Levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, soluble E-selectin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor p55 and p75 in atopic children

Infliximab in Recalcitrant Severe Atopic Eczema Associated with Contact Allergy

Infliximab is an anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha chimeric monoclonal antibody which is effective in diseases associated with a T-helper (Th) 1 response, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and psoriasis. There are sporadic case reports of atopic dermatitis (AD) induced or precipitated by anti-TNF-alpha therapy, which have been attributed to the switch towards Th2-mediated reactions. We report the case of a 30-year-old man with long-standing severe AD associated with contact allergy and poorly responding to conventional treatments. The use of infliximab resulted in a dramatic amelioration of AD lesions and pruritus, persisting at follow-up examinations over a 3-year period. Probably, the unexpected response to infliximab therapy in this case might be due to some peculiar features of AD in our patient (i.e. chronic-continuous course and concomitant contact allergy) which could have been responsible for a more preponderant recruitment of Th1 cells as compared to “common” forms of AD.

Biomarkers for Atopic Dermatitis in Children

Numerous studies investigating the correlations between the severity of atopic dermatitis (AD) and various biomarkers have been reported over the past few decades. Recent studies have indicated that certain soluble mediators, including chemokines (such as thymus and activation-regulated chemokine/C-C motif chemokine ligand [CCL]17 and macrophage-derived chemokine/CCL22) and cytokines (such as thymic stromal lymphopoietin), could be good markers of inflammation in AD. This review focuses on circulating biomarkers of AD, including pediatric AD.

Specific immunotherapy in atopic dermatitis

Allergen specific immunotherapy (SIT) using house dust mite (HDM) extracts has been performed mainly with patients of asthma and allergic rhinitis. In the meanwhile, there has been a long debate on the efficacy of SIT in atopic dermatitis (AD) with only a few double-blind placebo-controlled trials. However, several randomized controlled trials of SIT in AD revealed significant improvement of clinical symptoms and also, positive result was shown by a following meta-analysis study of these trials. In order to predict and evaluate the treatment outcome, finding a biomarker that can predict treatment responses and treatment end-points is critical but it is very challenging at the same time due to the complexity of causes and mechanisms of AD. Other considerations including standardization of the easiest and safest treatment protocol and optimizing the treatment preparations should be studied as well. This review summarizes the basics of SIT in AD including the brief mechanisms, treatment methods and schedules, and also highlights the clinical efficacy of SIT in AD along with mild, controllable adverse reactions. Immunologic effects and studies of various biomarkers are also introduced and finally, future considerations with upcoming studies on SIT were discussed.

Anti-inflammatory effect of qingpeng ointment in atopic dermatitis-like murine model

Qingpeng ointment (QP) is a Chinese medicine which has been used in treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in China. AD-like lesions were induced in BALB/c mice by repeated application of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) on shaved backs. The mice were then treated for 2 weeks with QP of different concentrations and Mometasone Furoate cream (MF), respectively. Macroscopic and microscopic changes of the skin lesions were observed after the treatment. The levels of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) E, tissue interferon (IFN)- γ , and interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-17A and the levels of involucrin, filaggrin, and kallikrein7 in epidermis were measured. The results show severe dermatitis with immune profiles similar to human acute AD. A significant infiltration of CD4(+) T and mast cells was observed in dermis of lesion but inhibited by QP after a 2-week treatment with it. The production of IgE, IL-4 and the mRNA expression of IL-17A were also suppressed, but the level of IFN- γ was increased. MF suppressed all production of these cytokines and IgE. Accordingly, the mechanism of QP on AD might correlate with its ability of modulating the immune dysfunctions rather than suppressing them. It had no effect on expressions of involucrin and filaggrin, except that its vehicle decreased the level of kallikrein7.

Staphylococcus aureus directly activates eosinophils via platelet-activating factor receptor

Colonization by SA is associated with exacerbation of AD. Eosinophilic inflammation is a cardinal pathological feature of AD, but little is known about possible direct interaction between SA and eosinophils. PAFR appears to be involved in phagocytosis of Gram-positive bacteria by leukocytes. The objective of this study was to investigate whether SA directly induces eosinophil effector functions via PAFR in the context of AD pathogenesis. Peripheral blood eosinophils were cultured with heat-killed SA, and EDN release, superoxide generation, and adhesion to fibronectin-coated plates were measured. Cytokines, released in the supernatants, were quantified by multiplex bead immunoassays. FISH-labeled SA was incubated with eosinophils and visualized by confocal laser-scanning microscopy. PAFR-blocking peptide and PAFR antagonists were tested for inhibitory effects on SA-induced reactions. SA induced EDN release and superoxide generation by eosinophils in a dose-dependent manner. IL-5 significantly enhanced SA-induced EDN release. IL-5 and IL-17A significantly enhanced SA-induced superoxide generation. SA enhanced eosinophil adhesion to fibronectin, which was blocked by anti-CD49d, and induced eosinophil secretion of various cytokines/chemokines (IL-2R, IL-9, TNFR, IL-1 β, IL-17A, IP-10, TNF-α, PDGF-bb, VEGF, and FGF-basic). After incubation of eosinophils with SA, FISH-labeled SA was visualized in the eosinophils' cytoplasm, indicating phagocytosis. A PAFR-blocking peptide and two PAFR antagonists completely inhibited those reactions. In conclusion, SA directly induced eosinophil activation via PAFR. Blockade of PAFR may be a novel, therapeutic approach for AD colonized by SA.

Psoriasis patients generate increased serum levels of autoantibodies to tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-alpha

BACKGROUND

It has been shown in experimental animal models that were extended to humans that during autoimmune conditions, the immune system generates beneficial autoantibody (auto Ab) response to a limited number of inflammatory mediators that drive the pathogenesis of the disease.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the presence of auto Abs to cytokines and chemokines in psoriasis.

METHODS

Sera were obtained from patients with psoriasis (n=37), atopic dermatitis (AD) (n=18) and healthy volunteers (n=56). The titers of auto (Abs) to TNF-alpha, interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and chemokines CCL2, CCL3 and CCL5 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. Neutralizing activities of high-titer auto Abs to TNF-alpha and IFN-alpha were determined using functional in vitro assays.

RESULTS

Highly significant increased titers of auto Abs to TNF-alpha and IFN-alpha were detected in patients with psoriasis compared with healthy subjects and patients with AD (mean titers more than fourfold). These auto Abs demonstrated some neutralizing activity in vitro, but their serum levels did not correlate with the intensity and duration of the disease and with phototherapy induced remissions. Significantly increased titers albeit to a lesser extent, of auto Abs to CCL3 were detected in AD.

CONCLUSIONS

Psoriasis patients produce markedly increased levels of auto Abs to TNF-alpha and IFN-alpha which are two of the key cytokines in this disorder. The presence of these auto Abs which possess some neutralizing activity in vitro, may be an epiphenomenon or might play a role in attempting to suppress the ongoing inflammatory process.

Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and E-selectin in patients with asthma exacerbation

Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) are important factors in immunological processes of inflammatory cell buildup in target tissues. Studies have suggested that these molecules could be important markers of inflammatory diseases. This study was undertaken to assess the levels of sICAM-1 and sE-selectin during an acute attack of asthma in adults and children and to establish normal values (95th percentile) in healthy control subjects. We analyzed serum levels of ICAM-1 and E-selectin in 120 children and adults obtained during an acute attack of asthma: 40 with severe and 80 with moderately severe attack, and 50 healthy subjects as controls by ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay). sICAM-1 from patients with asthma was significantly higher than healthy controls (P < 0.001) but not for sE-selectin (P = 0.778). Significant differences were observed in moderately severe attack versus controls and severe attack of asthma for sICAM-1. With 95th percentile levels as cutoff for normal values (sICAM-1 = 585.08 ng/ml, sE-selectin = 160.87 ng/ml), it was observed that 88.3% of subjects (sICAM-1) and 98.5% of subjects (sE-selectin) with an acute attack of asthma had levels within the normal range. Although mean serum levels of sICAM-1 are higher in asthmatics than normal controls, it may be necessary to establish individual baseline values for serial estimation to evaluate their clinical relevance.

Early versus late onset of multiple organ failure is associated with differing patterns of plasma cytokine biomarker expression and outcome after severe trauma

Although multiple organ failure (MOF) remains the leading cause of death after trauma, the pathogenic cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying MOF are poorly understood. In addition to proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediator cascades, the temporal onset of MOF has generated recent interest because the organ systems involved into MOF seem to deteriorate in a time-dependent fashion after trauma. We therefore investigated the temporal course of MOF in traumatized human patients and evaluated and compared the distribution patterns of cytokine expression, including interleukin (IL) 6, IL-8, IL-10, and the soluble tumor necrosis factor-[alpha] receptors sTNF-R p55 and sTNF-R p75 in early-onset versus late-onset MOF. In addition, we analyzed the predictive value of cytokine biomarkers of MOF and lethal outcome. In a prospective observational cohort study conducted at three trauma centers, all patients (n = 352) admitted to two level 1 trauma centers in Germany were enrolled in the study based on the following inclusion criteria: severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 8 or lower and/or distinct changes in cranial computed tomography and/or multiple injuries (MT) to the body (at least two regions had Abbreviated Injury Scale score of 3 or higher). The incidence of MOF was evaluated using the modified Goris-MOF score. The temporal onset of MOF was divided into early-onset MOF (EMOF, developing on days 0-3), late-onset MOF (LMOF, developing on days 4-10), combined early-onset and late-onset MOF (CMOF), and patients never showing signs of MOF during the observation period. In addition, the levels of the serum cytokine markers IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, sTNF-R p55, and sTNF-R p75 were analyzed at specific posttraumatic time points using established enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. A total of 352 patients (274 men and 78 women; TBI, 101; TBI + MT, 125; MT, 126) were enrolled into the study. Patients assigned to the EMOF group showed specific disruption of pulmonary and cardiocirculatory function, whereas LMOF was significantly associated with hepatic failure. The patients without signs of MOF and the EMOF patients had the same risk of lethal outcome (8.2% vs. 7.5%); LMOF and CMOF were found to be associated with a 3- to 4-fold increase in mortality (38.5% vs. 30.6%, respectively). Analysis of cytokine serum biomarkers revealed that patients with LMOF showed a biphasic elevation of IL-6 and significantly higher sTNF-R concentrations than did all other subgroups (P < 0.001). In addition, the initial values (days 0-1) of sTNF-R p55 and sTNF-R p75 expression levels had a good predictive capacity for the development of LMOF (p55, 0.75; p75, 0.72); values greater than 0.65 were accepted to have a predictive capacity. These results demonstrate that mortality differs significantly between the development of EMOF and LMOF after traumatic injury. Our results also suggest that serum cytokine measurements may be important early biochemical markers for predicting the development of delayed MOF.

DELAYED ELEVATION OF SOLUBLE TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR RECEPTORS P75 AND P55 IN CEREBROSPINAL FLUID AND PLASMA AFTER TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Recent studies have reported a significant inflammatory reaction in the brain and the systemic circulation after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although there is growing knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms and mediators involved in the proinflammatory reaction, little is known about the anti-inflammatory mediators in the brain. As tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) plays a detrimental role in the initiation and promotion of the proinflammatory reactions after TBI, the endogenous scavenger system, represented by the soluble TNF receptors (sTNFRs) p55 and p75, seems to have an important anti-inflammatory capacity by binding to circulating TNF-alpha. To evaluate this potentially anti-inflammatory response to trauma, we analyzed sTNFR p55 and p75 in paired plasma/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of 29 patients who encountered TBI. Values were compared with reference values obtained from healthy volunteers (n = 91). Patients with TBI showed significantly (P < 0.001) elevated sTNFR p55 and p75 values starting from day 2 and lasting until day 10 if compared with reference values. In contrast to the early increased plasma values p55 and p75 showed slowly increasing CSF values starting on day 4 and 3, respectively. Significantly (P < 0.001) increased CSF values of p 55 were determined on days 4 to 6 and day 9. p75 showed significantly (P < 0.001) elevated values if compared with control values on days 7 and 9. The sTNFR p55 and p75 show a distinct and long-lasting elevation in plasma of patients after TBI. In contrast, CSF values display a delayed and less intense elevation of both receptors in patients with TBI. These findings are suggestive of an imbalance of the proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory reactions of the central nervous system after trauma, with an emphasis on the proinflammatory mechanisms and a slow increase of potentially anti-inflammatory mediators such as the soluble TNFRs after TBI.

Physiological Levels of Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Mediators in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Plasma: A Normative Study

Numerous recent studies have reported a significant inflammatory reaction in the brain and the systemic circulation following traumatic brain injury (TBI), infection, or neoplasm of the brain with a sequential release of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. Although there is growing knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms leading to the often poor outcome of these patients, only a limited database exists on the physiological expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and molecules in plasma and particularly in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Therefore, we analyzed paired plasma/CSF samples of healthy human volunteers for the physiological concentrations of Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, soluble TNF-receptors (sTNF-R) p55 and p75, soluble ICAM (sICAM), and soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin). A physiological release of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and sTNF-R p55 and p75 was detected in plasma and CSF. In contrast, sICAM and sE-selectin were only detectable in plasma. Pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators exhibited different concentration patterns in plasma and CSF, suggesting a pro-inflammatory predisposition in the central nervous system.

Circulating adhesion molecules in allergic and non-allergic asthma

Circulating forms of adhesion molecules (intercellular-adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin ) are related to the turnover of these molecules on the cell surface. In contrast to the other molecules, the levels of E-selectin probably exclusively reflect the activity of endothelial cells. The aim of this study was to compare levels of circulating adhesion molecules in patients with allergic (AA) and non-allergic asthma (NA) and to relate the levels of soluble adhesion molecules to methacholine responsiveness and lung function. The study comprised 19 patients with AA, 15 patients with NA and 17 healthy subjects. Soluble adhesion molecules, spirometry, methacholine responsiveness and peak flow variability was measured. The group of patients with AA had higher levels of sE-selectin than the reference group (P=0.046). Serum levels of sE-selectin correlated significantly with bronchial responsiveness (r=0.76) and peak flow variability (r=0.75) (P<0.01) in the NA but not in the AA group. All adhesion molecules in AA (P<0.05-<0.001), but only sE-selectin in NA (P<0.05), were correlated to airway conductance. sVCAM-1 was reduced by inhaled steroids (P<0.01). Our results indicate that endothelial cells are activated in asthma and that this activity has a bearing on airflow variability and bronchial responsiveness in NA.

Soluble E-selectin and soluble ICAM-1 levels as markers of the activity of atopic dermatitis in children

The expression of adhesion molecules is up-regulated in the skin of atopic dermatitis (AD) patients, and the levels of the soluble adhesion molecules sE-selectin and sICAM-1 have been reported to reflect the endothelial activation in the skin of AD patients. The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between symptom score and levels of sE-selectin, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 before and after 2 weeks of treatment. Eighteen children with an exacerbation of AD were admitted and treated with corticosteroid dilutions under occlusive wet dressings (wet-wrap treatment). Symptom score (objective SCORAD) and levels of sE-selectin, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 were assessed before and after 2 weeks of treatment. A significant correlation between the objective SCORAD before treatment and the level of sE-selectin (p < 0.05), but not the level of sICAM-1 (p = 0.7) or sVCAM-1 (p = 0.5) was observed. The treatment resulted in a high degree of remission, which was reflected by a significant decrease in the level of sICAM-1 (p < 0.01), whereas there was only a trend in the level of sE-selectin to decrease (p = 0.08). The level of sE-selectin after 2 weeks of treatment still correlated significantly with the objective SCORAD before treatment (p < 0.005). Soluble E-selectin is a relative objective marker for the severity of AD. SCORAD is a treatment-sensitive symptom of AD, whereas E-selectin may be a more stable underlying systemic representation of AD.

Localization and content of nerve growth factor in peripheral blood eosinophils of atopic dermatitis patients

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing eczematous skin disorder characterized by eosinophilia. Nerve growth factor (NGF) modulates the allergic response through interactions with immune-inflammatory cells. Eosinophils have been reported to store NGF as a preformed mediator.

OBJECTIVE

To gain further insight into the significance of eosinophils in association with NGF in the pathogenesis of AD, the localization of NGF within eosinophils and the difference of the eosinophil-derived NGF content in the peripheral blood of normal volunteers vs. AD patients were investigated.

METHODS

We examined the localization of NGF within human eosinophils using the post-embedding immunoelectron microscopy and compared NGF content in freshly isolated eosinophil sonicates from the peripheral blood of 31 normal volunteers vs. 42 AD patients by immunoenzymatic assay. A possible correlation between the levels of NGF and major basic protein was also examined.

RESULTS

Immunoelectron microscopic studies revealed that NGF was localized in the central core of normal eosinophil granules, where major basic protein is also present as a preformed mediator, in homogeneous granules and in intergranular ductal or vesicular structures adjacent to specific granules of eosinophils. NGF content in eosinophils was significantly increased in AD patients. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between levels of NGF and major basic protein in eosinophils of AD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased levels of NGF contained in eosinophils of the peripheral blood from AD patients, when released with other mediators such as basic proteins, could promote inflammation and local tissue damage.

Early elevation of plasma soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in pediatric acute lung injury identifies patients at increased risk of death and prolonged mechanical ventilation

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1, a biological marker of alveolar epithelial and lung endothelial injury and alveolar macrophage activation, is elevated in the plasma of pediatric patients with acute lung injury and to examine whether elevated plasma sICAM-1 levels correlate with two clinically relevant outcomes, mortality and the duration of mechanical ventilation.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Pediatric intensive care units at an urban children's hospital and a tertiary university medical center.

PATIENTS

Eighty-three pediatric patients with acute lung injury and five intubated controls.

INTERVENTIONS

Plasma sICAM-1 levels were measured on days 1 and 2 of acute lung injury in pediatric patients and on day 1 of mechanical ventilation in control patients.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Plasma sICAM-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with acute lung injury compared with controls (966 +/- 830 vs. 251 +/- 168 ng/mL, p <.05). Levels of sICAM-1 were also significantly higher on days 1 and 2 of acute lung injury in nonsurvivors and in patients requiring prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation. Also, plasma sICAM-1 levels >1000 ng/mL had a high specificity for identifying nonsurvivors of acute lung injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Early elevation of sICAM-1 in the plasma of pediatric patients with acute lung injury is associated with increased risk of death or prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation.

Subclinical activation of latent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and anti-CMV immune response in patients with atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Microbiological infections are considered to be of pathophysiological importance in atopic dermatitis (AD). As yet, no information is available regarding cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in this disease. This, however, is of interest because of the high prevalence of latent infections in the general population, the frequent reactivation in inflammatory diseases, and the immunomodulating capacity of CMV.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence of latent CMV infection, the frequency of active CMV infection, and the immune response to CMV in patients with moderate to severe AD. Methods To detect active infection we analysed CMV antigen expression by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 27 patients with moderate to severe AD in comparison with 53 healthy volunteers. We used three monoclonal antibodies recognizing different CMV-encoded antigens and immunocytological staining (alkaline phosphatase-antialkaline phosphatase technique).

RESULTS

Patients with AD had a higher mean frequency of CMV-positive PBMC: 2.25 per 10 000 vs. 0.74 per 10 000 in controls (P = 0.001) as well as a higher incidence of CMV antigenaemia: 29.6% vs. 7.5% (P < 0.01). Seropositivity for anti-CMV IgG antibodies indicated subclinical activation of latent infection. Remarkably, a clearance of CMV antigenaemia was observed during anti-eczematous treatment. Significantly higher plasma levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, which is involved in CMV reactivation, and interleukin-12, which is crucial for an antiviral cellular immune response, were observed in AD patients in comparison with healthy volunteers. Furthermore, a significantly enhanced frequency of circulating activated HLA-DR+ T cells especially in CMV-seropositive AD patients (19.3% vs. 13.5% in seronegative AD patients vs. 10.2% in controls) suggested that the active CMV infection triggers a cellular immune response. This was also supported by a high frequency of CMV-specific interferon-gamma-producing T cells in CMV-seropositive patients with AD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that active, subclinical CMV infection is more frequent in patients with moderate to severe AD and may have immunopathophysiological relevance.

Increased serum IL-10/IL-12 ratio in wheezing infants

To investigate the association between various serum markers and atopic symptoms in the first year of life, and to evaluate the prognostic value of these markers for the development of wheezing and skin rash in the second year of life. Data of 86 children on the development of wheezing and skin rash in the first 2 years of life were collected prospectively, making use of parental completed questionnaires, weekly symptom cards, structured interview and physical examination. Serum markers (IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, eotaxin, sE-selectin, sICAM-1, sIL-2R) and total and specific IgE were determined at age 1. Children who developed wheezing in the first year of life had lower serum levels of IL-12 than children without symptoms (median 40.3 pg/ml vs. 49.0 pg/ml, p = 0.01) and a higher serum IL-10/IL-12 ratio (0.41 vs. 0.31, p = 0.001) at age 1. The IL-10/IL-12 ratio increased with an increasing number of wheezing episodes. Levels of sE-selectin in children with wheezing and in children with itchy skin rash in the first year of life were higher than in symptom free children (6.1 ng/ml and 5.9 ng/ml vs. 4.9 ng/ml, p = 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively). Children who developed wheezing in the second year of life already had increased sICAM-1 levels at age 1. Children who developed wheezing in the first year of life showed a serum cytokine response that is skewed towards a T-helper 2 profile, with lower IL-12 levels and an increased IL-10/IL-12 ratio. Children who developed wheezing in the second year of life had elevated sICAM-1 levels at age 1. Follow-up of the children is needed to evaluate the prognostic value of various serum markers for the development of allergic disease in later childhood.

Clinical and immunologic factors associated with the presence or absence of airways hyper-responsiveness in childhood asthma

BACKGROUND

During the baseline period of a clinical trial comparing different dosage schedules of inhaled steroids, asthmatic children (aged 6-10 years) were expected to meet the inclusion criterion of airways hyper-responsiveness (PD(20) methacholine < 80 micro g) after withdrawal of inhaled corticosteroids for 2-8 weeks. However, many children failed to do so.

OBJECTIVE

It has been shown that young wheezing children may outgrow their symptoms. We investigated if differences between children with and without airways hyper-responsiveness after withdrawal of inhaled corticosteroids were compatible with differences between transient and persistent wheezers found in other studies.

METHODS

Seventy-eight children entered the study, of which 41 developed airways hyper- responsiveness after withdrawal of inhaled corticosteroids, and 37 did not. These two groups of children were compared with respect to differences in demographic, clinical, and immunological features (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IFN-gamma produced by Con A stimulated peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and serum IL-4, IL-5 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1)).

RESULTS

Hyper-responsive children had more atopic features (positive RAST, high IgE, eczema), lower levels of FEV1 and lower concentrations of sICAM-1 than non-hyper-responsive children. Apart from a borderline significantly higher IL-4 production in the hyper-responsive group, other immunologic parameters were comparable. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high serum IgE, low FEV1, and low sICAM-1 levels were independently associated with the presence of airways hyper-responsiveness after stopping inhaled corticosteroids. Atopy was associated with higher concentrations of IL-4 in the hyper-responsive group.

CONCLUSION

After withdrawal of inhaled corticosteroids many children previously diagnosed with asthma did not develop airways hyper-responsiveness. We conclude that hyper-responsive children share features with persistent wheezers as found in previous studies, whereas the non-hyper- responsive children may represent transient wheezers.

Nerve growth factor and substance P are useful plasma markers of disease activity in atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Neurogenic components, such as neurotrophic factors and neuropeptides, are probably involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) via the neuroimmunocutaneous system. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that nerve growth factor (NGF), the best-characterized member of the neurotrophin family, modulates the synthesis of the neuropeptide substance P (SP), both of which may be associated with the pathogenesis of human allergic diseases.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the levels of NGF and SP in the plasma of patients with AD and to examine their possible correlation with disease activity.

METHODS

We measured plasma levels of NGF by an immunoenzymatic assay and of SP by aradioimmunoassay in 52 patients with AD, and compared them with 35 normal non-atopic controls. The severity of the disease in AD patients was evaluated using validated clinical scoring systems.

RESULTS

Patients with AD had significant increases in plasma levels of NGF and SP compared with controls (P < 0.0005 and P < 0.0001, respectively). A positive correlation between the plasma levels of NGF and SP was found in AD patients (correlation coefficient, Cc = 0.920, P < 0.0001). There was a significant correlation of plasma NGF and SP levels with disease activity evaluated using three different scoring systems: the grading system of Rajka and Langeland (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively), the objective Severity Scoring of AD (Cc = 0.656, P < 0.005 and Cc = 0.752, P < 0.0005, respectively) and the Eczema Area and Severity Index (Cc = 0.740, P < 0.001 and Cc = 0.765, P < 0.005, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

These data represent the first reported evidence of increased plasma levels of NGF and SP in an allergic human skin disease. They suggest that these neurogenic factors systemically modulate the allergic response in AD, probably through interactions with cells of the immune-inflammatory component. In addition, NGF and SP may be useful markers of disease activity in patients with AD.

Role of TNF-alpha and its 55 and 75 kDa receptors in bronchial hyperreactivity

The pathophysiological role of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) system was studied in adults (n=37) and children (n=43) non asthmatic offspring of asthmatic parents with and without bronchial hyperreactivity proved by methacholine airway challenge test. SerumTNFalpha and its soluble receptors (sTNF-R1 and R2) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Significantly elevated TNFalpha (adults: mean +/- SD=5.18 +/- 0.87 pg ml(-1), children: 5.08 +/- 1.78) vs. non-hyperreactives (adults: 4.12 +/- 0.43, P < 0.0001, children: 3.75 +/- 0.68, P=0.0084), sTNF-R1 (adults: 144 +/- 0.31 ng ml(-1), children: 1.30 +/- 0 25 vs. adults: 1.21 +/- 0.14, P=0.0305, children: 1.13+/-0.11 ng ml(-1), P=0.0042) and sTNF-R2 (adults: 0.85 +/- 0.40ng ml(-1), children: 0.70 +/- 0.46 vs. adults: 0.56 +/- 0.56 P=0.0084, children: 0.33 +/- 0.17, P=0.0048) and decreased sTNF-R1/R2 ratio (adults: mean +/- SD=0.96 +/- 0.73, children: 2.85 +/- 2.06 vs. adults: 4.82+/-3.40, P=0.0272, children: 4 42 +/- 2 30, P=0.0167) were measured in patients with bronchial hyperreactivityThe provocation doses of methacholine causing a 20% reduction (PD20) in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) were found to be in a significant negative linear correlation with TNFalpha sTNF-R1 and R2 levels in hyperreactive adults and with TNFalpha, sTNF-R2 in hyperreactive children. TNFalpha correlated significantly with its receptors both in hyperreactive adults and children and with the body mass index (BMI) values of adults. The TNF system may contribute to the pathophysiology of bronchial hyperreactivity Altered shedding of sTNF-R1 seems to occur in hyperreactive patients.

Circulating adhesion molecules in sera of asthmatic children

Infiltration of cells into the lung in asthma is regulated by several expressions of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) on cells present in the airways, and may play a role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. We sought to evaluate the role of serum concentrations of the soluble forms of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), and E-selectin (sE-selectin) in the control of disease activity in acute asthma. Circulating levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and sE-selectin in sera from 15 normal control subjects and from 20 allergic asthmatic children with acute exacerbations who had returned to stable condition were determined by using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The mean concentration of serum sICAM-1 levels was significantly higher during an acute exacerbation of asthmatic children than in those with stable asthma (19.41 +/- 10.65 ng/mL vs. 13.46 +/- 5.44 ng/mL; P < 0.001) or in control subjects (9.83 +/- 2.02 ng/mL; P < 0.001). For sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin, the mean serum concentration of sVCAM-1 was slightly higher in children during an acute exacerbation asthma than when stable. However, the differences did not reach statistical significance. The mean serum concentrations of sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin in acute asthma or stable asthma were significantly higher than in control subjects. This study provides further evidence that serum concentrations of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and sE-selectin are increased in acute asthma. These findings further confirm that leukocyte endothelial adhesion plays a role in inflammatory airway disease.

The ascomycin macrolactam pimecrolimus (Elidel, SDZ ASM 981) is a potent inhibitor of mediator release from human dermal mast cells and peripheral blood basophils

BACKGROUND

The ascomycin macrolactam pimecrolimus (Elidel, SDZ ASM 981) has recently been developed as a novel and cell-selective inhibitor of inflammatory cytokine secretion; it has fewer adverse effects than currently available drugs.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we investigated the capacity of pimecrolimus to directly inhibit in vitro mediator release from human skin mast cells and basophils.

METHODS

Purified cutaneous mast cells or basophil-containing peripheral blood leukocytes were obtained from healthy human donors and preincubated with pimecrolimus (0.1 nmol/L to 1 micromol/L) in the absence or presence of its specific antagonist (rapamycin), cyclosporin A (100 nmol/L to 1 micromol/L), or dexamethasone (1 micromol/L) and then stimulated with anti-IgE or with calcium ionophore A23187 plus phorbol myristate acetate. Cell supernatants were kept for analysis of histamine, tryptase, LTC4, and TNF-alpha.

RESULTS

Pimecrolimus caused a strong and dose-dependent inhibition of anti-IgE--induced release of histamine from mast cells and basophils (maximally 73% and 82%, respectively, at 500 nmol/L pimecrolimus) and of mast cell tryptase (maximally 75%) and a less pronounced inhibition of LTC4 (maximally 32%) and of calcium ionophore plus phorbol myristate acetate--induced mast cell TNF-alpha release (90% maximum at 100 nmol/L pimecrolimus). In contrast, inhibition achieved during mast cell histamine release was maximally 60% with cyclosporin A and only 28% with dexamethasone.

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrate a marked inhibitory capacity of pimecrolimus on mediator release from human mast cells and basophils with a potency exceeding that of cyclosporin A and dexamethasone. Pimecrolimus might thus be expected to be effective in the treatment of mast cell-- and basophil-dependent diseases.

Markers for early sensitization and inflammation in relation to clinical manifestations of atopic disease up to 2 years of age in 133 high-risk children

BACKGROUND

The combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors induce allergic sensitization and subsequently local inflammation, resulting in atopic manifestations.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether immunological features reflecting sensitization (total and specific IgE levels, allergen-induced proliferative responses and skin tests) and markers of inflammation (plasma sE-selectin and blood eosinophils) are related to the clinical expression of atopy and whether they precede atopic disease in children up to 2 years of age.

METHODS

The development of these markers during the first 2 years of life was studied prospectively in 133 newborns at high risk to develop atopic disease.

RESULTS

The prevalence of atopic disease increased from 25% at 12 months to 32% at 24 months of age. The children with food allergy at 12 months, who all had atopic dermatitis (AD), turned out to have asthma-like disease in 40% and AD in 100% at the age of 24 months. Total IgE levels increased with time and from 12 months onward levels started to differ markedly between atopics and nonatopics. Food-specific IgE antibodies were significantly associated with AD (relative risk [RR] = 2.39), food (RR = 1.32) and upper-airway allergy (RR = 1.20), and house dust mite-specific IgE antibodies with upper-airway allergy (RR = 5.00). A positive skin test was significantly associated with AD (RR = 2.90) and food allergy (RR = 1.36). The inflammation markers investigated, were not related to the clinical expression or preceded atopic disease at 2 years of age in high-risk children.

CONCLUSION

Positive skin tests and specific IgE to food or inhalant allergens were related to the clinical expression of different atopic diseases. The combination of AD and food allergy at 12 months reflected the strongest risk factor in this high risk cohort for the development of asthma-like disease at 24 months of age.

Elevated soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor levels in seasonal allergic rhinitis patients

In this study, we examined the symptom scores and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), p55 soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (sTNFR1), and p75 soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (sTNFR2) levels in the sera and nasal epithelial lining fluids (ELF) of 20 patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis from the pre- to the postseason period, and compared the results with those of 10 nonallergic control subjects. The symptom scores of the allergic subjects were significantly (P<0.01) higher than those of the nonallergic subjects during the early stage and mid-stage of the season. There were no statistical differences between the allergic and nonallergic subjects in the TNF-alpha levels in sera and ELF from the pre- to the postseason. In the allergic subjects, however, the levels of sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 in ELF were significantly elevated during the early stage (P<0.05) and mid-stage (P<0.01) of the season, whereas those in sera did not change from the pre- to the post-season period. The levels of TNF-alpha in ELF were more than 10 times higher than those in sera, whereas the levels of sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 in ELF were less than half of those in sera in the allergic and nonallergic subjects. These results suggest that sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 may play a role in the pathogenesis of nasal allergic reaction.