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Revista Espanola de Enfermedades... Jan 2020We present a family with several cases of eosinophilic esophagitis. Some cases of eosinophilic esophagitis in the same family have been previously described. Patients...
We present a family with several cases of eosinophilic esophagitis. Some cases of eosinophilic esophagitis in the same family have been previously described. Patients with eosinophilic esophagitis present frequently atopy, and atopy has a strong family association due to complex interactions between genetic and environment. However, eosinophilic esophagitis has a stronger genetic component than other atopic diseases. Eosinophilic esophagitis has been linked to variations in genes like eotaxin-3, TSLP and its receptor and CAPN14, although the inheritance pattern has not yet well defined.
Topics: Deglutition Disorders; Eosinophilic Esophagitis; Family; Female; Humans; Male; Young Adult
PubMed: 31909633
DOI: 10.17235/reed.2019.6610/2019 -
Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical... 2018Atopic allergy is a widespread disease with increasing prevalence in the second half of the twentieth century and is most often associated with clinical symptoms, like...
BACKGROUND
Atopic allergy is a widespread disease with increasing prevalence in the second half of the twentieth century and is most often associated with clinical symptoms, like rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma or eczema. This study explored the prevalence of atopy and polysensitization in nine cohorts of Swiss medical students during the period of 2007-2015. Furthermore, the self-reported allergic symptoms, such as rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma and eczema, among students with and without atopy were assessed.
METHODS
Each cohort was assessed in the third study year. Students underwent an ImmunoCAP rapid test, a qualitative point-of-care test, and completed an anonymous questionnaire on age, gender and clinical symptoms including rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma and eczema. Statistical analyses assessed the overall prevalence of atopy in each group and estimated the average annual increase using a linear mixed model. We examined the frequency of occurrence of polysensitization and differences of reported symptoms among students with and without atopy.
RESULTS
Data of 1513 students (mean age 22.4-23.3 years across cohorts) in nine cohorts (median cohort size 215 interquartile range IQR 193-222) were available for analysis. Test results consistent with atopy were present in 39.9% of students. Average increase of atopy over the 9 years of observation was 2.25% (95% CI 0.18-4.31%; p = 0.037). Main drivers for this increase were the ubiquitously available allergens, house dust mite, timothy grass and birch pollen. Atopy and polysensitization were more pronounced in male students: Polysensitization also increased in the observation period. The clinical symptoms, rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma and eczema were reported by 463 (76.7%) atopic and by 141 (15.5%) non-atopic students.
CONCLUSIONS
We observed a slight increase of atopy and polysensitization within 9 years of observation in Swiss medical students. The most frequent sensitization occurred with allergens with the highest chance of exposure. Rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma and eczema are a symptom complex associated with atopy but also found in non-atopic students. retrospectively registered by the Cantonal Ethics Committee Zurich on 22.01.2016; Nr: 08-2016.
PubMed: 29434645
DOI: 10.1186/s13223-018-0230-4 -
Asia Pacific Allergy Jan 2021Allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis are common and cause high socioeconomic burden. Allergic disease is a matter of not just for a... (Review)
Review
Allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis are common and cause high socioeconomic burden. Allergic disease is a matter of not just for a patient, but also for a family and the society. The Korean government, the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency, started the nationwide asthma and atopic disease prevention and management plan in collaborations with the opinion leaders from the Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, and the Korea Asthma Allergy Foundation since 2007. Seoul Atopy · Asthma Education Information Center was established in 2008 by the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the Seoul metropolitan government to provide the reliable and accurate information on asthma and allergic diseases. In 2011, Gyeonggi-do Atopy ∙ Asthma Education Information Center was established by the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the Gyeonggi-do provincial government. The activities of the center are as follows: (1) atopy ∙ asthma-friendly school program, (2) development/distribution of the educational materials, (3) open lectures for the community, patients, their caregivers, older people, nurses, pharmacists, and doctors, (4) collaborations with the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the Gyeonggi-do provincial government, the office of education, and the public health centers, (5) collaborations with the Gyeonggi-do fire services to educate 119 rescue teams on the allergic emergency conditions, (6) international collaborations. In this article, 10 years of experience and achievement from the Gyeonggi-do Atopy ∙ Asthma Education Information Center were described, especially on the atopy ∙ asthma-friendly school program.
PubMed: 33604282
DOI: 10.5415/apallergy.2021.11.e12 -
International Immunopharmacology Nov 2014Based upon age and type of farming exposures, a wide range of studies demonstrate either protective or deleterious effects of the farming environment on asthma. In this... (Review)
Review
Based upon age and type of farming exposures, a wide range of studies demonstrate either protective or deleterious effects of the farming environment on asthma. In this review, we highlight key studies supporting the concept that farming exposure protects children from asthma and atopy based on studies performed largely in European pediatric cohorts. Various types of farming in certain regions appear to have a greater effect on asthma protection, as does the consumption of unpasteurized milk. In the United State, where concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are more common, asthma is increased in children exposed especially to swine CAFOs; whereas, rates of atopy and allergy are lower in these children. We also review studies evaluating the role of farming exposures both as a child and/or as an adult on asthma seen in adults. The importance of microbes in farming environments and the contribution of various components of the innate immune system including toll-like receptors to the underlying mechanisms of asthma related to farming exposures are also reviewed.
Topics: Adult; Animal Feed; Animals; Asthma; Cattle; Child; Environmental Exposure; Europe; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Milk; Swine; Toll-Like Receptors; United States
PubMed: 25086344
DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2014.07.014 -
Archives of Disease in Childhood Nov 1996Previous studies have not resolved the importance of several potential risk factors for the development of childhood atopy, airway hyperresponsiveness, and wheezing,...
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have not resolved the importance of several potential risk factors for the development of childhood atopy, airway hyperresponsiveness, and wheezing, which would allow the rational selection of interventions to reduce morbidity from asthma. Risk factors for these disorders were examined in a birth cohort of 1037 New Zealand children.
METHODS
Responses to questions on respiratory symptoms and measurements of lung function and airway responsiveness were obtained every two to three years throughout childhood and adolescence, with over 85% cohort retention at age 18 years. Atopy was determined by skin prick tests at age 13 years. Relations between parental and neonatal factors, the development of atopy, and features of asthma were determined by comparison of proportions and logistic regression.
RESULTS
Male sex was a significant independent predictor for atopy, airway hyper-responsiveness, hay fever, and asthma. A positive family history, especially maternal, of asthma strongly predicted childhood atopy, airway hyperresponsiveness, asthma, and hay fever. Maternal smoking in the last trimester was correlated with the onset of childhood asthma by the age of 1 year. Birth in the winter season increased the risk of sensitisation to cats. Among those with a parental history of asthma or hay fever, birth in autumn and winter also increased the risk of sensitisation to house dust mites. The number of siblings, position in the family, socioeconomic status, and birth weight were not consistently predictive of any characteristic of asthma.
CONCLUSIONS
Male sex, parental atopy, and maternal smoking during pregnancy are risk factors for asthma in young children. Children born in winter exhibit a greater prevalence of sensitisation to cats and house dust mites. These data suggest possible areas for intervention in children at risk because of parental atopy.
Topics: Asthma; Birth Order; Birth Weight; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Child, Preschool; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Hypersensitivity, Immediate; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal; Risk Factors; Seasons; Sex Factors; Tobacco Smoke Pollution
PubMed: 8957951
DOI: 10.1136/adc.75.5.392 -
Respiratory Medicine Dec 2017The relationship between folate status and asthma-related outcomes has not been carefully examined in low- and middle-income countries where folate deficiency is common.
BACKGROUND
The relationship between folate status and asthma-related outcomes has not been carefully examined in low- and middle-income countries where folate deficiency is common.
METHODS
Ancillary analysis of an unmatched case-control study in which we analyzed serum folate concentrations in 412 children with asthma and 342 controls living in peri-urban communities in Lima, Peru. We examined baseline associations between folate and asthma, atopy, total serum IgE, pulmonary function, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide. We then followed children with asthma longitudinally for 6-9 months and assessed associations between folate and odds of uncontrolled asthma (defined as Asthma Control Test score ≤ 19) and of ≥1 emergency visits during follow-up.
RESULTS
A 10 ng/mL decrease in serum folate was associated with 45% higher adjusted odds of asthma (OR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.05-2.02). The folate-asthma relationship differed by atopic status: a 10 ng/mL decrease in serum folate was associated with a 2.4-fold higher odds of asthma among children without atopy (2.38, 1.20-4.72) and 23% higher odds of asthma in children with atopy (1.23, 0.85-1.80). Among children with asthma, a 10 ng/mL decrease in serum folate was associated with 62% higher odds of uncontrolled asthma (1.62, 1.02-2.56) and 73% higher odds of ≥1 emergency visits during follow-up (1.73, 1.05-2.85).
CONCLUSIONS
Serum folate concentrations were inversely associated with asthma, but this effect was stronger in children without atopy. Among children with asthma, lower serum folate concentrations were associated with higher risk of uncontrolled asthma.
Topics: Adolescent; Asthma; Case-Control Studies; Child; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Hypersensitivity, Immediate; Immunoglobulin E; Lung; Male; Nitric Oxide; Peru; Respiratory Function Tests; Social Class
PubMed: 29173446
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2017.10.026 -
GE Portuguese Journal of... Nov 2023Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EoG) is a rare condition with a yet poorly understood pathophysiology.
INTRODUCTION
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EoG) is a rare condition with a yet poorly understood pathophysiology.
CASE PRESENTATION
We report on a case of a 36-year-old woman with a history of atopy presenting with nausea, abdominal discomfort, weight loss, and ascites. Laboratorial analysis revealed peripheral eosinophilia and a slight elevation of inflammatory markers. The patient pursued medical assistance several times with a delay in the diagnosis. The pathway to the diagnosis of EoG with serosal infiltration and further management is presented.
DISCUSSION
Despite being diagnosed by exclusion, it is important to suspect EoG with subserosa involvement in patients presenting with the uncommon association of peripheral eosinophilia and ascites, particularly if there is a history of atopy.
PubMed: 38020819
DOI: 10.1159/000525809 -
The Lancet. Respiratory Medicine Apr 2019Epigenetic mechanisms could alter the airway epithelial barrier and ultimately lead to atopic diseases such as asthma. We aimed to identify DNA methylation profiles that...
BACKGROUND
Epigenetic mechanisms could alter the airway epithelial barrier and ultimately lead to atopic diseases such as asthma. We aimed to identify DNA methylation profiles that are associated with-and could accurately classify-atopy and atopic asthma in school-aged children.
METHODS
We did a genome-wide study of DNA methylation in nasal epithelium and atopy or atopic asthma in 483 Puerto Rican children aged 9-20 years, recruited using multistage probability sampling. Atopy was defined as at least one positive IgE (≥0·35 IU/mL) to common aeroallergens, and asthma was defined as a physician's diagnosis plus wheeze in the previous year. Significant (false discovery rate p<0·01) methylation signals were correlated with gene expression, and top CpGs were validated by pyrosequencing. We then replicated our top methylation findings in a cohort of 72 predominantly African American children, and in 432 children from a European birth cohort. Next, we tested classification models based on nasal methylation for atopy or atopic asthma in all cohorts.
FINDINGS
DNA methylation profiles were markedly different between children with (n=312) and without (n=171) atopy in the Puerto Rico discovery cohort, recruited from Feb 12, 2014, until May 8, 2017. After adjustment for covariates and multiple testing, we found 8664 differentially methylated CpGs by atopy, with false discovery rate-adjusted p values ranging from 9·58 × 10 to 2·18 × 10 for the top 30 CpGs. These CpGs were in or near genes relevant to epithelial barrier function, including CDHR3 and CDH26, and in other genes related to airway epithelial integrity and immune regulation, such as FBXL7, NTRK1, and SLC9A3. Moreover, 28 of the top 30 CpGs replicated in the same direction in both independent cohorts. Classification models of atopy based on nasal methylation performed well in the Puerto Rico cohort (area under the curve [AUC] 0·93-0·94 and accuracy 85-88%) and in both replication cohorts (AUC 0·74-0·92, accuracy 68-82%). The models also performed well for atopic asthma in the Puerto Rico cohort (AUC 0·95-1·00, accuracy 88%) and the replication cohorts (AUC 0·82-0·88, accuracy 86%).
INTERPRETATION
We identified specific methylation profiles in airway epithelium that are associated with atopy and atopic asthma in children, and a nasal methylation panel that could classify children by atopy or atopic asthma. Our findings support the feasibility of using the nasal methylome for future clinical applications, such as predicting the development of asthma among wheezing infants.
FUNDING
US National Institutes of Health.
Topics: Adolescent; Black or African American; Asthma; Child; DNA Methylation; Epigenome; Female; Genome-Wide Association Study; Hispanic or Latino; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Immunoglobulin E; Male; Nasal Mucosa; Transcriptome; White People
PubMed: 30584054
DOI: 10.1016/S2213-2600(18)30466-1 -
Annals of the American Thoracic Society Feb 2016Little is known about folate and atopy or severe asthma exacerbations. We examined whether folate deficiency is associated with number of positive skin tests to...
BACKGROUND
Little is known about folate and atopy or severe asthma exacerbations. We examined whether folate deficiency is associated with number of positive skin tests to allergens or severe asthma exacerbations in a high-risk population and further assessed whether such association is explained or modified by vitamin D status.
METHODS
Cross-sectional study of 582 children aged 6 to 14 years with (n = 304) and without (n = 278) asthma in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Folate deficiency was defined as plasma folate less than or equal to 20 ng/ml. Our outcomes were the number of positive skin tests to allergens (range, 0-15) in all children and (in children with asthma) one or more severe exacerbations in the previous year. Logistic and negative binomial regression models were used for the multivariate analysis. All multivariate models were adjusted for age, sex, household income, residential proximity to a major road, and (for atopy) case/control status; those for severe exacerbations were also adjusted for use of inhaled corticosteroids and vitamin D insufficiency (a plasma 25[OH]D < 30 ng/ml).
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS
In a multivariate analysis, folate deficiency was significantly associated with an increased degree of atopy and 2.2 times increased odds of at least one severe asthma exacerbation (95% confidence interval for odds ratio, 1.1-4.6). Compared with children who had normal levels of both folate and vitamin D, those with both folate deficiency and vitamin D insufficiency had nearly eightfold increased odds of one or more severe asthma exacerbation (95% confidence interval for adjusted odds ratio, 2.7-21.6).
CONCLUSIONS
Folate deficiency is associated with increased degree of atopy and severe asthma exacerbations in school-aged Puerto Ricans. Vitamin D insufficiency may further increase detrimental effects of folate deficiency on severe asthma exacerbations.
Topics: Administration, Inhalation; Adolescent; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Asthma; Bronchodilator Agents; Child; Disease Progression; Female; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Logistic Models; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Puerto Rico; Severity of Illness Index; Skin Tests; Vital Capacity; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 26561879
DOI: 10.1513/AnnalsATS.201508-549OC -
International Journal of Medical... 2015There are few studies investigating the association between BCG vaccination and atopy or asthma in adults.
INTRODUCTION
There are few studies investigating the association between BCG vaccination and atopy or asthma in adults.
OBJECTIVE
We investigated the association between BCG scar and the occurrence of atopy and asthma in Korean adults.
METHODS
We carried out a retrospective study of Korean adults who underwent skin prick testing, and, in some cases, spirometry and bronchial provocation tests in a secondary care hospital from April 2010 to February 2011. Atopy status was classified according to allergen/histamine (A/H) ratio of wheal (A/H ratio ≥ 1, atopy; 0 < A/H ratio < 1, intermediate; A/H ratio = 0, non-atopy). A patient with asthma was defined as one who has symptoms compatible with asthma and showed either a positive provocation testing or bronchodilator reversibility.
RESULTS
Among 200 participants, neither the presence (intermediate vs. non-atopy: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.83; 95% CI 0.26, 2.60; p = 0.75, atopy vs. non-atopy: aOR 0.89; 95% CI 0.33, 2.37; p = 0.81, respectively). nor the size of BCG scar was significantly associated with atopy status. However, among those patients who underwent either bronchodilator response testing or bronchial provocation testing, the presence of BCG scar (aOR 0.33; CI 0.14, 0.77; p = 0.01) and the size of BCG scar were inversely associated with asthma. (p = 0.01) CONCLUSIONS: We found a significant association between BCG scar and asthmatic status in Korean adults, although there was no significant association between either the presence or size of BCG scar and atopy.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Allergens; Asthma; BCG Vaccine; Bronchi; Dermatitis, Atopic; Female; Histamine; Humans; Hypersensitivity, Immediate; Male; Middle Aged; Odds Ratio; Republic of Korea; Retrospective Studies; Skin Tests; Spirometry; Vaccination; Young Adult
PubMed: 26283887
DOI: 10.7150/ijms.12233