Profile of Peanut Sensitization in Children Attending a Pneumo-Allergology Consultation at the Teaching Hospital Campus of Lomé, Togo

Introduction: Food allergies are on the constant increase worldwide. Among them is peanut allergy, which also affects children. The aim of this study was to determine the profile of peanut sensitization in children attending a pneumo-allergology consultation. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, which ran from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2022, on children sensitized to peanuts seen in pneumo-allergology consultations at the Teaching Hospital Campus of Lomé. Results: The sample included 137 children aged 3 months to 18 years. The frequency of peanut sensitization was 25.3%. The mean age of patients was 6.3 ± 4.3 years (minimum 6 months and maximum 18 years). The 6 months to 5 years age group was the most represented (43.1%). The sex ratio was 1.3. The main reasons for consultation were rhinorrhea (67.9%), sneezing (36.5%) and cough (35.8%). Allergic rhinitis was identified as a personal history in 75.2% of patients. Peanut allergy was manifested as rhinorrhea (62.5%), asthma (26.8%) and eczema (8.9%). The risk of onset of symptoms within 15 - 30 minutes was 1.87 times (p = 0.001, CI = [1.2 - 2.1]) for peanuts consumed in roasted form with shell. Severe clinical signs such as Quincke’s Edema and anaphylactic shock were found in 1.4% of cases. Conclusion: Peanut allergy was common in children. Severe clinical signs were rare.

Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on morphine-induced sensitization in mice

To investigate the involvement of central serotonergic system in behavioral sensitization to morphine in mice. Male Kunming mice were treated （i.p.） with saline or morphine 10 mg/kg twice daily for 3 d and then drug manipulation was suspended for 5 d. On day 9, a challenge dose of morphine （10 mg/kg） was given and the locomotor activity was measured for 60 rain to confkrm the establishment of behavioral sensitization in mice. Moreover, 5-hydroxytryptophan （5-HTP）, a precursor of serotonin, at the doses of 20-80 mg/kg was given i.p. in combination with daily morphine treatment （induction）, during the morphine treatment suspension （transfer） or prior to the challenge dose of morphine （expression） and locomotor activity was measured on day 9 after the challenge dose of morphine. Twice daily of morphine injection induced robust behavioral sensitization in mice as evidenced by significantly higher locomotion on day 9 for multiple treatment with morphine than saline in mice. 5-HTP treatment selec- tively and dose-dependently blocked the induction, but not the transfer nor the expression of morphine induced behavioral sensitization. This study provides clear evidence that up-regulation of central serotonergic system may suppress the induction of morphine sensitization in mice.

Sensory-motor responses to mechanical stimulation of the esophagus after sensitization with acid

AIM: Sensitization most likely plays an important role in chronic pain disorders, and such sensitization can be mimicked by experimental acid perfusion of the esophagus.The current study systematically investigated the sensory and motor responses of the esophagus to controlled mechanical stimuli before and after sensitization.METHODS: Thirty healthy subjects were included.Distension of the distal esophagus with a balloon was performed before and after perfusion with 0.1 mol/L hydrochloric acid for 30 min. An impedance planimetry system was used to measure cross-sectional area,volume, pressure, and tension during the distensions. A new model allowed evaluation of the phasic contractions by the tension during contractions as a function of the initial muscle length before the contraction (comparable to the Frank-Starling law for the heart). Length-tension diagrams were used to evaluate the muscle tone before and after relaxation of the smooth muscle with butylscopolamine.RESULTS: The sensitization resulted in allodynia and hyperalgesia to the distension volumes, and the degree of sensitization was related to the infused volume of acid. Furthermore, a nearly 50% increase in the evoked referred pain was seen after sensitization. The mechanical analysis demonstrated hyper-reactivity of the esophagus following acid perfusion, with an increased number and force of the phasic contractions, but the muscle tone did not change.CONCLUSION: Acid perfusion of the esophagus sensitizes the sensory pathways and facilitates secondary contractions.The new model can be used to study abnormal sensorymotor mechanisms in visceral organs.

Formalin-induced astrocyte glutamate-glutamine cycle involved in rat spinal cord central sensitization

BACKGROUND： Central sensitization, a state of increased excitability of nociceptive neurons in the spinal dorsal horn following peripheral tissue injury and/or inflammation, is an important mechanism underlying hyperalgesia and neuropathic pain. Participation of the glutamate-glutamine cycle in central sensitization of the spinal cord remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE： To determine whether the astrocyte-neuronal glutamate-glutamine cycle is involved in formalin-induced central sensitization in the spinal cord. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Institute of Orthopedics, Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, China from September 2007 to August 2008. MATERIALS： Methionine sulfoximine （MSO, 0.1 mmol/L）, glutamine （0.25 mmol/L）, and formalin were used for this study. METHODS： A total of 43 male, Sprague Dawley rats, aged 4 months, were randomly assigned to a sham operation group （n = 6） and a model group （n = 37）. Rats in the model group received intrathecal infusion in the spinal cord. 7 days later, 37 model rats were randomly divided into PBS, MSO, glutamine, MSO ＋ glutamine and formalin subcutaneous injection alone groups. The PBS, MSO, glutamine, MSO ＋ glutamine groups were respectively intrathecally injected with PBS, MSO, glutamine, MSO ＋ glutamine （50 μL each）, and then infused with 10 μL of saline. Rats from the sham operation group were not subjected to intrathecal infusion in the spinal cord. At 15 minutes after intrathecal injection, a rat model of formalin-induced inflammatory pain was established by subcutaneous injection of 5% formalin （50 μL） in the left hindpaw. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Changes in spontaneous nociceptive behavior （licking/biting or flinching） were observed following formalin injection into the rat hindpaw. RESULTS： Compared with the PBS group, duration of licking/biting was significantly shortened, and flinching frequency was significantly diminished in the MSO group （P 〈 0.05）. Compared with the MSO group, duration of licking/biting was significantly prolonged, and flinching frequency was significantly increased in the MSO ＋ glutamine group （P 〈 0.05）. There was no significant difference in inflammatory pain behaviors among the sham operation, PBS, glutamine, MSO ＋ glutamine, and formalin subcutaneous injection alone groups （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： The astrocyte-neuronal glutamate-glutamine cycle in the spinal cord was shown to be involved in central sensitization induced by formalin subcutaneous injection into the hindpaw.

Bladder-colon chronic cross-sensitization involves neuro-glial pathways in male mice

BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome and bladder pain syndrome often overlap and are both characterized by visceral hypersensitivity.Since pelvic organs share common sensory pathways,it is likely that those syndromes involve a cross-sensitization of the bladder and the colon.The precise pathophysiology remains poorly understood.AIM To develop a model of chronic bladder-colon cross-sensitization and to investigate the mechanisms involved.METHODS Chronic cross-organ visceral sensitization was obtained in C57BL/6 mice using ultrasound-guided intravesical injections of acetic acid under brief isoflurane anesthesia.Colorectal sensitivity was assessed in conscious mice by measuring intracolonic pressure during isobaric colorectal distensions.Myeloperoxidase,used as a marker of colorectal inflammation,was measured in the colon,and colorectal permeability was measured using chambers.c-Fos protein expression,used as a marker of neuronal activation,was assessed in the spinal cord(L6-S1 level)using immunohistochemistry.Green fluorescent protein on the fractalkine receptor-positive mice were used to identify and count microglia cells in the L6-S1 dorsal horn of the spinal cord.The expression of NK1 receptors and MAPK-p38 were quantified in the spinal cord using western blot.RESULTS Visceral hypersensitivity to colorectal distension was observed after the intravesical injection of acetic acid vs saline(P<0.0001).This effect started 1 h post-injection and lasted up to 7 d postinjection.No increased permeability or inflammation was shown in the bladder or colon 7 d postinjection.Visceral hypersensitivity was associated with the increased expression of c-Fos protein in the spinal cord(P<0.0001).In green fluorescent protein on the fractalkine receptor-positive mice,intravesical acetic acid injection resulted in an increased number of microglia cells in the L6-S1 dorsal horn of the spinal cord(P<0.0001).NK1 receptor and MAPK-p38 levels were increased in the spinal cord up to 7 d after injection(P=0.007 and 0.023 respectively).Colorectal sensitization was prevented by intrathecal or intracerebroventricular injections of minocycline,a microglia inhibitor,by intracerebroventricular injection of CP-99994 dihydrochloride,a NK1 antagonist,and by intracerebroventricular injection of SB203580,a MAPK-p38 inhibitor.CONCLUSION We describe a new model of cross-organ visceral sensitization between the bladder and the colon in mice.Intravesical injections of acetic acid induced a long-lasting colorectal hypersensitivity to distension,mediated by neuroglial interactions,MAPK-p38 phosphorylation and the NK1 receptor.

Development and Evaluation of the Heroin Abstainers’ Cue-Sensitization Questionnaire

In order to develop the heroin abstainers＇ cue-sensitization questionnaire （HACSQ）, and evaluate its reliability and validity, during March and April in 2006, the cross-sectional sample survey and cluster sampling were adopted among 939 volunteer participants who were heroin abstainers from 5 compulsive detoxification centers in China. The data were collected by the self-report questionnaires. The reliability analysis included Cronbach＇s a coefficient, split reliability and test-retest reliability, while construction validity was analyzed in the light of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Based upon the exploratory factor analysis, 4 factors were extracted, which were social emotion cue （SEC）, direct implement cue （DIC）, personnel cue （PC） and indirect implement cue （IIC） and they together explained 64.52% variance. According to the data, test-retest reliability coefficient ranged from 0.57 to 0.63, and Cronbach＇s α coefficient ranged from 0.86 to 0.95 across the 4 factors and HACSQ. The adjusted goodness of fit index was 0.75. It was suggested that the HACSQ demonstrated good validities and reliabilities, and may be used as a reliable assessment tool for the cue-sensitization among the heroin abstainers.

Highly Efficient Photosensitization of Mesoporous TiO_2 Electrode with a Cyanine Dye

A low cost cyanine dye, 1,1-dimethyl-3-ethyl-2-[3-(1,3-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-1-ethyl- 5-carboxyl-2H-indol-2-ylidene)-1-propenyl]-1H-benz[e] indolium iodide (1) was synthesized and applied to sensitize mesoporous TiO2 electrode. Photoresponse of the electrode was extended to the visible and remarkably high incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) over 70% was achieved from 500 nm to 600 nm.

Precision medicine allergy immunoassay methods for assessing immunoglobulin E sensitization to aeroallergen molecules

Molecular-based allergy diagnosis for the in vitro assessment of a patient immunoglobulin E(IgE) sensitization profile at the molecular level uses allergen molecules(also referred to as allergen components), which may be well-defined, highly purified, natural allergen components or recombinant allergens. Modern immunoassay methods used for the detection of specific Ig E against aeroallergen components are either singleplex(such as the fluorescence enzyme immunoassay with capsulated cellulose polymer solid-phase coupled allergens, the enzyme-enhanced chemiluminescence immunoassay and the reversed enzyme allergosorbent test, with liquid-phase allergens), multiparameter(such as the line blot immunoassay for defined partial allergen diagnostics with allergen components coating membrane strips) or multiplex(such as the microarraybased immunoassay on immuno solid-phase allergen chip, and the two new multiplex nanotechnology-based immunoassays: the patient-friendly allergen nanobead array, and the macroarray nanotechnology-based immunoassay used as a molecular allergy explorer). The precision medicine diagnostic work-up may be organized as an integrated "U-shape" approach, with a "top-down" approach(from symptoms to molecules) and a "bottomup" approach(from molecules to clinical implications), as needed in selected patients. The comprehensive and accurate Ig E sensitization molecular profiling, with identification of the relevant allergens, is indicated within the framework of a detailed patient's clinical history to distinguish genuine Ig E sensitization from sensitization due to cross-reactivity(especially in polysensitized patients), to assess unclear symptoms and unsatisfactory response to treatment, to reveal unexpected sensitizations, and to improve assessment of severity and risk aspects in some patients. Practical approaches, such as anamnesis molecular thinking, laboratory molecular thinking and postmolecular anamnesis, are sometimes applied. The component-resolved diagnosis of the specific IgE repertoire has a key impact on optimal decisions making for prophylactic and specific immunotherapeutic strategies tailored for the individual patient.

Sensitization and Intra-molecular Energy Transfer of Eu^(3+) by Tb^(3+) in Eu-Tb Binuclear Complexes/PMMA

A series of Eu0.5Tb0.5（TTA）3Phen/PMMA （TTA=thenoyltrifluoroacetone,Phen=phenanthroline） and Eu0.5Tb0.5（TTA）3Dipy/PMMA （Dipy=2,2’-dipyridyl） were prepared by in-situ polymerization.The structures of the composites were characterized by IR spectra and electron spectrum.Photoluminescence properties were investigated by UV-Vis spectra and fluorescence spectra.Meanwhile,the energy transfer models were set up.The results indicated that polymer parts were attached with the rare-earth molecular parts in the composite luminescent materials.Eu0.5Tb0.5（TTA）3Phen/PMMA and Eu0.5Tb0.5（TTA）3Dipy/PMMA emitted mostly characteristic fluorescence of europium ion and intense red fluorescence with peak wavelength at 611.8 nm and bandwidth of 10.4 nm under UV excitation at 365 nm.Fluorescence intensity of Eu0.5Tb0.5（TTA）3Phen/PMMA was found to be influenced with the content of MMA.The fluorescence emission of europium ions was greatly sensitized by terbium ions and the enhancement of red emission was most likely due to the energy transfer enhancement from Tb3＋ to Eu3＋.

Context-and time-dependent neurobiological and behavioral sensitization induced by a single morphine exposure in mice

Background and Aim Drug-induced sensitization in the mesocorticolimbic systems has been thought to play an important role in certain aspects of drug addiction, including the important function of drug-associated cues and environments in mediating drug-seeking behaviors. Our previous studies have identified a role of heat shock protein 70 （Hsp70） in the development of a single exposure morphine-induced behavioral sensitization. Methods The present study investigated the effect of environment on the expression of behavioral sensitization in- duced by a single morphine exposure, and associated Hsp70 levels. Results Our results showed that expression of single exposure morphine-induced behavioral sensitization was accompanied by a significant increase of Hsp70 ex- mice administered morphine in an unpaired fashion failed pression in the nucleus accumbens （NAc）. In contrast, to exhibit behavioral sensitization or higher Hsp70 expression. Additionally, by using a habituation process before we found that there was a transition from conditioned hyperactivity to be- challenge to remove conditioned response, havioral sensitization, the former of which was not accompanied by an increased expression of Hsp70. Conclusions Together, these results suggest that behavioral sensitization induced by a single morphine exposure in mice exhib- its context- and time-dependent patterns with environmental context functioning probably via an inhibitory condition- ing mechanism. Alteration of Hsp70 expression in NAc may represent a neurobiological sensitization mechanism mediating context- and time-dependent behavioral sensitization.

DETERMINATION OF SENSITIZATION IN AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL

The electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation technique(EPR) and the potentiostatic pulse technique(PPT) have been used to detect sensitization of austenitic stainless steel. Compared with EPR, PPT has some advantages such as it can be conducted at greater speed and with less destruction, etc. The sensitivity of PPT can be improved by altering t_1/t_2 in a certain range and it will favour the detection of the specimen with lower degree of sensitization.

Correlation between self-reported recovery and central sensitization in whiplash patients

Central sensitization has been associated with chronic pain in whiplash patients.Methods:Consecutive whiplash patients were assessed at 3 months post-whiplash injury with the brachial plexus provocation test(BPPT)as a sign of central sensitization.Self-reported recovery was assessed by the response to the question ‘Do you feel you have recovered fully from your accident injuries?'Results:Sixty-nine subjects(32 males,37 females,age 37.5±13.0 years(mean±SD),range 18-71)were included.Of these,34 reported a lack of recovery,and 35 reported recovery at 3 months post-injury.The mean BPPT elbow extension(from 180°)was 41.5±23.0°,and the mean VAS score for the BPPT was 2.2 ± 1.2(out of 10).Those who reported recovery had a mean BPPT elbow extension angle of 25.1±15.8 while those who did not report recovery had a mean BPPT angle of 58.4 ± 15.9(P＜0.05).The visual analogue scale(VAS)score for recovered subjects was 1.8 ± 1.1 and 2.7 ± 1.1(P＜0.05)for non-recovered.There was a moderate correlation between self-reported recovery and BPPT elbow extension angle(-0.44)and a lower correlation between self-reported recovery and VAS score(-0.30).Conclusion:Self-reported recovery correlates well with a lower likelihood of signs of central sensitization.Copyright(c)2012,Shanghai University of Sport.Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.All rights reserved.

Assessment of immune responses and intestinal flora in BALB/c mice model of wheat food allergy via different sensitization methods

Increasing incidences showed that food allergies have attracted more and more attention from researchers.BALB/c mice were sensitized with wheat gluten combined with aluminum hydroxide adjuvant via intraperitoneal injection,transdermal sensitization,and oral gavage sensitization route.Results showed that all the three sensitization methods could induce allergic symptoms;increase the serum antibody(total immunoglobulin E(IgE),specific IgE,IgG,IgA)and histamine content;promote the secretion of Th2 cytokines(interleukin(IL)-4,IL-5,IL-13)and inflammatory factors(IL-6,IL-17 A,IL-10);and inhibit the production of Th1 cytokines(IFN-γ,IL-2).However,the allergic symptoms of mice sensitized by intraperitoneal injection were the most obvious among the three models.The level of serum antibodies in intraperitoneal injection group was significantly higher than control.Subsequently,16 S rRNA sequencing technology was used to analyze the intestinal flora of mice.The results showed that the abundance of Firmicutes in the wheat protein sensitized group was lower than that in the normal group,while the abundance of Bacteroidetes was higher,and Lactobacillus was the difference marker in normal group.Bacterial species diversity analysis showed that the species richness and diversity of intestinal flora in mice were decreased,the difference between mice induced by intraperitoneal injection and normal control group mice was the most significant.Taken together,these results show that among three sensitization methods used to build a mouse model with aluminum hydroxide as adjuvant,intraperitoneal injection is the comparably best way to build a mouse sensitization mode.

EVALUATION OF EMBRITTLEMENT BEHAVIOR DUETO SENSITIZATION IN A CRYOGENIC AUSTENITICSTAINLESS STEEL BY MEANS OF SMALL PUNCHAND FRACTURE TOUGHNESS TESTS

In order to evaluate the tendency of mechanical properties degrudation due to weld-ing and other processing in materials used for supporting coils in super conducting rnaguets utilized in thermonuclear jusion reactore, a small punch (SP) test was used.This test, which was originally developed to study irradiation damage using miniatursized specimens was performed at 77 and 4 K for solution treated and sensitized JN1 austenitic stainless steel, a candidate cryogenic structural material. The area under the load-deflection curve up to the maximum applied load in SP test was defined as the SP enerpy, to characterize the resistance to fracture. Although solution treated material exhibited ductile fracture mode with high SP enerpy, embrittlement behavior due to sensitization at 650-800°for 1-5 h was shown clearlg by SP test with brittle intergranular fracture and decreased SP enerpy. Comparison of the results obtained by SP test with those by fracture toughness test showed the usefulness of SP test for evaluation of sensitization induced embrittlement at cryogenic temperature. The re-sults obtained in this study can be very usefol in predicting the degradation due to welding and other processing in cryogenic materials.

New models to study vulvodynia: hyperinnervation and nociceptor sensitization in the female genital tract

Vulvodynia is a prevalent form of chronic pain, most com- monly affecting the vaginal vestibule （vestibulodynia） （Pukall et al., 2016）. Women with vulvodynia describe intense pain in response to light touch of the affected region, such that sexual function and other activities can be severely limited. Medical costs associated with vulvodynia are high, exceeding $21 billion annually in the United States （Xie et al., 2012）. The high level of direct medical costs has been linked to high treatment failure rates. Many women with the disorder consult multiple practitioners and undergo multiple courses of treatment with limited benefit.

Characteristics of Polyaniline/Si Heterojunction Solar Cell By Electrochemical Dye Sensitization

Using the electrochemical polymerization dye sensitization(ECDS) method, polyaniline(PAn), which is used as top region material in solar cells, is sensitized with direct blue dye(DS), and sensitized Al grid/DS-PAn/n-Si/Al heterojunction solar cells is prepared by ECDS. Influences of the ECDS on the absorption spectrum and the junction characteristics of the solar cell were discussed, and the output characteristics were measured. The results show that the absorption spectrum of the sensitized PAn films is much wider and stronger in Vis-range; the diode quality factor is about 6.3 and the height of latent barrier potential of p-n junction is 0.89eV; the short-circuit current and the conversion efficiency of sensitized DS-PAn/Si heterojunction solar cells are greatly improved, which the short-circuit current can increase 6 times, the fill factor is 57% and the efficiency can reach 1.42% under the illumination of 37.2W/m^2, respectively.

Sensitization of Microporous Nanocrystalline TiO_2 Electrode with Quantum Sized RuS2 Particles

The microporous nanocry'sta1line TiO2 electrode with large surface roughness factor hasbeen prepared on a conducting glass support. Modification of the TiO2 electrode by in situ preparingquantum sized RuS2 particles on the surface of TiO2 electrode extends the optical absorptionspectrum and photocurrent action specmim into visible region. In addition, compared with RuS2 bulknlaterials- a blue shifi in both absorption spectrum and photocurrent action speCtrum of RuS2rriO2elcctrode is obserived and explained in terms of quantum sized effect.

The role of potassium channels in the nitric oxide-induced relaxation of human airway smooth muscle of passively sensitization by serum from allergic asthmatic patients

Objective： To investigate the role of large Ca^2＋-activated, delayed-rectifier and ATP-sensitive potassium channel in regulating the relaxation induced by nitric oxide （NO） in normal and passively sensitized human airway smooth muscle （HASM） with serum from asthmatic patients. Methods： The effects of NO or/and potassium channel blockers on the tensions of normal and passively sensitized HASM were measured by using nitric oxide donor and potassium blockers, with the isometric tension recording technique. Results： Showed that（1）In the control group and passively sensitized group, Kv blocker（4-AP） cause concentration-dependent augmentation in the contraction induced by histamine （ 1 ×10^-4 mol/L ）, （P 〈 0.05）, but Glib （ 1 × 10^-2 mol/L ） and TEA （1×10^-4 mol/L） have no significant effects on the contraction induced by histamine （1×10^-4 mol/L）. The maximum tension induced by histamine in passively sensitized group is higher than that in the control group （P 〈 0.05）. （2） NO-donor Sodium Nitroprusside （SNP） bring about significant relaxation in normal and passively sensitized HASM rings （P 〈 0.05）. Relaxations of passively sensitized airway rings [ （29.4 ± 3.3）% ] were significant less than those of normal HASM rings [ （44.1 ± 10.2）% ], （P 〈 0.05）.（3） Glib（1×10^-2 mol/L）have no significant effect on the relaxations induced by SNP（1×10^-4 mol/L）. 4-AP（1×10^-2 mol/L） inhibited relaxation induced by SNP （1×10^-4 mol/L）, （P 〈 0.01）. TEA （1×10^-3 tool/L） inhibited relaxation induced by SNP （1×10^-4 mol/L） （P 〈 0.05）, and the inhibiting effect in passively sensitized HASM rings were significant less than in normal HASM, （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： It was concluded that SNP（NO-donor） relaxed the contraction of HASM partly via BKca channel opening. In passively sensitized HASM in vitro, the relaxation of SNP decreased compared with control group, which might be associated with the down-regulating activity of BKca in passively sensitized HASM.

INVESTIGATION ON RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PREOPERATIONAL SENSITIZATION AND CROSSMATCH

Objective To explore the relationship between HLA sensitization and crossmatch and to assess its clinical value. Methods The subjects were divided into 3 groups: high sensitization group (PRA≥40%) ,low sensiti- zation group (40%>PRA≥10%) and non-sensitization group (PRA<10%) according to the HLA antibody level de- tected by ELISA. The results of crossmatch were compared among the 3 groups. Results There was significant differ- ence among the ratio of positive crossmatch in high sensitization group (39.4%) ,low sensitization group(10.5%) and non-sensitization group (2.6%). Conclusion The sensitization level is positively correlated with the result of crossmatch. The improvement of matching precision can be made by using both of techniques mentioned above.

Evaluation of Dermal Irritation and Skin Sensitization by Curaderm

Purpose: To establish whether Curaderm, a topical pharmacotherapy for skin cancer, irritates or sensitizes normal skin. Methods: The dermal irritation and skin sensitization toxicity of Curaderm were investigated in rabbits and guinea pigs in compliance with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guideline. To assess dermal irritation, rabbits were dermally exposed to Curaderm for varying periods of time. To assess hypersensitivity, the guinea-pig maximisation test was applied. Results: Curaderm was only negligibly irritating using the criteria of erythema and oedema. Curaderm did not produce any sensitization toxicity of the skin. Conclusion: These studies confirm the non-toxic observations on normal skin experienced in the clinical setting when treating skin cancer and reinforce the specificity of Curaderm towards cancer cells.