Anti-alpha-Gal antibody titres remain unaffected by the consumption of fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei in healthy adults

Alpha-Gal is a glycoconjugate present on cell membranes of non-primate mammals and bacteria, but not in humans, who display anti-Gal antibodies (ABs) in high titres. Probiotics contain bacterial strains which colonize the intestinal tract. In the present study, we investigated whether intake of fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei (FML) affects anti-Gal AB titres. Serum was drawn from healthy probands (n = 19) for 6 weeks. After the second week, the probands consumed 125 ml of FML per day. Anti-Gal ABs of all isotypes and cytokines were measured. Bacterial cultures were bred from FML and bacteria were stained for alpha-Gal. Concentration of bacteria in FML was manifold higher than in conventional yoghurt (2 × 10⁵/g yoghurt vs. 1.1 × 10⁷/g FML). Both stained highly positive for Alpha-Gal. Alpha-Gal-specific ABs and cytokines remained unaffected by FML intake. Our results indicated that the consumption of FML does not elicit a humoral immune response in healthy adults.     

Stand-up Conic

Abstract

Adverse drug reactions lead to a significant number of hospital admissions each year and thus contribute to the overall financial burden of health care. Some of these drug reactions are allergic responses. As the overall predictability of allergic responses to drugs remains low, efforts to improve our understanding of the processes underlying these responses continue as we strive toward the ultimate goal of primary prevention. Allergic reactions range from mild pruritic to severe systemic anaphylactic responses. We report a case of a young healthy man who developed an anaphylactic reaction to an over-the-counter expectorant. A skin test showed that the patient had an immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic response to guaifenesin, one of the components of commonly available cough medications. Our review of published literature showed that this is the first report of a severe allergic response to guaifenesin.     

Alcohol and the upper gastrointestinal tract and pancreas

Abstract

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IGIV) replacement therapy is the standard of care for primary immunodeficiencies with impaired humoral immunity. It is also the immunomodulatory therapy of choice for some types of neuroimmunologic and autoimmune hematologic disorders and for immunomodulation in bone marrow and some solid organ transplants. Currently available IGIV products include older lyophilized formulations, 5% liquid products, and newer, liquid, ready-to-use, 10% formulations. Differences in the formulations, manufacturing processes, excipients, pH, and other physicochemical properties of IGIV products may affect their clinical efficacy and tolerability. Among at-risk patients, the possibility of serious complications such as renal insufficiency, heart failure, thrombotic events, and immunological reactions may be increased if an IGIV formulation has sugar as a stabilizer, has high sodium or immunoglobulin A (IgA) content, or is hyperosmolar. The 10% liquid formulations may offer advantages because of their lower IgA concentrations, optimal pH, glycine or proline stabilizers, low sodium content, and lower osmolality. Liquid formulations are more convenient for patients and health care providers due to shorter infusion times and easier preparation and administration.     

Comparison of allergen-specific IgE levels between Immulite 2000 and ImmunoCAP systems against six inhalant allergens and ten food allergens

Abstract

In vitro allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) measurement has been used as an important diagnostic tool for allergic diseases. Currently, quantitative sIgE levels are detected mainly by using ImmunoCAP and Immulite 2000 assay system. These two systems have the same calibration scale at 0–100 kUA/L, but they differ in used allergens, detection methods and automation systems. We compared 1600 paired sIgE results for 204 allergic patients, including 100 paired sIgE assay results for each of 16 allergens (Alternaria alternata, birch-alder mix, cat dander, D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus, dog dander, buckwheat, crab, egg white, mackerel, milk, peach, peanut, shrimp, soybean and wheat flour). Inter-method comparison was performed for qualitative data with a cutoff of 0.35 kUA/L and a detection limit of 0.1 kUA/L, semi-quantitative class results and quantitative data. In qualitative comparisons, the overall concordance rate ranged from 81.0% to 99.0% (k: 0.599–0.949) with the cutoff value of 0.35 kUA/L. It also ranged from 80.0% to 99.0% (k: 0.521–0.951) with the detection limit of 0.1 kUA/L. The class results from these two assays showed good agreements for all allergens. For quantitative sIgE results, these two assays showed moderate positive correlations for Dog dander (r?=?0.683) and Mackerel (r?=?0.573) but high to very high correlations for the other 14 allergens (r?=?0.734–0.972). Immulite 2000 and ImmunoCAP assays demonstrated good concordance and correlation for 16 common allergens, but international standards against each specific allergen for calibration and harmonization of sIgE tests are still needed.     

G protein-coupled receptors in haematopoietic disruption

Haematopoiesis is the process by which blood and immune cells are replenished from a finite number of resident bone marrow (BM) haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Regulatory molecules within the BM microenvironment contribute developmental signals to an interactive network capable of ensuring ordered biological processes. Many bioactive molecules contribute to the network through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). GPCRs are seven-transmembrane receptors that, following ligand binding, signal by activating coupled heterotrimeric G proteins. This review focuses on those bioactive molecules that regulate haematopoietic development through GPCRs. Chemokines (SDF-1α, MIP-1), opioids and tachykinins (SP, NK-A) are important G protein-coupled haematopoietic regulators. Their biology in normal and diseased haematopoiesis is discussed below, as well as their potential as therapeutic targets.     

Invasive fungal infections in the pediatric population

Alzheimer’s disease is a leading cause of dementia with a multifactorial and still barely understood etiology. A growing body of epidemiologic and experimental data support a role for infectious agents in this process; herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), in particular, is a strong suspect. We briefly summarize the data pointing at a pathogenic role for HSV-1 in the development of Alzheimer's disease and review results indicating that antiviral might be beneficial in the therapy of this condition.     

Bacterially produced human B7-1 protein encompassing its complete extracellular domain maintains its costimulatory activity in vitro

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