Animals ; Asthma/pathology* ; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Immunoglobulin E/blood* ; Incidence ; Lung/pathology* ; Mice ; Pollen/chemistry* ; Populus/adverse effects* ; Prevalence

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate which Korean newspaper articles were reported on allergic diseases before the establishment of the Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology (KAAACI). METHODS: This study was performed in 3 newspapers, Chosun Ilbo, DongA Ilbo, and JoongAng Ilbo, which were founded and used the databases established before the establishment of KAAACI in 1972. The databases were searched using 42 keywords associated with allergic diseases (allergy, asthma, rhinitis, etc.). RESULTS: Among the 42 keywords, there were only 7 that were able to search: allergy, urticaria, asthma, dermatitis, rhinitis, pollen and eczema. The total number of articles related to allergic diseases were 62, as follows: allergy (n=21), urticaria (n=15), asthma (n=8), dermatitis (n=8), rhinitis (n=5), pollen (n=3), and eczema (n=2). There were 31 articles in Chosun Ilbo, 9 in DongA Ilbo, and 22 in JoongAng Ilbo. The first allergic disease published in the newspapers was asthma on the article entitled “Treat the cause of asthma” (on page 8 of November 10, 1960 DongA Ilbo). The first article that used the term allergy appeared in a column entitled, “Childhood illness and allergy” (on page 4 of May 30, 1960 DongA Ilbo). CONCLUSION: Since 1920, articles related to allergic diseases published in the Korean newspapers increased every year. These articles may have appeared due to the increase in the prevalence of allergic disease and the pioneering efforts of senior allergy researchers.
Allergy and Immunology ; Asthma ; Dermatitis ; Eczema ; Hypersensitivity ; Korea ; Periodicals* ; Pollen ; Prevalence ; Rhinitis ; Urticaria

BACKGROUND: We developed skin prick test (SPT) reagents for common inhalant allergens that reflected the real exposure in Korea. The study aim was to evaluate diagnostic usefulness and allergen potency of our inhalant SPT reagents in comparison with commercial products. METHODS: We produced eight common inhalant allergen SPT reagents using total extract (Prolagen): Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, oak, ragweed, mugwort, Humulus japonicus pollens, as well as cat and dog allergens. We compared the newly developed reagents with three commercially available SPT reagents (Allergopharma, Hollister-Stier, Lofarma). We measured total protein concentrations, sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), major allergen concentration, and biological allergen potencies measured by immunoglobulin E (IgE) immunoblotting and ImmunoCAP inhibition test. RESULTS: Diagnostic values of these SPT reagents were expressed as positivity rate and concordance rate of the results from ImmunoCAP allergen-specific IgE test in 94 allergic patients. In vitro analysis showed marked differences in protein concentrations, SDS-PAGE features, major allergen concentrations, and biological allergen potencies of four different SPT reagents. In vivo analysis showed that positive rates and concordance rates of Prolagen® SPT reagents were similar compared to the three commercial SPT reagents. CONCLUSION: The newly developed Prolagen® inhalant SPT reagents are not inferior to the commercially available SPT reagents in allergy diagnosis.
Allergens ; Allergy and Immunology ; Ambrosia ; Animals ; Artemisia ; Cats ; Dermatophagoides farinae ; Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ; Diagnosis ; Dogs ; Electrophoresis ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Humans ; Humulus ; Hypersensitivity ; Immunoblotting ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunoglobulins ; In Vitro Techniques* ; Indicators and Reagents* ; Korea ; Methods* ; Pollen ; Skin* ; Sodium

OBJECTIVEThe custom-homebuilding company, Cosmic Garden Co. Ltd., located in Okayama City, Japan was established in 1997 and uses specific natural ore powder (SNOP) in wall materials and surveys customers in order to improve allergic symptoms.

METHODSTo investigate the biological effects of SNOP, patients with a pollen allergy were recruited to stay in a room surrounded by cloth containing SNOP (CCSNOP), and their symptoms and various biological parameters were compared with those of individuals staying in a room surrounded by control non-woven cloth (NWC). Each stay lasted 60 min. Before and immediately after the stay, a questionnaire regarding allergic symptoms, as well as POMS (Profile of Mood Status) and blood sampling, was performed. Post-stay minus pre-stay values were calculated and compared between CCSNOP and NWC groups.

RESULTSResults indicated that some symptoms, such as nasal obstruction and lacrimation, improved, and POMS evaluation showed that patients were calmer following a stay in CCSNOP. Relative eosinophils, non-specific Ig E, epidermal growth factor, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α increased following a stay in CCSNOP.

CONCLUSIONThis ore powder improved allergic symptoms, and long-term monitoring involving 1 to 2 months may be necessary to fully explore the biological and physical effects of SNOP on allergic patients.

Adult ; Chemokine CCL2 ; immunology ; Clothing ; Female ; Geologic Sediments ; chemistry ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; immunology ; Japan ; Male ; Pollen ; immunology ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal ; immunology ; therapy ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; immunology

What makes a certain molecule to elicit allergic responses? It has been a long-running question in allergology and immunology. Molecular properties of allergens have been characterized for last 30 years. However, it has become evident that allergen alone cannot induce allergic reactions. The way of introduction to the immune system and adjuvant-like activity of concomitantly administered molecules are thought to be important. Physical properties which facilitate delivery may characterize inhalant allergens. Buoyant and sticky antigens with small molecular weight (10-50 kDa) may be carried by particles and remain airborne. Most allergens could be grouped into allergen families according to biochemical properties. Protease, lipid-binding/transfer protein, actin-binding protein, Ca-binding protein, α-amylase/trypsin inhibitor, and pectate lyase account for a significant number of allergens. Biochemical properties which enhance the activation of Th2-immune responses could be another characteristic of allergens. The protease activity of allergens can help break the skin barrier or mucus membrane and its penetration into the body. The capacity of allergen to carry immunologically active substances could increase the allergenicity. Lipid-binding ability is believed to play a role in this aspect. Danger signals, such as endotoxin, β-glucan, and chitin derived from the pathogens, commensals and from the environment can enhance the immune response to allergens. The known characteristics of food allergens are resistance to heat, acid, and digestive enzymes. However, food processing makes it more complex. Understanding the intrinsic properties of allergens may shed light on the mechanisms on the pathogenesis of allergic disorders and improve the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Allergens* ; Allergy and Immunology ; Chitin ; Food Handling ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Immune System ; Membranes ; Molecular Weight ; Mucus ; Particulate Matter ; Pollen ; Pyroglyphidae ; Skin

Oak and birch trees belong to Fagales order. Specific IgE to pollen allergens of both trees are frequently found in Korea pollinosis patients. Oak trees which comprise 40% of forest area are common in Korea. However, birch trees are sparse. We compared the allergenicity of pollen extracts of white oak, sawtooth and Mongolian oaks which are prevalent species in Korea, with the pollen extract of birch. The cross-reactivity of four pollen extracts was examined with pooled sera of 12 patients by ELISA, immunoblotting and CAP inhibitions. A protein of 17 kDa, putatively homologous to a major birch allergen Bet v 1, displayed strong IgE reactivity from white oak and sawtooth oak pollen extract but not from Mongolian oak pollen. Notably, a 23-kDa protein from sawtooth and white oaks showed strong IgE reactivity and inhibited by Bet v 1. IgE binding to white oak was inhibited a maximum of 94.6% by white oak, 93.4% by sawtooth oak, 83.2% by Mongolian oak, and 68.8% by birch. Furthermore, sawtooth oak, white oak, and Mongolian oak extracts were able to inhibit up to 78.5%, 76.6% and 67.3% of IgE binding to birch extract, while birch extract itself inhibited up to 94.3%. Specific IgE to Bet v 1 was inhibited a maximum of 79.1% by sawtooth oak, 77.4% by white oak, and 72.7% by Mongolian oak, while 81.5% inhibition was shown by birch. Bet v 1 was able to partially inhibit its homologous molecules from sawtooth oak and white oak in immunoblotting. Birch pollen extract was found to be cross-reactive primarily with Bet v 1-homologous allergen from oak pollens in Korea pollinosis patients. Considering the sparseness of birch tree in Korea, oak, especially sawtooth oak may be the main cause of tree pollinosis in Korea, rather than birch.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Allergens/*immunology ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Betula/growth & development/*immunology ; Child ; Cross Reactions ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity/*diagnosis ; Immunoblotting ; Immunoglobulin E/blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pollen/*immunology ; Quercus/growth & development/*immunology ; Republic of Korea

PURPOSE: Japanese hop (Humulus spp.) and mugwort (Artemisia spp.) are notable causes of autumn pollinosis in East Asia. However, Japanese hop and mugwort pollen extracts, which are widely used for the diagnosis, have not been standardized. This study was performed to standardize Japanese hop and mugwort pollen extracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Allergen extracts were prepared in a standardized way using locally collected Humulus japonicus and purchased Artemisia vulgaris pollens. The immunoglobulin E (IgE) reactivities of prepared extracts were compared with commercial extracts via IgE immunoblotting and inhibition analyses. Intradermal skin tests were performed to determine the bioequivalent allergy unit (BAU). RESULTS: The IgE reactive components of the extracts via IgE immunoblotting were similar to those of commercial extracts. A 11-kDa allergen showed the strongest IgE reactivity in Japanese hop, as did a 28-kDa allergen in mugwort pollen extracts. Allergenic potencies of the investigatory Japanese hop and mugwort extracts were essentially indistinguishable from the commercial ones. Sums of erythema of 50 mm by the intradermal skin test (SigmaED50) were calculated to be 14.4th and 13.6th three-fold dilutions for Japanese hop and mugwort extracts, respectively. Therefore, the allergenic activity of the prepared extracts was 90827.4 BAU/mg for Japanese hop and 34412 BAU/mg for mugwort. CONCLUSION: We produced Japanese hop and mugwort pollen extracts using a standardized method. Standardized Japanese hop and mugwort pollen extracts will facilitate the production of improved diagnostic and immunotherapeutic reagents.
Allergens/*analysis/*immunology ; Antibody Specificity ; *Artemisia ; Bronchial Hyperreactivity/blood/immunology ; Cross Reactions ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Humans ; Immunoblotting ; Immunoglobulin E/blood/*immunology ; Pollen/*chemistry/*immunology ; Reference Standards ; Republic of Korea ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal

PURPOSE: The occurrence of pollen allergy is subject to exposure to pollen, which shows regional and temporal variations. We evaluated the changes in pollen counts and skin positivity rates for 6 years, and explored the correlation between their annual rates of change. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed the number of pollen grains collected in Seoul, and retrospectively reviewed the results of 4442 skin-prick tests conducted at the Severance Hospital Allergy-Asthma Clinic from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2013. RESULTS: For 6 years, the mean monthly total pollen count showed two peaks, one in May and the other in September. Pollen count for grasses also showed the same trend. The pollen counts for trees, grasses, and weeds changed annually, but the changes were not significant. The annual skin positivity rates in response to pollen from grasses and weeds increased significantly over the 6 years. Among trees, the skin positivity rates in response to pollen from walnut, popular, elm, and alder significantly increased over the 6 years. Further, there was a significant correlation between the annual rate of change in pollen count and the rate of change in skin positivity rate for oak and hop Japanese. CONCLUSION: The pollen counts and skin positivity rates should be monitored, as they have changed annually. Oak and hop Japanese, which showed a significant correlation with the annual rate of change in pollen count and the rate of change in skin positivity rate over the 6 years may be considered the major allergens in Korea.
Allergens/*immunology ; Asthma/epidemiology/immunology ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity/*epidemiology ; Pollen/*immunology ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal ; *Skin Tests

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analyze the quality of life (QOL) in adults with allergic rhinitis according to the sensitization profile for relevant aeroallergens in Northern China, investigate the proportion of patients with coexisting asthma, and explore the correlation between QOL of rhinitis patients and the specific IgE level to the causative allergen. METHOD: One hundred and sixty-four allergic rhinitis patients participated in this study, whose clinical history, results of intradermal skin test and serum specific IgE levels to common aeroallergens in North China were collected. QOL was evaluated using the rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ). RESULT: QOL of rhinitis patients was worse in those sensitized to tree pollens or weed pollens than those sensitized to house dust mites in Northern China. The proportion of patients with co-existing asthma was lower in tree pollen group than in house dust mite group or weed pollen group, and there was no significant difference between house dust mite group and weed pollen group. There was no significant correlation between QOL of rhinitis patients and the specific IgE level to the causative allergen. CONCLUSION In our study group, QOL of patients with allergic rhinitis varied with the allergen responsible for symptoms, but was not influenced by the specific IgE level to relevant allergen. The proportion of patients with co-existing asthma also varied with different pollen allergens. Rhinitis patients sensitized to weed pollens might be more likely to suffer from asthma than those sensitized to tree pollens.
Adult ; Allergens ; immunology ; Animals ; Asthma ; China ; Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; blood ; Pollen ; Pyroglyphidae ; Quality of Life ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; physiopathology

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) reduces allergen specific IgE (sIgE) levels and achieves clinical and immunological tolerance by modulating innate and adaptive immunological responses. Increased temperature and CO2 concentrations caused by climate changes contribute to an increase of pollen count and allergenicity that influences clinical SIT outcomes. In this study, we investigated the changes of IgE binding components to tree and weed pollens in pollinosis patients who showed a paradoxical increase of serum sIgE level during pollen-SIT. We enrolled nine patients who showed an increasing pattern of serum sIgE level to alder, birch, ragweed and mugwort pollens by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. IgE immunoblot analysis confirmed the intensification or new generation of major IgE binding components that could be induced by climate change. The findings suggest that the regular monitoring of sIgE levels and symptom changes is required to improve the clinical outcomes of SIT in patients undergoing SIT for tree and weed pollens.
Adult ; Climate Change ; *Desensitization, Immunologic ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E/*blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pollen/immunology ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/*therapy ; Skin Tests ; Young Adult