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J Ring

Publications and source records attributed to J Ring.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

In vitro basophil activation using CD63 expression in patients with bee and wasp venom allergy.

The diagnosis of insect venom allergy and the indication for specific immunotherapy is based on history, skin tests and demonstration of hymenoptera venom-specific IgE-antibodies. Cellular tests can add useful information but the role of basophil activation tests for the different venoms has to be elucidated further. We evaluated positive reactions in a basophil activation test using CD63 expression as marker independently for bee or wasp venom in patients with hymenoptera allergy. Fifty-seven patients with a history of insect venom anaphylaxis were examined (12 x bee venom, 39 x wasp venom, 6 x bee plus wasp venom). Skin tests and determination of specific IgE-antibodies were performed. Basophil activation test (BAT) using CD63 expression was performed after stimulation with different concentrations of bee and wasp venom. The BAT is based on double staining with anti-IgE antibodies and anti-CD63 and subsequent determination of the percentage of activated basophils by flow cytometry. In patients with bee venom allergy, BAT was positive in 100% to bee venom and 75% to wasp venom. In patients with bee and wasp venom allergy, positive reactions for both venoms were found in 100%. In patients with wasp venom allergy, 97% reacted positive to wasp venom and only 56% to bee venom. These results show the reliability of the basophil activation test as a cellular test in the in vitro diagnosis in patients with bee and wasp venom allergy. They also show that positive reactions in the basophil activation test reflect both sensitization status and cross-reactivity between venom species.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Photodynamic therapy induces less pain in patients treated with methyl aminolevulinate compared to aminolevulinic acid.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with topical application of either aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) is increasingly used for the treatment of actinic keratoses (AKs). Although PDT is a well-tolerated treatment, pain is the most severe side effect. Sixty-nine patients (mean age 69 years, 61 male, 8 female) suffering from multiple AKs on the scalp (field cancerization) were included in the study. PDT treatment was performed, using red light (Waldmann PDT 1200) with a light dose of 100 J/cm2 delivered at a dose rate of 160 mW/cm2. Either ALA or MAL were used as photosensitizer. Patients were asked to rate their pain on a scale from 0 to 10 (0 = no pain, 10 = unbearable pain). Upon reaching a score of 10 treatment was discontinued. Comparison of ALA and MAL in patients with AK revealed that MAL induced less pain than ALA. While 14% of the patients treated with MAL discontinued treatment before reaching the required light dose of 100 J/cm2, the number of patients treated with ALA who discontinued treatment reached 54%. PDT using MAL appears to be a better tolerated treatment for multiple AKs on the scalp compared to ALA-PDT. Differences in selectivity for tumor cells and transport of ALA in peripheral neurons may play a role.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Selective and sensitive determination of amisulpride in human plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with positive electrospray ionisation and multiple reaction monitoring.

The development of a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method with positive electrospray ionisation (ESI(+)) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) for the selective and sensitive bioanalytical determination of amisulpride, a substituted benzamide derivative, in human plasma is described. Plasma was cleaned up using a liquid-liquid extraction (diisopropylether:dichloromethane=1:1 (v/v)) procedure. The chemically related drug sulpiride was used as internal standard (ISTD) and a primary calibration function was established in the concentration range of 0.50-500.52 ng/ml for amisulpride in plasma by triple analysis of the corresponding calibration standards. A linear relationship between concentration and signal intensity (given as peak area ratio analyte/ISTD) was obtained (linear regression: r=0.9999). A lower limit of quantification (LLQ) of 0.50 ng/ml was used during measurement of study plasma samples. Satisfying results of within-day precision (CV=0.79 to 1.98%) and accuracy (mean relative deviation: -1.68 to 3.58%) and between-day precision (CV=1.34 to 4.62%) and accuracy (mean relative deviation: -1.73 to -3.77%) as well as of recovery (amisulpride: 81.74 to 84.83%; sulpiride: 58.65%) and selectivity investigations confirmed the high reliability of this established LC-MS/MS method. Sufficient stability of amisulpride in plasma was achieved during freeze-thaw-cycles, for storage periods of 24h at room temperature and 20 days at <-20 degrees C as well as in extracts (storage conditions: <-20 degrees C, 6 days and 7 degrees C, 6 days) with mean relative deviations between - 2.83 and 2.91%. An example of a pharmacokinetic profile determined after administration of an amisulpride 200mg dose in a pilot study is given in this paper. A peak plasma concentration (C(max)) of 522.58 ng/ml was achieved after 3.55 h (t(max)). Corresponding values of areas under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of 3405.35 ngh/ml (AUC(0-infinity)) and 3306.54 ngh/ml (AUC(0-tlast)) were obtained. The terminal plasma elimination half-life (t(1/2)) was 10.36 h.

Amisulpride↗
PubMed2005

[Diabetes mellitus: Cutaneous and mucosal marker lesions].

Diabetes mellitus may be associated with dermatological lesions affecting the skin and mucous membranes. In some cases they may even provide the physician with a first indication that the patient may be suffering from diabetes. Typical examples include necrobiosis lipoidica, granuloma annulare, acanthosis nigricans and vitiligo.

Blood Glucose↗
PubMed2005

[Radiographic contrast media hypersensitivity. New understanding of pathophysiology with implications for patient management].

There has been a remarkable progress in our understanding of the pathophysiology of hypersensitivity to contrast media (CM). Immediate reactions develop within one hour after application of CM under the clinical picture of anaphylaxis. Pruritic exanthems appearing several days afterwards account for the majority of non-immediate reactions. Current evidence indicates an allergic basis of severe immediate as well as of non-immediate reactions involving CM-reactive IgE-antibodies and T-lymphocytes, respectively. Skin tests are helpful to establish the diagnosis of these reactions. The use of skin tests to predict tolerability of CM in patients with previous hypersensitivity reaction to CM is controversial. The value of cellular in-vitro tests is unknown. In patients with previous hypersensitivity to CM, premedication with antihistamins and/or corticosteroids is recommended, but current premedication protocols do not suppress all repeat reactions. European multicenter studies addressing sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of test procedures as well as prophylaxis and risk factors of CM hypersensitivity are currently ongoing.

Anaphylaxis↗
PubMed2005

[Cost-of-illness study in patients suffering from atopic eczema in Germany].

BACKGROUND: Atopic eczema is one of the most common skin diseases. In Germany, the economic burden is estimated to be EUR 1.2-3.5 billion yearly. The aim of this study was to show the resource utilization and costs for outpatient care and the out-of-pocket expenses for the patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was a multi-center, retrospective and prospective cost-of-illness study. Patient characteristics and data on resource utilization were collected with a semi-structured patient questionnaire and by chart abstraction. 193 patients filled in the patient questionnaire; data from 169 patients were obtained by chart abstraction. RESULTS: Average direct medical costs of a disease flare were EUR 123 per patient. Average annual total costs were EUR 1,425 per patient, increasing with severity from EUR 956 (mild) to EUR 2,068 (severe). CONCLUSION: Prolongation of flare-free time and reduction in severity are not only desirable for the patients but also of economic interest.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

[Atopy patch testing with aeroallergens and food].

The atopy patch test (APT), a patch test employing allergens known to elicit IgE-mediated reactions which is assessed by evaluating eczematous skin lesions after 24 h to 72 h, was developed as a diagnostic tool for characterizing patients with aeroallergen-triggered atopic eczema (AE, atopic dermatitis). Positive APT reactions are associated with allergen-specific T-cell responses. The specificity of APT is higher than the specificity of skin prick tests or RAST. More studies for the standardization of APT methods are necessary, especially with regard to food APT.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Allergies in adults].

Only few epidemiological studies have assessed allergic diseases in adults. In a follow-up study of the MONICA survey S3 (1994/95), which was performed 1997-1999, a total of 1,537 persons were interviewed and tested by skin prick and patch test. Furthermore data of the MONICA survey (RAST, cholesterol, food diaries) could be used. Within survey S4 (1999/2001) a total of 4,261 subjects were interviewed concerning their personal history of atopic diseases and the corresponding history of their partners. In survey S3 the prevalence of allergic sensitisation was 20.5 % for persons without formal graduation from school and 48.1 % for those with a university degree. 20.8 % reported a hypersensitivity to food and about one quarter exhibited a positive reaction in skin prick test. Atopic eczema and hay fever increased over quartiles of HDL cholesterol. Similar, allergic sensitisation (RAST) increased over quartiles of uptake of unsaturated fatty acids in men. 40 % of those who were patch tested exhibited a positive reaction, with perfume mix, nickel, thimerosal and balsam of Peru being the most prominent allergens. Inhabitants of the City of Augsburg were sensitised more often (34.0 % overall, 23.9 % pollen) than inhabitants of villages with (29.4 %, 17.0 %). Full time farmers were sensitised less frequently (22.0 %, 8.4 %). In survey S4 the lifetime prevalence of atopic diseases diagnosed by doctors was 5.1 % for atopic eczema, 6.1 % for asthma and 13.7 % for hay fever. Subjects who lived together with a partner who suffered from hay fever were affected in 19.6 % whereas 13.1 % had hay fever when the partner was not affected. Future studies will offer an unique opportunity to analyse the incidence and remission of manifestations of atopy in adults.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Association of CARD15 polymorphisms with atopy-related traits in a population-based cohort of Caucasian adults.

BACKGROUND: Influences of microbial pathogens are crucial for the maturation of the immune system. Caspase-recruitment domain containing protein 15 (CARD15) is a cytosolic receptor involved in bacterial recognition by antigen-presenting cells. CARD15 polymorphisms have been associated with Crohn's disease. Recently, associations with atopic phenotypes have been reported in children. OBJECTIVE: Within a large population of German adults (n=1875), we evaluated eight CARD15 polymorphisms for associations with atopic phenotypes. METHODS: Subjects were phenotyped by standardized questionnaires and interviews as well as total and allergen-specific IgE measurements. Genotyping was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization--time of flight mass spectrometry. Haplotypes were estimated using the SAS/Genetics module. RESULTS: Subjects with a T allele at rs1077861 had a decreased risk of developing asthma (odds ratio OR=0.648, P=0.013), whereas the presence of an A allele at rs3135500 was significantly associated with an increased risk (OR=1.374, P=0.023). In addition, a CARD15 haplotype revealed to be protective against the development of asthma (OR=0.326, P=0.003). Subjects with an A allele at position rs5743266 or a T allele at rs2066842 had a significantly decreased risk of developing allergic rhinoconjunctivitis with ORs of 0.820 (P=0.049) and 0.801 (P=0.025). Polymorphism rs2066845 showed a significant association with increased total serum IgE (OR=2.155, P=0.006). CONCLUSION: Genetic variants of CARD15 that might result in inappropriate immunomodulation are not only associated with autoimmune diseases but also with atopic disorders.

Alleles↗
PubMed2005

Anti-IL-5 recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody (mepolizumab) for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophils may play an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). Interleukin-5 is essential for eosinophil growth, differentiation and migration. A monoclonal antibody to human interleukin-5 (mepolizumab) was developed for atopic diseases. This study was designed to study the effect of mepolizumab in AD. METHODS: Two single doses of 750 mg mepolizumab, given 1 week apart, were studied in patients with moderate to severe AD using a randomized, placebo-controlled parallel group design. The primary endpoint of 'success' to treatment was defined as the percentage of patients with at least 'marked improvement' after 2 weeks as assessed by the Physician's Global Assessment of Improvement (PGA). Furthermore, SCORing AD (SCORAD), pruritus scoring, number of blood eosinophils and serum thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) values served as secondary endpoints. Fluticasone propionate cream 0.05%, once daily could be used as rescue medication from day 16 if no improvement was recorded. RESULTS: Eighteen patients received mepolizumab and 22 placebo treatment. Peripheral blood eosinophil numbers were significantly reduced in the treatment group compared with placebo (P < 0.05). No clinical success was reached by PGA assessment (P = 0.115), SCORAD (P = 0.293), pruritus scoring and TARC values in the mepolizumab-treated group compared with placebo. However, modest improvement (<50% improvement) assessed by PGA was scored significantly more in the mepolizumab-treated group compared with placebo (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Two single doses of 750 mg mepolizumab did not result in clinical success in patients with AD, despite a significant decrease in peripheral blood eosinophils.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Worm infestation and the negative association with eczema (atopic/nonatopic) and allergic sensitization.

BACKGROUND: Worm infestations may play a role in preventing allergies. There is a lack of epidemiological information from Western countries on the association between worm infestation and eczema. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between worm infestation and eczema in a proper temporal sequence and under consideration of allergic sensitization. METHODS: Two surveys were performed in East German school children. Questionnaire data included the history of eczema and worm infestation and their time of onset. Specific IgE antibodies to five common aeroallergens were measured and used to define nonatopic and atopic eczema. Logistic regression analyses were performed to control for relevant confounders (age, sex, parental school education and history of allergies). In order to confirm the findings a corresponding conditional regression analysis was applied on cases and controls matched by age and sex. RESULTS: A total of 4169 children participated (response 75 and 76%) who were, on average, 9.2 years old (47% girls). Overall 17.0% reported a prior worm infestation (Ascaris 44%, Oxyuris 33%) and 18.1% had a history of eczema. Eczema occurred significantly less frequent in children who had a worm infestation (prior to the onset of eczema) compared with children without such a history (8.1%vs 16.5%, OR(adj): 0.45, 95% CI: 0.33-0.60). The finding was confirmed by the corresponding matched case-control analysis (OR(adj): 0.57, 95% CI: 0.41-0.79). Atopic eczema was affected more by a prior worm infestation (OR(adj): 0.31, 95% CI: 0.18-0.56) than the nonatopic eczema (OR(adj): 0.58, 95% CI: 0.40-0.84). A total of 29.1% exhibited specific IgE antibodies to at least one aeroallergen. Sensitized children gave significantly less frequent a history of worm infestation (14.2%vs 18.3%, OR(adj): 0.74, 95% CI: 0.60-0.92). Stratified analysis revealed that this effect most pronounced for a sensitization to house dust mite. CONCLUSIONS: A worm infestation is associated with a reduced frequency of subsequent eczema, especially the atopic type. Furthermore allergic sensitization, especially to house dust mite, and worm infestation are negatively associated. The data support the concept that a lack of immune-stimulation by parasitic infections contributes to the development of allergies.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed2005

Association study of mast cell chymase polymorphisms with atopy.

BACKGROUND: Atopic disorders are the result of complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Associations analyses between the promoter polymorphism rs1800875 in the mast cell chymase gene (CMA1) and atopy-related phenotypes have yielded inconsistent results. METHODS: We sequenced the CMA1 locus in 24 unrelated healthy individuals with serum IgE levels <50% percentile and 24 individuals with atopic eczema and serum IgE levels >90% percentile. Seven CMA1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were evaluated for evidence of associations with atopic phenotypes within a large population of German adults (n = 1875). Subjects were phenotyped by standardized questionnaires and interviews, skin prick testing and serum IgE measurements. Genotyping was performed using MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight mass spectrometry). RESULTS: Promoter polymorphism rs1800875 was significantly associated with atopic eczema. No associations between any other single SNP and atopic phenotypes could be detected. Haplotype reconstruction revealed four of 128 possible haplotypes reaching estimated frequencies of 3% or more. Two of these haplotypes showed a borderline-significant association with atopic eczema, which did not remain significant after correction for multiple testing. CONCLUSIONS: Results confirm previous observations of a significant association between the CMA1 promoter polymorphism rs1800875 and atopic eczema, but not with serum IgE levels, and support the hypothesis that CMA1 serves as candidate gene for atopic eczema.

Chymases↗