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Durham SR, Riis B. Grass allergen tablet immunotherapy relieves individual seasonal eye and nasal symptoms, including nasal blockage. Allergy 2007; 62:954-7. [PMID: 17620075 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01402.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symptoms of allergic rhinitis have a considerable impact on the quality of life of the sufferer. Sneezing, runny nose, blocked nose and headache are some of the most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis, which affects work, home and social life for many patients. Sublingual immunotherapy has shown to induce a protective immune response and provide sustained symptom prevention for allergic patients. AIMS OF THE TRIAL: The overall aims were to investigate the efficacy and safety of a sublingual grass allergen tablet (Grazax) 75 000 SQ-T; ALK-Abelló A/S, Denmark). Reported here are the effects of Grazax on individual eye and nasal symptoms. METHODS The trial was a double-blind placebo-controlled trial including 634 participants with significant rhinoconjunctivitis because of grass pollen. Participants were randomized 1 : 1 to Grazax (a fast dissolving, once daily immunotherapy tablet for home administration) or placebo and received treatment for at least 16 weeks prior to and continuing during the grass pollen season of 2005. Four nasal symptoms and two eye symptoms were scored on a scale from 0 (no symptoms) to 3 (severe symptoms) every day during the entire grass pollen season. Nasal symptoms included runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing and itchy nose; eye symptoms included gritty feeling/red/itchy eyes and watery eyes. RESULTS Consistent and highly significant reductions in individual eye and nasal symptoms (from 22 to 44%) were observed following treatment with Grazax as compared with placebo (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Grazax has effects on multiple allergic symptoms, including nasal blockage, and is an effective treatment of rhinoconjunctivitis, thereby reducing the need for topical anti-allergic drugs.
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Griesenbach U, Soussi S, Casamayor I, Piper E, Dewar A, Voase N, Gammie F, Mullard K, Orban N, Regamey N, Bush A, Shah P, Durham S, Geddes D, Davies J, Alton E. 36 Feasibility of airway surface liquid (ASL) height measurement in human nasal and bronchial biopsies. J Cyst Fibros 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-1993(07)60030-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Calderon MA, Alves B, Jacobson M, Hurwitz B, Sheikh A, Durham S. Allergen injection immunotherapy for seasonal allergic rhinitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007; 2007:CD001936. [PMID: 17253469 PMCID: PMC7017974 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001936.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic rhinitis is the most common of the allergic diseases. Despite improved understanding of the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis and advances in its pharmacological treatment, its prevalence has increased worldwide. For patients whose symptoms remain uncontrolled despite medical treatment, allergen injection immunotherapy is advised. An allergen-based treatment may reduce symptoms, the need for medication and modify the natural course of this disease. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous specific allergen immunotherapy, compared with placebo, for reducing symptoms and medication requirements in seasonal allergic rhinitis patients. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, Issue 1 2006), MEDLINE (1950 to 2006), EMBASE (1974 to 2006), Pre-MEDLINE, KOREAMED, INDMED, LILACS, PAKMEDINET, Scisearch, mRCT and the National Research Register. The date of the last search was February 2006. SELECTION CRITERIA All studies identified by the searches were assessed to identify randomised controlled trials involving participants with symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis and proven allergen sensitivity, treated with subcutaneous allergen specific immunotherapy or corresponding placebo. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two independent authors identified all studies reporting double-blind, placebo controlled randomised trials of specific immunotherapy in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis due to tree, grass or weed pollens. Two authors independently performed quality assessment of studies. Data from identified studies were abstracted onto a standard extraction sheet and subsequently entered into RevMan 4.2.8. Analysis was performed using the Standardised Mean Difference (SMD) method and a random-effects model; P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The primary outcome measures were symptom scores, medication use, quality of life and adverse events. MAIN RESULTS We retrieved 1111 publications of which 51 satisfied our inclusion criteria. In total there were 2871 participants (1645 active, 1226 placebo), each receiving on average 18 injections. Duration of immunotherapy varied from three days to three years. Symptom score data from 15 trials were suitable for meta-analysis and showed an overall reduction in the immunotherapy group (SMD -0.73 (95% CI -0.97 to -0.50, P < 0.00001)). Medication score data from 13 trials showed an overall reduction in the immunotherapy group (SMD of -0.57 (95% CI -0.82 to -0.33, p<0.00001)). Clinical interpretation of the effect size is difficult. Adrenaline was given in 0.13% (19 of 14085 injections) of those on active treatment and in 0.01% (1 of 8278 injections) of the placebo group for treatment of adverse events. There were no fatalities. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review has shown that specific allergen injection immunotherapy in suitably selected patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis results in a significant reduction in symptom scores and medication use. Injection immunotherapy has a known and relatively low risk of severe adverse events. We found no long-term consequences from adverse events.
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Alvarez-Cuesta E, Bousquet J, Canonica GW, Durham SR, Malling HJ, Valovirta E. Standards for practical allergen-specific immunotherapy. Allergy 2007. [PMID: 16930249 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2006.01219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Alvarez-Cuesta E, Bousquet J, Canonica GW, Durham SR, Malling HJ, Valovirta E. Standards for practical allergen-specific immunotherapy. Allergy 2007; 61 Suppl 82:1-20. [PMID: 16930249 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2006.01219_1.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Francis JN, Lloyd CM, Sabroe I, Durham SR, Till SJ. T lymphocytes expressing CCR3 are increased in allergic rhinitis compared with non-allergic controls and following allergen immunotherapy. Allergy 2007; 62:59-65. [PMID: 17156343 PMCID: PMC3385351 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2006.01253.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In T cell-associated allergic inflammation, homing of T-helper 2 (Th2) effector cells to mucosal sites may be influenced by chemokine receptor expression. Previous studies have identified CCR3 and CCR4 as putative markers of Th2 cells and CCR5 and CXCR3 as markers of Th1 cells. The aim of this study was to assess differential chemokine receptor expression from symptomatic atopic grass pollen-sensitive subjects, compared with patients on high-dose allergen injection immunotherapy (IT) and healthy controls. METHODS We examined chemokine receptor expression (CCR1-7 and CXCR1-4) by flow cytometry of peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. We also depleted peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) populations of CCR3+ CD4+ cells by magnetic bead separation and cells were stimulated with grass pollen allergen for 6 days. Cytokine production was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS On freshly isolated PBMC, atopic individuals exhibited increased numbers of CCR3+ CD4+ cells compared with normal controls (P < 0.01). CCR3 expression in IT patients was reduced compared with matched atopic rhinitic controls (P < 0.05) and comparable with that observed in normal subjects. Depletion of CCR3+ CD4+ cells from allergen-stimulated PBMC cultures resulted in decreased interleukin (IL)-5 production compared with whole CD4+ populations (P < 0.05). Freshly isolated CCR3+ CD4+ cells have significantly higher intracellular IL-4 and lower IFN-gamma levels than CCR3- CD4+ cells. CD4+ T cells cultured from both peripheral cells and nasal biopsies demonstrated increased expression of CCR3 in the presence of IL-4 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION CCR3+ CD4+ T cells are increased in allergic rhinitis, are reduced by allergen IT, have a Th2 phenotype and contribute to allergen-specific responses. Strategies against CCR3+ T cells may be effective in human allergic diseases.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Cell Count
- Cells, Cultured
- Desensitization, Immunologic
- Female
- Humans
- Interleukin-5/metabolism
- Leukocytes/metabolism
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Poaceae/immunology
- Receptors, CCR3
- Receptors, Chemokine/metabolism
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/immunology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/metabolism
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/immunology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes/cytology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Th2 Cells/metabolism
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Bonini S, Ansotegui IJ, Durham S, Frew AJ, Lötvall J, Nekam K, Popov T, Dahl R, Gayraud J, Gerth van Wijk R, Kontou-Fili K, Kowalski M, Todo-Bon A, Wahn U. Allergy and Clinical Immunology Services in Europe. Allergy 2006; 61:1191-6. [PMID: 16942567 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2006.01081.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Bousquet J, van Cauwenberge P, Aït Khaled N, Bachert C, Baena-Cagnani CE, Bouchard J, Bunnag C, Canonica GW, Carlsen KH, Chen YZ, Cruz AA, Custovic A, Demoly P, Dubakiene R, Durham S, Fokkens W, Howarth P, Kemp J, Kowalski ML, Kvedariene V, Lipworth B, Lockey R, Lund V, Mavale-Manuel S, Meltzer EO, Mullol J, Naclerio R, Nekam K, Ohta K, Papadopoulos N, Passalacqua G, Pawankar R, Popov T, Potter P, Price D, Scadding G, Simons FER, Spicak V, Valovirta E, Wang DY, Yawn B, Yusuf O. Pharmacologic and anti-IgE treatment of allergic rhinitis ARIA update (in collaboration with GA2LEN). Allergy 2006; 61:1086-96. [PMID: 16918512 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2006.01144.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacologic treatment of allergic rhinitis proposed by ARIA is an evidence-based and step-wise approach based on the classification of the symptoms. The ARIA workshop, held in December 1999, published a report in 2001 and new information has subsequently been published. The initial ARIA document lacked some important information on several issues. This document updates the ARIA sections on the pharmacologic and anti-IgE treatments of allergic rhinitis. Literature published between January 2000 and December 2004 has been included. Only a few studies assessing nasal and non-nasal symptoms are presented as these will be discussed in a separate document.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anti-Allergic Agents/administration & dosage
- Anti-Allergic Agents/adverse effects
- Anti-Allergic Agents/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic/adverse effects
- Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/adverse effects
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin E/immunology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/drug therapy
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/immunology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/therapy
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/drug therapy
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/immunology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/therapy
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Erin EM, Zacharasiewicz AS, Nicholson GC, Tan AJ, Higgins LA, Williams TJ, Murdoch RD, Durham SR, Barnes PJ, Hansel TT. Topical corticosteroid inhibits interleukin-4, -5 and -13 in nasal secretions following allergen challenge. Clin Exp Allergy 2006; 35:1608-14. [PMID: 16393327 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2005.02381.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytokines and chemokines produced by allergen-reactive T-helper type 2 (Th2) cells may be pivotal to the pathophysiology of allergic disorders. OBJECTIVE This study was performed to assess the effect of 7 days of topical corticosteroid on nasal allergen challenge (NAC) in terms of eosinophils, cytokines and chemokines obtained by nasal lavage and filter paper methods. METHODS Patients with grass pollen seasonal-allergic rhinitis (n = 13) out of season received nasal challenge following matched placebo (twice daily into each nostril for 7 days) and fluticasone propionate (100 microg twice daily into each nostril for 7 days). Chemokine and cytokine levels were analysed using a sensitive automated bead immunoassay system at intervals up to 8 h after NAC. RESULTS Levels of cytokines and chemokines from filter paper were generally higher than from nasal lavage. Fluticasone propionate caused a reduction in symptoms, total leukocyte counts and eosinophils, and abrogation of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-13 responses in the filter paper taken in the late phase (P < 0.05 for IL-4 and IL-13, P < 0.01 for IL-5 and IL-6). Levels of chemokines (eotaxin, RANTES, MCP-1, MIP-1alpha, IL-8 and IP-10) were also reduced in the late phase (P < 0.01 at 8 h). However, levels of IL-2, IL-3, IL-7, IL-12 (p40 and p70), -15, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma and GM-CSF were not affected. CONCLUSION Fluticasone propionate has selective inhibitory effects on Th2 cytokine synthesis following nasal challenge, while also decreasing release of chemokines, but not affecting levels of Th1 cytokines.
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Erin EM, Leaker BR, Zacharasiewicz A, Higgins LA, Nicholson GC, Boyce MJ, de Boer P, Jones RC, Durham SR, Barnes PJ, Hansel TT. Effects of a reversible beta-tryptase and trypsin inhibitor (RWJ-58643) on nasal allergic responses. Clin Exp Allergy 2006; 36:458-64. [PMID: 16630150 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2006.02474.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND beta-Tryptase is a multifunctional mast cell serine protease released during mast cell degranulation and tryptase/trypsin inhibitors are a novel potential therapeutic approach for allergic inflammatory diseases. OBJECTIVES This study was performed to assess the effects of RWJ-58643 on nasal symptoms, eosinophil influx, and cytokine and chemokine release following nasal allergen challenge (NAC). METHODS Male patients with grass pollen allergic rhinitis (n=16) out of season received single doses of RWJ-58643 (100, 300, 600 microg) or matched placebo given 30 min before NAC in a double-blind, randomized crossover design. A single dose of 200 microg budesonide was studied in an open-label extension phase. NAC was performed with Timothy grass pollen (ALK) via a nasal device, and nasal lavage was performed at times 0 (pre-drug, pre-allergen), 0.5 (30 min post-drug, pre-NAC) 1.5, 2.5, 4.5, 6.5, 8.5, and 24 h after drug administration. Nasal lavage mediators were analysed using a sensitive multiplexed bead immunoassay system. RESULTS Low-dose RWJ-58643 (100 microg) and budesonide (200 microg) significantly reduced symptoms, eosinophils and levels of IL-5 following NAC. However, higher doses of RWJ-58643 (300 and 600 microg) caused a late eosinophilia and preceding increases in IL-5 compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that combined beta-tryptase and trypsin inhibition has therapeutic potential in allergic inflammation, however, this property is dose responsive and higher doses are ineffective and may cause eosinophilia.
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Millner A, Lund G, Francis J, Durham S, Lund K, Würtzen P. Screening for Cellular Changes During Grass-Specific Subcutaneous Immunotherapy. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2005.12.1042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Erin EM, Neighbour H, Tan AJ, Min Kon O, Durham SR, Hansel TT. Nasal testing for novel anti-inflammatory agents. Clin Exp Allergy 2006; 35:981-5. [PMID: 16120078 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2005.02311.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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63
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Erin EM, Leaker BR, Zacharasiewicz AS, Higgins LA, Williams TJ, Boyce MJ, de Boer P, Durham SR, Barnes PJ, Hansel TT. Single dose topical corticosteroid inhibits IL-5 and IL-13 in nasal lavage following grass pollen challenge. Allergy 2005; 60:1524-9. [PMID: 16266385 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2005.00928.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nasal lavage is a noninvasive method of obtaining inflammatory exudates following nasal allergen challenge (NAC), and permits cells and released mediators to be evaluated. OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of a single dose of topical steroid on eosinophils and levels of chemokines and cytokines in nasal lavage fluid following NAC in patients with allergic rhinitis. METHODS Patients with grass pollen seasonal allergic rhinitis (n = 32) out of the allergy season received either nasal budesonide (100 microg per nostril) or matched placebo before allergen challenge in a double blind two-way crossover design. A semi-automated mixed bead array system was employed to measure multiple chemokines and cytokines in small volumes (50 microl) of nasal lavage supernatants. RESULTS Following NAC there was a rapid onset of nasal symptoms together with nasal eosinophilia, and the appearance of IL-5 and IL-13 in lavages between 4 and 8 h. Elevated levels of eotaxin, RANTES, IL-8 and MCP-1 were also detected following allergen challenge. A single dose of nasal budesonide caused a decrease in symptoms (P < 0.05) and nasal eosinophils (P < 0.05) with selective abrogation of IL-5 and IL-13 responses (P < 0.05), but a lack of effect on levels of eotaxin, RANTES, IL-8 and MCP-1. CONCLUSION This study suggests that a single dose of nasal steroid has the capacity to selectively abolish IL-5 and IL-13 responses following NAC. This model should be convenient for testing novel anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory agents intended for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
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Puggioni F, Durham SR, Francis JN. Monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) promotes allergen-induced immune deviation in favour of Th1 responses. Allergy 2005; 60:678-84. [PMID: 15813815 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2005.00762.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) is a nontoxic derivative of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Salmonella minnesota R595. MPL has been used as an adjuvant in grass and tree pollen vaccines for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Little is known about the influence of MPL on cellular responses to allergens in man. We therefore studied the effects of MPL in vitro on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from patients with grass pollen hay fever. METHODS The PBMCs from 13 subjects were cultured with grass pollen Phleum pratense extract (0, 2 and 20 microg/ml) and MPL (0 and 10 microg/ml; defined as an optimal concentration in preliminary studies) and after 6 days proliferative responses were measured by thymidine incorporation and cytokine production by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS Proliferative responses were unaffected by the presence of MPL whereas MPL induced a significant increase in allergen-induced interferon (IFN)-gamma production [allergen alone, 645 +/- 466 pg/ml (mean +/- SE) vs allergen + MPL, 3232 +/- 818 pg/ml; P < 0.001]. In addition, there was a significant decrease in interleukin (IL)-5 production (4307 +/- 1030 pg/ml vs 2997 +/- 826 pg/ml; P < 0.01). Although MPL alone could induce modest increases in IL-10 production, MPL did not influence the production of this cytokine in allergen-stimulated cultures. Addition of neutralizing antibody against IL-12 resulted in 95% inhibition of MPL-induced IFN-gamma production. Depletion of monocytes from the culture system abrogated the effects of MPL on elevated cytokine production. CONCLUSIONS In summary, use of MPL with grass pollen extract results in immune deviation of allergen-induced peripheral Th2-cell responses in favour of 'protective' Th1 responses in an IL-12 and monocyte-dependent fashion.
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Bauchau V, Durham SR. Epidemiological characterization of the intermittent and persistent types of allergic rhinitis. Allergy 2005; 60:350-3. [PMID: 15679721 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2005.00751.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A new classification of allergic rhinitis (AR) has been proposed by the allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) workgroup. The validity of this new classification is still largely unknown, especially the extent to which it differs from the classical seasonal/perennial (SAR/PAR) classification, and how and whether intermittent and persistent types of AR, as defined by ARIA, differ from each other. METHODS Two-step cross-sectional, population-based, in six Western Europe countries; telephone interview followed by clinical diagnosis [including specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) measurements] in a selected subset. RESULTS Within the population with AR, 29% of the subjects had persistent AR. There was no association between the intermittent/persistent and the SAR/PAR classifications. Subjects with persistent AR had more severe symptoms, and higher rate of self-awareness and previous diagnosis of AR; they were also clearly distinct in their sensitization pattern and medication use. CONCLUSIONS The classic types of SAR/PAR cannot be used interchangeably with the new classification of intermittent/persistent, as they do not represent the same stratum of disease. There is also evidence that the persistent type describes a distinct group with characteristics that differentiates them from intermittent AR. These results support the validity of the new ARIA classification.
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Abstract
To measure the prevalence of allergic rhinitis among European adults and the proportion of undiagnosed subjects, a two-step, cross-sectional, population-based survey in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK was undertaken. Step one of the study involved screening for allergic rhinitis by telephone interview, based on history of symptoms and/or self-awareness of the condition. Step two undertook confirmation of allergic rhinitis in a subset of the subjects screened positive; this was performed by a clinical diagnosis conducted in three to five clinical centres per country, including specific immunoglobulin E tests and a disease-specific questionnaire. A total of 9,646 telephone interviews were conducted between February and April 2001. Self-awareness of allergic rhinitis was reported by 19% of the subjects. Physician-based diagnosis of allergic rhinitis was reported by 13% of the subjects. In step two, 725 clinical assessments were conducted between May and August 2001. A total of 411 of patients, who underwent step two, had investigator-confirmed allergic rhinitis. Among patients with investigator-confirmed allergic rhinitis, 45% had not reported a previous diagnosis by a physician. Prevalence of subjects with clinically confirmable allergic rhinitis estimated by combining step one and step two data ranged from 17% in Italy to 29% in Belgium with an overall value of 23%. This large-scale study confirms that allergic rhinitis has a high prevalence in western Europe and is frequently undiagnosed.
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Wilcock LK, Francis JN, Durham SR. Aluminium hydroxide down-regulates T helper 2 responses by allergen-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Clin Exp Allergy 2005; 34:1373-8. [PMID: 15347369 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2004.02052.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aluminium hydroxide (alum) is a commonly used adjuvant for specific immunotherapy of allergic diseases. While alum is traditionally associated with murine Th2 sensitization, little is known about its effects on secondary allergic responses in humans. METHODS We investigated the in vitro effects of alum on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from atopic donors. PBMC from 18 grass pollen-sensitive rhinitic subjects were stimulated with Phleum pratense (Phl p) in the presence or absence of alum. After 6 days culture, cytokine production was measured by ELISA and T cell proliferation by radiolabelled thymidine incorporation. The effect of alum on the expression of human leucocyte antigen and CD80/CD86 on cultured antigen-presenting cells was assessed by flow cytometry. RESULTS PBMC cultured with Phl p and alum showed a significant decrease in both IL-5 and IL-13 production compared with allergen alone (P<0.005 and P<0.001, respectively), but no change in IFN-gamma or IL-12 production or proliferative responses. These alum-induced changes in T helper (Th)2 cytokine production were unaffected by the addition of neutralizing antibodies to IL-4 or IL-12. Culture of PBMC with alum induced increased expression of CD86 (P=0.004) and HLA (P=0.01) on monocytes while the expression of CD80 was decreased (P=0.02). SUMMARY Alum down-regulates allergen-driven Th2 cytokine responses while Th1 cytokines are unaffected. These data confirm that alum is a useful adjuvant for inclusion in allergen immunotherapy vaccines.
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Wilson DR, Lima MT, Durham SR. Sublingual immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Allergy 2005; 60:4-12. [PMID: 15575924 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2005.00699.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 446] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Allergic rhinitis is a common condition which, at its most severe, can significantly impair quality of life despite optimal treatment with antihistamines and topical nasal corticosteroids. Allergen injection immunotherapy significantly reduces symptoms and medication requirements in allergic rhinitis but its use is limited by the possibility of severe systemic reactions. There has therefore been considerable interest in alternative routes for delivery of allergen immunotherapy, particularly the sublingual route. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), compared with placebo, for reductions in symptoms and medication requirements. The Cochrane Controlled Clinical Trials Register, MEDLINE (1966-2002), EMBASE (1974-2002) and Scisearch were searched, up to September 2002, using the terms (Rhin* OR hay fever) AND (immunotherap* OR desensiti*ation) AND (sublingual). All studies identified by the searches were assessed by the reviewers to identify Randomized Controlled Trials involving participants with symptoms of allergic rhinitis and proven allergen sensitivity, treated with SLIT or corresponding placebo. Data from identified studies was abstracted onto a standard extraction sheet and subsequently entered into RevMan 4.1. Analysis was performed by the method of standardized mean differences (SMD) using a random effects model. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the type of allergen administered, the age of participants and the duration of treatment. Twenty-two trials involving 979 patients, were included. There were six trials of SLIT for house dust mite allergy, five for grass pollen, five for parietaria, two for olive and one each for, ragweed, cat, tree and cupressus. Five studies enrolled exclusively children. Seventeen studies administered the allergen by sublingual drops subsequently swallowed, three by drops subsequently spat out and two by sublingual tablets. Eight studies involved treatment for less than 6 months, 10 studies for 6-12 months and four studies for greater than 12 months. All included studies were double-blind placebo-controlled trials of parallell group design. Concealment of treatment allocation was considered adequate in all studies and the use of identical placebo preparations was almost universal. There was significant heterogeneity, most likely due to widely differing scoring systems between studies, for most comparisons. Overall there was a significant reduction in both symptoms (SMD -0.42, 95% confidence interval -0.69 to -0.15; P = 0.002) and medication requirements [SMD -0.43 (-0.63, -0.23); P = 0.00003] following immunotherapy. Subgroup analyses failed to identify a disproportionate benefit of treatment according to the allergen administered. There was no significant reduction in symptoms and medication scores in those studies involving only children but total numbers of participants was too small to make this a reliable conclusion. Increasing duration of treatment does not clearly increase efficacy. The total dose of allergen administered may be important but insufficient data was available to analyse this factor.
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Pilette C, Francis JN, Till SJ, Durham SR. CCR4 ligands are up-regulated in the airways of atopic asthmatics after segmental allergen challenge. Eur Respir J 2004; 23:876-84. [PMID: 15219001 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.04.00102504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
T-helper (Th) 2 cytokines are thought to mediate most features of allergic inflammation in atopic asthma. However, it remains unclear whether chemokine pathways direct selective recruitment of Th2 cells to the airways during human allergic responses. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed in 15 nonsmoking mild atopic asthmatics before and 24 h after a fibreoptic segmental allergen challenge, and chemokines related to T-cell recruitment were assayed by ELISA. The Th2-related C-C chemokine (CCR)4 ligands, macrophage-derived chemokine/C-C chemokine ligand (CCL)22 and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine/CCL17, were increased in BAL after challenge. These chemokines correlated significantly with lymphocyte numbers and with interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13 in post-challenge BAL. In contrast, two out of three putative Th1-related chemokines did not change. There were no alterations in monokine induced by interferon (IFN)-gamma/CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL)9 or macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha/CCL3; whereas a significant increase in IFN-induced protein-10kDa/CXCL10 was observed, which did not correlate with the T-cell influx. In peripheral mononuclear cells from atopic donors, CCL22 and CCL17 were induced by IL-4 and IL-13, further supporting the relationship between CCL22/CCL17 and Th2 cytokines. Finally, CCL22 was able to trigger actin polymerisation in peripheral CD4+ T-cells expressing CCR4. Thus, C-C chemokine receptor 4 ligands are up-regulated in the airways of atopic asthmatics following allergen exposure, contribute to the T-cell influx to the airways and are closely related to the Th2-cytokine response.
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Bousquet J, Boushey HA, Busse WW, Canonica GW, Durham SR, Irvin CG, Karpel JP, Van Cauwenberge P, Chen R, Iezzoni DG, Harris AG. Characteristics of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and concomitant asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 2004; 34:897-903. [PMID: 15196277 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2004.01969.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic rhinitis and asthma often co-exist and appear to produce a continuum of airway disease, but whether the clinical characteristics of asthma in patients with seasonal rhinitis differ from those of persistent asthma has not been examined. OBJECTIVE The aim of this retrospective study was to characterize the clinical features of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis with concomitant asthma and to compare them with those in patients with persistent asthma. METHODS The patient populations for this study were derived from nine prospective, placebo-controlled planned clinical trials of similar design. Six studies (958 patients) enrolled patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and concomitant asthma; three (607 patients) involved patients with persistent asthma. In all studies, patients were excluded from oral corticosteroid therapy in the preceding 3 months, and from inhaled corticosteroids in the preceding month. RESULTS Patients with seasonal rhinitis and asthma had a significantly (P<0.001) higher total asthma symptom score than those with persistent asthma. In particular, cough was three times more severe. The need for beta(2)-agonist as a rescue medication and the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FVC) were similar in the two groups whereas forced expiratory fraction 25-75%/FVC was significantly (P<0.02) reduced in the persistent asthmatics. Asthma and nasal symptom severity scores were correlated in patients with seasonal rhinitis and asthma (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and concomitant asthma appear to differ from those with persistent asthma. A prospective study should be designed to discover whether patients with seasonal rhinitis and asthma may represent a distinct nosological entity, 'allergic airway disease'.
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Durham S, Eve L, Stevens C, Ewins D. Effect of Functional Electrical Stimulation on asymmetries in gait of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Physiotherapy 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2004.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Robinson DS, Campbell DA, Durham SR, Pfeffer J, Barnes PJ, Chung KF. Systematic assessment of difficult-to-treat asthma. Eur Respir J 2004; 22:478-83. [PMID: 14516138 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.03.00017003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Five per cent of asthmatics remain symptomatic despite high-dose treatment. The aim of the study was to investigate how often such difficult-to-treat asthma is due to intractable asthma, misdiagnosis, non-adherence with therapy, or psychiatric problems. Difficult asthma was defined as persistence of symptoms despite treatment at step 4 of British guidelines or requirement for long-term oral glucocorticoids (step 5). One-hundred patients with a respiratory physician diagnosis of asthma were investigated in a single tertiary respiratory unit in an open and descriptive study. Twelve of the patients studied did not have asthma and a further seven had additional diagnoses. Of the remainder, 55 had an asthma diagnosis confirmed by demonstration of reversible airflow narrowing or peak flow variability, whilst 20 did not. Non-compliance with prednisolone therapy was more frequent in the 55 with confirmed asthma (nine of 18 prescribed oral prednisolone at a dose of > or = 15 mg x day(-1)) and was not detected in the "unconfirmed asthma" group. There were no other significant differences between these groups. A major psychiatric component was detected in 10 patients. Systematic evaluation of difficult asthma is useful as it can identify alternative or additional diagnoses, psychiatric illness or nonconcordance with therapy in a substantial proportion of cases (32% in the present series).
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Watanabe H, Foo TH, Djazaeri B, Duncombe P, Mackay IS, Durham SR. Oxymetazoline nasal spray three times daily for four weeks in normal subjects is not associated with rebound congestion or tachyphylaxis. Rhinology 2003; 41:167-74. [PMID: 14579657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Topical decongestants are available over the counter and provide rapid relief of nasal obstruction for conditions of short duration, for example the common cold. Manufacturers' recommendations are that topical decongestants should not be used regularly for more than 1 week in view of the risk of rebound mucosal hyperaemia with persistent nasal obstruction and refractoriness to further effects of decongestants. For this reason we performed a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 30 normal adult subjects with 0.05% oxymetazoline nasal spray 2 sprays (0.1 ml/spray) to each nostril 3 times daily over an extended period of 4 weeks. Degree of nasal blockage was assessed before and after 4 weeks treatment and for 2 weeks following discontinuation of treatment. Outcome measures included diary symptom scores and measurements of nasal peak inspiratory flow, airway resistance (using posterior active rhinomanometry) and volume (using acoustic rhinometry). Nasal patency was assessed at baseline and 15 minutes after oxymetazoline challenge at each clinic visit. Results demonstrated no significant increases in subjective nasal blockage throughout the 6 weeks study period in either oxymetazoline- or placebo-treated subjects. No significant differences were observed between groups for baseline measurements of nasal peak inspiratory flow, airway resistance or volume at each clinic visit. A highly significant decongestant effect of oxymetazoline was observed at each clinic visit with changes in all 3 measurements for both treatment groups, again with no significant differences between groups. In summary, in normal subjects, we identified no significant nasal blockage or impaired decongestant response to oxymetazoline following 4 weeks treatment with oxymetazoline compared to matched placebo nasal spray.
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MESH Headings
- Administration, Sublingual
- Adult
- Allergens/administration & dosage
- Allergens/adverse effects
- Allergens/therapeutic use
- Animals
- Anti-Allergic Agents/therapeutic use
- Bronchial Spasm/etiology
- Child
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Desensitization, Immunologic
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin E/biosynthesis
- Injections
- Mites
- Pollen
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/therapy
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/drug therapy
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/immunology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/therapy
- Safety
- Seasons
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