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Olaya-Hernandez M, Vasquez LDM, Silva DL, Martinez-Betancur S, Guerra M, Arias O, Ramirez LF, Serrano CD. Food allergy spectrum in the tropic: clinical and epidemiological profiles in a colombian hospital. A cross-sectional study. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1291275. [PMID: 38193085 PMCID: PMC10773786 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1291275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Food allergy affects 2-10% of the general population; it is more frequent among children than among adults, and it is one of the leading causes of anaphylaxis. Diagnosis of food allergy requires a detailed medical history, skin tests, specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) tests for the food involved, and an oral challenge as final confirmation. Objectives This study aimed to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients who underwent oral food challenges for suspected food allergies in a reference center in Colombia. Methodology An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted. Data were retrospectively collected from patients who were evaluated in the allergology service and suspected of food allergy from 2011 to 2018. Quantitative variables are presented as means or medians depending on the normality of the distribution (assessed by the Shapiro-Wilk test), and categorical variables are presented as frequencies and percentages. Results A total of 215 controlled open challenges were performed on 176 patients, most of whom were children (69%). Thirty-one patients (17%) required another oral challenge with a second food, and 11 (6.25%) required another oral challenge with three foods. Twelve oral challenges (5.58%) were positive. Of these, five challenges were positive for cow's milk, 5 were positive for shrimp, and 2 were positive for legumes (peanuts and lentils). Conclusion The frequency of confirmed food allergies and the profile of food allergies in our population differs from that reported in other parts of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Olaya-Hernandez
- Valle del Lili Foundation, Cali, Colombia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, ICESI University, Cali, Colombia
| | | | - Diana Lucia Silva
- Valle del Lili Foundation, Cali, Colombia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, ICESI University, Cali, Colombia
| | | | | | - Oriana Arias
- Valle del Lili Foundation, Cali, Colombia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, ICESI University, Cali, Colombia
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2
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Brasal-Prieto M, Fernández-Prades L, Dakhaoui H, Sobrino F, López-Enríquez S, Palomares F. Update on In Vitro Diagnostic Tools and Treatments for Food Allergies. Nutrients 2023; 15:3744. [PMID: 37686776 PMCID: PMC10489659 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Food allergy (FA) is an adverse immunological reaction to a specific food that can trigger a wide range of symptoms from mild to life-threatening. This adverse reaction is caused by different immunological mechanisms, such as IgE-mediated, non-IgE-mediated and mixed IgE-mediated reactions. Its epidemiology has had a significant increase in the last decade, more so in developed countries. It is estimated that approximately 2 to 10% of the world's population has FA and this number appears to be increasing and also affecting more children. The diagnosis can be complex and requires the combination of different tests to establish an accurate diagnosis. However, the treatment of FA is based on avoiding the intake of the specific allergenic food, thus being very difficult at times and also controlling the symptoms in case of accidental exposure. Currently, there are other immunomodulatory treatments such as specific allergen immunotherapy or more innovative treatments that can induce a tolerance response. It is important to mention that research in this field is ongoing and clinical trials are underway to assess the safety and efficacy of these different immunotherapy approaches, new treatment pathways are being used to target and promote the tolerance response. In this review, we describe the new in vitro diagnostic tools and therapeutic treatments to show the latest advances in FA management. We conclude that although significant advances have been made to improve therapies and diagnostic tools for FA, there is an urgent need to standardize both so that, in their totality, they help to improve the management of FA.
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3
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Yang H, Qu Y, Gao Y, Sun S, Wu R, Wu J. Research Progress on the Correlation between the Intestinal Microbiota and Food Allergy. Foods 2022; 11:foods11182913. [PMID: 36141041 PMCID: PMC9498665 DOI: 10.3390/foods11182913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence of food allergy is becoming a substantial public health concern. Increasing evidence suggests that alterations in the composition of the intestinal microbiota play a part in the development of food allergy. Additionally, the application of probiotics to correct gut microbiota imbalances and regulate food allergy has become a research hotspot. However, the mechanism by which the gut microbiota regulates food allergy and the efficacy of probiotics are still in the preliminary exploration stage, and there are no clear and specific conclusions. The aim of this review is to provide information regarding the immune mechanism underlying food allergy, the correlation between the intestinal microbiota and food allergy, a detailed description of causation, and mechanisms by which the intestinal microbiota regulates food allergy. Subsequently, we highlight how probiotics modulate the gut microbiome–immune axis to alleviate food allergy. This study will contribute to the dovetailing of bacterial therapeutics with immune system in allergic individuals to prevent food allergy and ameliorate food allergy symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rina Wu
- Correspondence: or ; Tel./Fax: +86-24-88487161
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4
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Mast Cells and Vitamin D Status: A Clinical and Biological Link in the Onset of Allergy and Bone Diseases. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081877. [PMID: 36009422 PMCID: PMC9405764 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system is made up by an extremely composite group of cells, whose regulated and harmonious activity is fundamental to maintain health. The mast cells are an essential effector of inflammatory response which is characterized by a massive release of mediators accumulated in cytoplasmic secretory granules. However, beyond the effects on immune response, mast cells can modify bone metabolism and are capable of intervening in the genesis of pathologies such as osteoporosis and osteopenia. Vitamin D is recognized to induce changes in bone metabolism, but it is also able to influence immune response, suppressing mast cell activation and IgE synthesis from B cells and increasing the number of dendritic cells and IL-10-generating regulatory T cells. Vitamin D deficit has been reported to worsen sensitization and allergic manifestations in several different experimental models. However, in clinical situations, contradictory findings have been described concerning the correlation between allergy and vitamin D deficit. The aim of this review was to analyze the close relationships between mast cells and vitamin D, which contribute, through the activation of different molecular or cellular activation pathways, to the determination of bone pathologies and the onset of allergic diseases.
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5
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Sex, Allergic Diseases and Omalizumab. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020328. [PMID: 35203537 PMCID: PMC8869622 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gender differences are increasingly emerging in every area of medicine including drug therapy; however, specific gender-targeted studies are infrequent. Sex is a fundamental variable, which cannot be neglected. When optimizing therapies, gender pharmacology must always be considered in order to improve the effectiveness and safety of the use of drugs. Knowledge of gender differences promotes appropriate use of therapies and greater health protection for both genders. Further development of gender research would make it possible to report on differences in the assimilation and response of the female organism as compared to the male, in order to identify potential risks and benefits that can be found between genders. Furthermore, a better understanding of sex/gender-related influences, with regard to pharmacological activity, would allow the development of personalized “tailor-made” medicines. Here, we summarize the state of knowledge on the role of sex in several allergic diseases and their treatment with omalizumab, the first biologic drug authorized for use in the field of allergology.
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6
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Kakieu Djossi S, Khedr A, Neupane B, Proskuriakova E, Jada K, Mostafa JA. Food Allergy Prevention: Early Versus Late Introduction of Food Allergens in Children. Cureus 2022; 14:e21046. [PMID: 35155013 PMCID: PMC8824233 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.21046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of food allergies in children is crucial for various medical fields seeking a viable strategy for allergy prevention. The most well-recognized approach adopted by numerous health care and government institutions hinges on the delay in the introduction of food allergens, which supposedly protects infants from sensitization and decreases the possibility of allergy development. However, recent experimental findings indicate that the benefits of this approach might be overestimated, as early exposure to allergenic foods has been shown to yield more advantageous outcomes. Multiple investigations on the causes of allergic diseases report that avoiding food allergies might be related to early consumption of these allergens. Alternatively, delaying the contact with allergenic nourishments, explored in contemporary research, has been proven to result in a higher prevalence of allergies among children, originating such conditions as atopic diseases and extreme sensitization to foods. The current paper compares the two prominent strategies of allergenic food introduction, gathering the most pertinent modern evidence to distinguish whether exposure to food allergens should be delayed or advanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Kakieu Djossi
- Medical Research, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Anwar Khedr
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Bandana Neupane
- Research, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Ekaterina Proskuriakova
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Keji Jada
- Research, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Jihan A Mostafa
- Psychiatry, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
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7
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Sirufo MM, De Pietro F, Catalogna A, Ginaldi L, De Martinis M. The Microbiota-Bone-Allergy Interplay. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:ijerph19010282. [PMID: 35010543 PMCID: PMC8750778 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Emerging knowledge suggests an increasing importance of gut microbiota in health and disease. Allergy and bone metabolism are closely interconnected, and the possible negative effects of common therapies are not the only aspects of this relationship. The immune system is influenced by the microbiota-host interactions, and several pieces of evidence suggest the existence of an interplay between microbiota, bone metabolism, and allergies. Understanding these inter-relationships is essential for the development of new potential strategies of treatment and prevention targeting microbiota. A wide range of substances and germs, prebiotics and probiotics, are capable of influencing and modifying the microbiota. Prebiotics and probiotics have been shown in several studies to have different actions based on various factors such as sex, hormonal status, and age. In this review, we summarize the latest knowledge on the topic, and we discuss practical implications and the need for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Maddalena Sirufo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi n. 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (F.D.P.); (A.C.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Francesca De Pietro
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi n. 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (F.D.P.); (A.C.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Catalogna
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi n. 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (F.D.P.); (A.C.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Lia Ginaldi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi n. 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (F.D.P.); (A.C.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Massimo De Martinis
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi n. 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (F.D.P.); (A.C.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0861-429548
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8
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Storino V, Muñoz-Ortiz J, Villabona-Martinez V, Villamizar-Sanjuán JD, Rojas-Carabali W, de-la-Torre A. An Unusual Case of Multiple Food Allergies Comorbid with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: A Case Report. J Asthma Allergy 2021; 14:317-323. [PMID: 33833533 PMCID: PMC8020051 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s293248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To report the case of a patient with multiple food allergies comorbid with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) who was misdiagnosed on various occasions, resulting in a negative impact on the patient's personal and social life. Case Report We present the case of a 43-year-old Colombian women with multiple food allergies concomitant with MCS. Symptoms started with a mild reaction to insecticides, car exhaust smoke, and perfumes and gradually evolved into a severe reaction to her environment. She also presented recurrent episodes of clinical reactivity to foods and persistent elevated IgE levels, as well as several life-threatening anaphylactic reactions. Alternative and allopathic therapies were applied, but her symptoms persisted. Various diagnoses were made before the definitive diagnosis. Conclusion MCS is an unusual entity of unknown pathophysiology that can, on rare occasions, coexist with food allergies. Early recognition and multidisciplinary treatment are required as these entities have a major impact on the patient's quality of life. We present the first Latin American case regarding the association of the two diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juliana Muñoz-Ortiz
- Escuela Barraquer, Research Group, Escuela Superior de Oftalmología, Instituto Barraquer de América, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Valeria Villabona-Martinez
- Neuroscience Research Group "NeURos", Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan Diego Villamizar-Sanjuán
- Neuroscience Research Group "NeURos", Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - William Rojas-Carabali
- Neuroscience Research Group "NeURos", Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Alejandra de-la-Torre
- Neuroscience Research Group "NeURos", Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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9
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Passanisi S, Caminiti L, Zirilli G, Lombardo F, Crisafulli G, Aversa T, Pajno GB. Biologics in food allergy: up-to-date. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2021; 21:1227-1235. [PMID: 33733975 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1904888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: In recent years, the advent of immunotherapy has remarkably improved the management of IgE-mediated food allergy. However, some barriers still exist. Therefore, the effort of researchers aims to investigate new perspectives in the field of non-allergen specific therapy, also based on the current knowledge of the pathogenesis of this disease.Areas covered: This review aims to focus on the role of biologics as a treatment option in patients with IgE-mediated food allergy. These agents are characterized by their ability to inactivate the Th2 pro-inflammatory pathways. Biologics can be used both alone and in association with immunotherapy. Monoclonal antibodies targeting IgE, the IL-4/IL-13 axis, IL-5, and alarmins have been proposed and investigated for treating food allergy.Expert opinion: The clinical efficacy and safety of biologics have been demonstrated in several preclinical studies and randomized controlled trials. Future studies are still required to address current unmet needs, including the identification of the optimal dose to be used by ensuring the effectiveness of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Passanisi
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi, University of Messin, Messina (Italy)
| | - Lucia Caminiti
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi, University of Messin, Messina (Italy)
| | - Giuseppina Zirilli
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi, University of Messin, Messina (Italy)
| | - Fortunato Lombardo
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi, University of Messin, Messina (Italy)
| | - Giuseppe Crisafulli
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi, University of Messin, Messina (Italy)
| | - Tommaso Aversa
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi, University of Messin, Messina (Italy)
| | - Giovanni B Pajno
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi, University of Messin, Messina (Italy)
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10
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De Martinis M, Ginaldi L, Allegra A, Sirufo MM, Pioggia G, Tonacci A, Gangemi S. The Osteoporosis/Microbiota Linkage: The Role of miRNA. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8887. [PMID: 33255179 PMCID: PMC7727697 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hundreds of trillions of bacteria are present in the human body in a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with the host. A stable dynamic equilibrium exists in healthy individuals between the microbiota, host organism, and environment. Imbalances of the intestinal microbiota contribute to the determinism of various diseases. Recent research suggests that the microbiota is also involved in the regulation of the bone metabolism, and its alteration may induce osteoporosis. Due to modern molecular biotechnology, various mechanisms regulating the relationship between bone and microbiota are emerging. Understanding the role of microbiota imbalances in the development of osteoporosis is essential for the development of potential osteoporosis prevention and treatment strategies through microbiota targeting. A relevant complementary mechanism could be also constituted by the permanent relationships occurring between microbiota and microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are a set of small non-coding RNAs able to regulate gene expression. In this review, we recapitulate the physiological and pathological meanings of the microbiota on osteoporosis onset by governing miRNA production. An improved comprehension of the relations between microbiota and miRNAs could furnish novel markers for the identification and monitoring of osteoporosis, and this appears to be an encouraging method for antagomir-guided tactics as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo De Martinis
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.G.); (M.M.S.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Lia Ginaldi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.G.); (M.M.S.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Allegra
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Maria Maddalena Sirufo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.G.); (M.M.S.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pioggia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 98164 Messina, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Tonacci
- Clinical Physiology Institute, National Research Council of Italy (IFC-CNR), 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
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11
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Sex and Gender Influences on Cancer Immunotherapy Response. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8070232. [PMID: 32708265 PMCID: PMC7400663 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8070232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The global burden of cancer is growing and a wide disparity in the incidence, malignancy and mortality of different types of cancer between each sex has been demonstrated. The sex specificity of cancer appears to be a relevant issue in the management of the disease, and studies investigating the role of sex and gender are becoming extremely urgent. Sex hormones are presumably the leading actors of sex differences in cancer, especially estrogens. They modulate gene expression, alter molecules and generate disparities in effectiveness and side effects of anticancer therapies. Recently immunotherapy aims to improve anticancer treatment strategies reducing off-target effects of chemotherapy and direct cancer cells killing. It is recognized as a fruitful strategy to treat and possible to cure cancer. Immunotherapeutic agents are used to activate or boost the activation of the immune system to fight cancer cells through physiological mechanisms often evaded in the offensive march of the disease. These therapeutic strategies have allowed new successes, but also have serious adverse effects including non-specific inflammation and autoimmunity. Sex and gender issues are of primary importance in this field, due to their recognized role in inflammation, immunity and cancer, and the clarification and understanding of these aspects is a necessary step to increase the responses and to diminish the adverse effects of immunotherapy. This review describes the available knowledge on the role of sex and gender in cancer immunotherapy, and will offer insights to stimulate the attention and practice of clinicians and researchers in a gender perspective of new cancer treatment strategies.
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12
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De Martinis M, Sirufo MM, Suppa M, Di Silvestre D, Ginaldi L. Sex and Gender Aspects for Patient Stratification in Allergy Prevention and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1535. [PMID: 32102344 PMCID: PMC7073150 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergies are rapidly worsening in recent decades, representing the most common immunological diseases. The mechanism of disorders such as asthma, rhinocongiuntivitis, urticaria, atopic dermatitis, food and drug allergies, and anaphylaxis still remain unclear and consequently treatments is mostly still symptomatic and aspecific while developments of new therapies are limited. A growing amount of data in the literature shows us how the prevalence of allergic diseases is different in both sexes and its changes over the course of life. Genes, hormones, environmental and immunological factors affect sex disparities associated with the development and control of allergic diseases, while they more rarely are considered and reported regarding their differences related to social, psychological, cultural, economic, and employment aspects. This review describes the available knowledge on the role of sex and gender in allergies in an attempt to improve the indispensable gender perspective whose potential is still underestimated while it represents a significant turning point in research and the clinic. It will offer insights to stimulate exploration of the many aspects still unknown in this relationship that could ameliorate the preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies in allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo De Martinis
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (D.D.S.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Sirufo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (D.D.S.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, Italy
| | - Mariano Suppa
- Department of Dermatology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Daniela Di Silvestre
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (D.D.S.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, Italy
| | - Lia Ginaldi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (D.D.S.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, Italy
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13
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De Martinis M, Sirufo MM, Suppa M, Ginaldi L. New Perspectives in Food Allergy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1474. [PMID: 32098244 PMCID: PMC7073187 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The improvement of the knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the tolerance and sensitization to food antigens has recently led to a radical change in the clinical approach to food allergies. Epidemiological studies show a global increase in the prevalence of food allergy all over the world and manifestations of food allergy appear increasingly frequent also in elderly subjects. Environmental and nutritional changes have partly changed the epidemiology of allergic reactions to foods and new food allergic syndromes have emerged in recent years. The deepening of the study of the intestinal microbiota has highlighted important mechanisms of immunological adaptation of the mucosal immune system to food antigens, leading to a revolution in the concept of immunological tolerance. As a consequence, new prevention models and innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at a personalized approach to the patient affected by food allergy are emerging. This review focuses on these new perspectives and their practical implications in the management of food allergy, providing an updated view of this complex pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo De Martinis
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Sirufo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, Italy
| | - Mariano Suppa
- Department of Dermatology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Lia Ginaldi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, Italy
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