No abstract available.
Humans ; Immunity, Humoral* ; Sputum*

To evaulate the possible pathogenetic significance of allergen-specific IgA antibody in respiratory secretion from asthmatics, we measured house dust mite(HDM)-specific IgA antibody in 3% saline-induced sputum from 23 HDM-sensitive asthmatics, 4 atopic asthmatics without mite-sensitivity, 6 non-atopic asthmatics, and 13 non-atopic, non-asthmatic controls (including 6 non-atopic healthy controls, 4 patients with chronic bronchitis, and 3 patients with rheumatoid arthritis) by ELISA. We also measured HDM-specific IgA antibody in serum and numbers of eosinophils in sputum. 1) Levels of HDM-specific IgA antibody in sputum from mite-sensitive asthmatics were significantly higher than those from non-atopic, non-asthmatic controls and non-atopic asthmatics(p<0.05). Levels of HDM-specific IgA antibody in sputum from atopic asthmatics without mite-sensitivity were significantly higher than those from non-atopic, non-asthmatic controls (p<0.05), however HDM-specific IgA/albumin raito was not significantly different between two groups (p>0.05). 2) The ratio of HDM-specific IgA antibody to albumin in sputum was not significantly different in mite-sensitive asthmatics with sputum eosinophila (> or = 5% of 200 counted leukocytes) and those without sputum eosinophilia (p>0.05). 3) The ratio of HDM-specific IgA to albumin in sputum from asthmatics was higher than that of serum. 4) There was no significant correlation of HDM-specific IgA/albumin ratios between serum and sputum (p>0.05). 5) When comparing sputum and saliva samples from 7 mite-sensitive asthmatics, levels of HDM-specific IgA antibody in sputum were significantly higher than those in saliva (p<0.05). In conclusion, HDM-specific IgA anti-body was increased in sputum from HDM-sensitive asthmatics, and it might be locally produced from bronchial mucosa. To evlauate the pathogenetic significance of allergen-specific IgA antibody in respiratory secretion from asthmatics, further studies might be needed.
Bronchitis, Chronic ; Dust* ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Eosinophilia ; Eosinophils ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin A* ; Mucous Membrane ; Saliva ; Sputum*

BACKGROUND: Measurement of allergen-specific IgE antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been developed and the results were shown to correlate well with those obtained by radioimmunoassay (RIA). However, consensus on the optirnal condition and data expression method for the measurement of allergen-specific IgE using ELISA is still not present. Object: To define the optimal condition for the measurement of allergen-specific IgE using ELISA and to evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of the results, METHOD: We measured the concentrations of house dust mite-specific IgE antibodies in serum samples by ELISA and RIA method (AlaSTAT, DPC, USA) using standardized Dermatop~hagoides farinae antigen (kindly donated by Allergopharma Joachim Ganzer KG, Reinbek, Germany). RESULTS: Optirnal antigen coating amount was 2 ug/well and optimal serum dilution was 1: 10 for ELISA. The expression of the absolute concentration of house dust mite-specific IgE antibodies within the unknown sample using serial dilutions of samples and standard serum seemed to be more reasonable than the expression of absorbance value at a single serum dilution, because the former method provided better inter-assay variation and correlation with RIA results. The results of specific IgE rneasurement using ELISA significantly correlated with RIA results (r=0.96, p<0.001, n=26). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the measurement of allergen-specific IgE antibodies using the ELISA method can be accurate and reliable if optimal assay conditions and standardized data expression are applied.
Antibodies* ; Consensus ; Dust* ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay* ; Immunoglobulin E* ; Pyroglyphidae ; Radioimmunoassay

BACKGROUND: Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is the most prevalent agent to cause occupational asthma (OA) in Korea. The pathogenic mechanism of TDI-induced OA is still unclear. Involvement of both immunological and non-immunologicaI mechanisms have been suggested. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a possible role of neutrophil in the development of TDI-asthma. OBJECT AND METHOD: Myeloperoxidase (MPO) as a neutrophil activation marker in both serum and induced sputum, and IL-8 in induced sputum were measured. Induced sputa and sera were collected from 15 TDI-induced OA patients (classified to group I) during TDI- bronchoprovocation test and were compared with those from 11 asthmatic subjects with negative TDI-bronchoprovocation test (group II). MPO levels were measured by radioimmunoassay, IL-8 levels, by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and albumin levels, by nephelometry. Sputum MPO and IL-8 levels were presented as a ratio to albumin. RESULT: Serum MPO level tended to decrease during the TDI-bronchoprovocation test in two groups, but no statistical significance was reached (p>0.05). However, the ratios of MPO (the ratio of MPO level measured at 30 min to MPO level at baseline, and the ratio MPO level measured at 360 min to MPO baseline) in group I were significantly lower than group II (p=0.004, p=0.03 respectively). The IL-8/albumin and MPO/albumin levels in induced sputum from group I were significantly increased after the TDI-bronchprovocation test in comparison to the baseline value which was obtained before the bronchoprovocation test (p=0.0l, p=0.02 respectively). There was a significant correlation between the percent increase of IL-8/albumin and the MPO/albumin in induced sputum (r=0.89, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest a possible involvement of neutrophil in the development of bronchoconstiction after the TDI exposure, and IL-8 might contribute to neutrophil recruitment to airway mucosa. Further investigation will be needed to investigate mechanism of neutrophil activation in the pathogenesis af TDI-induced OA.
Asthma, Occupational* ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Humans ; Interleukin-8 ; Korea ; Mucous Membrane ; Nephelometry and Turbidimetry ; Neutrophil Activation* ; Neutrophil Infiltration ; Neutrophils* ; Peroxidase ; Radioimmunoassay ; Sputum* ; Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate

Aspirin(ASA) and NSAIDs can induce bronchoconstriction in 10~20% of adult asthmatics patients. Inhalation of lysine-ASA(L-ASA) has been described as an alternative method for diagnosis of ASA-sensitive asthma. To further understand the characterlstics of ASA-sensitive asthmas. we studied 38 asthmatic patients with ASA -sensitivity (36 intrinsic and 2 extrinsic asthma) proven by L-ASA bronchoprovocation test (BPT). Most were female (male to female ratio was 27:73). Twenty (53%) of them had no previous history of adverse reactions when exposed to ASA. Twenty nine (79%) had rhino-sinusitis symptoms. Early asthmatic response was observed in 16 (42%) patients, late only response in 16(42%), and dual response in 6(16%) patients. The threshold of L-ASA to provoke a positive response ranged from 11.2 to 180 mg/ml and most (68.3%) had a positive response after the inhalation of 180 mg/ml. Concurrent sensitivity to sulfite was noted in 14 (36%) patients, followed by sensitivity to tartrazine in one (3%) patient. None showed a positive response to sodium benzoate. After the avoidance from ASA/ NSAIDs with administration of anti-asthmatic medications, symptom and medication scores reduced in 26(87%) patients among 30 followed patients. They were classified into the improved group: four (13%) patients belonged to the not-improved group. There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between the improved and not- improved group (p>0.05). In conclusion, L-ASA BPT could be considered as a useful method to diagnose ASA -sensitive asthma and be used to screen the causative agent for asthmatic patients with intrinsic type, especially in female patients with rhino-sinusitis and/or nasal polyp, even though they do not have arty history of adverse reactions. Cessation of exposure and proper treatment may allow to reduce symptom and medication scores.
Adult ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal ; Asthma* ; Bronchoconstriction ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Inhalation ; Nasal Polyps ; Sodium Benzoate ; Tartrazine

BACKGROUND: IgE antibodies have been considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of atapic asthma. However, there have been only few studies on the role of IgE in airway secretion in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. This might be partly due to difficulty in sampling of airway seceretion from asthmatic patients. Recently, sputum induction method by inhalation of nebulized hypertonic saline was developed, and proved to be valid and useful method for obtaining airway secretion from asthmatic patients for studying airway inflammation. OBJECTIVE AND METHOD: To evaluate the usefulness of sputum induction method for studying IgE antibodies in airway secretion from atopic asthmatic patients, total IgE levels in induced sputum from 54 atopic asthmatics were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and tried to find an association with sputum eosinophilia. RESULT: Total IgE levels in induced sputum were significantly higher in atopic asthmatic patients(1.27+82.066 IU/ml) than in controls(0.203+0.291 IUgmP)(p<0.05). In atopic asthmatic patients, total IgE levels in induced sputum were not significantly different between patients with and without sputum eosinophilia(>5% of 200 counted leukocytes). There was a significant correlation of total IgE levels between induced sputum and serum in atopic asthmatic patients(r=0.60, p<0.05). Total IgE levels in induced sputum(1.278+ 2.066) were significantly higher than saliva sample(0.504 + 1.111 IU/ml) from atopic asthmatic patients(p<0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that total IgE levels are increased in the induced sputum of atopic asthmat,ic patients and sputum induction method is a useful tool for studying IgE antibodies in airway secretion from asthmatic patients.
Antibodies ; Asthma ; Eosinophilia ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E* ; Inflammation ; Inhalation ; Saliva ; Sputum*

No abstract available.
Dermatitis, Atopic* ; Humans ; Obesity* ; Single Person* ; Social Change* ; Young Adult*

Isocyanate is the most prevalent agent in occupational asthma(OA) in Korea. We analyzed 43 toluene diisocyanate(TDI) induced OA patients of whom 81% were found to be spray painters. The bronchial sensitivity of all subjects was confirmed by TDI-bronchial challenge test. Serum-specific IgE antibodies to isocyanate-human serum albumin(HSA) conjugate were detected by RAST technique(Pharmacia, Sweden). Bronchial challenge test results revealed 21(57%) early, 5 late only, 4 dual, and 12 atypical responders(5 prolonged immediate, 6 square-shaped, 1 progressive). Four(9%) subjects had negative results on the methacholine bronchial challenge test. High levels of serum specific IgE antibody to isocyanate-HSA were found in 17(40%) patients. The prevalence of a specific IgE antibody was not associated with a type of TDI-bronchial challenge test response, smoking and atopic status, presence of rhino-sinusitis and systemic symptoms, or a degree of airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine(p> 0.05). The period of latency, ranging from 3 to 132 months, was significantly longer in high specific IgE responders (p< 0.05). These data suggest that 40% of isocyanate-induced occupational asthma patients had high specific IgE antibody to isocyanate-HSA conjugate. The presence of specific IgE antibody does not seem to correlate with clinical parameters.
Allergens/adverse effects/*immunology ; Asthma/chemically induced/*immunology ; Female ; Human ; Immunoglobulin E/blood/*immunology ; Male ; Occupational Exposure/*adverse effects ; Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate/adverse effects/*immunology

The current standard medical therapy for atopic dermatitis (AD) mainly focuses on symptomatic relief by controlling skin inflammation with topical corticosteroids and/or topical calcineurin inhibitors. However, the clinical efficacy of pharmacological therapy is often disappointing to both patients and physicians. The terminology of AD contains a historical meaning of eczematous dermatitis caused by hypersensitivity reaction to environmental inhalant or food allergen. Complex interrelationships among genetic abnormalities, environmental triggers, skin barrier defects, and immune dysfunction resulting in a vicious domino-circle seem to be involved in the development and maintenance of AD. In the viewpoint of AD as an allergic disease, complete avoidance of clinically relevant allergen or induction of specific immune tolerance through administrations of allergen (allergen immunotherapy) can provide clinical remission by breaking the vicious domino-circle maintaining a chronic disease state. In recent clinical studies, monoclonal antibodies including the anti-interleukin-4 receptor antibody and anti-B cell antibody induced significant clinical improvements in patients with AD. The detailed characteristics of immune dysfunction are heterogeneous among patients with AD. Therefore, a personalized combination of immunomodulatory therapies to reduce hypersensitivity (allergen immunotherapy) and correct immune dysfunction (monoclonal antibody therapy) could be a reasonable therapeutic approach for patients with AD. Future immunomodulatory therapies for AD should be developed to achieve long-term treatment-free clinical remission by induction of immune tolerance.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; Allergens ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Calcineurin ; Chronic Disease ; Dermatitis, Atopic* ; Eczema ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Immune Tolerance ; Immunomodulation* ; Inflammation ; Skin

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: The pathogenic mechanism of aspirin-sensitive asthma (ASA-BA) remains to be further defined. To evaluate the role of circulating immune complex (CIC) in ASA-BA. SUBJECTS & METHODS: We measured IgG- and IgA-IC level by ELISA using anti-C3 antibody in 33 ASA-BA patients whose sensitivity was confirmed by lysine-aspirin bronchoprovocation test, and compared with those of 14 allergic, 14 intrinsic asthma patients and 7 healthy controls. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in IgG-IC level among the four groups (p > 0.05), while IgA-IC levels of aspirin-sensitive asthma were higher than those of other groups (p = 0.0035). Patients with nasal polyp had significantly higher IgG-IC than those without it (p = 0.02). No differences were found according to medication and symptom scores, and presence of atopy, rhino-sinusitis, urticaria or concurrent sensitivity to sulfite (p > 0.05). Insignificant correlation was found between IgG-IC level and asthma duration, total IgE level, or circulating eosinophil count. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest a possible contribution of IgG-IC to the development of nasal polyp in ASA-BA. Further study will be needed to clarify the role of IgA-IC in the pathogenesis of ASA-BA.
Adult ; Aged ; Antigen-Antibody Complex/blood* ; Aspirin/adverse effects* ; Asthma/immunology* ; Asthma/etiology* ; Asthma/complications ; Case-Control Studies ; Human ; IgA/blood ; IgG/blood ; Middle Age ; Nasal Polyps/etiology