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Haahtela T, Burbach GJ, Bachert C, Bindslev-Jensen C, Bonini S, Bousquet J, Bousquet-Rouanet L, Bousquet PJ, Bresciani M, Bruno A, Canonica GW, Darsow U, Demoly P, Durham SR, Fokkens WJ, Giavi S, Gjomarkaj M, Gramiccioni C, Kowalski ML, Losonczy G, Orosz M, Papadopoulos NG, Stingl G, Todo-Bom A, von Mutius E, Köhli A, Wöhrl S, Järvenpää S, Kautiainen H, Petman L, Selroos O, Zuberbier T, Heinzerling LM. Clinical relevance is associated with allergen-specific wheal size in skin prick testing. Clin Exp Allergy 2014; 44:407-16. [PMID: 24283409 PMCID: PMC4215109 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Revised: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Within a large prospective study, the Global Asthma and Allergy European Network (GA2LEN) has collected skin prick test (SPT) data throughout Europe to make recommendations for SPT in clinical settings. Objective To improve clinical interpretation of SPT results for inhalant allergens by providing quantitative decision points. Methods The GA2LEN SPT study with 3068 valid data sets was used to investigate the relationship between SPT results and patient-reported clinical relevance for each of the 18 inhalant allergens as well as SPT wheal size and physician-diagnosed allergy (rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergy). The effects of age, gender, and geographical area on SPT results were assessed. For each allergen, the wheal size in mm with an 80% positive predictive value (PPV) for being clinically relevant was calculated. Results Depending on the allergen, from 40% (blatella) to 87–89% (grass, mites) of the positive SPT reactions (wheal size ≥ 3 mm) were associated with patient-reported clinical symptoms when exposed to the respective allergen. The risk of allergic symptoms increased significantly with larger wheal sizes for 17 of the 18 allergens tested. Children with positive SPT reactions had a smaller risk of sensitizations being clinically relevant compared with adults. The 80% PPV varied from 3 to 10 mm depending on the allergen. Conclusion These ‘reading keys’ for 18 inhalant allergens can help interpret SPT results with respect to their clinical significance. A SPT form with the standard allergens including mm decision points for each allergen is offered for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Haahtela
- Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Bonini M, Marcomini L, Gramiccioni C, Tranquilli C, Melioli G, Canonica GW, Bonini S. Microarray evaluation of specific IgE to allergen components in elite athletes. Allergy 2012; 67:1557-64. [PMID: 23033844 DOI: 10.1111/all.12029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic sensitization and diseases have been reported to have a very high and increasing prevalence in elite athletes. Over 80% of allergic athletes are poly-sensitized. OBJECTIVE This study aims at evaluating the potential diagnostic added value of a microarray technology (ImmunoCAP ISAC, Phadia AB [at present Thermo Fisher Scientific] Uppsala, Sweden which detects IgE antibodies to specific or cross-reacting allergen components. METHODS Seventy-two poly-sensitized athletes according to skin prick test (SPT) with different allergic phenotypes (asthma n = 19; rhino-conjunctivitis n = 20; food allergy and/or oral allergy syndrome n = 13; no clinical symptoms n = 20) and two different control populations (20 poly-sensitized sedentary subjects with respiratory allergy and 20 healthy athletes with negative SPT) were studied for detecting specific IgE (sIgE) both to allergen extracts (ImmunoCAPsIgE) and to allergen components (ImmunoCAP ISAC). RESULTS ImmunoCAP ISAC detected the presence of sIgE in 90% of poly-sensitized athletes--in 96% with symptoms and in 75% without symptoms--and in 100% of allergic controls. The pattern of positivity towards the 103 components tested differed from subject to subject, even in those with the same sensitization to allergen extract SPT or sIgE. Based on the ISAC results, poly-sensitized athletes were classified into the following prototypical patterns, differently represented in the clinical phenotypes studied (P = 0.03): (1) One single predominant specific allergen positivity; (2) sIgE to two or more non-cross-reacting allergens; (3) sIgE to cross-reacting allergens; and (4) sIgE to components potentially responsible for severe allergic reactions. CONCLUSIONS The ImmunoCAP ISAC represents a useful additional tool for diagnosis and management of poly-sensitized athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - L. Marcomini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Central Laboratory; G. Gaslini Insitute; Genoa; Italy
| | - C. Gramiccioni
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology; Italian National Research Council; Rome; Italy
| | - C. Tranquilli
- Institute of Sport Medicine and Sciences; Italian National Olympic Committee; Rome; Italy
| | - G. Melioli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Central Laboratory; G. Gaslini Insitute; Genoa; Italy
| | - G. W. Canonica
- Department of Medicine, Allergy and Respiratory Diseases; University of Genoa; Genoa; Italy
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Bonini M, Ruckert B, Fioretti D, Gramiccioni C, Sargentini V, Rinaldi M, Akdis C, Canonica G, Tranquilli C, Pelliccia A. Low Levels of Cytokines and Growth Factors in Serum of Allergic and Non-Allergic Top Atletes. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2010.12.512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Gramiccioni C, Carpagnano GE, Spanevello A, Turchiarelli V, Cagnazzo MG, Foschino Barbaro MP. Airways oxidative stress, lung function and cognitive impairment in aging. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2010; 73:5-11. [PMID: 20499788 DOI: 10.4081/monaldi.2010.307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An altered balance of oxidants/antioxidants is one of the pathological mechanisms of many age-dependent disorders. We aimed to investigate the age-related airways oxidative stress, using non invasive, safe and repeatable techniques; to evaluate the correspondence between systemic and local oxidative stress in healthy subjects of different age ranges; to analyse the correlation between systemic and local oxidative stress with lung function and with cognitive impairment. METHODS Thirty consecutive healthy high school graduated subjects (8 M, 22 F), divided in three ranges of age (< 35; between 35 and 60; > 60 years) were enrolled. All subjects underwent oxygen free radicals and exhaled nitric oxide measurement (by the diacron reactive oxygen metabolites test and by a rapid-response chemiluminescence nitric oxide analyzer), lung function tests, and cognitive impairment scales (Mini Mental State Examination and Geriatric Depression Scale). RESULTS A significant increase of oxygen free radicals, exhaled nitric oxide, and Geriatric Depression Scale score and a significant decrease of forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced expiratory vital capacity from younger to older subjects were identified. Moreover, the significant positive correlation between oxygen free radicals and exhaled nitric oxide, and between oxygen free radicals and exhaled nitric oxide with Geriatric Depression Scale score were found. The significant negative correlation between forced expiratory volume in 1 second and oxygen free radicals or exhaled nitric oxide was also demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS Our data supports the role of progressive local oxidative stress in damaging the lung function and in inducing depression symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gramiccioni
- Institute of Respiratory Disease, Department of Medical and Occupational Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy
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Carpagnano GE, Palladino GP, Gramiccioni C, Foschino Barbaro MP, Martinelli D. Exhaled ERCC-1 and ERCC-2 microsatellite alterations in NSCLC patients. Lung Cancer 2010; 68:305-7. [PMID: 20188432 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2010.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2009] [Revised: 01/29/2010] [Accepted: 01/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The excision repair cross-complementation (ERCC) enzyme plays a rate-limiting role in nucleotide excision repair pathway. Microsatellite alterations (MAs) at the long arm of chromosome 19, where are located the ERCC genes, have recently been associated with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) pathogenesis and reduced survival. The aim of the present study was to explore MAs at 19q in DNA from exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of NSCLC patients investigating their possible correlation with the smoking habit, with the biological behaviour of the tumour and their predictive survival power. METHODS 34 NSCLC patients and 33 healthy controls (19 non-smokers and 14 smokers) were enrolled. All the subjects underwent 19q microsatellite analysis of their EBC. A total of 25 patients were either given a follow-up of at least 102 weeks, or were followed up until death. RESULTS No MAs were found in EBC or WB in the healthy non-smokers, while 16% of exhaled MAs were found in healthy smokers and 25% of exhaled MAs in NSCLC patients. The number of MAs resulted related with tobacco consumption and with NSCLC patients' survival. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the study of MAs at 19q resulted feasible in EBC-DNA. These genetic alterations are specific for lung cancer and predictive of survival in NSCLC patients. Our results suggest interesting clinical perspectives for the analysis of exhaled MAs at 19q in NSCLC patients.
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Carpagnano GE, Spanevello A, Palladino GP, Gramiccioni C, Ruggieri C, Carpagnano F, Foschino Barbaro MP. Cigarette smoke and increased COX-2 and survivin levels in exhaled breath condensate of lung cancer patients: how hot is the link? Lung Cancer 2010; 67:108-13. [PMID: 19423183 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2009.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2008] [Revised: 01/16/2009] [Accepted: 03/16/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED One of the most current intriguing hypotheses on lung cancerogenesis envisages a role for inflammation as a possible trigger of both epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer development. Cigarette smoke has been suggested to be the main factor underlying the inflammation of the airways described in lung cancer patients. Cycloxygenase and survivin, a COX-2 dependent factor of apoptosis resistance, seem to play a key role in this regard. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to study COX-2 and survivin in the airways of lung cancer patients and in those of a group of smokers in a view to increasing our understanding of the link between smoking, airway inflammation and lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS 70 NSCLC patients (28 smokers, 26 ex-smokers and 16 non-smokers) and 30 healthy subjects (20 smokers and 10 non-smokers) were enrolled in the study. Both COX-2 and survivin concentrations were measured in the exhaled breath condensates of all the subjects under study using EIA kits. RESULTS Higher levels of exhaled survivin and COX-2 were found in NSCLC patients compared to healthy smokers and non-smokers. These levels were observed to be significantly elevated in smokers (patients with lung cancer and healthy) and ex-smokers compared to non-smokers and exhibited a positive correlation with the number of cigarettes smoked expressed as pack/year. A correlation was also found between exhaled COX-2 and survivin and the progression of cancer. CONCLUSIONS We support the hypothesis that cigarette smoke be strongly connected to the inflammation of the airways observed in lung cancer patients. On the basis of the results obtained the use of exhaled breath condensate COX-2 and survivin levels could be suggested as two potential markers within an early non-invasive screening of populations of smokers at risk of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna E Carpagnano
- Institute of Respiratory Disease, Department of Medical and Occupational Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.
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Bousquet PJ, Burbach G, Heinzerling LM, Edenharter G, Bachert C, Bindslev-Jensen C, Bonini S, Bousquet-Rouanet L, Demoly P, Bresciani M, Bruno A, Gjomarkaj M, Canonica GW, Darsow U, Durham S, Fokkens WJ, Giavi S, Gramiccioni C, Papadopoulos NG, Haahtela T, Kowalski ML, Magyar P, Muraközi G, Orosz M, Röhnelt C, Stingl G, Todo-Bom A, von Mutius E, Wiesner A, Wöhrl S, Bousquet J, Zuberbier T. GA2LEN skin test study III: minimum battery of test inhalent allergens needed in epidemiological studies in patients. Allergy 2009; 64:1656-62. [PMID: 19824887 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02169.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of allergens to be tested in order to identify sensitized patients is important in order to have the most cost-effective approach in epidemiological studies. OBJECTIVE To define the minimal number and the type of skin prick test (SPT) allergens required to identify a patient as sensitized using results of the new Pan-European GA(2)LEN skin prick test study. METHOD In a large Pan-European multicenter (17 centers in 14 countries) patient based study, a standardized panel of 18 allergens has been prick tested using a standardized procedure. Conditional approach allowed to determine the allergens selection. RESULT Among the 3034 patients involved, 1996 (68.2%) were sensitized to at least one allergen. Overall, eight allergens (grass pollen, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, birch pollen, cat dander, Artemisia, olive pollen, Blatella and Alternaria) allowed to identified more than 95% of sensitized subjects. However, differences were observed between countries, two allergens being sufficient for Switzerland (grass pollen and cat dander) as opposed to nine for France (grass pollen, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, olive pollen, cat dander, Blatella, cypress, dog dander, alder and [Artemisia or Alternaria]). According to country, up to 13 allergens were needed to identify all sensitized subjects. CONCLUSION Eight to ten allergens allowed the identification of the majority of sensitized subjects. For clinical care of individual patients, the whole battery of 18 allergens is needed to appropriately assess sensitization across Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- P-J Bousquet
- Département de Biostatistique, Epidémiologie Clinique, Santé Publique et Information Médicale, Groupe Hospitalo-Universtaire Carémeau, Nîmes, France
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Burbach GJ, Heinzerling LM, Edenharter G, Bachert C, Bindslev‐Jensen C, Bonini S, Bousquet J, Bousquet‐Rouanet L, Bousquet PJ, Bresciani M, Bruno A, Canonica GW, Darsow U, Demoly P, Durham S, Fokkens WJ, Giavi S, Gjomarkaj M, Gramiccioni C, Haahtela T, Kowalski ML, Magyar P, Muraközi G, Orosz M, Papadopoulos NG, Röhnelt C, Stingl G, Todo‐Bom A, Von Mutius E, Wiesner A, Wöhrl S, Zuberbier T. GA(2)LEN skin test study II: clinical relevance of inhalant allergen sensitizations in Europe. Allergy 2009; 64:1507-1515. [PMID: 19772516 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02089.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skin prick testing is the standard for diagnosing IgE-mediated allergies. A positive skin prick reaction, however, does not always correlate with clinical symptoms. A large database from a Global Asthma and Allergy European Network (GA(2)LEN) study with data on clinical relevance was used to determine the clinical relevance of sensitizations against the 18 most frequent inhalant allergens in Europe. The study population consisted of patients referred to one of the 17 allergy centres in 14 European countries (n = 3034, median age = 33 years). The aim of the study was to assess the clinical relevance of positive skin prick test reactions against inhalant allergens considering the predominating type of symptoms in a pan-European population of patients presenting with suspected allergic disease. METHODS Clinical relevance of skin prick tests was recorded with regard to patient history and optional additional tests. A putative correlation between sensitization and allergic disease was assessed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS While an overall rate of >or=60% clinically relevant sensitizations was observed in all countries, a differential distribution of clinically relevant sensitizations was demonstrated depending on type of allergen and country where the prick test was performed. Furthermore, a significant correlation between the presence of allergic disease and the number of sensitizations was demonstrated. CONCLUSION This study strongly emphasizes the importance of evaluating the clinical relevance of positive skin prick tests and calls for further studies, which may, ultimately, help increase the positive predictive value of allergy testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. J. Burbach
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité Universitätsmedizin–Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - L. M. Heinzerling
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité Universitätsmedizin–Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - G. Edenharter
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité Universitätsmedizin–Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - C. Bachert
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - S. Bonini
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - A. Bruno
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - U. Darsow
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein and Division of Environmental Dermatology and Allergy Helmholtz Center, Technical University, Technische Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - P. Demoly
- University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - S. Durham
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | - W. J. Fokkens
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S. Giavi
- Allergy Department, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University, Athens, Greece
| | - M. Gjomarkaj
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - T. Haahtela
- University Central Hospital, Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M. L. Kowalski
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - P. Magyar
- Allergy Centre, Semmelweis Medical University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - G. Muraközi
- Allergy Centre, Semmelweis Medical University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - M. Orosz
- Allergy Centre, Semmelweis Medical University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - N. G. Papadopoulos
- Allergy Department, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University, Athens, Greece
| | - C. Röhnelt
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité Universitätsmedizin–Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - G. Stingl
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - A. Todo‐Bom
- Allergy Centre, Department of Pulmonology, Coimbra University, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - E. Von Mutius
- Allergy Centre, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - A. Wiesner
- Allergy Centre, Children’s University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - S. Wöhrl
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - T. Zuberbier
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité Universitätsmedizin–Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Heinzerling LM, Burbach GJ, Edenharter G, Bachert C, Bindslev‐Jensen C, Bonini S, Bousquet J, Bousquet‐Rouanet L, Bousquet PJ, Bresciani M, Bruno A, Burney P, Canonica GW, Darsow U, Demoly P, Durham S, Fokkens WJ, Giavi S, Gjomarkaj M, Gramiccioni C, Haahtela T, Kowalski ML, Magyar P, Muraközi G, Orosz M, Papadopoulos NG, Röhnelt C, Stingl G, Todo‐Bom A, Von Mutius E, Wiesner A, Wöhrl S, Zuberbier T. GA(2)LEN skin test study I: GA(2)LEN harmonization of skin prick testing: novel sensitization patterns for inhalant allergens in Europe. Allergy 2009; 64:1498-1506. [PMID: 19772515 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02093.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skin prick testing is the standard for diagnosing IgE-mediated allergies. However, different allergen extracts and different testing procedures have been applied by European allergy centres. Thus, it has been difficult to compare results from different centres or studies across Europe. It was, therefore, crucial to standardize and harmonize procedures in allergy diagnosis and treatment within Europe. AIMS The Global Asthma and Allergy European Network (GA(2)LEN), with partners and collaborating centres across Europe, was in a unique position to take on this task. The current study is the first approach to implement a standardized procedure for skin prick testing in allergies against inhalant allergens with a standardized pan-European allergen panel. METHODS The study population consisted of patients who were referred to one of the 17 participating centres in 14 European countries (n = 3034, median age = 33 years). Skin prick testing and evaluation was performed with the same 18 allergens in a standardized procedure across all centres. RESULTS The study clearly shows that many allergens previously regarded as untypical for some regions in Europe have been underestimated. This could partly be related to changes in mobility of patients, vegetation or climate in Europe. CONCLUSION The results of this large pan-European study demonstrate for the first time sensitization patterns for different inhalant allergens in patients across Europe. The standardized skin prick test with the standardized allergen battery should be recommended for clinical use and research. Further EU-wide monitoring of sensitization patterns is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. M. Heinzerling
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité Universitätsmedizin‐Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - G. J. Burbach
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité Universitätsmedizin‐Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - G. Edenharter
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité Universitätsmedizin‐Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - C. Bachert
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - S. Bonini
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - A. Bruno
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy
| | - P. Burney
- Imperial College for Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - U. Darsow
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein and Division of Environmental Dermatology and Allergy Helmholtz Center, Technical University, Technische Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - P. Demoly
- University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - S. Durham
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | - W. J. Fokkens
- Academic Medical Centre, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - S. Giavi
- Allergy Department, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University, Athens, Greece
| | - M. Gjomarkaj
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - T. Haahtela
- Skin and Allergy Hospital, University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M. L. Kowalski
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - P. Magyar
- Semmelweis Medical University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - G. Muraközi
- Semmelweis Medical University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - M. Orosz
- Semmelweis Medical University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - N. G. Papadopoulos
- Allergy Department, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University, Athens, Greece
| | - C. Röhnelt
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité Universitätsmedizin‐Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - G. Stingl
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - A. Wiesner
- Children’s University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - S. Wöhrl
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - T. Zuberbier
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité Universitätsmedizin‐Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Bonini M, Braido F, Baiardini I, Del Giacco S, Gramiccioni C, Manara M, Tagliapietra G, Scardigno A, Sargentini V, Brozzi M, Rasi G, Bonini S. AQUA: Allergy Questionnaire for Athletes. Development and validation. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2009; 41:1034-41. [PMID: 19346984 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0b013e318193c663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the high and increasing prevalence of allergic diseases in athletes, allergy diagnostics is not part of the routine medical examination in sports medicine. This study reports the development and validation of an easy and reliable questionnaire for screening allergy in athletes. METHODS AQUA was derived from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey Questionnaire. On the basis of open interviews with team doctors, coaches, and athletes, questions were added about: the type, duration, and intensity of training; exercise-related allergic and infectious symptoms; social habits (smoking); drug and food supplements intake; antidoping regulations. The final version of the questionnaire, made of 25 selected questions, was validated in 128 professional soccer players who underwent accurate history taking, medical examination, skin prick testing, and/or specific IgE determination. On the basis of the correlation with objective allergy (positive skin tests to at least one allergen), questions were scored from 1 to 5 according to their positive likelihood ratio. RESULTS Skin tests (gold standard for validation) were positive in 46.8% of soccer players. Mean total AQUA score was 9.4 +/- 7.8 in allergic athletes versus 1.3 +/- 2.3 in nonallergic athletes. A total AQUA score of >or=5 was shown to have the best positive predictive value for allergy (0.94) with a specificity of 97.1% and a sensitivity of 58.3%. CONCLUSIONS AQUA, produced in 10 European languages, is a validated, easy, and reliable tool for calling attention on the high prevalence of allergy in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Bonini
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy
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Bresciani M, Lalibertè F, Lalibertè MF, Gramiccioni C, Bonini S. Nerve growth factor localization in the nasal mucosa of patients with persistent allergic rhinitis. Allergy 2009; 64:112-7. [PMID: 19076929 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2008.01831.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Nerve growth factor (NGF) and NGF receptors have been shown to be expressed by structural and infiltrating inflammatory cells in the human allergic bronchial mucosa and conjunctiva. In the nose, a positive immunostaining for NGF was recently reported in biopsies of subjects undergoing surgery for refractory nasal obstruction. This study was aimed at studying by immunohistochemistry NGF expression and localization in the nasal mucosa from subjects with moderate/severe persistent allergic rhinitis and natural allergen exposure. METHODS Immunostaining for NGF, tryptase and eosinophil cationic protein was performed in human nasal turbinate sections of 25 patients affected by persistent allergic rhinitis and sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. RESULTS NGF was consistently expressed in the epithelium and in the submucosa of allergic rhinitic subjects, preferentially localized in eosinophils and mast cells. A strong NGF immunostaining was found in mucous cells of the epithelial lining and in the submucosal glands. CONCLUSIONS As previously shown for allergic asthma and allergic conjunctivitis, NGF is also detectable in the nasal mucosa of patients with persistent allergic rhinitis. The preferential NGF localization in mucous cells of the epithelial lining and in the submucosal glands suggests a possible role for NGF in modulating secretion in allergic rhinitis and possibly other allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bresciani
- INMM-Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy; member of the GALEN WP 2.7.1
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12
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Carpagnano GE, Palladino GP, Gramiccioni C, Spanevello A, Cagnazzo MG, Barbaro MPF. [New biomolecular methodologies in diagnosis of lung cancer]. Recenti Prog Med 2008; 99:417-421. [PMID: 19044249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer remains the most frequent tumour and cause of cancer death in worldwide. Unfortunately most of patients still discover their tumour in advanced stage. Lung cancer results from the occurrence of a number of genetic alterations in oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes that are potential markers either for screening procedures or for earlier detection in patients with non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It was estimated that about 10 to 20 genetic events are required for lung tumorigenesis. These genetic changes are triggered by smoking and persist for many years after smoking cessation. Continuously, more sophisticated methods for the analysis of these genetic alterations involved in lung cancer become available. Several molecular alterations involved in lung cancer have been already identified in different biological samples (biopsy, BAL) that are collected with highly invasive techniques that make them poorly suitable for wider screening. Recently the DNA has been extracted from exhaled breath condensate, demonstrating the suitability of this sample for the study of genetic alterations and its potential role in screening programs of subjects at risk of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Elisiana Carpagnano
- Sezione di Malattie dell'Apparato Respiratorio, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e del Lavoro, Università, Foggia.
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Burney P, Potts J, Makowska J, Kowalski M, Phillips J, Gnatiuc L, Shaheen S, Joos G, Van Cauwenberge P, van Zele T, Verbruggen K, van Durme Y, Derudder I, Wohrl S, Godnic-Cvar J, Salameh B, Skadhauge L, Thomsen G, Zuberbier T, Bergmann KC, Heinzerling L, Renz H, Al-Fakhri N, Kosche B, Hildenberg A, Papadopoulos NG, Xepapadaki P, Zannikos K, Gjomarkaj M, Bruno A, Pace E, Bonini S, Bresciani M, Gramiccioni C, Fokkens W, Weersink EJM, Carlsen KH, Bakkeheim E, Loureiro C, Villanueva CM, Sanjuas C, Zock JP, Lundback B, Janson C. A case-control study of the relation between plasma selenium and asthma in European populations: a GAL2EN project. Allergy 2008; 63:865-71. [PMID: 18588552 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2008.01716.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that selenium levels are relatively low in Europe and may be falling. Low levels of selenium or low activity of some of the enzymes dependent on selenium have been associated with asthma. METHODS The GA(2)LEN network has organized a multicentre case-control study in Europe to assess the relation of plasma selenium to asthma. The network compared 569 cases in 14 European centres with a diagnosis of asthma and reporting asthma symptoms in the last 12 months with 576 controls from the same centres with no diagnosis of asthma and no asthmatic symptoms in the last 12 months. RESULTS All cases and controls were selected from the same population defined by age and place of residence. Mean plasma selenium concentrations among the controls ranged from 116.3 microg/l in Palermo to 67.7 microg/l in Vienna and 56.1 microg/l among the children in Oslo. Random effects meta-analysis of the results from the centres showed no overall association between asthma and plasma selenium [odds ratio (OR)/10 microg/l increase in plasma selenium: 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89-1.21] though there was a significantly protective effect in Lodz (OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.29-0.78) and a marginally significant adverse effect in Amsterdam (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 0.98-2.90) and Ghent (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.03-1.77). CONCLUSION This study does not support a role for selenium in protection against asthma, but effect modification and confounding cannot be ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Burney
- National Heart Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
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Depalo A, Carpagnano GE, Spanevello A, Sabato R, Cagnazzo MG, Gramiccioni C, Foschino-Barbaro MP. Exhaled NO and iNOS expression in sputum cells of healthy, obese and OSA subjects. J Intern Med 2008; 263:70-8. [PMID: 18098375 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2796.2007.01875.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with airways inflammation; a key role in this regard seems to be played by nitric oxide (NO). The aim of this study was to measure exhaled NO and expression of its enzyme, the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in cells of induced sputum in OSA patients and in obese subjects without sleep apnoea and to correlate these inflammatory markers with severity of OSA. METHODS We enrolled 18 obese patients with OSA (10 men, age 48.2 +/- 8.4 years), 15 obese patients without OSA (eight men, age 52.8 +/- 11 years) and 10 healthy subjects (five men, age 42 +/- 4 years). Exhaled NO was measured using a chemiluminescence analyser; iNOS expression was measured in the sputum cells by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS Exhaled NO resulted significantly increased in OSA and in obese patients (23.1 +/- 2.1 and 17.9 +/- 2.1 p.p.b.) than in healthy subjects (7.2 +/- 0.6 p.p.b.; P < 0.001). OSA and obese patients showed a higher percentage of neutrophils and a lower percentage of macrophages in the induced sputum compared to healthy subjects. In addition, OSA and obese patients showed higher iNOS expression in neutrophils and in macrophages with respect to healthy subjects. A positive correlation between exhaled NO, iNOS expression and AHI was observed. CONCLUSIONS These data confirm the presence of airway inflammation in OSA and in obese patients, and suggest the possible role for NO and iNOS expression in neutrophils of the induced sputum as noninvasive markers to identify and monitor the airway inflammation in these subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Depalo
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Medical and Occupational Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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Sacchetti M, Baiardini I, Lambiase A, Aronni S, Fassio O, Gramiccioni C, Bonini S, Bonini S. Development and testing of the quality of life in children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis questionnaire. Am J Ophthalmol 2007; 144:557-63. [PMID: 17693381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2007.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2007] [Revised: 06/18/2007] [Accepted: 06/19/2007] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop and validate a questionnaire that measures health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). DESIGN Prospective, observational case series. METHODS An initial list of 42 items was developed and administered to 30 children with active VKC (six girls and 24 boys; mean age, nine +/- two years). The 30 most significant items were selected and converted into questions on a three-step scale for validation in 41 children with active VKC (eight girls and 33 boys; mean age, 9.5 +/- 2.1 years). Twenty-two children also completed the generic KINDL questionnaire. Clinical signs were evaluated and scored and total sign scores (TSSs) were calculated. Validation was performed by factorial analysis and Pearson correlation. Internal consistency was computed by the Chronbach alpha on the extracted factors. RESULTS Factorial analysis extracted two factors with good internal consistency: symptoms (12 items; alpha = 0.89) and daily activities (four items; alpha = 0.77). Correlations of Quality of Life in Children with Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (QUICK) scores to KINDL scores were in the expected direction. Most patients reported itching (93%), burning (90%), redness (90%), the need to use eye drops (90%), tearing (83%), and photophobia (80%). The children's greatest concerns were limitations on going to the pool (71%), playing sports (58%), and meeting friends (58%). QUICK symptom scores were correlated significantly to conjunctival hyperemia (P < .001), secretion (P = .042), chemosis (P = .012), superficial punctate keratopathy (P < .001), and TSS (P = .010). CONCLUSIONS The QUICK questionnaire is a new, simple instrument to measure HRQoL in children with severe allergic conjunctivitis. This test is effective for the global evaluation of the impact of VKC on children's daily lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Sacchetti
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rome Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
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Bonini S, Gramiccioni C, Bonini M, Bresciani M. Practical approach to diagnosis and treatment of ocular allergy: a 1-year systematic review. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2007; 7:446-9. [PMID: 17873587 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0b013e3282ef868b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW A 1-year systematic review in the field of ocular allergy was carried out to select new information which may be useful for a practical approach to allergic conjunctivitis. RECENT FINDINGS Out of the 56 articles listed by PubMed, 27 papers were included in the review following a consensus achieved among the authors who had independently reviewed all abstracts. Selected articles were classified according to their main focus: antihistamines, omalizumab, new treatments for vernal keratoconjunctivitis and inflammatory ocular disorders, and sublingual immunotherapy. SUMMARY The data reviewed are discussed with the aim of underlining unmet needs and making recommendations for future studies on diagnosis and treatment of ocular allergy which may better guide clinical practice in this important area of allergy and clinical immunology.
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MESH Headings
- Administration, Sublingual
- Anti-Allergic Agents/immunology
- Anti-Allergic Agents/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
- Conjunctivitis, Allergic/diagnosis
- Conjunctivitis, Allergic/drug therapy
- Conjunctivitis, Allergic/immunology
- Conjunctivitis, Allergic/therapy
- Histamine H1 Antagonists/immunology
- Histamine H1 Antagonists/therapeutic use
- Humans
- Immunotherapy
- Keratoconjunctivitis/diagnosis
- Keratoconjunctivitis/drug therapy
- Keratoconjunctivitis/immunology
- Keratoconjunctivitis/therapy
- Omalizumab
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Bonini S, Rasi G, Brusasco V, Carlsen KH, Crimi E, Popov T, Schultze-Werninghaus G, Gramiccioni C, Bonini M, Passali D, Bachert C, van Cauwenberge PB, Bresciani M, Bonini S, Calonge M, Montan PG, Serapiao Dos Santos M, Belfort R, Lambiase A, Sacchetti M. Nonspecific provocation of target organs in allergic diseases: EAACI-GA(2)LEN consensus report. Allergy 2007; 62:683-94. [PMID: 17508974 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01382.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that nonspecific tissue reactivity is a distinct pathophysiological hallmark of allergic diseases, influenced by genetic and environmental factors different from those involved in causing sensitization and allergen response of target organs. This consensus document aims at reviewing procedures currently used for nonspecific provocation of the bronchi, nose and eye and for measuring their responsiveness to nonspecific stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bonini
- Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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Abstract
Hematological abnormalities frequently occur in patients infected with HIV-1. Increasing evidence indicates that bone marrow (BM) suppression results from viral infection of accessory cells, with impaired stromal function and alteration of hematopoietic growth factor network. We investigated the effects of antiretroviral therapy on cytokine and chemokine production by BM cells and stromal cells, in a group of HIV-1-infected subjects before and during treatment. Compared with uninfected controls, an altered cytokine and chemokine production by BM cells has been observed before treatment, characterised by decreased IL-2 and elevated TNF-alpha, MIP-1alpha, MIP-1beta, and RANTES levels, along with a defective BM clonogenic activity. Antiretroviral therapy determined an amelioration of stem cell activity, a restoration of stromal cell pattern and functions, and an increased IL-2 production at BM level and a decrease of Fas expression on progenitor cells, in parallel with the diminution of TNF-alpha levels. HIV-1 protease inhibitors (PIs) may improve hematopoietic functions owing to their direct effects on the BM progenitor cells. Ritonavir and indinavir increased the colony growth of BM obtained either from HIV-1-infected patients or from normal individuals, in parallel with the normalization of functional and morphologic characteristics of stromal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Isgrò
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, Viale dell'Università, Rome 37-00185, Italy
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Isgrò A, Sirianni MC, Gramiccioni C, Mezzaroma I, Fantauzzi A, Aiuti F. Idiopathic CD4+ lymphocytopenia may be due to decreased bone marrow clonogenic capability. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2005; 136:379-84. [PMID: 15746558 DOI: 10.1159/000084258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2004] [Accepted: 11/08/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic CD4+ lymphocytopenia is defined by a stable decrease of CD4+ T cells in the absence of any known cause of immune deficiency. The mechanisms responsible for the immunological impairment are still unknown, but a regenerative failure of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells has been hypothesized. METHODS We evaluated in the bone marrow (BM) of 5 patients with idiopathic CD4+ lymphocytopenia the phenotype of BM progenitor cells, their differentiation capacity with colony-forming cells and long-term culture-initiating cell assays, in parallel with the spontaneous IL-7 production in the patient sera. RESULTS Compared with controls, a regenerative failure of hematopoietic stem cells has been observed, both in 'committed' and in 'uncommitted' progenitor cells, despite high IL-7 serum levels. The percentage of phenotypically primitive CD34+CD38-DR+ cells (this includes the lymphoid precursor cells) was decreased, suggesting an involvement of the more primitive BM compartment in the de novo T cell generation. CONCLUSIONS Despite the low number of patients, due to the low incidence of the disease, the decrease of primitive precursors sustains the possibility that diminished stem cell precursors might contribute to the development of CD4+ T cell depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Isgrò
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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