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The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of preventive immunization on the incidence of allergies in Poland. 18,617 (53.8% female, 24.2% 6-7 years old, 25.4% 13-14 years old, 50.4% 20-44 years old) were selected by stratified cluster sampling method in 8 cities and 1 rural area. 4783 of whom underwent objective outpatient screening assessments. Study subjects were evaluated for any association between preventive immunization against rubella, measles, typhoid fever, smallpox and incidence of atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. There was no increased risk of allergy incidence in the majority of vaccinated subjects against rubella, measles, typhoid fever, or smallpox (OR from 0.42 (p<0.0001) to 1.34 (p<0.0001) with 95% CI from 0.27-0.65 to 1.19-1.50). Slightly increased risk of asthma was after vaccination against typhoid (OR=1.27; p<0.0001) and smallpox (OR=1.21; p=0.02). The risk of atopic dermatitis (AD) was also evaluated following vaccination against rubella (OR=1.34; p<0.0001), typhoid (OR=1.13; p=0.005), varicella (OR=1.18; p=0.003); rhinitis and AR following vaccination against measles (respectively OR=1.22; p<0.0005 and OR =1.21; p=0.0002). No higher risk of allergic diseases was demonstrated in vaccinated individuals diagnosed by doctor in an outpatient setting. These data do not demonstrate a causal relationship between vaccinations and allergic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduction in asthma incidences and mortality, as well as improved quality of life, can be achieved via a wide use of prevention methods. A number of randomized cohort studies demonstrated the effectiveness of such management and the need for multiple treatments. Here, we evaluate whether asthma awareness influences the lifestyle and the use of prevention, as well as the effects of age, sex, economic status, and education on the use of prophylaxis. A total of 18,617 (53.8% female; 24.2% 6-7 years old, 25.4% 13-14 years old, and 50.4% 20-44 years old) were selected by a stratified cluster sampling method in eight cities and one rural area, each over 150,000 citizens. The sample was selected based on the methods and questionnaires of International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood and European Community Respiratory Health Survey. Patients aware of asthma significantly less often (p < 0.05) reported owning asthma-inducing items and significantly more often reported behaviors minimizing the number of allergens (p < 0.05). Patients aware of asthma took all actions reducing their exposure to in-house allergens significantly more often than the healthy (p < 0.05) and individuals with symptoms only (p < 0.05). Allergy prevention was used more often in children (p < 0.0005), responders aware of diseases (p < 0.05), higher levels of education (p < 0.05), and higher household income (p < 0.05). The most common type of prophylaxis used is prophylactic actions, which are undertaken by patients diagnosed with asthma and who are aware of their disease. Adults do not use preventive measures as often as children or adolescents do. Higher rates of prevention-oriented behavior were observed in groups characterized by higher levels of education and higher household income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Data on the importance of sensitization in atopic dermatitis (AD) is controversial. It is the question which AD is atopic disease. Aim. To analyze the impact of sensitization to aeroallergens in AD. Is there a similar pattern of sensitization in patients with AD, allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma? Material and methods. We studied 4783 participants (29.46% 6-7 yo, 27.98% 13-14 yo, 22.73% adults) in 8 urban and 1 rural area. Allergologist diagnosed AD based on Hanifin-Rajka's criteria. Skin prick tests (SPT) was performed with the 15 most common aeroallergens. SPT was positive when the wheal was 3 - 5 mm, remarkable positive ≥ 6 mm. Results. AD was diagnosed in 6.5% of patients, asthma in 10.6%, AR in 28.9%. A positive SPT to at least one aeroallergen was in 45.8% (6-7 yrs 39.3% 48.6% 13-14 years of age, adults 48.2%). The most sensitizing were D. pteronyssinus (24.7%), D. farinea (21.6%) and grass/grain (22.3%). SPT was positive in 66.9% of patients with AD, 84.63% AR, 70.5% asthma. In patients with AD the most sensitizing were D. pteronyssinus (33.1%), D. farinea (33.2%) and grass/grain (30.6%). Sensitization to Cladosporium (OR 2.03), D. farinea (OR 2.0), cat (OR 2.01) and birch (OR 1.98) had the greatest impact on AD. Conclusions. We confirmed the high prevalence of sensitization to aeroallergens in patients with AD, although less than in AR and asthma. Sensitization to aeroallergens was a risk factor for AD. In the general population the greatest impact on the presence of AD was sensitization to Cladosporium, D. farinea, cat and birch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Over the last few decades the prevalence of allergic diseases has dramatically increased. This situation makes it necessary to conduct international, standardized, randomized epidemiological studies Aim of the study. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of bronchial asthma in Poland. Material and methods. The study was conducted with the use of a translated and validated questionnaire survey developed for international ECRHS II and ISAAC studies. The study was performed in 9 selected regions in Poland (8 urban regions and 1 rural region). The respondents were obtained from a random multistage selection and they were proportionally stratified on the basis of their PESEL (Identification Number) operator. The completed questionnaires were collected from 18,617 respondents and nearly 25% of them subsequently underwent a medical examination. Results. Asthma was self-reported in 4.72% of the subjects land was diagnosed in 11% of subjects after the ECAP medical examination. Wheezing and whistling during the past 12 months was reported by 12.4% of adults and in the whole life by 18.8% of children 16.1% of adolescents. The association between asthma and allergic rhinitis was declared by 73.6% of patients. Conclusions. Asthma is a prevalent disease in the Polish population and should be considered a significant social problem. Measures for early detection and prevention of asthma should be introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel strategy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis results from the innovative combination of antihistamine and intranasal corticosteroid drugs. By combining two preparations with different mechanism of action, this novel approach facilitates quick and effective controls of all upper respiratory tract allergy symptoms. The article presents the results of a study of olopatadine hydrochloride and mometasone furoate fixed-dose combination (GSP301) administered intranasally from a spray formulation, with an attempt at positioning the treatment within the ARIA and EPOS guidelines.

Introduction: Specific immunoglobulins E (sIgE) are important parameters for the estimation of severity of allergic diseases., Aim: To determine the relationship between the concentration of specific IgE antibodies in serum and types of asthma., Material and Methods: The concentration of sIgE antibodies against allergens Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus , cat dander, timothy grass, and Alternaria alternata were determined in the serum of 4077 respondents randomly selected from 8 regions (ECAP study). The positive results of sIgE (≥ 0.35 IU/ml or ≥ 0.7 IU/ml) were correlated to clinical diagnosis (types of asthma, skin-prick tests)., Results: sIgE antibodies against any allergen were detected in 9.9% (classes 1-6)/7.6% (classes 2-6) of healthy respondents. Comparing sIgE antibodies of respondents with intermittent asthma to sIgE antibodies of respondents with persistent asthma, no statistically significant differences were identified. Relating to allergens of D. pteronyssinus , cat dander, and A. alternata , sIgE antibodies were more frequently detected in respondents with atopic asthma and a negative skin-prick test as compared to healthy respondents with a negative skin-prick test ( p < 0.005 to p < 0.001). Relating to allergens of D. pteronyssinus , cat dander, and timothy grass, sIgE antibodies were more frequently detected in respondents with atopic asthma and a weakly positive skin-prick test as compared to healthy respondents with weakly positive skin-prick test ( p < 0.05 to p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Regarding subjects with a negative or weakly positive skin test, when sIgE antibodies to the same allergen are detected, asthma is much more likely to occur., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2023 Termedia Sp. z o. o.)

Introduction: Specific immunoglobulins E (sIgE) are important parameters for the estimation of severity of allergic diseases., Aim: To determine the relationship between the concentration of specific IgE antibodies in serum and types of rhinitis., Material and Methods: The concentration of sIgE antibodies against allergens Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus , cat dander, timothy grass, and Alternaria alternata were determined in the serum of 4077 respondents randomly selected from 8 regions (ECAP study). The positive results of sIgE (≥ 0.35 IU/ml or ≥ 0.7 IU/ml) were correlated to clinical diagnosis (types of rhinitis, skin-prick tests)., Results: sIgE antibodies are more frequently detected in respondents with intermittent/seasonal allergic rhinitis and a negative skin-prick test as compared to healthy respondents with a negative skin-prick test ( p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Relating to allergens of D. pteronyssinus and cat dander, sIgE antibodies are more frequently detected in respondents with persistent/perennial allergic rhinitis and a negative or weakly positive skin-prick test as compared to healthy respondents with a negative or weakly positive skin-prick test ( p < 0.05 to p < 0.001)., Conclusions: The occurrence of intermittent/seasonal allergic rhinitis is much more probable in respondents with a negative skin-prick test, when IgE antibodies against the same allergen are detected. And the occurrence of persistent/perennial allergic rhinitis is much more probable in respondents with a negative or weakly positive skin-prick test with allergens of D. pteronyssinus or cat dander, when IgE antibodies against the same allergen are detected., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2023 Termedia Sp. z o. o.)

Introduction: Specific immunoglobulins E (sIgE) are important parameters to estimate the severity of allergic diseases., Aim: To determine the influence of gender, age and place of residence on the concentration of specific IgE antibodies in serum., Material and Methods: The concentration of sIgE antibodies against allergens of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, cat dander, timothy grass, Alternaria alternata were determined in serum of 4077 respondents randomly selected from 8 regions (ECAP study). The positive results of sIgE (≥ 0.35 IU/ml) were correlated with answers to ECAP questionnaires., Results: IgE antibodies are less frequently detected in respondents living in the country ( p < 0.05 to p < 0.005); and they are less frequently detected in respondents living in cities of hardly industrialised regions than in respondents living in cities of industrialised regions (D. pteronyssinus p < 0.05, cat dander p < 0.01). IgE antibodies are more frequently detected in men ( p < 0.005 to p < 0.001). IgE antibodies are more frequently detected in respondents born in May-July (timothy grass p < 0.005, Alternaria alternata p < 0.005) and less frequently detected in respondents born in August-October (timothy grass p < 0.005, Alternaria alternata p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Characteristics of the urban environment, non-specific factors and gender affect the concentration of specific IgE antibodies in serum. Influence of seasonal allergens within the first months of life and/or in the course of the foetal period alters the production of specific IgE antibodies., (Copyright: © 2022 Termedia Sp. z o. o.)

Introduction: Specific immunoglobulins E (sIgE) are important parameters to estimate severity of allergic diseases., Aim: To determine the relationship between the concentration of sIgE antibodies in serum and clinical outcome of allergic diseases., Material and Methods: The concentration of sIgE antibodies against allergens Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, cat dander, Timothy grass, Alternaria alternata were determined in serum of 4077 respondents randomly selected from 9 regions (ECAP study). Positive results of sIgE (≥ 0.35 IU/ml) were correlated with answers in ECRHSII and ISAAC questionnaires., Results: IgE antibodies are more frequently detected in respondents aged over 4 years when they had their first attack of asthma (cat dander p < 0.05, Timothy grass p < 0.05). IgE antibodies are less frequently detected in respondents aged over 29 years when they had the first allergic rhinitis symptoms as compared to respondents aged 0-19 years when they had the first allergic rhinitis symptoms ( p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Among respondents showing allergic rhinitis symptoms, IgE antibodies are more frequently detected in respondents showing those symptoms from May to August ( p < 0.05 to p < 0.005)., Conclusions: The first attack of asthma appears later mainly in patients whose immune systems are more strongly stimulated by allergens. Development of allergic rhinitis in patients aged over 29 years presumably needs weaker stimulation of their immune systems by allergens than in patients aged 0-19 years. Stimulation of an immune system by different types of allergens modifies its response in such a way that seasonal (late spring and summer) factors increase probability of allergic rhinitis symptoms., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2021 Termedia Sp. z o. o.)

Introduction: The patterns of sensitisation to airborne allergens and their association with allergic diseases have been analysed in different geographical regions., Aim: To analyse the impact of sensitisation to airborne allergens on allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma in different age groups of the Polish population., Material and Methods: Completed questionnaires of 18,617 subjects (53.8% females), collected within the ECAP, a cross-sectional multicentre study, were analysed. Three groups of respondents were included: 6-7-year-olds (24.2%), 13-14-year-olds (25.4%), 20-44-year-olds (50.4%). The clinical part (an anamnesis, physical examination, spirometry, skin prick tests and an assay of major airborne allergen-specific IgE) was attended by 25.7% of the respondents., Results: The AR was most strongly related to sensitisation to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus , with the highest odds ratios of 10 in two younger groups and of 16 for persistent AR in children. It was also the most important risk factor for allergic asthma, with odd ratios from 8.34 in children to 6.40 in adolescents. Sensitisation to grass pollen allergens was a major risk factor for both AR, with odds ratios from 9.16 in adults to 7.87 in adolescents, and asthma, with odds ratios from 6.16 in adolescents to 5.67 in adults., Conclusions: AR and asthma shared common risk factors, independently of age. Sensitisation to airborne allergens was significantly associated with asthma and, even more strongly, with AR, across all age groups. The AR was the strongest risk factor for allergic asthma in the youngest group. Persistent AR increased asthma risk more than intermittent AR in all age groups., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Termedia.)

Introduction: Despite the known role of pollen allergens in causing allergy symptoms in sensitized individuals, there are few publications investigating the relationship between pollen exposure in different regions and the prevalence of inhalant allergy., Aim: To assess the association between the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and asthma and the degree of exposure to pollen in various regions of Poland., Material and Methods: Completed questionnaires of 9,443 subjects living in four urban centres (Wroclaw, Katowice, Warsaw, Bialystok), collected within part of the ECAP project, were analyzed. Children aged 6-7 ( n = 2,278), adolescents aged 13-14 ( n = 2,418), and adults aged 20-44 ( n = 4,747) constituted 24.2%, 25.6% and 50.3% of the respondents, respectively. The clinical part (including skin prick tests, an assay of Timothy grass-specific IgE), was attended by 24% of the respondents. Data from 6-year pollen monitoring served to characterize birch and grass pollen seasons., Results: We found insignificant negative associations between the duration of birch pollen season and the prevalence of declared allergic rhinitis and asthma during the season across all age groups. There were insignificant inverse associations between the number of days with above-threshold and high grass pollen concentrations, total grass pollen count and the prevalence of declared allergic rhinitis and asthma during the season across all age groups. Associations noted in the clinical part were also non-significant; however, these trends were not uniform across the age groups., Conclusions: Our findings do not confirm the hypothesis of a positive association between pollen exposure and the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and asthma., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2019 Termedia Sp. z o. o.)

Introduction: Specific immunoglobulins E (sIgE) are important parameters to estimate severity of allergic diseases., Aim: To determine the influence of allergy risk factors on the concentration of specific IgE antibodies in serum., Material and Methods: The concentration of sIgE antibodies against allergens Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus , cat dander, timothy grass, Alternaria alternata were determined in serum of 4077 respondents randomly selected from 9 regions (ECAP study). The positive results of sIgE (≥ 0.35 IU/ml) were correlated to answers in questionnaires ECRHSII and ISAAC., Results: sIgE are more frequently detected in respondents declaring an allergic disease of a father than of a mother ( D. pteronyssinus p < 0.05, A. alternata p < 0.01). An early beginning to attend school, kindergarten or nursery increases the frequency of sIgE detection ( p < 0.05). If the number of children who slept in the same room as a respondent before the respondent was five years old, was lower, sIgE antibodies are more frequently detected ( p < 0.05). Relating to: 1) all 4 allergens, sIgE are the most frequently detected in respondents declaring absence of a carpet/rug at home ( p < 0.05), 2) cat dander - less frequently detected in respondents who have a cat at home at the age of 1-4 years ( p < 0.005)., Conclusions: Carpets/rugs capture a portion of mite, epidermal, mould allergens located at home, wherefore absence of a carpet or rug causes greater stimulation of an immune system by these allergens; as a consequence, IgE antibodies are the most frequently detected in respondents. Household contacts of the respondents, at the age of 1-4 years, with cats induced partial immune tolerance to cat dander., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Introduction: Allergic rhinitis concerns nearly 25% of the Polish population. Among pollen allergens, the most common reasons for allergic rhinitis are: grass, birch and mugwort. Knowledge of the characteristics of pollen seasons is necessary in diagnostics, monitoring of therapy and prevention of allergic rhinitis. P urpose: This work aims to analyze pollen seasons of the most allergenic plants in the Polish population; grass, birch and mugwort in the years 2003-2017 in Warsaw. M aterial and methods: Measurements of pollen concentration were carried out using Burkard volumetric spore trap operating in continuous mode. Analysis of pollen seasons was conducted based on the following characteristics: beginning, end, and length of season, the seasonal pollen index (SPI), defined as the sum of average daily pollen concentrations over the year, maximum daily concentration, number of days with maximum and threshold concentration. Linear regression together with the Pearson correlation coefficient were used in statistical analysis to study the relationship between variables; furthermore, descriptive characteristics of distributions studied were determined. R esults: The average beginning of the birch pollen season in the analyzed period is April 10th, and it belongs to seasons of average length (47 days on average). Birch pollen count above 75 grains/m3, when most allergic people develop symptoms, was recorded for an average of 18 days. The highest daily birch pollen count reaching 6321 grains/m3 (2012) exceeded the lowest value of the maximum concentration by almost 20 times (2015). Among the taxa analyzed, the highest values of daily counts and annual sums were recorded for birch pollen. The average date for the beginning of grass pollination season is on May 13th. It is the longest pollen season (on average 134 days), and the period when concentration exceeded 50 grains/m3 covered an average of 26 days. The highest daily grass pollen counts reaching 496 grains/m3 (2007) exceeded the lowest value of maximum concentration by 3.5 times (2016). The average date of the beginning of mugwort pollen season is July 16th. The season lasts 65 days on average, when concentration exceeding 30 grains /m3 was registered for an average of 12 days. The highest daily mugwort pollen count reaching 154 grains/m3 (2007) exceeded the lowest value of maximum concentration by 4 times (2013). For all analyzed taxa, the strongest correlated variables are the sum of average daily pollen concentrations over the year (SPI ) and daily maximum concentration (correlation for birch pollen = 0.92, for grass pollen = 0.88, and for mugwort pollen = 0.91)., Conclusions: Periods of pollen in the air show certain variation in the analyzed 15-year period. The maximum concentration in the pollen season for the analyzed taxa and the the sum of average daily pollen concentrations over the year show the highest variability, particularly strongly expressed in the case of birch pollen. There is a linear relationship between the sum of average daily pollen concentrations over the year and the maximum concentration value as well as the number of days with the threshold concentration for all analyzed taxa. Variability of parameters describing the dynamics of pollen seasons indicates the need to monitor, both by patients with hay fever and physicians, the current information on the concentration of pollen in the air during the pollen season.

Introduction: The aim of the study is to indicate the relation between the use of alternative medicine and the occurrence of allergic diseases in the Polish population of adults in the age of 20-44 years. Moreover the additional aim of the study is to define the relation between the sex, age and place of living and the use of alternative medicine., Material and Methods: The data from the project Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland (ECAP) has been used for analysis. This project was a continuation of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II. The questions on alternative medicine were asked to the group of 4671 respondents in the age of 20-44 years. Additionally outpatient tests were performed in order to confirm the diagnosis of allergic diseases., Results: The total of 22.2% of respondents that participated in the study have ever used alternative medicine (n = 4621). A statistically significant relation between the use of alternative medicine and declaration of allergic diseases and asthma symptoms has been demonstrated (p < 0.001). No statistically significant relation between the use of alternative medicine by persons diagnosed by a doctor with any form of asthma or seasonal allergic rhinitis (p > 0.05) has been demonstrated., Conclusions: The occurrence of allergic diseases and asthma influences the frequency of alternative medicine use. However the frequency of alternative medicine use does not depend on allergic disease or asthma being confirmed by a doctor.

Objective: To analyse the relationship between obesity and overweight and the prevalence of allergic diseases and sensitization, and the impact of gender and place of residence., Design: Questionnaire based on those used in ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) and ECRHS (European Community Respiratory Health Survey)., Setting: Our study involved populations of the eight largest cities and one rural region in Poland (each with over 150,000 inhabitants)., Subjects: The study included 18,617 participants (24·2% aged 6-7 years, 25·4% aged 13-14 years, 50·4% adults aged 20-44 years) in eight cities and one rural area. The out-patient study involved 4783 patients (25·7%); we performed skin prick testing with fifteen aeroallergens., Results: Overweight was found in 16·13% of participants (9·11% of 6-7-year-olds, 4·90% of 13-14-year-olds and 25·61% of adults), obesity in 6·41% (7·16%, 2·45% and 8·36%, respectively). In adults, overweight (OR=1·34) and obesity (OR=1·80) increased the prevalence of asthma, especially in women (OR=1·53, OR=2·01). Among 13-14-year-olds the prevalence was higher only in the obese (OR=1·76). Overweight (OR=1·99) and obesity (OR=2·17) affected the incidence of doctor-diagnosed asthma in 6-7-year-olds. Overweight (OR=0·81) and obesity (OR=0·76) reduced the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in men. There was no relationship between BMI and asthma in people from rural areas. Obesity and overweight did not affect the frequency of sensitization to aeroallergens., Conclusions: Overweight and obesity increased the prevalence of symptomatic asthma in adults, especially in women. In 13-14-year-olds, only obesity increased the prevalence of asthma. In children, overweight was associated with increased prevalence of clinically diagnosed and declared asthma and a trend towards atopy. Higher BMI was negatively associated with the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in overweight and obese man. There was no correlation between BMI and sensitization to aeroallergens.

Introduction: Global epidemiological studies have revealed considerable geographical differences in prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD)., Aim: To present the epidemiology of AD, risk factors and co-occurrence of allergic diseases in the Polish population., Material and Methods: The present paper is a part of the Epidemiology of Allergic Disorders in Poland study. We studied 22 703 participants by ECRHS/ISAAC questionnaire; 18 617 (53.8% female, 24.2% 6-7 y.o., 25.4% 13-14 y.o., 50.4% 20-44 y.o.) completed questionnaires were accepted. Four thousand seven hundred and eighty-three participants (25.7%) have undergone a medical examination., Results: Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed in 3.91% (6-7 y.o. 5.34%, 13-14 y.o. 4.3%, adults 3.02%), more often in females (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 0.56-0.77), in the cities (OR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.61-3.09), in mothers (OR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.72-2.48) and fathers (OR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.61-2.49) with atopy, higher education (OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.11-2.32) and economic status (OR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.04-1.74). The highest prevalence was found in Katowice (4.89%) and lowest in rural areas (1.9%). Coexisting AD and allergic rhinitis (AR) was found in 26.17%, AR and asthma in 9.09% and AD, AR and asthma in 14.6%. Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed by allergologists in 6.5% (6-7 y.o. 8.7%, 13-14 y.o. 9.0%, adults 3.6%). Most diagnoses were made in Poznan (16.76%) and smallest in rural area (3.67%). 78.8% of subjects were diagnosed with AD for the first time although they had earlier experienced its symptoms., Conclusions: Atopic dermatitis prevalence in Poland is below the mean rate for Europe, but the risk factor profile is similar to other countries. Atopic dermatitis is more frequent in well-educated females with atopic parents and high socioeconomic status and who live in a city.

Aim: The present work focused on the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) gene that stimulates angiogenesis in the skin. It is postulated that endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are responsible for skin angiogenesis. The recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells was verified in the mouse skin transfected with the pSHH gene construct using the quantitative PCR method., Material and Methods: The tests were performed on male Balb/c mice. The SHH gene preparation was administered intradermally and/or intramuscularly. The assessment of the expression of EPCs angiogenic genes was performed using the qPCR method. The statistical analysis of the selected results was performed using the t-Student test. Differences were considered statistically significant when p<0.05., Results: Studies indicate that the SHH gene administered to mouse skin as pSHH, pSHH/PEI/NaCl and pSHH/PEI/H20 formulations recruits endothelial progenitor cells to the sites of injection. The increased expression of genes specific to endothelial progenitor cells as CD34, CD44, CD133, KDR and others was observed., Conclusions: The sonic hedgehog gene stimulates the recruitment to the skin the cells expressing EPCs markers. The mechanism of proangiogenic activity of SHH is linked to EPCs mobilization. SHH gene seems to be a potential gene-candidate to proangiogenic gene therapy applications.

This paper presents a risk assessment of individuals with respiratory allergies who are exposed to active and passive tobacco smoke (environmental tobacco smoke or ETS). Smoking tobacco and ETS is a serious environmental hazard known to be harmful to human health. This analysis is based on the results of the Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland (ECAP) study, which was conducted from 2006-2008 on a sample of approximately 22,500 respondents in 9 areas of Poland, both urban and rural. Data collection was based on individual interviews and a questionnaire employing Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing technology (CAPI). 46.8% of respondents declared themselves as smokers, defined as those who smoke and have done so for at least one year. In this group, 41.5% of respondents were female and 54.3% were male. While differences between various areas of Poland were demonstrated, they did not necessarily correlate with urbanization. Rural Zamość reported 41.4% of smokers while metropolitan Poznań had 41.9% of smokers. These statistics can be contrasted against other urban areas such as Katowice and Gdansk, which had 51.8% and 52.3% of smokers, respectively (n = 9376). 29.6% of rural women reported smoking, while this percentage was higher among urban women, ranging from 36.3% in Poznań to 49.5% in Gdańsk. However, the highest percentage of smokers was among males in Zamość at 56.1%. This percentage was higher than the overall average in this study. The largest percentages of active smoking occurred among laborers, craftsmen, miners, drivers, farmers and fishermen, the self-employed and gardeners. This quantitative assessment of the prevalence of smoking underlines the importance of the consequences of this habit as they relate to asthma and respiratory allergies. The findings demonstrate smoking as a serious social problem associated with allergic diseases, and a habit that differs between place of residence and work environment.

Cancer, monogenic and cardiovascular diseases are the main targets of clinical gene therapy. For the most part, the research is making use of virus gene carriers based on genome of well characterized adenoviruses and retroviruses. There is an intensive research being done on cloning vectors that would successfully deliver the therapeutic genes into the cells of interest without causing side effects. Experimental research and first clinical trials emphasize therapeutic significance of recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAV). The presence of AAV serotypes and possibility of their cloning in vitro allow conducting clinical trials of gene therapy using gene products introducing therapeutic genes into targeted cells, tissues, organs. In the work twelve known serotypes of AAV are described. The cell tropism as well as biological activity were discussed. Research shows that AAV vectors mostly are able to infect skeletal muscles (AAV1, 8, 9), heart (AAV9), liver (AAV8) and sense organs (AAV3, 4, 5).

The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between the level of reactivity in conjunctival provocation test and conjunctival symptoms that develop during the pollination season in grass allergic patients. Conjunctival provocation test with grass pollen allergens was performed in 22 patients suffering from pollinosis. During grass pollination season all patients monitored their symptoms with Symptoms Score Cards. A parallel measurement of the level of grass pollen count was carried out on a daily basis by volumetric method. The mean grass pollen count which triggered the reaction in individual patients depended on the results of conjunctival provocation test. The lowest pollen count level was observed in cases of patients with positive conjunctival provocation test at low allergen extract concentration of 160 and 500 BU/ml, whereas the highest count in cases of 1,600 BU/ml. The difference between the results was found to be statistically significant. A threshold grass pollen concentration for conjunctival symptoms was established at the level of 22 grains/m (3). We conclude that the patients with pollinosis and high reactivity in conjunctival provocation test develop conjunctival symptoms earlier during grass pollination season than the patients who are characterised by lower reactivity during conjunctival provocation test.

Allergic sensitisation of the airways occurs in the mucosa of the shock organ, or in the lymphatic stations draining these structures. The lymphatic structure closest to the nasal mucosa in humans is the adenoid and tonsils. Research done in respect to Waldeyer's ring on people dealing at the same time with allergy, is seldom the subject of dissertation in polish as well as world wide medical literature. In the enclosed dissertation, writers present the results of histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of hyperplastic tonsils and adenoid, taken from children with coexisting atopy. The authors describe an immunohistochemical analyses of the hyperplastic human palatine tonsil. They present the expression of antigen CD3, CD20, CD45, CD68, EMA, SMA, Vimentin, Desmin, S-100, von Willebrand Factor, p35, Bcl-2, melanin, cytokeratin, estrogen receptor, progesteron receptor, kolagen IV and NSE in every region of pallatine tonsil. It is worthwhile to remark, that many of these cases, the presence of eosinophilia and subepithelial oedema was observed. Our immunohistochemical findings support the hypothesis that allergic sensitization takes place in the adenoid and tonsils. Furthermore, this study confirms that dendritic cells ad macrophages are involved and important in allergic disease.

Allergic sensitisation of the airways occurs in the mucosa of the shock organ, or in the lymphatic stations draining these structures. The lymphatic structure closest to the nasal mucosa in humans is the adenoid. Pediatric adenoidal obstruction of the nasal airway is associated with significant morbidity and is a frequent indication for surgery. Because efficacious medical alternatives to adenoidectomy are lacking, we assessed the potency of standard-dose topical nasal fluticasone propionate and Cetirizine in reduction of adenoidal obstruction of the nasal airway. To examine the influence of these medicines on the adenoid hypertrophy (AH) we studied 43 children ages 4 to 9 years, who had AH and house dust mite allergy. Properly administered aqueous nasal fluticasone propionate and Cetirizine in standard doses can significantly reduce adenoidal hypertrophy and nasal airway obstructive symptoms in atopic children.

Unlabelled: Allergic sensitization of the airways occurs in the mucosa. The lymphatic structure closest to the nasal mucosa is the adenoid. Adenoid hypertrophy (AH) may cause significant morbidity in children but its relationship to atopy has not been intensively studied. To examine the influence of atopy on the adenoid hypertrophy we studied 134 children ages 4 to 8 years, with an average age of 5.4 who had AH. In the analysed group 102 children suffered from difficulty in nose breathing, 61 of children from recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, 51 from recurrent otitis and 40 from hearing disorders. On the basis of allergic and immunological examinations, in 30.6% atopy was confirmed--41 out of 134 children showed positive skin test for allergy, mostly to different kinds of pollen or house dust. From these positive patients the respective allergens could be determined by RAST tests in serum of 87%. Increased total IgE level in serum was confirmed only in 17.5%. 8.5% of children showed peripheral blood eosinophilia. Some children were qualified for adenotomy and removed adenoid was examined histopathologically. Pharmacological treatment was also recommended., Conclusions: The study shows that allergy and sensitivity to different kinds of allergens is an important risk factor for a greater degree of AH in children. Therefore, early prevention of exposure to them may help reduce occurrence of AH.