The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology
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J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. · May 2007
Prenatal versus postnatal sensitization to environmental allergens in a high-risk birth cohort.
The timing of allergen sensitization is controversial, with conflicting evidence suggesting transplacental priming versus exclusively postnatal priming. Resolution of this question is important in relation to rational design of allergy prevention strategies, particularly the issue of allergen avoidance during pregnancy. ⋯ These findings question the scientific basis for existing recommendations for allergen avoidance by high-risk women during pregnancy.
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J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. · May 2007
ReviewNoneosinophilic asthma: a distinct clinical and pathologic phenotype.
The use of induced sputum to assess airway inflammation in large and diverse populations with asthma has led to the recognition that significant numbers of patients do not have evidence of eosinophilic airway inflammation. The absence of a sputum eosinophilia has been noted in patients across the range of asthma severity; it has also been reported in patients presenting with an asthma exacerbation. However, whether noneosinophilic asthma represents a pathologically distinct and clinically important asthma phenotype remains unclear. ⋯ We suggest that this lower airway inflammation develops in response to etiologic factors acting through the innate immune pathway and that elements of this immune response contribute to airway dysfunction. Finally, we argue that noneosinophilic asthma is associated with clinically important differences in natural history and treatment response. We particularly highlight evidence that noneosinophilic asthma is associated with a reduced short-term and long-term response to corticosteroid therapy.
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J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. · May 2007
Multicenter StudyNot all farming environments protect against the development of asthma and wheeze in children.
In recent years, studies have shown a protective effect of being raised in a farm environment on the development of hay fever and atopic sensitization. Inconsistent data on the relation of farming to asthma and wheeze have raised some doubt about a true protective effect. ⋯ The development of atopic sensitization and atopic and nonatopic asthma is most likely determined by different environmental factors, possibly reflecting distinct pathomechanisms.
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J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. · May 2007
Occupational sensitization to lupin in the workplace: occupational asthma, rhinitis, and work-aggravated asthma.
Lupin is a legume. Its seed can be ground into flour and incorporated into food as a protein source. Cases of rhinitis, urticaria, and anaphylaxis from ingestion of lupin have been reported as well as asthma. ⋯ Sensitization to the legume, lupin, can occur from exposure at work and carries a high prevalence of clinical symptoms, which in some cases leads to occupational rhinitis and asthma.
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J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. · May 2007
IL-13 blockade reduces lung inflammation after Ascaris suum challenge in cynomolgus monkeys.
Airway inflammation is a hallmark feature of asthma and a driver of airway hyperresponsiveness. IL-13 is a key inducer of airway inflammation in rodent models of respiratory disease, but a role for IL-13 has not been demonstrated in primates. ⋯ IL-13 neutralization with a specific antibody could be a useful therapeutic strategy for asthma.