Andrzej Kuźmiński

Analysis of feline and canine allergen components in patients sensitized to pets

BackgroundComponent resolved allergen diagnosis allows for a precise evaluation of the sensitization profiles of patients sensitized to felines and canines. An accurate interpretation of these results allows better insight into the evolution of a given patients sensitizations, and allows for a more precise evaluation of their prognoses.Methods70 patients (42 women and 28 men, aged 18–65, with the average of 35.5) with a positive feline or canine allergy diagnosis were included in the research group. 30 patients with a negative allergy diagnosis were included in the control group. The total IgE levels of all patients with allergies as well as their allergen-specific IgE to feline and canine allergens were measured. Specific IgE levels to canine (Can f 1, Can f 2, Can f 3, Can f 5) and feline (Fel d 1, Fel d 2, Fel d 4) allergen components were also measured with the use of the ImmunoCap method.ResultsMonosensitization for only one canine or feline component was found in 30% of patients. As predicted, the main feline allergen was Fel d 1, which sensitized as many as 93.9% of patients sensitized to felines. Among 65 patients sensitized to at least one feline component, for 30 patients (46.2%) the only sensitizing feline component was Fel d 1. Only 19 patients in that group (63.3%) were not simultaneously sensitized to dogs and 11 (36.7%), the isolated sensitization to feline Fel d 1 notwithstanding, displayed concurrent sensitizations to one of the canine allergen components. Fel d 4 sensitized 49.2% of the research group.64.3% of patients sensitized to canine components had heightened levels of specific IgE to Can f 1. Monosensitization in that group occurred for 32.1% of the patients. Sensitization to Can f 5 was observed among 52.4% of the patients.ConclusionsConcurrent sensitizations to a few allergic components, not only cross-reactive but also originating in different protein families, are a significant problem for patients sensitized to animals.

Expression of IL-17A concentration and effector functions of peripheral blood neutrophils in food allergy hypersensitivity patients.

Lymphocytes Th17 and other types of immune system cells produce IL17. By induction of cytokines and chemokines, the IL17 cytokine is involved in mechanisms of allergic reaction with participation of neutrophil granulocytes. It affects activation, recruitment, and migration of neutrophils to the tissues, regulating inflammatory reaction intensity. Excited neutrophils secrete inter alia elastase and reactive oxygen species (ROS) – significant mediators of inflammation process responsible for tissues damage. The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentrations of serum interleukin 17A, serum neutrophil elastase, and ROS production by neutrophils in patients with food allergy. The study included 30 patients with food allergy diagnosed based on interview, clinical symptoms, positive SPT, placebo controlled double-blind oral provocation trial, and the presence of asIgE in blood serum against selected food allergens using fluoro-immuno-enzymatic method FEIA UNICap 100. The control group consisted of 10 healthy volunteers. The concentrations of IL17A were determined in all patients using ELISA method with eBioscience kits, and elastase using BenderMed Systems kits. Chemiluminescence of non-stimulated neutrophils was evaluated using luminol-dependent kinetic method for 40 min on Luminoskan (Labsystems luminometer). The results of serum IL-17A concentrations and the values of chemiluminescence obtained by non-activated neutrophils, as well as elastase concentrations, were higher in patients with food allergic hypersensitivity compared to healthy volunteers. This study demonstrates a significance of IL-17A and activated neutrophil granulocytes in the course of diseases with food allergic hypersensitivity.

Role of E-selectin and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 in gastritis in food allergy patients

Introduction The prevalence of food allergies and other allergic reactions is increasing worldwide, particularly in highly-urbanized populations. Cell adhesion molecules are expressed in response to various pro-inflammatory cytokines. The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 – ICAM-1 (CD54), ICAM-1 (CD106), P-selectin (CD62P), and E-selectin (CD62E) on vascular endothelial cells is induced by such pro-inflammatory cytokines as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1). Aim To analyze concentrations of E-selectin and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) in patients with an allergic type of food sensitivity co-existing with gastritis and to compare them to the values determined in individuals with dyspeptic symptoms not associated with allergic disorders. Material and methods The study included 80 patients, among them 50 individuals with food sensitivity confirmed based on compulsory standards, and 30 subjects with dyspeptic symptoms not accompanied by allergic conditions. Venous blood samples were taken from each patient and concentrations of E-selectin and PECAM-1 were determined by means of ELISA. Results Mean concentrations of sE-selectin and sPECAM-1 in patients with food allergy amounted to 54.0 ±21.6 ng/ml and 132.8 ±31.4 ng/ml, respectively. In individuals without food allergy, mean concentrations of sE-selectin and sPECAM-1 were 57.7 ±17.9 ng/ml and 139.6 ±31.1 ng/ml, respectively. Patients with food allergy and individuals with dyspeptic symptoms not associated with food allergy did not differ significantly in terms of sE-selectin concentrations (Mann-Whitney U-test, p = 0.453028). Similarly, no significant intergroup differences were observed with regard to sPECAM-1 concentrations (Mann-Whitney U-test, p = 0.231054). Conclusions Adhesion molecules play an important role in the development of inflammation. This study did not find significant differences in the concentrations of such molecules as sE-selectin and sPECAM-1 between patients with food allergy and gastritis, and subjects in whom gastritis was not accompanied by atopic disorders. A positive correlation between the concentrations of sPECAM-1 and E-selectin was observed in food allergy patients. Consequently, it can be concluded that these molecules participate in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory process independently of the etiopathogenesis of gastritis.

Snake (Vipera berus) bite: The cause of severe anaphylactic shock and hepatocellular injury.

Vipera berus bites lead to a variety of clinical manifestations. Local swelling, coagulopathy, nephrotoxicity, cardiac effects and myotoxicity are known to be associated with envenoming by a viper bite. Although a variety of clinical manifestations have been reported in viper bite cases, anaphylactic reactions and liver injury events have not been described. We report a unique case of an anaphylaxis and transitional liver cell injury due to a Vipera berus bite in the case of a 58-year-old man with no past history suggestive of allergy and liver disease. These observations need to be further explored with laboratory studies to identify the venom components which could have pre-disposed the patient to the development of these complications.

Determination of ECP Concentration in Patients with Allergic Type of Food Hypersensitivity and in Patients with Dyspeptic Symptoms not Associated with Food Allergy

Introduction. The results of many studies suggest that the tendency towards the prevalence of food allergies is increasing [1, 2, 3]. It is estimated that approximately 20% of population modifies their diet due to adverse reactions observed after ingestion of certain foods [2]. Still, the exact prevalence rate of food allergies in pediatric and adult populations cannot be satisfactorily estimated [4]. The aim of this study was to determine serum concentrations of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in patients with allergic type of food sensitivity and to compare them to data obtained from patients with dyspeptic disorders without a concomitant allergic condition. Material and methods. This study included a group of 80 patients; among them 50 individuals with diagnosed food sensitivity based on existing standards, and 30 subjects with dyspeptic symptoms without an associated allergic condition. Venous blood was collected from each participant and ECP concentration was determined by means of fluoro-immunoenzyme assay (FIA) with UniCAP ECP test (Pharmacia Diagnostics). Results. The arithmetic mean serum ECP concentration in patients with food allergy was found to be 24.604 ± 40.36 μg/l. In all individuals, serum ECP concentrations were within the detection limit of the applied method. The average concentration of ECP in a group of subjects without food allergy was determined to be 29.9±64.76 μg/l and did not exceed the lower or the upper detection limit of the applied method. Conclusions. Patients with food allergy did not differ significantly from those with dyspeptic symptoms without a concomitant allergy in terms of ECP concentration (Mann-Whitney U test, p=0.754218).

Assessment of cross-reactivity in patients allergic to birch pollen by immunoblotting

Cross-reactivity related to birch pollynosis and ingestion of certain food poses a severe clinical and diagnostic problem. Sera were taken from 21 adult patients allergic to birch pollen with symptoms after ingestion of apples, carrots and celeries, and seven control subjects allergic to birch pollen only. Concentrations of allergen-specific IgE against allergens of birch pollen, apple, carrot and celery were measured with enzyme immunoassay, fluorimetric enzyme-linked immunoassay and immunoblotting. Immunoblotting technique may serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for birch pollen associated cross-reactivity.

Serum imbalance between the extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and their tissue inhibitor (TIMP-1) in patients with food and airborne allergy

Methods The study was performed in 80 individuals: 60 patients with exacerbation of allergic disease (30 with food allergy and 30 with airborne allergies) and 20 healthy subjects. We examined the serum concentrations of soluble forms of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1. Determination of these parameters was performed by ELISA. For MMP-9 and TIMP-1 was used kit from Bender MedSystems, for MMP-2 of RayBiotech. A statistical study results was performed using the computer program STATISTICA 9.1.

Concentration of interleukin 17A and measurement properties of the neutrophiles with food allergy hypersensitivity patients

Background IL17 is a cytokine produced by activated helper lymphocytes Th17. It plays a role in the mechanisms of allergic reactions involving neutrophils through the induction of poduction cytokines and chemokines. Affects the activation, recruitment and migration of neutrophils into the tissue by regulating inflammatory reaction. Activated neutrophils secrete elastase and ROS (reactive oxygen derivatives) important mediators of the inflammatory process responsible for tissue damage.

Composition of inflammatory infiltrate in the gastric mucosa of patients with food and airborne allergies

Introduction. The aim of this study was to analyze the composition of inflammatory infiltrate in the gastric mucosa of patients with food and airborne allergies. Patients and methods. This study included 80 subjects: 30 patients with food allergy, 30 patients with airborne allergy, as well as 20 healthy, allergy-free individuals. Gastroscopy was performed in all patients and gastric mucosal biopsies were taken for histopathological examination that included the assessment of Helicobacter pylori infection status and the presence of eosinophils within the inflammatory infiltrate. Results. Eosinophils were revealed in the biopsies of gastric mucosa originating from 12 (40%) food allergy patients, eight (27%) individuals with airborne allergy, and two controls. Compared to the controls, patients with food allergies were characterized by significantly higher prevalence of eosinophilic infiltrates (p=0.0206); there were no other significant intergroup differences in regards to this parameter. Colonization with Helicobacter pylori was confirmed in 9 (30%) subjects with food allergy, 6 (20%) individuals with airborne allergy, and in 10 (50%) controls. These three groups did not differ significantly in terms of HP colonization rates. Conclusions. Compared to the controls, patients with food allergy were characterized by a significantly higher prevalence of eosinophils within inflammatory infiltrate. No significant differences in regards to this parameter were documented between food and airborne allergy patients as well as between individuals with airborne allergy and the controls. Colonization of gastric mucosa with Helicobacter pylori was less frequent amongst airborne (20%) and food allergy patients (30%) than the controls (50%).

Metabolic activity of neutrophilic granulocytes measured with chemiluminescence test (cl) in patients with allergic hypersensitivity to food

Introduction. Neutrophilic granulocytes (neutrophils) are the most important cells of non-specific immune response. These cells have capability of chemotaxis and phagocytosis and also participate in inflammatory processes. Stimulated neutrophils release reactive oxygen species (ROS) important mediators of inflammatory process responsible for tissues injury. The aim of the study was assessment of oxygenic metabolism as one of representatives regarding metabolic activity of neutrophilic granulocytes measured with chemiluminescence test (CL) in patients with allergic type of hypersensitivity to food. Material and methods. The study contained 30 patients with diagnosed food allergy on the base of medical history, clinical symptoms, positive prick tests and the presence of allergen-specific IgE against selected food allergens in the serum. The control group contained 10 healthy volunteers. Chemiluminescence of basal and stimulated during 40 minutes neutrophils (fMLP, PMA, OZ) was assessed with kinetic luminol-dependent method using luminometer LUMINOSCAN - LABSYSTEM. Results. Mean values of obtained chemiluminescence from basal and stimulated neutrophils were statistically significantly higher in patients with allergic hypersensitivity to food than values in group of healthy persons. Conclusions. The results of performed analyses indicate that neutrophils participate and have increased activity in the process of allergic inflammation in patients with food allergy.