of the study subjects. Two-dimensional PAGE and IgE-immunoblot analysis demonstrated that the major allergen at 24 kd had 2 bands with different isoelectric points of 4.75 and 5.1. Thirty-five kilodaltons had one band with an isoelectric point of 4.75. All amino acid sequencing of the 2 major allergens was performed, which was not homologous with any previously characterized allergens., Conclusion: Five IgE-binding components and 2 major allergens (24 and 35 kd) were identified within the CRM antigen. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the 2 major allergens (24 and 35 kd) was determined.

The prevalence studies on specific IgE to toluene diisocyanate (TDI)-human serum albumin (HSA) conjugate in TDI-induced asthma have shown variable results. In this study, we attempted to compare specific IgE bindings to TDI-HSA conjugate and its specificity using 3 different conjugates. Sera were collected from 20 TDI-induced asthma and 10 controls. Specific IgE were measured by ELISA using three TDI-HSA conjugates; two from Carnegie Mellon (CM; 98 and 99 CM conjugates) and one from Ajou University. To evaluate specificity and cross-reactivity, ELISA inhibition tests were applied. Positive and negative predictive values between Ajou conjugate and 98 CM conjugate were 75% and 100%. Those between Ajou and 99 CM were 100% and 93.8%. One patient showed an isolated positive response to the Ajou with negative responses to the other two conjugates. ELISA inhibition test using this patient's serum revealed the significant inhibitions by the Ajou and minimal inhibitions by the others. On the other hand, another patient showed an isolated positive response to 99 CM with negative responses to the others, and ELISA inhibition test showed significant inhibition by 99 CM with minimal inhibitions by the others. These results suggest that specific IgE bindings to a new antigenic determinant of TDI-HSA conjugate can be heterogeneous and differ from one individual to another.

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.

Non-biting midges are known to contain potent inhalant allergens. IgE antibody responses to the crude extract of Chironomus kiiensis adults, a dominant chironomid species in Korea, were examined. With the IgE-ELISA or passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reactions, increased levels of chironomid-specific IgE were detected in the skin test positive human sera, or immunized BALB/c mouse sera with the crude extract adsorbed to alum. IgE-immunoblot analysis showed major IgE-reacting protein band patterns, which reacted with more than 50% of the skin test positive human sera, at 110, 80, 73, 46, 40, 37, 34, and 31 kDa. The reactive band patterns were largely similar between skin test positive humans and immune BALB/c mice. However, the bands of 55, 31, 27, 26, 24, and 23 kDa were found only in sensitized humans, but not in immunized mice.

Background: Although there have been a few reports of occupational asthma due to cellulase in several occupational settings, this is the first case of cellulase-induced occupational asthma in an employee working in the textile industry. Its pathogenetic mechanism remains to be further clarified., Objective: It is important to alert physicians to the possibility of occupational asthma caused by cellulase in workers of the textile industry., Methods and Results: The patient had atopy and strong positive responses to cellulase extract on skin prick tests. Bronchoprovocation test showed an early asthmatic response to cellulase extract. Serum specific IgE and specific IgG4 antibodies to cellulase were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In order to further characterize the allergenic component of the extract, sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and electroblotting studies were performed. Eight IgE binding components ranging from 6 to 97.5 kD were detected within the cellulase extract., Conclusion: These findings suggest that inhalation of cellulase can induce IgE-mediated bronchoconstrictions in employees working in the textile industry.

Background and Methods: To evaluate the role of specific antibodies to corn dust (CD) and their relationship to respiratory dysfunction, we detected serum specific IgE(slgE) and IgG4(slgG4) antibodies by ELISA in 42 employees working in the animal feed industry and 27 unexposed controls., Results: Our survey revealed that 15 (34.9%) subjects had work-related respiratory dysfunction associated with or without nasal symptoms. Among these subjects, eight had airway hyper-responsiveness to methacholine. Significant differences were noted in slgE and slgG4 between exposed and unexposed groups (p = 0.04, p = 0.00 respectively), but no difference was noted in slgG (p = 0.1). Although there was no significant differences in the prevalence of specific IgE antibody between symptomatic (29%) and asymptomatic groups (19%, p = 0.55), the specific IgE levels were significantly higher in symptomatic workers than in asymptomatic workers (p = 0.03). Specific IgG antibody was detected in 1 (6%) symptomatic and 4 (15%) asymptomatic workers (p = 0.46). Specific IgG4 antibody was detected in 11 (73%) of symptomatic and 21 (78%) of asymptomatic workers (p = 0.90). The higher prevalence of slgG4 antibody was noted in workers with slgE antibody (p = 0.001). The correlation between slgG and exposure duration was significant (r = 0.36, p = 0.02). There was no association between the prevalence of slgE, slgG, and slgG4 to exposure intensity, smoking or atopic status., Conclusion: These results suggested that the existence of slgG and slgG4 might represent a response to CD exposure, and that some unexposed subjects had slgG to CD. Specific IgE might play a role in the development of respiratory symptoms.

Objectives and Methods: To confirm the local production of IgE antibody from the nasal polyp tissue, and to evaluate the difference between atopics and non-atopics, nasal polyp tissues were taken from both 10 atopic and 10 non-atopic subjects. The tissue total IgE (tlgE) level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and serum tlgE level by radio-immunoassay. The tissue albumin level was measured by nephelometry, and serum albumin level by Bromocresol green method., Results: The polyp tissue tlgE/albumin as well as serum tlgE/albumin ratio were significantly higher in atopics than in non-atopics (p < 0.05), with no difference in the albumin level between the two groups (p > 0.05). Three non-atopic subjects had high polyp tissue tlgE/albumin (> 10). A significant correlation was noted between serum tlgE/albumin and polyp tlgE/albumin (r = 0.46, p = 0.04). The ratio of polyp tlgE/albumin to serum tlgE/albumin was greater than 1 in all of the non-atopic subjects and 7 of 10 atopic subjects., Conclusion: These findings support the hypothesis that IgE antibody could be locally produced from the nasal polyp tissue of non-atopic subjects as well as atopic subjects. The possibility of an isolated local production of IgE antibody was suggested.

To evaluate type I hypersensitivity to grain dust (GD), its prevalence and relationship to respiratory dysfunction, we studied clinical and immunologic features, including skin prick tests (SPT), serum specific IgE, and bronchoprovocation tests of 43 employees working in the animal feed industry. To further characterize IgE-mediated reaction, SDS-PAGE and electroblot studies were performed. Our survey revealed that 15 (34.9%) subjects had work-related skin response (> or =2+ of A/H ratio) to GD, thirteen (30.2%) had high specific IgE antibody against GD. The specific IgE antibody was detected more frequently in symptomatic workers (40%) than in asymptomatic workers (11%). Significant association was found between specific IgE antibody and atopy or smoking (p<0.05). The ELISA inhibition test of GD revealed significant inhibitions by GD extract and minimal inhibitions by the house dust mite, storage mite and corn dust. Immunoblot analysis showed 8 IgE binding components within GD ranging from 13.5 to 142.5 kDa. Two bands (13.5, 33 kDa) were bound to the IgE from more than 50% of the 14 sera tested. In conclusion, these findings suggest that GD inhalation could induce IgE-mediated bronchoconstriction in exposed workers.

Background: Allergen-specific IgE antibodies have been considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic asthma. However, studies on allergen-specific IgE antibodies in airway secretion from asthmatic patients are very rare compared with those in serum., Objectives: The present study was undertaken to determine whether induced sputum might provide a useful method for analysing allergen-specific IgE antibodies in airway secretions from asthmatic patients., Methods: Specific IgE antibodies to house dust mite (HDM) antigen were measured in induced sputum from 10 HDM-sensitive asthmatic patients and 12 non-allergic controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HDM-specific IgE was regarded as positive when the absorbance value was higher than mean + 2SD of controls. Their antigen-binding characteristics were determined by immunoblot analysis., Results: HDM-specific IgE was positive in induced sputum from seven of 10 HDM-sensitive asthmatics. The IgE binding to HDM antigen could be inhibited by fluid phase HDM antigen in a dose-dependent manner, not by mugwort antigen. Treatment of induced sputum with dithiothreitol decreased the antigen-specific bindings, and increased the non-specific bindings on the measurement of HDM-specific IgE. These effects were significant in a concentration of dithiothreitol greater than 0.05%. Immunoblot analysis revealed that HDM-specific IgE antibodies in induced sputum recognized the HDM antigens with molecular weights of 42, 34, 32, 25 and 14 kDa. These antigen binding characteristics were similar to those in serum., Conclusion: We conclude that analysis of induced sputum is a useful non-invasive method for studying allergen-specific IgE antibodies in airway secretion from asthmatic patients.

Background: Hop Japanese (Hop J) pollens are abundant in the air of Korea during the autumn season. Their significance as a source of allergic sensitization is still unclear., Objectives: We sought to detect the sensitization rate to Hop J pollen as an inhalant allergen and to identify its allergenic components., Method: We carried out skin prick tests with Hop J pollen extract in 1287 patients with respiratory allergy who visited our hospital over the course of 1 year. The serum-specific IgE antibody to Hop J pollen antigen was detected by ELISA, and its binding specificity was confirmed by the ELISA inhibition test. To confirm the respiratory sensitization, bronchoprovocation tests were performed in 16 asthmatic patients sensitive to this pollen. To characterize allergenic components, Hop J pollen extract was analyzed by means of sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by IgE immunoblotting., Results: A positive result on the skin prick test (> or = 2+ of the antigen to histamine ratio) was noted in 79 (6.1%) patients. The serum-specific IgE antibody was detected in 18 (41.9%) patients among 43 positive reactors tested. The ELISA inhibition test with the addition of Hop J pollen extract showed a dose-dependent response. Minimal inhibitions were noted with addition of ragweed and mugwort pollen extracts. Nine asthmatic patients showed significant bronchoconstriction after inhalation of the Hop J pollen extract (five early and four dual asthmatic responders), and all of them had high specific IgE binding. Immunoblot analysis revealed 12 IgE-binding components ranging from 13 to 89 kd. Three bands (13 kd, 74 kd, and 80 kd) were bound to the IgE among the sera tested from more than 50% of the patients., Conclusion: We believe that the Hop J pollen should be considered as a relevant allergen during the autumn season and thus included in skin test batteries in Korea. Some patients diagnosed as having "intrinsic" asthma or rhinitis might be sensitized to this pollen and other previously unknown allergens.

Background: There have been some reports of corn dust-induced occupational asthma that suggest nonimmunologic mechanism. In this paper, we present a case of occupational asthma and rhinitis caused by corn dust where bronchoconstriction was induced by an IgE-mediated reaction., Methods and Results: The patient had positive responses to weed and grass pollens as well as corn dust extracts. The bronchoprovocation test elicited an early asthmatic response to corn dust extracts. Serum-specific IgE and IgG4 antibodies to corn dust extracts were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In order to identify further the allergenic component of the extracts, sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and electroblotting studies were performed. Ten IgE-binding components (9 to 140 kD) were detected within the corn dust extracts., Conclusion: These results suggest that inhalation of corn dust can cause IgE-mediated bronchoconstriction in an exposed worker.

Background: House dust mite is an important cause of bronchial asthma worldwide. While the allergen is present all year-round, a seasonal variation of house dust mite allergen levels has been found. There have been few reports, however, on seasonal variation of specific immune response to house dust mite., Objective: We studied the changes in skin reactivity and specific IgE antibody to house dust mite associated with seasonal variation of house dust mite allergen levels in houses of mite-sensitive asthmatic patients., Methods: In 14 mite-sensitive asthmatic patients, house dust mite allergen (Der f 1) contents in bedding were measured monthly. Skin reactivity on prick test and specific IgE antibody to house dust mite, Dermatophagoides farinae (D. farinae), were determined every 3 months from july to December., Results: The concentration of Der f 1 in dust from bedding reached maximum levels in August and September, and significantly decreased in November and December compared with August and September (P < .05). Skin reactivity (a ratio of mean wheal diameter of allergen to histamine) to D. farinae decreased significantly in December compared with September (P < .05). Serum levels of total IgE and specific IgE antibody to D. farinae decreased significantly in December compared with September (P < .05)., Conclusion: These findings suggest that seasonal changes in natural exposure to house dust mite allergen might lead to concurrent changes in skin reactivity and specific IgE antibody to house dust mite in mite-sensitive asthmatic patients.

Isocyanate is the most prevalent agent in occupational asthma(OA) in Korea. We analyzed 43 toluene diisocyanate(TDI) induced OA patients of whom 81% were found to be spray painters. The bronchial sensitivity of all subjects was confirmed by TDI-bronchial challenge test. Serum-specific IgE antibodies to isocyanate-human serum albumin(HSA) conjugate were detected by RAST technique(Pharmacia, Sweden). Bronchial challenge test results revealed 21(57%) early, 5 late only, 4 dual, and 12 atypical responders(5 prolonged immediate, 6 square-shaped, 1 progressive). Four(9%) subjects had negative results on the methacholine bronchial challenge test. High levels of serum specific IgE antibody to isocyanate-HSA were found in 17(40%) patients. The prevalence of a specific IgE antibody was not associated with a type of TDI-bronchial challenge test response, smoking and atopic status, presence of rhino-sinusitis and systemic symptoms, or a degree of airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine(p > 0.05). The period of latency, ranging from 3 to 132 months, was significantly longer in high specific IgE responders (p < 0.05). These data suggest that 40% of isocyanate-induced occupational asthma patients had high specific IgE antibody to isocyanate-HSA conjugate. The presence of specific IgE antibody does not seem to correlate with clinical parameters.

Higher levels of IgE-containing immune complexes (IC) have been reported in sera from patients with allergic diseases than in sera from controls. To evaluate the possibility of an IC-mediated mechanism in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma, we measured circulating C3-containing IgE IC (C3-IgE IC) using anti-C3 ELISA from 20 house dust mite (HDM)-sensitive asthmatics, 20 non-atopic asthmatics, and 14 non-atopic controls. C3-IgE IC levels were significantly higher in HDM-sensitive asthmatics (mean +/- S.D.: 12.2 +/- 7.8 AU/ml) than in non-atopic asthmatics (6.5 +/- 7.5 AU/ml) or controls (5.8 +/- 4.4 AU/ml). C3-IgE IC levels were significantly correlated with HDM-specific IgE levels (r = 0.50, p < 0.05), but not with total IgE levels (r = 0.36, p > 0.05) in HDM-sensitive atopic asthmatics. C3-IgE IC levels in sera did not significantly change during HDM-bronchoprovocation test in six HDM-sensitive asthmatics who showed positive reaction. Part of C3-IgE IC could be precipitated by protein G coupled beads. In conclusion, C3-IgE IC levels were elevated in sera from HDM-sensitive asthmatics; moreover IgG antibodies might be a component of C3-IgE IC. Our results suggest that an IgE IC-mediated mechanism could be involved in the pathogenesis of atopic asthma.

To evaluate the significance of chironomid as a respiratory allergen, we performed skin prick tests with Chironomus plumosus (CP) and Tokunagayusurika akamusi (TA) extracts on 475 respiratory allergy patients, and their specific IgE antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 106 positive reactors to skin prick test and 30 negative controls. Ninety-seven (20.4%) showed more than 2+ of allergen to histamine ratio to CP and 98 (20.6%) to TA on skin prick test. Seventy-one (73.2%) of 97 positive reactors had increased specific IgE to CP, and 34 (34.7%) of 98 positive reactors, to TA. CP-specific IgE was detected in 14 (14.4%) non-atopic asthmatics and 6 (6.2%) non-allergic rhinitis patients. TA-specific IgE was detected in 17 (17.4%) non-atopic asthmatics and 6 (6.1%) non-allergic rhinitis patients. No association was noted between skin reactivity to Dermatophagoides farinae and the prevalence of specific IgE to CP or TA (p > 0.05). The correlation between total IgE level and specific IgE level to CP and TA was poor (r = 0.07, 0.04). ELISA inhibition test suggested specificity of IgE binding and cross-allergenicity between CP and TA. It is suggested that CP and TA can induce IgE-mediated reaction in exposed patients and should be considered as important causative allergens in respiratory allergy patients in Korea.

To elucidate the IgE binding site of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris r.) pollen, pollen grains were frozen and fixed using a cryocut. They were incubated with antibodies according to the following sequence: Sera pool of individuals who showed mugwort-RAST class 3 or 4, biotin-labeled goat anti-human IgE antibody, streptavidin-peroxidase and diaminobenzidine. Then, they were observed under electron microscopy. The control section was incubated with the sera pool from individuals who showed a negative result on a skin prick test to mugwort pollen. Antigenic activity (electrondense line) was noted on the surface of the exine. There was no activity in cytoplasm or the intine layer. The control section was completely free of activity. It was suggested that the IgE binding site of mugwort pollen was present on the surface of the exine.

We studied RAST and RAST inhibition tests to black GR, the most frequent sensitizer among several reactive dyes in our previous study, in order to evaluate the specificity of IgE antibodies to hapten or new antigenic determinants and the crossreactivity between two reactive dyes, black GR and orange 3R, in sera from four different sensitized workers. RAST inhibition studies with black GR-human serum albumin (HSA) conjugate discs demonstrated that black GR-HSA conjugates were the most effective inhibitors. Orange 3R-HSA conjugates, unconjugated forms of black GR and orange 3R were weak inhibitors in two patients and non-inhibitory in one patient, whereas they caused strong dose-dependent inhibitions in one patient. These results suggested that the IgE response to black GR-HSA conjugates might be heterogenous and the crossreactivity between two reactive dyes differed from one patient to another.

Reactive dyes have been widely used in recent years. This paper reports nine cases of immediate type occupational asthma to reactive dyes in one dye industry. All patients had had asthmatic symptoms, four had had rhinitis and they had worked for 6 to 25 months. Skin prick tests with reactive dyes were positive and bronchoprovocation tests also produced immediate or dual types of bronchoconstriction. We used the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) technique with nitrocellulose filter paper as a solid phase to detect specific IgE to four reactive dye-human serum albumin conjugates. High specific IgE binding was found in eight asthmatic workers compared with 13 negative controls. The RAST inhibition test revealed that there was no immunological cross-reactivity between 4 reactive dyes. These results suggested that the mechanism of their asthmatic symptoms was immunological, mostly an IgE-mediate reaction.

Background and objective The MS4A2 gene, the β chain of the high-affinity receptor for immunoglobulin (Ig)E, has previously been linked to atopy and asthma. The β-chain of FcℇR1 enhances receptor maturation and signal transduction capacity, leading to the release of proinflammatory mediators and cytokines that can exacerbate the symptom of asthma. This study was performed to evaluate whether two genetic polymorphisms of the FcℇR1β gene (FcℇR1β−109T>C and FcℇR1β E237G) are associated with aspirin-intolerant asthma (AIA). Methods The MS4A2 gene polymorphisms (FcℇR1β−109T>C and FcℇR1β E237G) were determined by SNP-IT™ assays in patients with AIA ( N=164), aspirin-tolerant asthma (ATA, N=144) and normal controls (NC, N=264) recruited from a Korean population. Results The genotype frequencies of FcℇR1β−109T>C and E237G polymorphisms were not significantly associated with the pathogenesis of AIA. However, FcℇR1β−109T>C polymorphism was significantly associated with the presence of specific IgE to Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB); the number of subjects carrying both homozygous TT genotype of FcℇR1β−109T>C and specific IgE to SEB was significantly higher in the AIA group when compared with the other control groups ( P=0.01, odds ratio (OR)=7.723, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.327–39.860 for AIA vs. ATA; P=0.02, OR=6.364, 95% CI=1.149∼35.229 for AIA vs. NC). In addition, luciferase reporter assays also showed that the FcℇR1β−109T allele was associated with higher promoter activity of MS4A2 in both RBL-2H3 and A549 cell lines. Conclusion FcℇR1β−109T>C polymorphism may increase expression of MS4A2 by mast cells, leading to enhanced release of proinflammatory mediators in the asthmatic airway, contributing to increased susceptibility to AIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A disintegrin and metalloprotease 33 (ADAM33) is expressed in the lung by fibroblasts and bronchial smooth muscle cells. Given its structure and cellular provenance, ADAM33 may be associated with airway remodeling and bronchial hyper-responsiveness. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes of the ADAM33 gene have previously been associated with asthma susceptibility in the Caucasian population. To assess whether genetic variants of ADAM33 are related to asthma in a Korean population, we conducted an association study of the ADAM33 gene with asthma susceptibility, bronchial hyper-reactivity and serum IgE in Korean asthmatics (n = 326) and normal controls (n = 151). Five of the 14 polymorphisms originally reported to be associated with asthma development (S1 G>A, T1 T>C, V-1 C>A, V1 T>A, V4C>G) were genotyped using single base extension and electrophoresis. Haplotypes and their frequencies were inferred using the algorithm implemented by the software Arlequin. Allele frequencies of each SNP and haplotypes were compared between the patients and the normal controls using logistic regression analysis. There was no significant difference in the distribution of SNPs and the six haplotypes between asthmatics and normal controls. All single SNPs and six haplotypes in ADAM33 were also analyzed for the association with level of PC20 using general linear models. The distribution of the T1 T>C SNP and one haplotype (ht4: GCGG) showed significant association with log-transformed Pc20 methacholine level in the asthma patients (P=0.03 and 0.0007, respectively, using a co-dominant model). Polymorphism of ADAM33 may contribute to development of BHR in asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There have been very few reports of occupational allergies caused by inhalation of buckwheat flour. In this paper, we present a case of occupational asthma and rhinitis caused by buckwheat flour inhalation. Methods and results The patient had strong positive responses to grass and ragweed pollens as well. The bronchoprovocation test showed early asthmatic response to buckwheat flour extracts. Serum specific IgE antibody to buckwheat flour was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In order to further identify the allergenic component of the extracts, sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and electroblotting studies were performed. Eight IgE binding components (9–55kDa) were detected within the buckwheat flour extracts. Conclusion These results suggest that inhalation of buckwheat flour can caused IgE mediated bronchoconstriction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports the first investigation of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-binding components and the first report of specific serum IgE-binding components as well as serum-specific IgE and IgG4 antibodies to biodiastase in an exposed worker with occupational rhinitis. Results reveal that inhalation of biodiastase powder induced IgE-mediated occupational rhinitis in hospital and pharmaceutical workers, and identify IgE-binding components.

The article presents three cases of occupational asthma caused by thiamphenicol inhalation. All patients are non-atopic and in their late twenties. They had no history of allergic disease. A skin prick test is conducted to evaluate the immunoglobulin-E-mediated response.