Relationship between maternal- and fetal-specific IgE

AIM: A positive correlation between maternal and cord-blood IgE levels is well documented for total IgEs, but not for specific IgEs. The difficulty in detecting specific cord-blood IgEs is due to their low concentrations, which hinder their dosage by low-sensitivity methods. The study aimed to correlate maternal and foetal specific IgEs against individual cow's milk proteins, detected by highly sensitive and specific techniques. METHODS: Cow's milk specific IgE detection was performed by chemiluminescence on 52 specimens of maternal and cord blood after cow's milk protein separation by 1D and 2D gel electrophoresis. Cow's milk protein (CMP) antigens were identified by mass spectrometry techniques. RESULTS: Specific IgEs for CMPs were found in 25/52 (48.1%) of maternal sera and in 19/52 (37%) of cord-blood sera. In order of decreasing frequency, the proteins found were BSA, IgG heavy chain, caseins and, in a single case, b-lactoglobulin. Positive cord-blood sera in all cases corresponded to a positive maternal result, and maternal and foetal immunoreactivity patterns were closely correlated. Moreover, in no case was there a positive cord-blood response with a negative maternal response. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates a close relationship between maternal and cord-blood specific IgE patterns. The phenomenon observed could provide a model to elucidate the general production method of foetal IgEs, which might only be produced in the presence of both the corresponding maternal IgE and the related allergen.     

从热、虚、瘀辨证论治小儿过敏性紫癜

从热、虚、瘀三个方面论述了小儿过敏性紫癜的病因病机特点，抓住病因病机的核心，确定了热伤血络、阴虚火旺、气不摄血三个本证证型和风热、热毒、湿热、血瘀四个标证证型。采用本证和标证相结合的方法对小儿过敏性紫癜进行辨证论治，并从理论上探讨了该方法的科学性和实用性。     

Immunohistochemical analysis of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and heat shock proteins (HSPs) in ameloblastomas

BACKGROUND: To clarify the possible role of nitric oxide (NO) and stress proteins in oncogenesis and cytodifferentiation of odontogenic epithelium. Inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and heat shock proteins (HSPs) were analyzed in ameloblastomas as well as in tooth germs. METHODS: Specimens of seven tooth germs, 36 benign ameloblastomas and five malignant ameloblastomas were examined by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against iNOS and 27-, 60- and 70-kDa HSPs (HSP27, HSP60 and HSP70). RESULTS: Immunoreactivity for iNOS was detected in normal and neoplastic odontogenic epithelial cells and was higher in malignant ameloblastomas than in tooth germs and benign ameloblastomas. HSP27 was expressed constitutively in all odontogenic epithelial cells in tooth germs and benign and malignant ameloblastomas. Expression of HSP60 and HSP70 was detected in normal and neoplastic odontogenic epithelial cells and was prominent in cells neighboring the basement membrane. HSP60 reactivity showed no apparent difference between normal and neoplastic odontogenic epithelium, whereas HSP70 expression was slightly higher in benign and malignant ameloblastomas than in tooth germs. CONCLUSIONS: Activation of iNOS might be associated with malignant potential of epithelial odontogenic tumors. Elevated expression of HSP70 is considered to be involved in neoplastic transformation of odontogenic epithelial cells.     

Evaluation of allergenicity of genetically modified soybean protein extract in a murine model of oral allergen-specific sensitization

Background With the development of genetically modified crop plants there has been a growing interest in the approaches available to assess the potential allergenicity of novel gene products. For additional assessment of the potential allergenicity of expressed proteins, informative data can be generated using animal models. Soybean is one of the major source of protein in human and animal nutrition, and has also been well characterized as a major allergenic source. Advances in biotechnology have resulted in an increasing number of genetically engineered foods, and among these soybean is one of the most widespread. Objective To develop and characterize a murine model of IgE‐mediated soybean sensitization induced by intragastric immunization, in the presence of Cholera Toxin, with wild‐type soybean extract (wt‐SE) or with genetically modified soybean extract (gm‐SE). Methods Balb/c mice born in our animal facilities, from females fed on soy‐free food, were fed with the same soy‐free food and used in all the experiments. Mice were sensitized by gavages with soybean extracts, and allergen‐specific IgE and IgG responses were studied by direct ELISA and ELISA inhibition. Antigen‐specific cell proliferation and cytokine production were evaluated in spleen cell cultures. Results Sensitization with both soybean extracts induced high levels of antigen‐specific IgE and IgG1 and low levels of specific IgG2a. Both wt‐SE and gm‐SE were able to inhibit the binding of specific IgE from mice immunized with gm‐SE to the same antigen used for the ELISA coating. A comparable proliferative response was obtained with the homologous as well as with the heterologous extracts. Conclusion In sensitized mice, we observed a predominantly T‐helper type 2 (Th2)‐type immune response, with increased soybean‐specific IgE and IgG1 antibodies and a concomitant increase of IL‐4 and IL‐5 production. Results obtained by specific IgE ELISA inhibition and by antigen‐specific T cell proliferation demonstrated that wt‐SE and gm‐SE shared B and T epitopes. The present murine model of soybean sensitization established by the oral route should provide valuable information about risk assessment for food allergy from new proteins of genetically modified foods.     

Intake of unsaturated fatty acids and HDL cholesterol levels are associated with manifestations of atopy in adults

BACKGROUND: The increase in allergic diseases is still unexplained. It was hypothesized that the intake of unsaturated fatty acids is a contributing cause of this development. We investigated the relationship between serum cholesterol levels, intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and manifestations of atopy in a population-based setting. METHODS: A nested case-control study was performed within the population of the 3rd MONICA survey in Augsburg (Germany). The serum levels of total, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol of 1537 adults (aged 28-78 years, response 61.4%) and the estimated intake of PUFA in a subset of 139 men were compared with the frequency of a doctor's diagnosis of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR), atopic eczema (AE) and allergic sensitization as measured by skin prick and Radio Allergo Sorbent Test. FINDINGS: In bivariate analyses, we obtained a negative linear association between total and LDL cholesterol levels and the frequency of AR and sensitization, which was no longer significant after adjustment for important confounders. In contrast, positive linear associations were found between HDL cholesterol levels and AR and AE and, furthermore, between the intake of PUFA and allergic sensitization in men (P<0.01). After adjustment, an increasing risk for atopic diseases with increasing levels of HDL cholesterol and an increasing risk for allergic sensitization with increasing intakes of PUFA remained statistically significant. INTERPRETATION: There is indication that HDL cholesterol also plays a role in the complex interaction of fat intake, metabolism and the manifestation of atopy in adults. These findings may contribute to the understanding of time trends and regional differences of allergies.     

Bronchial response to breathing dry gas at 3.7 MPa ambient pressure

In diving, pulmonary mechanical function is limited by the increased density of the gas breathed. Breathing cold and dry gas may cause an additional increase in airways resistance. We have measured forced vital capacity, forced expired volume in 1 s (FEV₁) and forced midexpiratory flow rate (FEF_25%–75%) before and after breathing dry or humid gas at 29–32°C during a standardized exercise intensity on a cycle ergometer at an ambient pressure of 3.7 MPa. The atmosphere was a helium and oxygen mixture with a density of 6.8 kg · m^–3. Six professional saturation divers aged 26–37 years participated in the study. There were no significant differences in convective respiratory heat loss between the exposures. The mean evaporative heat loss was 67 W (range 59–89) breathing dry gas and 37 W (range 32–43) breathing humid gas, corresponding to water losses of 1.7 g · min^–1 (range 1.5–2.2) and 0.9 g · min^–1 (range 0.8–1.1), respectively. There was a significant reduction in FEV₁ of 4.6 (SD 3.6)% (P<0.05), and in FEF_25%–75% of 5.8 (SD 4.7)% (P<0.05) after breathing dry gas. There were no changes after breathing humid gas. By warming and humidifying the gas breathed in deep saturation diving bronchoconstriction may be prevented.     

热休克蛋白70对兔未成熟心肌和心肌间质的影响

目的: 探讨热休克蛋白70(HSP70)对未成熟心肌和心肌间质的影响. 方法:健康新生长耳大白兔12只随机分为2组. 对照组(C组):ip生理盐水0.4 mL,24 h后取离体心脏,常规建立Langendorff离体心脏灌注模型,灌注15 min转为工作心15 min后停灌45 min,恢复灌注15 min改为工作心30 min;实验组(E组):ip去甲肾上腺素, 24 h后取离体心脏,方法同对照组. 测定心肌细胞中HSP70含量、血流动力学指标、心肌含水量(MWC)、心肌肌酸激酶(CK)和乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)漏出率、三磷酸腺苷(ATP)含量、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和丙二醛(MDA)含量、心肌组织羟脯氨酸(HP)含量、内皮素(ET) 含量、心肌细胞内Ca2 含量、心肌线粒体Ca2 -ATPase活性及其Ca2 含量、心肌线粒体合成ATP能力[ATP]m,心肌超微结构. 结果:E组HSP70含量明显高于C组(P<0.01);MWC低于C组(P<0.05);ATP含量、SOD活性、心肌线粒体Ca2 -ATPase活性、[ATP]m, HP含量优于C组(P<0.01),MDA含量、CK, LDH漏出率、心肌细胞内Ca2 含量、心肌线粒体Ca2 含量、ET含量低于C组(P<0.01),心肌超微结构损伤较C组明显减轻. 结论:HSP70对缺血再灌注未成熟心肌和心肌间质具有明显的保护作用.     

Epicutaneous exposure to peanut protein prevents oral tolerance and enhances allergic sensitization

BACKGROUND: Food allergies are an important cause of life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions. Oral tolerance can be considered the default immune response to dietary antigens, with immune deviation resulting in allergic sensitization. However, primary sensitization to food allergens may not solely be through the gastrointestinal mucosa, as strong T-helper type 2 (Th2)-biased immunity can result from exposure to protein allergens on barrier-disrupted skin. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine whether exposure to allergens through the skin may interfere with the normal development of oral tolerance and promote allergic sensitization to food proteins. METHODS: Female BALB/c mice were exposed epicutaneously to peanut protein and induction of systemic oral tolerance through high dose feeds of peanut protein was subsequently assessed. Other mice were rendered tolerant prior to epicutaneous peanut exposure. Sensitivity to peanut was determined by assessing delayed-type hypersensitivity, proliferative, cytokine and antibody responses. RESULTS: Epicutaneous exposure to peanut protein induced potent Th2-type immunity with high levels of IL-4 and serum IgE. Primary skin exposure prevented the subsequent induction of oral tolerance to peanut in an antigen-specific manner. Upon oral challenge, mice became further sensitized and developed strong peanut-specific IL-4 and IgE responses. Furthermore, animals with existing tolerance to peanut were partly sensitized following epicutaneous exposure. CONCLUSION: Epicutaneous exposure to peanut protein can prevent induction of oral tolerance, and may even modify existing tolerance to peanut. Epidermal exposure to protein allergens selectively drives Th2-type responses, and as such may promote sensitization to food proteins upon gastrointestinal exposure.     

氨乙基氨丙基聚二甲基硅氧烷改性水性聚酯型聚氨酯的研究

由聚酯二元醇、异佛尔酮二异氰酸酯和二羟甲基丙酸合成聚氨酯预聚体，以氨乙基氨丙基聚二甲基硅氧(AEAPS)为扩链剂，制备了AEAPS改性聚氨酯水分散液。与未改性的聚氨酯水分散液相比，AEAPS改性聚氨酯水分散液的粒径增大，但粒径分布和表面张力基本不变，说明疏水的聚二甲基硅氧烷侧链被包裹于分散颗粒的内部；此外，改性聚氨酯水分散液的冻融稳定性显著增强。AEAPS改性聚氨酯水分散液成膜后，吸水率明显下降，水在膜表面的接触角增加，400℃时热失重下降，具有良好的疏水性和耐热性。     

槲皮素对K562/A02细胞株热休克蛋白mRNA及蛋白质表达的影响

目的 了解槲皮素对K562／A02细胞株70kd热休克蛋白(HSP70)基因及蛋白质表达的影响。方法 热处理前后加入终浓度为10μmol／L的槲皮素，RT-PCR方法检测HSP70基因mRNA表达，Western blot方法检测HSP70蛋白表达。结果 热处理明显增加K562／A02细胞HSP70基因mRNA转录和蛋白表达；热处理前加入槲皮素，HSP70基因mRNA及蛋白表达均显著下调；热处理后加入槲皮素，HSP70基因mRNA及蛋白表达无明显变化。结论 热处理能明显增加K562／A02细胞HSP70基因转录和蛋白表达；槲皮素能抑制K562／A02细胞HSP70基因mRNA及蛋白的表达，并且抑制点早于HSP70的基因转录；槲皮素在K562／A02细胞HSP70基因转录启动后则不再有抑制作用。