Olive oil ameliorate allergic response in ovalbumin-induced food allergy mouse by promoting intestinal mucosal immunity

The numerous health benefits of olive oil are widely known,however,it also provides anti-allergic properties that have not yet been fully defined.In this study,the anti-allergic activity of olive oil was evaluated by analyzing the clinical symptoms and immune-related factors in BALB/c mice that had ingested600 mg/(kg·day)olive oil for two weeks prior to the evaluation.An allergy model was subsequently constructed for analysis,the results of which showed that the olive oil reduced the scores of allergic symptoms in the mice,and up-regulated the hypothermia and the decline in the immune organ index.Moreover,fewer allergy-related cytokines and reduced intestinal inflammation was discovered in the olive oil-treated group.In addition,analysis of intestinal mucosal immune-related factors revealed that the olive oil promoted the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins(Claudin-1,Occludin,and ZO-1)and IL-22,and helped maintain the integrity of the intestinal epithelial physical barrier.Increased levels of mucin 2 andβ-defensin were also found in the intestinal mucus of the olive oil-treated mice.These findings suggest that the oral administration of olive oil effectively attenuated the ovalbumin-induced allergic immune response in the mice,and had a positive effect on intestinal epithelial mucosal immunity.

Seabuckthorn juice alleviates allergic symptoms in shrimp-induced food allergy mice

Tropomyosin(TM)in shrimp is one of the predominant causes of food allergy around the world.In the present study,the effect of seabuckthorn juice against TM-induced shrimp allergy was investigated in BALB/c mice.Allergic symptoms,spleen index,intestinal section and diarrhea were measured in shrimp allergy mice.As the results,seabuckthorn juice suppressed the lesions in jejunum tissue,diarrhea and allergic symptoms in shrimp allergy mice.Seabuckthorn juice also reduced serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-a(TNF-α)as well as immunoglobulin E(IgE)and stimulated the secretion of interleukin-10(IL-10)in mice with shrimp allergy.Taken together,our findings suggest that increased IL-10 by seabuckthorn juice inhibits Th2 cytokine production to suppress shrimp allergic symptoms.Furthermore,seabuckthorn juice also regulates shrimp allergy by reducing jejunum lesions,inhibiting levels of TNF-αand IgE.

Beef Meat Allergy in Cow’s Milk Allergic Adults

Milk has been recognized as a leading cause of food allergy in children;however, studies on cow’s milk allergy (CMA) in adults are scanty. The known cross-reactivity of bovine serum albumin and bovine γ-globulin which are present in both milk and beef is recognized, so that, patients with allergy to cow’s milk are often instructed to avoid beef. Our Objective was to determine the prevalence of allergy to beef meat in adult patients with allergy to cow’s milk. Thirty adults with CMA were included in the study. The diagnosis of cow’s milk and beef allergy was based on a thorough history concerning type of allergic symptoms and its link to the ingestion of milk and beef supported by skin prick test (SPT) with fresh milk and raw beef extracts and by determination of their serum specific IgE by enzyme linked immuosorbant assay (ELISA). Finally, cross reactivity test between milk and meat was performed. Three of 30 patients (10%) evaluated for CMA were found to have symptomatic sensitivity to beef, 2 gave urticarial symptoms and one gave gastrointestinal symptoms. Six patients (20%) had a positive SPT response to beef. On the other hand, beef specific IgE were positive in 18 CMA patients (60%). Concordance of positive specific IgE and SPT to meat was found in only 5 patients (17%). Mean cross reactivity between milk and beef was 31.6 ± 13.1% among studied patients. Patients allergic to milk protein are not necessarily to be allergic to beef, so, elimination of beef from the diet of adults with CMA should not be done except after investigations so as not to lose its nutritional value without benefit.

Assessment of a Case of Immediate-Type Allergy against Human Insulin in a Type 2 Diabetic Patient and Allergic Reactions to Human Insulin in Japan

We report a 64-year-old female patient with an insulin allergy. She was treated with a combination of oral antihistamines, topical hydrocortisone cream, and moisturizing agents, which resulted in the improvement of eczema and intense pruritus. To evaluate insulin allergy, intradermal skin tests were performed with several insulin agents for clinical use and 0.9% NaCl. Skin testing with semisynthetic human insulin resulted in local, immediate skin reactions such as itchy erythema and wheals. Furthermore, we analyzed our case and 25 Japanese cases of insulin allergy previously reported in the literature as far as we know. Interestingly, the number of male patients was approximately two times higher than that of female, and the insulin-specific IgE antibody test was positive in 21 patients. We should keep the possibility of human insulin allergy in mind and prepare for it when initiating human insulin therapy.

Milk fat globule membrane supplementation protects againstβ-lactoglobul-ininduced food allergy in mice via upregulation of regulatory T cells and enhancement of intestinal barrier in a microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids manner

Milk fat globule membrane(MFGM),which contains abundant glycoproteins and phospholipids,exerts beneficial effects on intestinal health and immunomodulation.The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects and possible underlying mechanisms of MFGM on cow’s milk allergy(CMA)in aβ-lactoglobulin(BLG)-induced allergic mice model.MFGM was supplemented to allergic mice induced by BLG at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight.Results demonstrated that MFGM alleviated food allergy symptoms,decreased serum levels of lipopolysaccharide,pro-inflammatory cytokines,immunoglobulin(Ig)E,Ig G1,and Th2 cytokines including interleukin(IL)-4,while increased serum levels of Th1 cytokines including interferon-γand regulatory T cells(Tregs)cytokines including IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β.MFGM modulated gut microbiota and enhanced intestinal barrier of BLG-allergic mice,as evidenced by decreased relative abundance of Desulfobacterota,Rikenellaceae,Lachnospiraceae,and Desulfovibrionaceae,while increased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes,Lactobacillaceae and Muribaculaceae,and enhanced expressions of tight junction proteins including Occludin,Claudin-1 and zonula occludens-1.Furthermore,MFGM increased fecal short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)levels,which elevated G protein-coupled receptor(GPR)43 and GPR109A expressions.The increased expressions of GPR43 and GPR109A induced CD103+dendritic cells accumulation and promoted Tregs differentiation in mesenteric lymph node to a certain extent.In summary,MFGM alleviated CMA in a BLG-induced allergic mice model through enhancing intestinal barrier and promoting Tregs differentiation,which may be correlated with SCFAs-mediated activation of GPRs.These findings suggest that MFGM may be useful as a promising functional ingredient against CMA.

Data-driven analysis of chemicals,proteins and pathways associated with peanut allergy:from molecular networking to biological interpretation

Peanut allergy is majorly related to severe food induced allergic reactions.Several food including cow's milk,hen's eggs,soy,wheat,peanuts,tree nuts(walnuts,hazelnuts,almonds,cashews,pecans and pistachios),fish and shellfish are responsible for more than 90%of food allergies.Here,we provide promising insights using a large-scale data-driven analysis,comparing the mechanistic feature and biological relevance of different ingredients presents in peanuts,tree nuts(walnuts,almonds,cashews,pecans and pistachios)and soybean.Additionally,we have analysed the chemical compositions of peanuts in different processed form raw,boiled and dry-roasted.Using the data-driven approach we are able to generate new hypotheses to explain why nuclear receptors like the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors(PPARs)and its isoform and their interaction with dietary lipids may have significant effect on allergic response.The results obtained from this study will direct future experimeantal and clinical studies to understand the role of dietary lipids and PPARisoforms to exert pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory functions on cells of the innate immunity and influence antigen presentation to the cells of the adaptive immunity.

Comparison of immune responses and intestinal flora in epicutaneously sensitized BALB/c or C57BL/6 mouse models of food allergy

Cutaneous exposure to food allergens through a disrupted skin barrier is recognized as an important cause of food allergy,and the cutaneous sensitized mouse model has been established to investigate relevant allergic disorders.However,the role of different genetic backgrounds of mice on immune responses to food allergens upon epicutaneous sensitization is largely unknown.In this study,two strains of mice,i.e.,the BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice,were epicutaneously sensitized with ovalbumin on atopic dermatitis(AD)-like skin lesions,followed by intragastric challenge to induce IgE-mediated food allergy.Allergic outcomes were measured as clinical signs,specific antibodies and cytokines,and immune cell subpopulations,as well as changes in intestinal barrier function and gut microbiota.Results showed that both strains of mice exhibited typical food-allergic symptoms with a Th2-skewed response.The C57BL/6 mice,rather than the BALB/c mice,were fitter for establishing an epicutaneously sensitized model of food allergy since a stronger Th2-biased response and severer disruptions in the intestinal barrier and gut homeostasis were observed.This study provides knowledge for selecting an appropriate mouse model to study food-allergic responses associated with AD-like skin lesions and highlights the role of genetic variations in the immune mechanism underlying pathogenesis of food allergy.

Oral administration of Bacillus coagulans TQ-35 alleviates allergic responses in OVA-sensitive BALB/c mice

Bacillus coagulans has been extensively studied so far,but there has been a lack of research on its usage in allergy.In this study,we designed to assess the effect of different concentrations of B.coagulans on food allergy in a BALB/c mouse model of ovalbumin(OVA)-induced food allergy and its effect on gut microbes.The assessment of symptoms,specific immunoglobulin E(IgE),T-cell differentiation,and related gene expression levels in sensitized mice by assay indicated that high doses of oral B.coagulans could alleviate allergic symptoms.Treatment with B.coagulans,in the high-dose group,significantly reduced IgE and IgG1 levels and modulated the balance of T helper type 1 cell(Th1)and Th2 and the expression of relevant genes in the spleen.16S rRNA analysis showed that probiotics improved the structure of the microbiota,in particular by boosting the percentage of Clostridia,Bacteroides vulgatus and Enterococcus faecium,and by increasing the abundance of microbial species,thereby modulating the immune system.Therefore,this study can provide insights into the practical application of B.coagulans doses to alleviate OVA allergy.

Preventive effects of Bifidobacterium lactis Probio-M8 on ovalbumin-induced food allergy in mice

Food allergy is a significant public health concern globally.Certain probiotics have been found to enhance food allergy by regulating immune-microbe interactions in animal models and patients.However,the effects of Bifidobacterium lactis Probio-M8 on food allergy have not been thoroughly investigated.The present study examined the anti-allergic properties of Probio-M8,particularly in relation to immune response and gut microbiota composition.Results demonstrate that oral administration of Probio-M8 effectively mitigated the allergy symptoms triggered by ovalbumin(OVA)by ameliorating the morphological damage in the jejunum,reducing OVA-specific IgE and histamine levels in the serum,and suppressing Th2 cytokines(interleukin(IL)4 and IL-13)while increasing Th1 cytokines(interferon(IFN)γ)and regulatory T(Treg)cytokines(IL-10 and transforming growth factor(TGF)β1)in the culture supernatants of splenic cells.Furthermore,Probio-M8 effectively altered the diversity and composition of gut microbiota,particularly the relative abundances of Akkermansia_muciniphila in OVA-induced mice.Compared to the OVA group,the Probio-M8 group showed a decrease in the relative abundance of Akkermansia_muciniphila.In conclusion,Probio-M8 demonstrates the potential to alleviate food allergy by regulating the Th1/Th2 response and modulating gut microbiota,thereby offering a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with food allergy.

Allergy Screen和EUROLINE Atopy血清过敏原特异性IgE检测结果对比分析

目的对Allergy Screen与EUROLINE Atopy过敏原特异性免疫球蛋白E(specific immunoglobulin E,sIgE)检测结果进行一致性和等级相关性研究,为临床合理应用检测方法和解读检验结果提供依据。方法收集过敏性疾病患儿血清样本180份,其中男86例,女94例,年龄3~15岁。分别应用Allergy Screen法和EUROLINE Atopy法检测血清样本中树花粉、混合草、尘螨、猫毛、狗毛、屋尘、蟑螂、霉菌、牛奶、鸡蛋、牛肉、贝类、虾、蟹过敏原sIgE。结果两种检测方法Kappa分析得出:尘螨、牛奶、蟹三项一致性最高(Kappa值分别为0.846、0.845、0.813)。混合草、屋尘、蟑螂、霉菌、鸡蛋、虾等六种过敏原一致性较高(Kappa值分别为0.719、0.722、0.662、0.652、0.780、0.710)。树花粉、牛肉一致性中等(Kappa值分别为0.483、0.486)。猫毛、贝类一致性一般(Kappa值分别为0.392、0.389)。狗毛一致性较差(Kappa值为0.142)。两种检测方法过敏原sIgE的等级资料Spearman相关性分析显示:混合草、尘螨、屋尘、牛奶、鸡蛋、虾、蟹等7项相关性非常紧密(Spearman值分别为0.735、0.878、0.707、0.835、0.821、0.704、0.826),蟑螂、霉菌组合、牛肉等3项相关性紧密(Spearman值分别为0.670、0.689、0.445)。树花粉、猫毛、狗毛、贝类等4项相关性一般(Spearman值分别为0.389、0.324、0.237、0.311)。结论两种检测方法大部分项目过敏原sIgE不仅具有较强一致性,还具有非常紧密的等级相关性,二者均可用于一般过敏性疾病的筛查,临床医生和实验室应该综合分析,合理科学地选择检测方法。

UniCAP100和Allergy Screen两种过敏原检测方法的一致性研究

目的以UniCAPl00过敏原检测方法（CAP）为“金标准”与Allergy Screen（敏筛）过敏原检测方法进行对比研究，为其临床应用提供试验依据。方法随机抽取的111份过敏患者标本，其中男性61例，女性50例；年龄4～77岁，平均年龄46岁。应用瑞典Pharmacia UniCAP100过敏原检测系统、德国Allergy Screen（敏筛）过敏原检测系统同时检测特异性IgE抗体，并用SPSS14．O统计软件包进行统计学分析。结果两种检验方法对12种特异性过敏原IgE抗体检测结果有很高的符合率，其中屋尘、矮豚草、鸡蛋白、蛋黄、腰果、花生、黄豆、小麦符合率为100％，户尘螨95％，蒿97％，猫皮屑97％，狗皮屑97％，牛奶99％，蟹83％。虾83％，分枝孢90％，链格孢90％，二者一致性极好（K〉0．75）。结论两种检测方法的结果显示出很好的一致性．临床医生和实验室可根据具体情况选择适宜的筛查方法。

Establishment of BALB/c Mice Model for Food Allergy to Chinese Lobsters

[Objective] This study aimed to establish Balb/c mice model for food allergy caused by Chinese lobsters through using intraperitoneal injection for sensitization and explore methods for in vitro identification and evaluation of food allergy caused by Chinese lobsters. [Method] The 40 male Bal/c mice were divided into ovalbumin（OVA） positive control group, Coca＇s solution negative control group, blank control group and model group. Balb/c mice model was established by intraperitoneally injection of immunized Balb/c mice with OVA or Chinese lobster crude protein with aluminum hydroxide adjuvant. IgE and histamine levels in serum after the second challenge were determined by ELISA method, and the specific IgE antibody titer was determined by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test（PCA）; additionally, spleen index and histological changes in the small intestine, as well as food allergy symptoms after challenge were also calculated or observed. [Results] After the last challenge, IgE content was（236.75 ±73.39） μg/L in the Chinese lobster crude protein group, revealing no difference with that in the OVA group, but significantly higher than that in either the Coca＇s solution group or the blank control group（P 0.01）;histamine content in serum in the Chinese lobster crude protein group was（406.55±232.79）, significantly higher than that in the blank control group（P0.01）. In the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test, IgE antibody titer reached 1/16 after the last challenge in the Chinese lobster crude protein group. Spleen index in both Chinese lobster crude protein group and OVA group was significantly greater than that in either the Coca＇s solution group or the blank control group（P0.01）. What＇s more, infiltration of inflammatory cells like lymphocytes and eosnophils at the lamina propria of intestinal mucosa was also observed both Chinese lobster crude protein group and OVA group. [Conclusion] This study established Balb/c mice model for food allergy caused by Chinese lobsters; serum IgE and ELISA assay and specific IgE antibody titer in PCA test can be used for the in vitro identification and evaluation of food allergies caused by Chinese lobsters.

采用Allergy Lateral Flow Assay检测过敏原特异性IgE抗体的性能评价

目的Allergy Lateral Flow Assay(ALFA)是一种便捷、小巧的过敏原检测新技术,本研究以荧光酶联免疫全定量ImmunoCAP法为“金标准”,旨在探讨ALFA的检验效能及在中国南方地区的应用价值。方法利用ALFA技术与ImmunoCAP技术检测100例过敏性疾病患者血清屋尘螨、粉尘螨、热带无爪螨、猫毛皮屑、狗毛皮屑、蟑螂和艾蒿sIgE水平。结果以ImmunoCAP法为“金标准”,结果显示,ALFA检测粉尘螨的一致性最高(κ=0.56,P<0.05),其次是屋尘螨(κ=0.43,P<0.05);同时,ALFA检测粉尘螨(87.6%)、猫毛皮屑(73.7%)和屋尘螨(87.6%)的总一致率均较高。经受试者工作特征曲线分析显示,ALFA诊断螨类过敏原的曲线下面积均大于0.90(P<0.05)。对于屋尘螨、粉尘螨和猫毛皮屑过敏原,ALFA与ImmunoCAP系统的sIgE检测结果具有强相关性(r I>0.8,P<0.05)。结论ALFA具有良好的诊断效能,可满足临床检测要求,因其无须昂贵的检测仪器和检测费用,可为基层医院临床筛查应用提供新的选择。

Allergy-related Evidences in Relation to Serum IgE:Data from the China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease,2008-2013

Objective To investigate the serum total IgE （tlgE） and specific IgE （slgE） to common allergens among allergic patients in Guangzhou, China. Methods 7 085 patients were examined for tlgE and slgE to 15 allergens, based on the protocols of reversed enzyme allergosorbent test and the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results 3 758 （53.04%） patients tested positive for tlgE, and 4 640 （65.49%） for slgE. Der pteronyssinus, Derfarinae, eggs, and cow＇s milk were the most common allergens leading to higher positive rates of slgE responses. Several peaks of sensitization were： Der pteronyssinus, Derfarinae, and Blomia tropicalis at age 10-12; cow＇s milk at age below 3; eggs at age 4-6. The mean level and positive rate of tlgE tended to increase in subjects sensitized to more allergens. Sensitization to Der pteronyssinus （OR, 1.6; P〈O.05）, Der farinae （OR, 1.5; P〈O.05）, Blomia tropicalis （OR, 1.4; P〈O.05）, Blattella germanica （OR, 1.5; P〈O.05）, cow＇s milk （OR, 1.3; P〈O.05）, and soy beans （OR, 2.0; P〈O.05） were independently correlated with allergy-related conditions in preliminary diagnosis. Conclusion The major allergens in Guangzhou include Derpteronyssinus, Derfarinae, cow＇s milk, and eggs. Sensitization to these allergens appears to be predictors of allergy-related disorder.

Protective effect of Bifidobacterium infantis CGMCC313-2 on ovalbumin-induced airway asthma and b-lactoglobulininduced intestinal food allergy mouse models

AIM To determine whether oral administration of Bifidobacterium infantis CGMCC313-2(B. infantis CGMCC313-2) inhibits allergen-induced airway inflammation and food allergies in a mouse model.METHODS Ovalbumin(OVA)-induced allergic asthma and b-lactoglobulin-induced food allergy mouse models were used in this study. Following oral administration of B. infantis CGMCC313-2 during or after allergen sensitization, histopathologic changes in the lung and intestine were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining. In the allergic asthma mouse model, we evaluated the proportion of lung-infiltrating inflammatory cells. OVAspecific IgE and IgG1 levels in serum and cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) were also assessed. In the food allergy mouse model, the levels of total Ig E and cytokines in serum were measured.RESULTS Oral administration of B. infantis CGMCC313-2 during or after allergen sensitization suppressed allergic inflammation in lung and intestinal tissues, while the proportion of infiltrating inflammatory cells was significantly decreased in the BALF of allergic asthma mice. Moreover, B. infantis CGMCC313-2 decreased the serum levels of total Ig E in food allergy mice, and reductions in IgE and IgG1 were also observed in OVA-induced allergic asthma mice. The expression of interleukin-4(IL-4) and IL-13 in both serum and BALF was suppressed following the administration of B. infantis CGMCC313-2, while an effect on serum IL-10 levels was not observed.CONCLUSION B. infantis CGMCC313-2 inhibits the secretion of allergen-induced IgE, IL-4 and IL-13, and attenuates allergic inflammation.

Diagnosis of gluten related disorders: Celiac disease, wheat allergy and non-celiac gluten sensitivity

Cereal crops and cereal consumption have had a vital role in Mankind's history. In the recent years gluten ingestion has been linked with a range of clinical disorders. Gluten-related disorders have gradually emerged as an epidemiologically relevant phenomenon with an estimated global prevalence around 5%. Celiac disease, wheat allergy and non-celiac gluten sensitivity represent different gluten-related disorders. Similar clinical manifestations can be observed in these disorders, yet there are peculiar pathogenetic pathways involved in their development. Celiac disease and wheat allergy have been extensively studied, while non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a relatively novel clinical entity, believed to be closely related to other gastrointestinal functional syndromes. The diagnosis of celiac disease and wheat allergy is based on a combination of findings from the patient's clinical history and specific tests, including serology and duodenal biopsies in case of celiac disease, or laboratory and functional assays for wheat allergy. On the other hand, non-celiac gluten sensitivity is still mainly a diagnosis of exclusion, in the absence of clear-cut diagnostic criteria. A multimodal pragmatic approach combining findings from the clinical history, symptoms, serological and histological tests is required in order to reach an accurate diagnosis. A thorough knowledge of the differences and overlap in clinical presentation among gluten-related disorders, and between them and other gastrointestinal disorders, will help clinicians in the process of differential diagnosis.

Identification and Purification of an Allergic Glycoprotein from Ginkgo biloba Kernel

Glycoprotein from Ginkgo biloba kernel may be allergic. In this paper, the allergic proteins were identified with Western blotting, and the 32 kDa glycoprotein was purified with ion exchange chromatography and gel chromatography. With Western blotting, there were 3 allergic proteins with molecular weight 21, 32, and 36 kDa. With SDS-PAGE analysis and measurements of the protein and sugar contents, the isolation and purification technology of 32 kDa was confirmed. Ginkgo crude protein extract was precipitated with ammonium sulphate （saturation gradient： 40-80%）. The precipitate was purified by chromatography with DEAE-cellulose 52, then chromatography with Sephadex G-200 and the target glycoprotein was finally obtained. The analysis results showed the molecule of the glycoprotein was 32.12 kDa and the ratio of protein to sugar was 20.56：1. In conclusion, the purification method could be used in preparation of the glycoprotein, and the study could provide a basis for the further research of the glycoprotein.

Shellfish allergy and relation to iodinated contrast media: United Kingdom survey

AIM: To assess current practice of United Kingdom cardiologists with respect to patients with reported shellfish/iodine allergy, and in particular the use of iodinated contrast for elective coronary angiography.Moreover we have reviewed the current evidence-base and guidelines available in this area.METHODS: A questionnaire survey was send to 500senior United Kingdom cardiologists(almost 50% cardiologists registered with British Cardiovascular Society)using email and first 100 responses used to analyze practise. We involved cardiologists performing coronary angiograms routinely both at secondary and tertiary centres. Three specific questions relating to allergy were asked:(1) History of shellfish/iodine allergy in pre-angiography assessment;(2) Treatments offeredfor shellfish/iodine allergy individuals; and(3) Any specific treatment protocol for shellfish/iodine allergy cases. We aimed to establish routine practice in United Kingdom for patients undergoing elective coronary angiography. We also performed comprehensive PubMed search for the available evidence of relationship between shellfish/iodine allergy and contrast media.RESULTS: A total of 100 responses were received, representing 20% of all United Kingdom cardiologists. Ninety-three replies were received from consultant cardiologists, 4 from non-consultant grades and 3 from cardiology specialist nurses. Amongst the respondents, 66% routinely asked about a previous history of shellfish/iodine allergy. Fifty-six percent would pre-treat these patients with steroids and anti-histamines. The other 44% do nothing, or do nonspecific testing based on their personal experience as following:(1) Skin test with 1 mL of subcutaneous contrast before intravenous contrast;(2) Test dose 2 mL contrast before coronary injection;(3) Close observation for shellfish allergy patients; and(4) Minimal evidence that the steroid and anti-histamine regime is effective but it makes us feel better.CONCLUSION: There is no evidence that allergy to shellfish alters the risk of reaction to intravenous contrast more than any other allergy and asking about such allergies in pre-angiogram assessment will not provide any additional information except propagating the myth.

Polydatin attenuated food allergy via store-operated calcium channels in mast cell

AIM: To investigate the effect of polydatin (PD), a resveratrol glucoside, on mast cell degranulation and antiallergic activity. METHODS: After the rats were orally sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) for 48 d and underwent PD treatment for 4 d, all the rats were stimulated by 100 mg/mL OVA for24 h and then sacrificed for the following experiments. The small intestines from all the groups were prepared for morphology examination by hematoxylin and eosin staining. We also used a smooth muscle organ bath to evaluate the motility of the small intestines. The OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) production and interleu-kin-4 (IL-4) levels in serum or supernatant of intestinal mucosa homogenates were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Using toluidine blue stain, the activation and degranulation of isolated rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) were analyzed. Release of histamine from RPMCs was measured by ELISA, and regulation of PD on intracellular Ca 2+ mobilization was investigated by probing intracellular Ca 2+ with fluo-4 fluo-rescent dye, with the signal recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: We found that intragastric treatment with PD significantly reduced loss of mucosal barrier integrity in the small intestine. However, OVA-sensitization caused significant hyperactivity in the small intestine of allergic rats, which was attenuated by PD administration by 42% (1.26 ± 0.13 g vs OVA 2.18 ± 0.21 g, P < 0.01). PD therapy also inhibited IgE production (3.95 ± 0.53 ng/mL vs OVA 4.53 ± 0.52 ng/mL, P < 0.05) by suppressing the secretion of Th2-type cytokine, IL-4, by 34% (38.58 ± 4.41 pg/mLvs OVA 58.15 ± 6.24 pg/mL, P < 0.01). The ratio of degranulated mast cells, as indicated by vehicles (at least five) around the cells, dramatically increased in the OVA group by 5.5 fold (63.50% ± 15.51% vs phosphate-buffered saline 11.15% ± 8.26%, P < 0.001) and fell by 65% after PD treatment (21.95% ± 4.37% vs OVA 63.50% ± 15.51%, P < 0.001). PD mediated attenuation of mast cell degranulation was further confirmed by decreased histamine levels in both serum (5.98 ± 0.17 vs OVA 6.67 ± 0.12, P < 0.05) and intestinal mucosa homogenates (5.83 ± 0.91 vs OVA 7.35 ± 0.97, P < 0.05). Furthermore, we demonstrated that administration with PD significantly decreased mast cell degranulation due to reduced Ca 2+ influx through store-operated calcium channels (SOCs) (2.35 ± 0.39vs OVA 3.51 ± 0.38,P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: Taken together, our data indicate that PD stabilizes mast cells by suppressing intracellular Ca 2+ mobilization, mainly through inhibiting Ca 2+ entry via SOCs, thus exerting a protective role against OVA-sensitized food allergy.

Sublingual immunotherapy for pediatric allergic rhinitis: The clinical evidence

Allergic rhinitis affect 10%-20% of pediatric population and it is caused by the Ig E-sensitization to environmental allergens, most importantly grass pollens and house dust mites. Allergic rhinitis can influence patient's daily activity severely and may precede the development of asthma, especially if it is not diagnosed and treated correctly. In addition to subcutaneous immunotherapy, sublingual immunotherapy(SLIT) represents the only treatment being potentially able to cure allergic respiratory diseases, by modulating the immune system activity. This review clearly summarizes and analyzes the available randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials, which aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and the safety of grass pollen and house dust mite SLIT for the specific treatment of pediatric allergic rhinitis. Our analysis demonstrates the good evidence supporting the efficacy of SLIT for allergic rhinitis to grass pollens in children, whereas trials regarding pediatric allergic rhinitis to house dust mites present lower quality, although several studies supported its usefulness.