IL-10 gene polymorphism,but not TGF-β1 gene polymorphisms,is associated with food allergy in a Japanese population

The regulatory IL-10 and TGF-β1 cytokine gene polymorphisms have been associated with allergic diseases in different populations, like Caucasian, Chinese and Indians. We investigated the association between the polymorphisms IL-10 A−1082G, C−819T, C−627A and TGF-β1 T+869C, G+915C, C−509T and food allergy in Japanese children. One hundred and eleven children with food allergy and 115 atopic control children without food allergy were recruited. DNA samples from these subjects were genotyped by using PCR. The odds ratio of IL-10 −1082 AA genotype was 2.5 (95% CI, 1.0–6.4) for food allergy risk when compared with atopic control subjects (p = 0.03). There were no significative differences in the frequency of TGF-β1 gene polymorphisms between both groups. Our results indicate that IL-10 A−1082G gene polymorphism is associated with food allergy susceptibility in atopic Japanese children.     

白细胞介素10受体1在食物过敏儿童外周血T淋巴细胞中的表达

目的　研究白细胞介素10受体1（IL-10R1）在食物过敏儿童外周血T淋巴细胞的表达及其临床意义。方法　选择2017-07-01至2017-12-31在北京大学第三医院儿科食物过敏门诊诊断为食物过敏的50例患儿作为食物过敏组,选择同期在北京大学第三医院儿童健康发展中心行健康体检的25名儿童作为对照组。采用流式细胞技术检测IL-10R1在两组儿童外周血CD4+T及CD8+T淋巴细胞表达阳性率及平均荧光强度值（MFI）。同时比较IL-10R1在过敏原特异性IgE阳性与阴性食物过敏患儿外周血CD4+T及CD8+T淋巴细胞表达阳性率及MFI。根据食物过敏患儿症状、体征严重程度进行赋值评分,分析食物过敏患儿IL-10R1在外周血CD4+T及CD8+T淋巴细胞表达阳性率与食物过敏症状、体征评分有无相关性。结果　IL-10R1在食物过敏组患儿外周血CD4+T及 CD8+T淋巴细胞表达阳性率和MFI均低于对照组,IL-10R1在食物过敏组CD4+T淋巴细胞表达阳性率和MFI中位数分别为40.23、 12.18; 在对照组CD4+T淋巴细胞表达阳性率和MFI中位数分别为45.32、 17.69（Z值分别为-2.506、 -5.457;P值分别为0.012、 0.000）。IL-10R1在食物过敏组CD8+T淋巴细胞表达阳性率和MFI中位数分别为34.50、 12.47;对照组CD8+T淋巴细胞IL-10R1表达阳性率和MFI中位数分别为39.46、 17.28（Z值分别为-4.035、 -5.226; P值分别为0.000、 0.000）。IL-10R1在过敏原特异性IgE阳性与阴性患儿外周血CD4+T及CD8+T淋巴细胞表达阳性率及MFI没有差异。食物过敏患儿IL-10R1在外周血CD4+T及CD8+T淋巴细胞表达阳性率与食物过敏症状、体征评分无相关性。结论　IL-10R1在外周血CD4+T淋巴细胞和CD8+T淋巴细胞表面表达减少可能与食物过敏发病有关;IL-10R1在外周血CD4+T淋巴细胞和CD8+T淋巴细胞表面表达在IgE和非IgE介导的食物过敏发病过程中均起作用;IL-10R1在外周血CD4+T淋巴细胞和CD8+T淋巴细胞表面表达可能与食物过敏发病严重程度无关。     

Immunological studies in cystic fibrosis

Evidence is presented to support the concept that much of the allergy in cystic fibrosis (CF) is IgE mediated. Total IgE levels were higher in allergic than in nonallergic CF patients. Levels were also higher in those patients who had had the greatest number of chest infections in the preceding 12 months. IgE antibody levels to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Timothy grass pollen, and Aspergillus fumigatus were higher in those with positive results from skin tests to these allergens. The serum IgG, IgM, and IgA levels of allergic and nonallergic CF patients did not differ but the overall mean values for IgG and IgM were higher than those reported for healthy British children. The highest levels tended to be present in patients with the greatest number of recent major chest infections and the difference was significant for IgG. 16 patients had IgA levels 72SD below the reported means for age-matched controls and 11 of these were nonallergic. IgA levels were also higher in patients who had recently experienced major chest infections. 45 of the patients were tissue types for HLA A and B antigens but no significant clinical associations with single antigens were observed. The antigen phenotype A1 + B8 was more common in datients with multiple allergic symptoms than in those with a single allergy or merely a positive result from a skin test Nonsignificant increases of W19 in patients with frequent infections and of A2 in patients presenting with meconium ileus were also noted. The data presented do not permit a choice to be made between the alternative concepts of allergy as a primary abnormality in CF, and allergy arising secondary to infection.     

IL-6 C-572G多态性位点与自发性早产遗传易感性的关系

目的探讨IL-6基因C-572G多态性位点与自发性早产(SPTB)遗传易感性的关联性。方法研究对象来自北京及其周边地区。病例组包括569例SPTB新生儿,其中超早产儿(胎龄28周)56例、极早产儿(胎龄28~31~(+6)周)166例和中晚期早产儿(胎龄32~36~(+6)周)347例。对照组包括673例足月新生儿。采用最新的Sequenom Mass ARRAY~?SNP检测技术对IL-6基因C-572G位点进行单核苷酸多态性分型。结果与携带IL-6基因C-572G位点的CC基因型的个体相比,携带至少1个G等位基因型(CG+GG基因型)的个体发生中晚期SPTB的风险显著升高(OR=1.35,95%CI:1.01~1.80,P=0.04)。结论在该中国人群中,IL-6基因C-572G多态性位点与中晚期SPTB患病风险的增加存在显著的遗传学关联。     

Pathogenesis of IgE-mediated food allergy and implications for future immunotherapeutics

Our understanding of the immune basis of food allergy has grown rapidly in parallel with the development of new immune-targeted interventions for the treatment of food allergy. Local tissue factors, including the composition of skin and gastrointestinal microbiota and production of Th2-inducing cytokines (TSLP, IL-33, and IL-25) from barrier sites, have been shown not only to contribute to the development of food allergy, but also to act as effective targets for treatment in mice. Ongoing clinical trials are testing the targeting of these factors in human disease. There is a growing understanding of the contribution of IL-13 to the induction of high-affinity IgE and the need for continual T-cell help in the maintenance of long-lived IgE. This provides a strong rationale to test biologics targeting both IL-4 and IL-13 in the treatment of established food allergy. Various forms of allergen immunotherapy for food allergy have clearly shown that low specific IgE and elevated specific IgG4 are predictive of sustained treatment effect. Treatments that mimic that immune response, for example, lowering IgE, with monoclonal antibodies such as omalizumab, or administering allergen-specific IgG, are in various stages of investigation. As we gain more opportunities to use immune-modifying treatments for the treatment of food allergy, studies of the immune and clinical response to those interventions will continue to rapidly advance our understanding of the immune basis of food allergy and tolerance.     

Different serum interleukin‐12 and sCD30 levels in food‐ and pollen‐sensitized children

It has been proposed that a down-regulation of interleukin (IL)-12 and interferon (IFN)-γ might be related to susceptibility to allergy in early life. The aim of this study was to assess serum IL-12 levels in food-sensitized and pollen-sensitized children and to compare these with another activation marker, sCD30. Twenty children with pollen allergy and 22 food-sensitized children were included. The diagnosis of immunoglobulin (Ig)-E-mediated allergy, suggested by clinical symptoms, was based on skin-prick tests, serum IgE antibodies and total IgE levels. Samples from 24 non-allergic children were used as controls. IL-12 and sCD30 levels were measured by ELISA. It was found that pollen-sensitized patients had normal IL-12 and higher sCD30 levels than controls (114 vs. 63 U/ml, p = 0.028), but, surprisingly, food-sensitized infants showed normal sCD30 and increased serum IL-12 levels (323 vs. 118 pg/ml, p = 0.0001). No differences were found in patients suffering from asthma or allergic dermatitis. Levels of sCD30 and IL-12 determined in May showed a strong correlation with those obtained in November. Interleukin-12 and IgE levels had an inverse correlation (r = –0.494, p = 0.0001) whereas no correlation was found between sCD30 and IgE. Age had a strong negative influence on IL-12 levels in allergic (Z = 4.834, p < 0.0005) and in normal children (Z = 3.00, p < 0.002); by contrast, sCD30 levels were not significantly age-dependent. When IL-12 levels from the food-allergy group were compared with those from normal controls younger than 4 years of age, the difference remained significant (p = 0.001), ruling out an age-bias. The conclusions made in this study were that serum IL-12 and sCD30 showed different behaviors in children with food or pollen allergy. We found IL-12 and sCD30 levels in pollen-allergic patients that agree with the classical T-helper (Th) 1/Th2 paradigm of allergy. In contrast, serum IL-12 levels were increased in food-sensitized children, suggesting a different immunologic pathogenesis.     

Several genetic and environmental factors influence cord blood IgE concentration

Cord blood samples were collected from a birth cohort of 2631 infants to elucidate the association between genetic and environmental factors and fetal production of IgE. The cord blood IgE values were treated both as a continuous and as a dichotomous variable in the statistical analyses. Multivariate analysis was used to control for confounding factors. Infants with single and biparental atopic heritage had higher IgE concentrations in cord plasma than children of parents without atopy. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association to maternal allergic eczema or perennial rhinitis. The cord blood IgE concentration varied with month of birth with peaks in late autumn. This seasonal variation was not related to parental atopic disease. Boys had significantly higher levels of IgE and more often elevated IgE values (≥0.5 kU/1) than girls. Alcohol and caffeine consumption by the mothers during pregnancy were both significantly associated with elevated IgE concentration. There was also a relation between mothers prepregnant weight and elevated CB-IgE levels. No significant association was observed between maternal smoking and cord plasma IgE levels. The fact that many factors presumably not related to child allergy seem to influence the regulation of fetal IgE production, could explain the questionable value of cord blood IgE in predicting allergy in childhood.     

Influences of neonatal serum IgE concentration,family history and diet on the incidence of cow's milk allergy

Serum IgE concentration was measured on the 5th day of life in 943 infants. All infants were included in a 3 month follow-up study. The frequency of cow's milk allergy was studied according to either family history, IgE level, or both. Feeding (mother's milk or formula feeding) was taken into account. Manifestations suggestive of food allergy were hardly observed in breast-fed babies. In the formula-fed group a positive family history correlated with a 40% incidence of allergic manifestations, compared to a 13% incidence (P<0.001) in the group with negative family history. A high IgE level (IgE>1.3 U/ml) indicated a 43% risk of developing allergic manifestations in formula-fed babies as compared to 15% (P<0.001) in the group with normal results of a screening test. Frequency of allergic manifestations in a subgroup with a negative family history and a high IgE level (38%) was equal to the frequency in the subgroup with a positive family history and negative screening test results (IgE<1.3 U/ml) (36%). The incidence in the subgroup with both positive screening test results and a positive family history was 49%. None of these differences were significant. The frequency in the subgroup with both parameters negative was 8% (P<0.001 to 3 other subgroups). Our results indicate that the family history seems to correlate as well with the incidence of allergic manifestations as the neonatal serum IgE concentration. Serum IgE concentration as a neonatal screening test for allergy provides significant information about the risk of developing allergy compared to the family history only in formula-fed babies with a negative family history. This could be an important factor in improving the cost/benefit ratio of screening programs for allergy.     

Prevalence of food allergy among preschool children in northern Thailand

Background: The epidemiology and clinical spectrum of food allergies (FA) confirmed by oral food challenge tests (OFC) in the Southeast Asian countries are limited. The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence and characteristics of FA among preschool children in northern Thailand. Methods: Five hundred and forty‐six children aged 3–7 years living in Chiang Mai, Thailand participated in this study. A cross‐sectional parent questionnaire survey was conducted. Families with children reporting FA were invited to undergo further investigations with skin prick testing, serum specific IgE, and OFC. Results: A total of 452 out of 546 questionnaires (82.8%) were returned. Forty‐two children (9.3%) were reported to have FA. The five leading allergic foods reported were shrimp, cow's milk, fish, chicken eggs, and ant eggs. The most commonly reported symptom was a skin rash (78.0%), followed by abdominal pain and vomiting (31.1%). Anaphylaxis was found in two children (3.4%), from ant eggs allergy. Eighteen children underwent OFC; five of them were positive to shrimp, fish, and crab. Either skin prick test or serum‐specific IgE was positive in these children. Factors associated with parent‐reported FA included personal and family history of atopic dermatitis. Conclusions: The prevalence of IgE‐mediated FA confirmed on OFC was ≥1.11% (95% confidence interval: 0.41–2.98%). The most common causative food was shrimp. Ant eggs were a unique food allergen causing severe reactions in preschool children in northern Thailand.     

Allergic sensitization pattern of patients in Brazil

ObjectiveAllergic sensitization is one of the key components for the development of allergies. Polysensitization seems to be related to the persistence and severity of allergic diseases. Furthermore, allergic sensitization has a predictive role in the development of allergies. The aim of this study was to characterize the pattern of sensitization of atopic patients treated at different pediatric allergy referral centers in Brazil.MethodsA nation-wide transversal multicenter study collected data on patients attended in Brazil. Peripheral blood samples were collected to determine the serum levels of allergen-specific IgE. If allergen-specific IgE was higher than 0.1 kUA/L, the following specific components were quantified.ResultsA total of 470 individuals were enrolled in the study. Mite sensitization was the most frequent kind in all participants. A high frequency of sensitization to furry animals and grasses featured in the respiratory allergies. Regarding components, there was a predominance of sensitization to Der p 1 and Der p 2. It has been verified that having a food allergy, atopic dermatitis, or multimorbidity are risk factors for the development of more severe allergic disease.ConclusionStudies on the pattern of allergic sensitization to a specific population offer tools for the more effectual prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of allergic diseases. Sensitization to dust mites house was the most prevalent in the evaluated sample. High rates of sensitization to furry animals also stand out. Patients with food allergy, atopic dermatitis, or multimorbidity appear to be at greater risk for developing more severe allergic diseases.     

伴或不伴食物过敏湿疹患儿治疗前后的 生活质量比较

目的探讨湿疹患儿及其家庭治疗前后的生活质量。方法将湿疹患儿分为食物过敏组(FA组,46例)及非食物过敏组(N-FA组,47例)。应用湿疹面积及严重度指数(EASI)对患儿进行评估;对两组湿疹患儿进行规范化干预治疗2个月后,采用食物过敏生活质量问卷-父母版(FAQLQ-PF)和婴儿皮肤病生活质量指数量表(IDQOL)评估治疗前后的生活质量。结果两组患儿在年龄、性别、过敏家族史及喂养方式的差异无统计学意义(P均0.05);FA组中鸡蛋过敏34例(73.91%),牛奶过敏20例(43.48%),胡萝卜过敏2例(4.35%)。两组患儿的EASI、FAQLQ、IDQOL评分在治疗后均有显著下降,与治疗前比较,差异有统计学意义(P均0.05)。治疗前,FA组FAQLQ-PF各模块及总分与N-FA组的差异无统计学意义(P均0.05);治疗两个月后,FA组FAQLQ总分(1.33±1.08)较N-FA组(0.79±0.80)高,差异有统计学意义(Z=2.83,P=0.005);FA组在情绪影响、食物的焦虑、社交/饮食限制模块与N-FA组比较差异亦有统计学意义(Z=2.13~2.89,P均0.05)。结论食物过敏患儿的家长更易担心患儿的情绪变化及社交、饮食受到限制。FAQLQ-PF对于食物过敏生活质量的评估更具特异性。     

Genetic and environmental factors affecting the development of atopy through age 4 in children of atopic parents: a prospective randomized study of food allergen avoidance

The effect of food allergen avoidance, as well as other environmental and genetic factors, on the development of atopy were determined in this follow-up report of a prospective randomized controlled study of 288 infants of atopic parents, in which 78% were available for evaluation at age 4 years. The prophylactictreated group consisted of mothers who avoided cow milk. egg. and peanut during the last trimester of pregnancy and lactation and of infants who avoided cow milk until 1 year (casein hydrolysate supplementation prior to 1 year) and egg, peanut, and fish until after 2 years. The control group consisted of maternal/infant pairs who followed standard feeding practices. The cumulative prevalence of food allergy and food sensitization remained lower in the prophylactic treated group from 1 to 4 years of age. However, the period (current) prevalence of food allergy in both study groups was similar (about 5%) at 3 and 4 years. Such findings suggest that period prevalence may represent the more appropriate measure to assess the impact of intervention measures on the development of atopic disease at older ages. Prophylactic-treated children evidenced lower levels of IgG beta lacloglobulin (BLG) at 4 months and I and 2 years (p < 0.0001) and lower IgG ovalbumen/ovomucoid (OVA) levels only at 2 years (p < 0.001). Both groups evidenced similar prevalences of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and positive inhalant skin tests from birth to 4 years. Children with food allergy evidenced higher 4 year cumulative prevalences of allergic rhinitis and asthma (p < 0.05). Risk factors for atopic disease by age 4 years were shown by multivariate analysis (p < 0.05) to include (1) unrestricted diet and elevated cord blood IgE with food allergy, (2) male gender and lower paternal level of education with asthma, and (3) non-caucasian ethnicity and spring/summer birth with atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis. Serum IgE levels were not significantly different between groups at 3 and 4 years, despite their being a trend towards lower serum IgE levels in the prophylactic-treated group at 4 months (p < 0.07). In the control group, formula feeding prior to 4 months was associated with higher 4 month serum IgE levels (p < 0.05). Stepwise linear regression revealed that serum IgE variability from birth to 4 years was influenced by male gender, non-caucasian ethnicity, maternal and paternal serum IgE levels, 4 month IgG BLG levels, positive food and inhalant skin tests, and the development of atopic dermatitis, food allergy, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. These findings demonstrate the strength of genetic factors and their modulation by dietary and envi-ronmental influences in the development of atopy and reveal that the reduction in food allergy in infancy by maternal/infant food allergen avoidance fails to affect respiratory allergy development from birth to 4 years.     

白介素-4基因C-33T多态性与呼吸道合胞病毒毛细支气管炎的相关性

目的 研究白介素-4(IL-4)基因C-33T与呼吸道合胞病毒(RSV)毛细支气管炎的易感性、病情严重程度的关系及对血清总IgE和鼻咽分泌物(NPS)IL-4水平的影响.方法 采用聚合酶链-限制性片段长度多态法(PCR-RFLP)检测130例RSV毛细支气管炎患儿和108例对照组儿童IL-4/C-33T位点多态性,分别用化学发光法和酶联免疫分析法,检测RSV毛细支气管炎患儿血清总IgE和NPs中IL-4水平.结果 两组IL-4启动子区C-33T位点均可见TT、CT和CC 3种基因型,其中病例组,TT、CT和CC基因型频率分别为66.9%、26.9%和6.2%,对照组分别为69.4%、26.9%和3.7%,两组差异无统计学意义(X2=0.758,P>0.05);病例组T、C等位基因频率分别为80.3%、19.7%,对照组分别为82.9%、17.1%,两组差异亦无统计学意义(X2=0.073,P>0.05;OR=0.847,P>0.05).病例组三种基因型间NPS中IL-4及血清总IgE水平差异均无统计学意义(H=0.103,F=0.529,P均>0.05);三种基因型频率在轻度组和中重度组间的差异亦无统计学意义(X2=0.825,P>0.05).结论 温州地区儿童存在IL-4/C-33T位点的多态性,但未发现其与RSV毛细支气管炎存在关联.     

Food allergy after liver transplantation in children: a prospective study

Food allergy has been increasingly reported in children who had orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). We aimed to conduct a prospective study to investigate the prevalence of sensitizations and food allergy in pediatric OLT recipients. We also aimed to identify potential risk factors. The study group consisted of 28 children (14 male, 14 female, mean age 4.96 ± 0.76 yrs) who had OLT. Total eosinophil count (TEC), total IgE, and specific IgEs were studied before and 3, 6, 12 months after OLT. Six patients (21%) developed multiple food allergies. Mean age of six patients at OLT who developed food allergy was younger compared to the non‐food allergy group (10.2 months vs. 68.9 months, p < 0.05). Food allergy has been developed within 1 yr in 5, and in 20 months in one patient after OLT. All six patients had cow’s milk and egg allergy after OLT. Five children developed wheat, one children developed lentil and another one developed peach allergy in addition to cow’s milk and egg allergy. Out of six food‐allergic patients after OLT, four children developed Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection prior to food allergy. Before OLT, TECs and total IgE levels were not differed among food allergic and non‐food allergic patients (p > 0.05). Mean of TECs were significantly higher in food allergic group compared to non‐food allergic group at each time point after OLT (p < 0.05). Though statistically insignificant, mean of total IgE levels were also higher in the food allergic group (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that food allergy should be considered after OLT in patients who are younger than 1 yr of age, who developed hypereosinophilia, high total IgE levels or EBV viremia.     

Marche allergique chez l’enfant,de la rhinite à l’asthme : prise en charge,place de la désensibilisation

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common IgE dependent disorder. AR is maybe one of the steps of the allergic march, which starts with atopic dermatitis and food allergy and includes atopic asthma. AR and asthma are frequently associated. AR is frequently under-diagnosed and undertreated although it affects quality of life and school performance. Management of AR depends on its severity and will associate environmental control (best guided by environmental investigation and skin testing of specific IgE antibodies), pharmacotherapy (with antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids as first line drugs). At present allergen immunotherapy is considered in patients with severe AR, insufficiently controlled by pharmacotherapy and who demonstrate specific IgE antibodies to relevant allergens. Sublingual immunotherapy is well tolerated. Only immunotherapy with the right allergens has the potential to alter the natural history of the allergic march, by preventing the development of new allergen sensitizations and reducing the risk for the subsequent development of asthma. This fact might extend the indications of specific allergen immunotherapy. Patients (and parents) education is of utmost importance in the management of allergic disorders.     

IL13 gene polymorphism association with cord serum immunoglobulin E

Interleukin-13 (IL-13) has a pivotal role in the pathway of immunoglobulin E (IgE). Cord serum IgE has been suggested to be associated with allergy later in life, yet less affected by environmental exposures. We investigated the association of the interleukin-13 gene (IL13) polymorphisms on cord serum IgE. In the Isle of Wight birth cohort (UK, 1989-1990), cord serum IgE was measured using the ULTRA EIA kit and was dichotomized at 0.5 kU/l (n = 1358). Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs: rs1800925 in promoter, rs2066960 in intron 1, rs1295686 in intron 3, rs20541 in exon 4 and rs1295685 in exon 4) in IL13 were genotyped by pyrosequencing method. Linkage analysis using Haploview software revealed that rs1295686, rs20541 and rs1295685 were in strong linkage disequilibrium. Logistic regression and Armitage-Cochran test were used and gene association analysis included 798 children. Confounders were maternal age; maternal smoking, household dog, and household cat during pregnancy; season of birth; sex; position of child in family; and birth weight. SNP rs1295685 was associated with raised cord serum IgE (p = 0.031). This is the first report that shows an association between IL13 polymorphism and cord serum IgE.     

Exposure to a high concentration of mite allergen in early infancy is a risk factor for developing atopic dermatitis: A 3-year follow-up study

The cause of allergy is multi-factorial, and the development of an allergic disease seems to be the result of an interaction between genetic and environmental factors. The goal for preventing the development of allergic diseases is to avoid sensitization to allergens. The aim of this work was to study whether or not exposure to environmental allergens early in infancy would influence the occurence of various allergic diseases in later life. On an annual basis, a total of 931 healthy newborns were followed-up until they reached 3 years of age. The occurence of allergic diseases was recorded by trained medical students during visits. Measurement of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p 1) concentration in house dust was performed when each baby was 18 and 36 months old. Total and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against Der p 1, cow's milk, and egg white were evaluated at birth and at 18 months of age. The following results were obtained: at 3 years of age, 10.4% had bronchial asthma (BA), 21.4% atopic dermatitis (AD), 7.0% urticaria, and 46.8% had experienced wheezing; higher family allergy scores led to a higher incidence of AD (p=0.0012); exposure to a mite allergen concentration of 1 µg/g of dust may be associated with a higher incidence of AD (p=0.0156); the presence of Der p 1 IgE antibody at 18 months of age was associated with a higher incidence of BA (p=0.0001); and children sensitized to egg whites at 18 months of age had an increased risk of developing AD at 3 years of age (p=0.0187). Hence, early exposure to mite allergen is a risk factor for the development of atopic dermatitis, but seems not to be related to the development of bronchial asthma. Early sensitization to egg whites increases the risk of developing AD. The early detection of serum Der p 1 IgE antibody is associated with a higher incidence of bronchial asthma.     

High cord blood levels of the T-helper 2-associated chemokines CCL17 and CCL22 precede allergy development during the first 6 years of life

Exposure to a strong T-helper 2 (Th2)-like environment during fetal development may promote allergy development. Increased cord blood (CB) levels of the Th2-associated chemokine CCL22 were associated with allergy development during the first 2 y of life. The aim of the present study was to determine whether CB Th1- and Th2-associated chemokine levels are associated with allergy development during the first 6 y of life, allowing assessment of respiratory allergic symptoms usually developing in this period. The CB levels of cytokines, chemokines, and total IgE were determined in 56 children of 20 women with allergic symptoms and 36 women without allergic symptoms. Total IgE and allergen-specific IgE antibody levels were quantified at 6, 12, 24 mo, and 6 y of age. Increased CB CCL22 levels were associated with development of allergic sensitization and asthma and increased CCL17 levels with development of allergic symptoms, including asthma. Sensitized children with allergic symptoms showed higher CB CCL17 and CCL22 levels and higher ratios between these Th2-associated chemokines and the Th1-associated chemokine CXCL10 than nonsensitized children without allergic symptoms. A pronounced Th2 deviation at birth, reflected by increased CB CCL17 and CCL22 levels, and increased CCL22/CXCL10 and CCL17/CXCL10 ratios might promote allergy development later in life.