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Background Although the relationship between allergic sensitization and increased respiratory symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been suggested, which allergen has a significant effect on COPD pathology is unclear. This study aimed to identify the specific IgE related to clinical features of COPD and the diagnosis of asthma-COPD overlap (ACO). Methods We recruited 76 patients with COPD and analyzed 39 IgE using panel IgE test (View Allergy 39®). ACO was diagnosed according to the Japanese Respiratory Society Guidelines. Results As for perennial aeroallergens, the positivity for moth (31.5%), Candida (23.7%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (22.4%) and house dust (22.4%), and concerning pollen, Japanese cedar (35.5%) and Japanese cypress (22.2%) exceeded 20%. Only the positivity of IgE for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and house dust was significantly higher in ACO compared with that in non-ACO COPD. Moreover, it contributed to the diagnosis of ACO in an IgE class-dependent manner. Patients with cockroach IgE exhibited higher residual volume, whereas those with Japanese cedar IgE exhibited better diffusion capacity than negative patients. The contribution for ACO diagnosis by the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was comparable among total IgE (cutoff value: 158 IU/mL), blood eosinophil count (234/μL), and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (31.0 ppb). Conclusions The prominent role of mite-specific IgE in the diagnosis and pathology of ACO and the potentially detrimental effect of cockroach sensitization on air trapping in COPD were suggested. The finding highlights the future development of a treatment targeting IgE as a treatable trait in COPD.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common comorbidity among patients with asthma. In addition, functional dyspepsia (FD) is characterized by upper abdominal symptoms without organic disease manifestations. However, the prevalence of FD among patients with asthma remains uninvestigated; therefore, herein, we investigated the prevalence of dyspepsia symptoms in these patients.We recruited 156 patients with asthma from the outpatient clinic of Teikyo University Hospital and investigated the prevalence of dyspepsia symptoms using the modified Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of GERD. Further, the relationship between dyspepsia symptoms and clinical background of asthma was also investigated.Certain digestive organ symptoms were exhibited by 83% of patients with asthma, dyspepsia symptoms by 44%, and reflux symptoms by 26%. The dyspepsia-dominant group showed significantly higher female ratio and numerically lower %FEVA considerable proportion of patients with asthma exhibited dyspepsia symptoms, and the asthma severity in patients with dyspepsia was higher than those in asymptomatic patients. Based on the current findings, more attention should be directed to FD, in addition to GERD, as a comorbidity of the digestive system in patients with asthma.

Background: Although recent retrospective studies suggest the possibility that peripheral blood (PB) eosinophil counts can predict the efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in COPD, the results are still inconsistent. In addition, the distribution of PB eosinophil counts and its relationship with prescription of ICS in real world settings has not been fully described. Aim: The aim of the current study is to clarify the distribution of PB eosinophil counts in real world settings in Japan. We also analyzed the relationship between eosinophil count and the serum IgE level and frequency of ICS prescription. Methods: The data from patients diagnosed as COPD based on GOLD document in Teikyo University hospital and followed by specialists were analyzed (n=103). Asthma patients were excluded by specialists. The PB eosinophil %, counts, serum IgE level and medications were analyzed during stable condition. Results: PB eosinophil (%) exceeded 2% and 5% of total white blood cell count in 72.8% and 22.3% of patients, respectively. PB eosinophil counts were more than 150/μl and 300/μl in 54.4% and 23.3% of patients, respectively. Although ICS was prescribed to 31.1% of patients, there was no significant relationship between eosinophil counts and the frequency of ICS prescription and serum IgE level. Conclusion: In majority of COPD patients, PB eosinophil % or counts exceeded 2% or 150/μl, respectively and did not seem to reflect the atopic status and affect the decision making for ICS prescription by specialists. Utility of PB eosinophil counts in COPD seemed to be limited and its role should be further investigated.

Background Viral infections are the most common triggers of asthma exacerbation, but the key molecules involved in this process have not been fully identified. Although cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs) have been postulated as the key mediators, their precise roles remain largely unclear. To investigate the roles of cysLTs in virus-induced asthma exacerbation, we developed a murine model using a viral double-stranded RNA analog, polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), and analyzed the effect of leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) administration. Methods A/J mice were immunized with ovalbumin (OVA) + alum (days 0, 28, 42, and 49), followed by intranasal challenge with OVA (phase 1: days 50–52) and poly I:C (phase 2: days 53–55). Montelukast was administered during poly I:C challenge (phase 2) in the reliever model or throughout the OVA and poly I:C challenges (phases 1 and 2) in the controller model. Airway responsiveness to acetylcholine chloride was assessed, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed on day 56. Results Administration of poly I:C to OVA-sensitized and -challenged mice increased the number of eosinophils and levels of IL-13, IL-9, CCL3, and CXCL1 in BAL fluid (BALF) and tended to increase airway responsiveness. Montelukast significantly attenuated the poly I:C-induced increase in the number of eosinophils and levels of IL-13, IL-9, and CCL3 in BALF and airway hyperresponsiveness in both the reliever and controller models. Conclusions This is the first report showing that LTRA functionally suppressed the pathophysiology of a virus-induced asthma exacerbation model, suggesting the importance of cysLTs as a potential treatment target.