• Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.662-674
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• 2018

Purpose: Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic disease. However, the effect of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) on ILCs remains to be clarified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of ILC subsets in allergic rhinitis (AR) patients in response to house dust mite (HDM)-specific immunotherapy. Methods: We enrolled 37 AR patients undergoing AIT (16 responders and 11 non-responders) for 2 years, 35 HDM AR patients and 28 healthy subjects. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were analyzed by flow cytometry to identify ILC subsets. Stimulation of ILC2s with recombinant allergen-specific protein was used to determine ILC2's activation (CD69 expression). Results: Responder AIT patients and healthy subjects had a decreased frequency of circulating ILC2s compared to non-responder AIT and AR patients. Conversely, ILC1s from responder AIT patients and healthy subjects showed increased frequency compared to non-responder AIT and AR patients. The frequency of ILC3s natural cytotoxicity receptor $(NCR)^+$ and $NCR^-$ in responder AIT patients was significantly lower compared to AR patients and healthy subjects. The ILC1: ILC2 proportion in responder AIT patients was similar to that of healthy subjects. PBMCs from patients who were responders to AIT had a significantly lower expression of the activation marker CD69 on ILC2s in response to allergen re-stimulation compared to AR patients, but no difference compared to non-responder AIT patients and healthy subjects. Conclusions: We propose that AIT might affect ILC responses. The activation of ILC2s was reduced in AR patients treated with AIT. Our results indicate that a relative ILC1/ILC2 skewed response is a possible key to successful AIT.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.120-126
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• 2021

Intradermal skin test (IDST) is generally considered a useful tool in identifying causal allergens in canine atopic dermatitis. Currently, multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST), an in vitro testing method for allergen-specific immunoglobulin E, is being used as an alternative method. However, there are no reports comparing the IDST and MAST results in the same dogs. This study compared the results of both tests to evaluate the agreement and correlation between them. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the MAST were 76.2%, 64%, and 66.7%, respectively. Moderate positive predicted value (PPV, 50-75%) or high sensitivity (80-100%) were identified for indoor allergens, such as cat epithelia, house dust, and house dust mites. In contrast, high negative predicted value (NPV, 93.3-100%) and specificity (60-100%) were observed for environmental allergens and fungi. Although the agreement between IDST and MAST for all allergens was fair (κ = 0.301), that for each allergen was poor (κ < 0.01), except for birch (κ = 0.158). Spearman's rank correlation analysis revealed a low correlation between the MAST and IDST results (ρ = 0.308, p = 0.001). As compared to the IDST results, the MAST results did not identify the causative allergens sufficiently. IDST may not be performed for environmental allergens and fungi with high NPV and specificity if the MAST result is negative, but it may have to be performed for indoor allergens with moderate PPV and high sensitivity when the MAST result is positive.

• BMB Reports
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.182-187
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• 2021

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a lipid mediator of inflammation that is generated from arachidonic acid via the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. Previous studies have reported that the receptors of LTB4, BLT1, and BLT2 play mediatory roles in the allergic airway inflammation induced by ovalbumin (OVA). However, considering that house dust mites (HDMs) are the most prevalent allergen and well-known risk factor for asthmatic allergies, we are interested in elucidating the contributory roles of BLT1/2 in HDM-induced allergic airway inflammation. Our aim in this study was to investigate whether BLT1/2 play any roles in HDM-induced allergic airway inflammation. In this study, we observed that the levels of ligands for BLT1/2 [LTB4 and 12(S)-HETE (12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid)] were significantly increased in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) after HDM challenge. Blockade of BLT1 or BLT2 as well as of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) or 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) markedly suppressed the production of TH2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) and alleviated lung inflammation and mucus secretion in an HDM-induced eosinophilic airway-inflammation mouse model. Together, these results indicate that the 5-/12-LO-BLT1/2 cascade plays a role in HDM-induced airway inflammation by mediating the production of TH2 cytokines. Our findings suggest that BLT1/2 may be a potential therapeutic target for patients with HDM-induced allergic asthma.

• Allergy, Asthma & Respiratory Disease
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.17-25
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• 2024

Purpose: Few meta-analyses of head-to-head comparisons between subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for perennial allergic rhinitis (AR) have been performed so far. This study aimed to compare the efficacy, safety, and adherence of SCIT and SLIT in patients with house dust mite (HDM)-sensitized AR through a meta-analysis of head-to-head comparative studies. Methods: A meta-analysis based on direct comparisons of SCIT and SLIT in HDM-sensitized AR was performed, using randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized studies (NRSs), on efficacy, safety, and adherence, which had been published until April 30, 2021. Treatment efficacy was calculated as the standardized mean difference in symptoms and medication scores after treatment between SCIT and SLIT. Safety and adherence to treatment were compared with the relative risk (RR) of SCIT and SLIT. Results: Six RCTs and 3 NRS scores were analyzed. No statistically significant difference was noticed in improvement in symptoms and medication scores between SCIT and SLIT groups. Systemic adverse events occurred more frequently in SCIT than in SLIT in both RCT (RR, 3.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50-31.57) and NRS (RR, 5.48; 95% CI, 1.94-15.50). SCIT showed significantly higher adherence than did SLIT (RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.92-1.47). Conclusion: No significant difference in efficacy was noticed between the 2 modalities for HDM-sensitized AR. However, SLIT had significantly lower number of systemic adverse reactions, and SCIT had more preferable adherence.

• Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.675-685
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• 2018

Purpose: This study aims to determine the efficacy and safety of house dust mite (HDM)-sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in elderly patients with AR. Methods: A total of 45 patients aged ${\geq}60years$ with HDM-induced AR who had ${\geq}3$ A/H ratio on skin prick test and/or ${\geq}0.35IU/L$ to both Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus by ImmunoCAP were enrolled in 4 university hospitals. To evaluate additional effects of HDM-SLIT, they were randomized to the SLIT-treated group (n = 30) or control group (n = 15). Rhinoconjunctivitis total symptom score (RTSS), rhinoscopy score, Korean rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire, rhinitis control assessment test, asthma control test scores, and adverse reactions, were assessed at the first visit (V1) and after 1 year of treatment (V5); for immunological evaluation, serum levels of HDM-specific immunoglobulin A/IgE/IgG1/IgG4 antibodies and basophil response to HDMs were compared between V1 and V5 in both groups. Results: There were no significant differences in demographics, RTSS, skin reactivity to HDMs, or serum total/specific IgE levels to HDMs (P > 0.05, respectively) between the 2 groups. Nasal symptom score and RTSS decreased significantly at year 1 in the 2 groups (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in percent decrease in nasal symptom score and RTSS at year 1 between the 2 groups (P > 0.05); however, rhinoscopic nasal symptom score decreased significantly in the SLIT-treated group (P < 0.05). Immunological studies showed that serum specific IgA levels (not specific IgE/IgG) and CD203c expression on basophils decreased significantly at V5 in the SLIT-treated group (P = 0.011 and P = 0.001, respectively), not in the control group. The control group required more medications compared to the treatment group, but there were no differences in adverse reactions. Conclusions: It is suggested that HDM-SLIT for 1 year could induce symptom improvement and may induce immunomodulation in elderly rhinitis patients.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.73-76
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• 2005

The acaricidal activities of 12 commercial constituents derived from Eugenia caryophyllata leaf oils against Dermatophagoides farinae, D. pteronyssinus and Tyrophagus putrescentiae adults were examined using an impregnated fabric disk application and compared with that of the commercial benzyl benzoate as synthetic acaricide. On the basis of $LD_{50}$ values, the most toxic compound was methyl eugenol ($4.13\;{\mu}g/cm^2$), followed by methyl isoeugenol ($4.19\;{\mu}g/cm^2$), isoeugenol ($4.29\;{\mu}g/cm^2$), eugenol ($4.94\;{\mu}g/cm^2$), and acetyl eugenol ($13.91\;{\mu}g/cm^2$) against D. farinae. In the case of D. pteronyssinus, isoeugenol ($2.93\;{\mu}g/cm^2$) was the most toxic, followed by methyl isoeugenol ($3.28\;{\mu}g/cm^2$), methyl eugenol ($3.87\;{\mu}g/cm^2$), eugenol ($3.92\;{\mu}g/cm^2$), and acetyl eugenol ($7.21\;{\mu}g/cm^2$). These results suggest that D. pteronyssinus may be controlled more effectively by the application of eugenol congeners than D. farinae. In comparison with synthetic acaricides, the acaricidal activities of eugenol, isoeugenol, methyl eugenol, and methyl isoeugenol were about 1.9-2.2 times more toxic than benzyl benzoate. Furthermore, the most toxic constituent against T. putrescentiae was exhibited on eugenol ($10.11\;{\mu}g/cm^2$), followed by methyl eugenol ($38.67\;{\mu}g/cm^2$) and acetyl eugenol ($70.09\;{\mu}g/cm^2$), but no activity was observed for isoeugenol and methyl isoeugenol. The results suggested that eugenol congeners may be useful as a new source for selective control of house dust mites and stored food mites.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.370-375
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• 2003

Purpose : It has been suggested that the exposure to aeroallergens during early infancy after birth is important in the subsequent development of sensitization and allergic diseases. In Korea, the level of house dust mites as one of the important aeroallergens is known to be the highest in autumn. The aim of this study was to test whether the distribution of month of birth bears a relationship to the presence of mite sensitization in children with respiratory allergy. Methods : Skin prick tests and methacholine provocation tests were performed on 1,327 patients with chronic respiratory symptoms who visited Seoul National University Children's Hospital from January 1995 to May 2002. An analysis of patients' month of birth distribution according to the presence of mite sensitization was performed. Results : Atopic subjects who had at least one positive skin test numbered 864(65.1%); and non-atopic subjects numbered 463(34.9%). Among atopic subjects, 787(59.3%) had positive skin tests to mites and 77(5.8%) had positive skin test only to minor allergens. A significantly greater than expected number of mite atopic subjects were born in the months between August and November(P=0.03), however, the birth month of non-atopic subjects didn't show a consistent seasonal preference. Asthma patients numbered 543(40.9%). Among these, atopic asthmatics numbered 421(77.5%) and non-atopic asthmatics, 122(22.5%). Dust-mite atopic asthmatics numbered 387(91.9%) out of 421 atopic asthmatics. Dust-mite atopic asthmatics were born significantly higher in the season lasting from August to November in comparison to non-atopic asthmatics(P=0.002). Conclusion : Month of birth seems to be related with sensitization to allergens. Our results show that August to November is the risk period for the development of mite sensitization in Korea.

• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.93-104
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• 2005

Purpose： This study compared lifestyles of middle school students with and without atopic dermatitis in order to obtain the baseline information for health education. Methods： This study involved 256 students from 20 middle schools in Busan who suffered from atopic dermatitis and 231 students from 2 middle schools in Busan who did not have atopic dermatitis. Results： Students with atopic dermatitis had a lower family income (탑=16.99, p<.001) and were more likely to come from a nuclear family (탑=10.28, p<.001) than control students. 98% of the students with atopic dermatitis had several skin symptoms. 78.5% of students with atopic dermatitis reported experiencing difficulties in their daily because of their condition. Students with atopic dermatitis took shorter baths and used soap less frequently than the students in the control group. The students with atopic dermatitis cleaned their houses and bedclothes more often than normal students in an attempt to remove cockroaches and house-dust mites. Students with atopic dermatitis also ate fast and instant foods more often than normal students. Conclusions： Some lifestyle differences exist between students with and without atopic dermatitis. Therefore, education and guidance may be important to promote good health and improve lifestyle quality.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.206-209
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• 2023

Asthma is a chronic and allergic inflammation in the lung, mainly caused by house dust mites (HDM). Recent studies have reported Der p 38 and Der f 38 (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae, respectively) as crucial allergens of HDMs. This study investigates the different allergic effects of Der p 38 and Der f 38 in an asthma-like mouse model. Lung infiltration of neutrophils was induced by intranasal administration of Der p 38 and Der f 38, with stronger infiltration being observed after exposure to Der p 38. Intranasal and intraperitoneal administration of Der p 38 induced the infiltration of neutrophils and eosinophils in the lung, which was similar to the effect subsequent to Der f 38 administration. Although the number of mast cells was increased, no significant difference was obtained between the effects of both allergens. In TLR4 knockout BALB/c mice, Der p 38 and Der f 38 had no effect on the infiltration of neutrophils, eosinophils, and mast cells. Additionally, allergenicity induced by Der p 38 and Der f 38 in the basophils of Der p38+/Der f 38+ asthmatic subjects was similar, although Der f 38 presented stronger allergenicity in basophils of Der p38+/Der f 38+ allergic patients than Der p 38. These findings contribute to understanding the role of similar allergen components derived from different species in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.167-175
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• 2003

This study was conducted to investigate the actual state of the food allergy and food behavior in adults by using a questionnaire. The subjects of this study were consisted of 207 males and 355 females in Gyeongbuk area. The results are as follows: Among the respondents, 54.9% kept up with proper eating habits, 41.2% knew how much they would have to eat appropriately in a day, and women ate more milk and snacks than men in a day and men ate more meat than women. 58.3% of men and 46% of women were eating 3 meals a day. This finding indicated that women skipped the meal more than men. 77.2％ of the respondents skipped their breakfast, 13.5％ the lunch, and 9.3% the dinner. 48.5％ of men and 28.8% of women evacuated over 8 times a week(p<0.001). Eczema was the allergy symptom which broke out the most highly in both male and female; 25% of men and 29.9% of women. Atopic dermatitis and pollen allergy broke out similarly in both male and female. Allergic rhinitis occurred twice more in men than in women. Asthma broke out in men about three times more than in women. 36.3% of men and 46.5% of women visited a doctor when they had an allergic reaction. 40.9% of men and 40.7% of women believed that the allergy was caused mainly by the dust in the house and mites. The other factors, which caused the allergic reaction, were thought to be the specific food and the pollution from cars and factories by men and the specific food and others by women. 35.4% of men and 44.2% of women ate homemade food to prevent allergies.