Clinical and experimental allergy : journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology
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Chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g. asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)are leading causes of morbidity and mortality world-wide and effective treatments are limited. These disorders can often be attributed to abnormal immune responses to environmental stimuli and infections. Mechanisms leading to inflammation are complex,resulting from interactions of structural cells and activation of both the adaptive and innate arms of the immune system. ⋯ Our current understanding of the role of miRNA in the regulation of inflammatory disease (e.g. allergic diseases) remains limited. In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of miRNA biogenesis and function, the roles miRNA play in the regulation of immune cell function and their potential contribution to inflammatory diseases. We also highlight strategies to alter miRNA function for experimental or therapeutic gain, and discuss the potential utility and limitations of targeting these molecules as anti-inflammatory strategies.
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Measuring fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a simple and non-invasive method for assessing airway inflammation. IL-17 plays an important role in T cell-dependent inflammatory response that occurs in allergic asthma, it could act as a potent activator of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) to amplify FeNO levels. ⋯ CD4(+) IL-17A(+) T cells counts and serum IL-17 levels in conjunction with augmented FeNO levels are systemic markers of childhood asthma, using these markers, prediction and potential therapeutics for persistent asthmatics may be developed.
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Data on outcome of insect venom immunotherapy in children are rare. ⋯ A majority of children with anaphylaxis to Hymenoptera venom (56%) in our cohort were re-stung, equally by honey bees or Vespula species. Younger children were more likely to be re-stung, but less likely to have a systemic reaction. Venom immunotherapy induces long-term protection in most children: 84.4% of subjects with anaphylaxis to honey bee and 94.1% of those to Vespula venom were completely protected at re-stings.
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Multicenter Study
Visual analogue scale in patients treated for allergic rhinitis: an observational prospective study in primary care: asthma and rhinitis.
Allergic rhinitis (AR) severity is evaluated using scores such as Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) and total symptom score (TSS). However, a simple assessment is needed to enable physicians to evaluate the severity of the AR and the efficacy of the treatment. ⋯ The VAS can detect with high sensitivity the variations of symptoms and QoL in patients with AR.
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Beta lactams (BL) are the most widely prescribed antibiotics in the UK and the commonest cause of hypersensitivity reactions. There are no UK guidelines for BL testing and the most relevant guidelines were devised by the European Network for Drug Allergy (ENDA) on behalf of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. ⋯ This survey revealed variation in the investigation and management of BL hypersensitivity in the UK with some centres reporting procedures that could potentially put patients at risk of anaphylaxis if allergy was falsely excluded. This survey highlights an urgent need for evidence based national guidelines and standardisation of practice.