The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology
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J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. · Nov 2009
Fractional exhaled nitric oxide measurements are most closely associated with allergic sensitization in school-age children.
Factors affecting fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in early childhood are incompletely understood. ⋯ These findings underscore the importance of evaluating allergen sensitization status when FeNO is used as a potential biomarker in the diagnosis and/or monitoring of atopic diseases, particularly asthma.
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J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. · Nov 2009
Role of sphingosine kinase 1 in allergen-induced pulmonary vascular remodeling and hyperresponsiveness.
Immunologic processes might contribute to the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a fatal condition characterized by progressive pulmonary arterial remodeling, increased pulmonary vascular resistance, and right ventricular failure. Experimental allergen-driven lung inflammation evoked morphologic and functional vascular changes that resembled those observed in patients with PAH. Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) is the main pulmonary contributor to sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) synthesis, a modulator of immune and vascular functions. ⋯ : The data support a role for SphK1 and S1P in allergen-induced airway inflammation. However, SphK1 deficiency increased pulmonary vascular hyperresponsiveness, which is a component of PAH pathobiology. Moreover, we show for the first time the dissociation between inflammation-induced remodeling of the airways and pulmonary vasculature.
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J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. · Nov 2009
Multicenter StudyPredictors of severe systemic anaphylactic reactions in patients with Hymenoptera venom allergy: importance of baseline serum tryptase-a study of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology Interest Group on Insect Venom Hypersensitivity.
Severe anaphylaxis to honeybee or vespid stings is associated with a variety of risk factors, which are poorly defined. ⋯ In patients with honeybee or vespid venom allergy, baseline serum tryptase concentrations are associated with the risk for severe anaphylactic reactions. Preventive measures should include substitution of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.