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Veterinary Sciences Oct 2023Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only current intervention that has the ability to modify the immune response toward a tolerogenic state. This study aimed to... (Review)
Review
Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only current intervention that has the ability to modify the immune response toward a tolerogenic state. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of AIT in horses with allergic diseases in a systematic manner. Three databases were searched to identify articles reporting clinical outcomes and adverse events associated with AIT. The articles were evaluated for beneficial responses to AIT, defined as a ≥50% reduction in clinical signs, and clinical remission. Horses with respiratory diseases, urticaria, and pruritic dermatitis receiving insect monotherapy or multi-allergen AIT were included. All adverse events were graded, and analytical and confounding biases were assessed. The results showed that multi-allergen AIT had a beneficial response in 75% of horses with respiratory diseases, 88% with urticaria, and 56% with pruritic dermatitis. However, horses treated solely with insect AIT for pruritic dermatitis had a lower response rate (36%). Self-limiting local reactions were the most common adverse events, with systemic reactions grade II accounting for 11% of reported events. Analytical and confounding biases were identified as major limitations in the available studies. Further research is needed to address these biases and provide stronger evidence on the efficacy and safety of AIT in horses with allergic diseases.
PubMed: 37888565
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10100613 -
Nutrients Sep 2023Food allergy is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by an abnormal immune response to harmless food antigens, which is influenced... (Review)
Review
Food allergy is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by an abnormal immune response to harmless food antigens, which is influenced by genetics and environmental factors. Modulating the gut microbiota and immune system with probiotics or genetically modified probiotics confers health benefits to the host and offers a novel strategy for preventing and treating food allergy. This systematic review aims to summarize the current proof of the role of probiotics in food allergy and propose a promising future research direction of using probiotics as a possible strategy of treatment for food allergy.
Topics: Humans; Food Hypersensitivity; Immune System; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Allergens; Probiotics
PubMed: 37836443
DOI: 10.3390/nu15194159 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2023Respiratory diseases have a major impact on global health. The airway epithelium, which acts as a frontline defence, is one of the most common targets for inhaled... (Review)
Review
Respiratory diseases have a major impact on global health. The airway epithelium, which acts as a frontline defence, is one of the most common targets for inhaled allergens, irritants, or micro-organisms to enter the respiratory system. In the tissue engineering field, biomaterials play a crucial role. Due to the continuing high impact of respiratory diseases on society and the emergence of new respiratory viruses, in vitro airway epithelial models with high microphysiological similarities that are also easily adjustable to replicate disease models are urgently needed to better understand those diseases. Thus, the development of biomaterial scaffolds for the airway epithelium is important due to their function as a cell-support device in which cells are seeded in vitro and then are encouraged to lay down a matrix to form the foundations of a tissue for transplantation. Studies conducted in in vitro models are necessary because they accelerate the development of new treatments. Moreover, in comparatively controlled conditions, in vitro models allow for the stimulation of complex interactions between cells, scaffolds, and growth factors. Based on recent studies, the biomaterial scaffolds that have been tested in in vitro models appear to be viable options for repairing the airway epithelium and avoiding any complications. This review discusses the role of biomaterial scaffolds in in vitro airway epithelium models. The effects of scaffold, physicochemical, and mechanical properties in recent studies were also discussed.
Topics: Humans; Biocompatible Materials; Epithelial Cells; Epithelium; Respiratory System; Tissue Engineering; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Tissue Scaffolds
PubMed: 37834382
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914935 -
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Jan 2024Recent evidence suggests that the timing of introduction, types, and amounts of complementary foods/allergenic foods may influence the risk of allergic disease. However,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Recent evidence suggests that the timing of introduction, types, and amounts of complementary foods/allergenic foods may influence the risk of allergic disease. However, the evidence has not been updated and comprehensively synthesized. The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PubMed databases were searched from the inception of each database up to 31 May 2023 (articles prior to 2000 were excluded manually). Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5. The GRADE approach was followed to rate the certainty of evidence. Compared with >6 mo, early introduction of eggs (≤6 mo of age) might reduce the risk of food allergies in preschoolers aged <6 y (odds ratio [OR], 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53, 0.81), but had no effect on asthma or atopic dermatitis (AD). Consumption of fish at 6-12 mo might reduce the risk of asthma in children (aged 5-17 y) compared with late introduction after 12 mo (OR, 0.61; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.72). Introduction of allergenic foods for ≤6 mo of age, compared with >6 mos, was a protective factor for the future risk (children aged ≤10 y) of AD (OR, 0.93; 95% CI: 0.89, 0.97). Probiotic intervention for infants at high risk of allergic disease significantly reduced the risk of food allergy at ages 0-3 y (OR, 0.72; 95% CI: 0.56, 0.94), asthma at 6-12 y (OR, 0.61; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.90), and AD at aged <6 y (3-6 y: OR, 0.70; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.94; 0-3 y: OR, 0.73; 95% CI: 0.59, 0.91). Early introduction of complementary foods or the high-dose vitamin D supplementation in infancy was not associated with the risk of developing food allergies, asthma, or AD during childhood. Early introduction to potential allergen foods for normal infants or probiotics for infants at high risk of allergies may protect against development of allergic disease. This study was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42022379264.
Topics: Infant; Child; Animals; Humans; Prevalence; Diet; Food Hypersensitivity; Dermatitis, Atopic; Asthma; Eggs
PubMed: 37827490
DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.10.001 -
International Immunopharmacology Nov 2023Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a worldwide problem that affects people of all ages, impairing patients' physical and mental health and causing great social expenditure.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a worldwide problem that affects people of all ages, impairing patients' physical and mental health and causing great social expenditure. Animal studies have suggested the potential efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in treating AR. Our meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of MSC therapy in animal models of AR by pooling animal studies.
METHODS
The search was executed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, OVID, and the Cochrane Library for relevant studies up to February 2023. The applicable data were extracted from the eligible studies, and the risk of bias was assessed for each study. The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager (version 5.4.1) and Stata (version 15.1).
RESULTS
A total of 12 studies were included in the final analysis. Compared to the model control group, the MSC therapy group presented lower frequency of sneezing [(Standardized mean difference (SMD) -1.87, 95% CI -2.30 to -1.43)], nasal scratching (SMD -1.41, 95% CI -1.83 to -0.99), and overall nasal symptoms (SMD -1.88, 95% CI -3.22 to -0.54). There were also remarkable reductions after transplantation with MSCs in the levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE) (SMD -1.25, 95% CI -1.72 to -0.79), allergen-specific IgE (SMD -1.79, 95% CI -2.25 to -1.32), and allergen-specific immunoglobulin G1 (SMD -1.29, 95% CI -2.03) in serum, as well as the count of eosinophils (EOS) in nasal mucosa (SMD -3.48, 95% CI -4.48 to -2.49). In terms of cytokines, MSC therapy significantly decreased both protein and mRNA levels of T helper cell 2 (Th2)-related cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13.
CONCLUSION
MSC therapy has the potential to be an effective clinical treatment for AR patients by attenuating Th2 immune responses, reducing secretion of IgE and nasal infiltration of EOS, and consequently alleviating nasal symptoms.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Rhinitis, Allergic; Nasal Mucosa; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Immunoglobulin E; Allergens; Mesenchymal Stem Cells
PubMed: 37806104
DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111003 -
Cureus Aug 2023Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated condition characterized by inflammation and eosinophilic accumulation of the esophagus, resulting in... (Review)
Review
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated condition characterized by inflammation and eosinophilic accumulation of the esophagus, resulting in dysphagia and food impaction. While the exact etiology of EoE remains unclear, it is believed to be triggered by food allergens and dynamic environmental factors, resulting in various clinical manifestations, from inflammation to fibrosis. Although clinical presentation varies with age, the number of eosinophils in esophagogastroduodenal endoscopy remains the diagnostic gold standard. While diet elimination, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), topical corticosteroids, and biological therapy are promising treatment options for EoE, there are insufficient data to determine the optimal therapeutic treatment approach. Combination therapies - the use of dietary therapies in conjunction with other treatment modalities, such as PPIs, topical corticosteroids, or biologic agents - have also emerged as a potential management strategy for EoE. In this systematic review, we attempt to highlight the recent advances in EoE therapies and provide updated guidance to their management. From 2017 to 2022, we conducted a comprehensive electronic search of PubMed (MEDLINE) using specific keywords related to our objective and eventually included a total of 44 articles.
PubMed: 37692685
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43221 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023During the outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), health care workers wore personal protective equipment including masks, gloves and goggles for a long time....
INTRODUCTION
During the outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), health care workers wore personal protective equipment including masks, gloves and goggles for a long time. In order to reduce the transmission routes of the virus, public places were sprayed with disinfectant. Moreover, the body, hands and clothing were frequently disinfected and washed for hygiene purposes. Studies have shown that these practices could easily irritate the skin and damage the skin barrier. Long-term irritation or exposure to allergens may lead to the occurrence of contact dermatitis (CD).
METHODS
Subject headings were searched via the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) and web of science databases: COVID-19; contact dermatitis; adverse skin reaction; PPE; dermatitis; mask; glory; hand hygiene, disinfection; face shield; goggle; protect cloth. A total of 246 and 646 articles were retrieved from the two databases, respectively. 402 articles remained after removing duplicates. Reviews, non-English articles, articles that could not be accessed to read or did not conform to our topic were excluded. Finally, a total of 32 cross-sectional studies, 9 case reports and 2 randomized controlled trials were included.
DISCUSSION
This article reviews reports of CD caused by various prevention and hygiene measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The amount of skin damage caused by COVID-19 prevention measures could be decreased by improved education about skin management.
Topics: United States; Humans; COVID-19; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dermatitis, Contact
PubMed: 37546301
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1189190 -
BMJ Open Jul 2023The objectives of this systematic review are to identify studies that assess the effectiveness of patient-directed financial incentive interventions to improve asthma...
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this systematic review are to identify studies that assess the effectiveness of patient-directed financial incentive interventions to improve asthma management behaviours, determine overall effectiveness of financial incentives, identify design characteristics of effective interventions and assess the impact on longer-term outcomes in the context of asthma.
DESIGN
Systematic review with narrative synthesis.
DATA SOURCES
Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, PsycINFO, CINAHL, PubMed and Web of Science) and grey literature sources (NHS Digital, CORE, ProQuest, Clinical Trials Register and EU Clinical Trials Register) were searched in November 2021 and updated March 2023.
ELIGIBLITY CRITERIA
Eligible articles assessed financial incentives to improve asthma management behaviours (attendance at appointments, medication adherence, tobacco smoke/allergen exposure, inhaler technique and asthma education) for patients with asthma or parents/guardians of children with asthma. Eligible study design included randomised controlled, controlled or quasi-randomised trials and retrospective/prospective cohort, case-controlled or pilot/feasibility studies.
SYNTHESIS
A narrative synthesis was conducted; eligible studies were grouped by asthma management behaviours and financial incentive framework domains.
RESULTS
We identified 4268 articles; 8 met the inclusion criteria. The studies were from the USA (n=7) and the UK (n=1). Asthma management behaviours included attendance at appointments (n=4), reduction in smoke exposure (n=1) and medication adherence (n=3). Five studies demonstrated positive behaviour change, four of which were significant (attendance at appointments (n=3) showed significant differences between intervention and control: 73% and 49% in one study, 46.3% and 28.9% in another, and 35.7% and 18.9%, respectively; medication adherence (n=1) showed significant change from 80% during intervention to 33% post intervention). These four significant studies used 'positive gain', 'certain', 'fixed' financial incentives of smaller magnitude, given for 'all' instances of behaviour.
CONCLUSION
There is some evidence that patient-directed financial incentives improve asthma management behaviours. However, in view of the wide heterogeneity in study design and measured outcomes, determining overall effectiveness was challenging.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42021266679.
Topics: Child; Humans; Motivation; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Asthma; Medication Adherence
PubMed: 37518086
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070761 -
Nutrients Jul 2023Insects have been consumed as food in diverse cultures worldwide, gaining recognition as a sustainable and nutritious food source. This systematic review aims to update... (Review)
Review
Insects have been consumed as food in diverse cultures worldwide, gaining recognition as a sustainable and nutritious food source. This systematic review aims to update information on the impact of insect consumption on human health based on human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and allergenicity assessment studies. Following PRISMA guidelines, studies published in the last 10 years were analyzed. From one-thousand and sixty-three retrieved references, nine RCTs and five allergenicity studies were analyzed. Post-prandial amino acid levels increased after insect protein consumption. In comparison with other protein sources, insect protein showed no significant differences in the area under the curve (AUC) values for essential amino acids but tended to have lower peaks and peak later. In terms of muscle protein synthesis, there were no significant differences between insect protein and other protein sources. Glucose levels did not differ; however, insulin levels were lower after the consumption of insect-based products. The effects on inflammatory markers and microbiota composition were inconclusive and the studies did not show significant effects on appetite regulation. Allergenicity assessments revealed a sensitisation and cross-reactivity between insect allergens and known allergens. A partial reduction of cross-allergenicity was observed via thermal processing. Insect protein is an adequate protein source with promising health benefits; however, further research is needed to fully understand its potential and optimise its inclusion into the human diet.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Insecta; Food; Diet; Allergens; Insect Proteins
PubMed: 37513494
DOI: 10.3390/nu15143076 -
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical... Nov 2023Global passenger demand for air travel has increased by over 7% annually since 2006, with a strong recovery following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Global passenger demand for air travel has increased by over 7% annually since 2006, with a strong recovery following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Prior to COVID-19, individuals with food allergies reported significant concern and anxiety over the risk of reactions when travelling by air. However, published data of in-flight medical events (IMEs) due to allergic reactions are limited.
OBJECTIVE
To undertake a systematic review with meta-analysis to estimate the incidence of IMEs due to allergic reactions on commercial flights.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and TRANSPORT databases and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials for relevant studies reporting IMEs of allergic etiology, published since 1980. Data were extracted in duplicate for meta-analysis, and risk of bias assessed.
STUDY REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42022384341.
RESULTS
Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. At meta-analysis, a pooled estimate of 2.2% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.6%-3.1%) of IMEs are coded as being due to allergic reactions. This may be higher in children (3.1%; 95% CI 1.5%-6.6%). The incidence of allergic IMEs at meta-analysis was 0.7 events per million passengers (95% CI 0.4-1.1). Reassuringly, the rate of allergic IMEs has been stable over the past 30 years, despite increasing passenger numbers and food allergy prevalence.
CONCLUSIONS
Allergic reactions coded as IMEs during commercial air travel are uncommon, occurring at an incidence approximately 10 to 100 times lower than that reported for accidental allergic reactions to food occurring in the community. Despite increasing passenger numbers and food allergy prevalence, the rate of allergic IMEs has not changed over the past 3 decades.
Topics: Child; Humans; Food Hypersensitivity; Allergens; Food; Incidence; COVID-19
PubMed: 37507067
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.07.025