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Johannes Ring

Publications and source records attributed to Johannes Ring.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Preschool children's health and its association with parental education and individual living conditions in East and West Germany.

BACKGROUND: Social inequalities in health exist globally and are a major public health concern. This study focus on a systematic investigation into the associations between health indicators, living conditions and parental educational level as indicator of the social status of 6-year-old children living in West and East Germany in the decade after re-unification. Explanations of observed associations between parental education and health indicators were examined. METHODS: All boys and girls entering elementary school and living in predefined areas of East and West Germany were invited to participate in a series of cross-sectional surveys conducted between 1991 and 2000. Data of 28,888 German children with information on parental education were included in the analysis. Information about educational level of the parents, individual living conditions, symptoms and diagnoses of infectious diseases and allergies were taken from questionnaire. At the day of investigation, atopic eczema was diagnosed by dermatologists, blood was taken for the determination of allergen-specific immuno-globulin E, height and weight was measured and lung function tests were done in subgroups. Regression analysis was applied to investigate the associations between the health indicators and parental educational level as well as the child's living conditions. Gender, urban/rural residency and year of survey were used to control for confounding. RESULTS: Average response was 83% in East Germany and 71% in West Germany. Strong associations between health indicators and parental education were observed. Higher educated parents reported more diagnoses and symptoms than less educated. Children of higher educated parents were also more often sensitized against grass pollen or house dust mites, but had higher birth weights, lower airway resistance and were less overweight at the age of six. Furthermore, most of the health indicators were significantly associated with one or more living conditions such as living as a single child, unfavourable indoor air, damp housing condition, maternal smoking during pregnancy or living near a busy road. The total lung capacity and the prevalence of an atopic eczema at the day of investigation were the only health indicators those did not show associations with any of the predictor variables. CONCLUSION: Despite large differences in living conditions and evidence that some poor health outcomes were directly associated with poor living conditions, only few indicators demonstrated poorer health in social disadvantaged children. These were in both parts of Germany increased levels of overweight, higher airway resistance and, in East Germany only, reduced height in children with lower educated parents compared to those of higher education. In both East and West Germany, higher prevalence of airway symptoms was associated with a damp housing condition, and lower birth weight, reduced height and increased airway resistance at the age of six were associated with maternal smoking during pregnancy. The latter explained to a large extent the difference in birth weight and airway resistance between the educational groups.

Child↗
PubMed2006

Antigens drive memory IgE responses in human allergy via the nasal mucosa.

BACKGROUND: Natural allergen contact induces an increase of IgE levels and sensitivity but the mechanisms underlying the allergen-specific memory responses are poorly understood. Furthermore, it has not been studied whether allergen exposure affects the molecular reactivity profiles in patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of nasal allergen encounter on the molecular profile and magnitude of memory IgE responses and on systemic sensitivity. METHODS: We investigated allergen-specific IgE, IgG subclass and IgM responses to defined allergen molecules (grass pollen: Phl p 1, Phl p 2 and Phl p 5; birch pollen: Bet v 1 and Bet v 2) in allergic patients in response to natural as well as to controlled nasal and dermal allergen exposure. Changes in systemic sensitivity were monitored by skin prick testing and by basophil histamine release experiments. RESULTS: Respiratory antigen exposure boosted IgE levels to a pre-established profile of allergen molecules without inducing significant IgM responses or new IgE specificities in allergic individuals. The importance of the route of allergen contact is demonstrated by an increase of systemic IgE levels and sensitivity after nasal exposure. In vitro sensitisation of basophils with pre- and post-seasonal serum samples suggests an allergen-induced elevation of specific IgE as a cause for the increased allergen-specific sensitivity. CONCLUSION: The characteristics of the allergen-driven antibody responses indicate a direct activation of an established pool of IgE memory cells with defined specificities as an underlying mechanism. Our finding that nasal allergen contact is a major factor for the boosting of memory IgE and systemic sensitivity may open new therapeutic possibilities.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed2006

Short-term alternating temperature enhances histamine-induced itch: a biphasic stimulus model.

Itch is the major symptom of many allergic or inflammatory skin diseases; yet it is still difficult to measure objectively. Human studies on the physiology and pathophysiology of the itch sensation (e.g. functional magnetic resonance imaging studies) have been hampered by the lack of an efferent and manageable "on-off" stimulus. Here, a short-term temperature-modulated human histamine itch model is presented. In nine healthy right-handed male volunteers (age 29+/-2.6 years), 1% histamine dihydrochloride was used in the skin prick model as standard itch stimulus on the right forearm with subsequent thermal modulation of the target skin area using a Medoc TSA II NeuroSensory Analyzer thermode. Modulation occurred in rapid alternating order from 32 degrees C (neutral) to 25 degrees C (slight cold) and vice versa; each temperature block lasted 20 seconds. Subjective itch ratings were recorded using a computerized visual analog scale (VAS) and - for qualitative assessment - the Eppendorf Itch Questionnaire (EIQ). All subjects reported localized itch sensations without pain; mean VAS itch intensity was 50.6+/-3.5% during the 25 degrees C blocks and 33.8+/-3.9% during the 32 degrees C blocks (P<0.0001). Also, mean EIQ ratings were significantly higher related to the 25 degrees C blocks. In spite of the common knowledge that intensive cold can inhibit itch sensation, a reproducible, significant enhancement of histamine-induced itch by short-term moderate temperature decrease could be shown. This effect might be explained by peripheral and central adaptation processes triggered by alternating afferent activity patterns and might be used - owing to its "on/off" characteristics-in future itch physiology studies such as functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Specific immunotherapy with standardized latex extract versus placebo in latex-allergic patients.

BACKGROUND: Allergy to natural rubber latex proteins continues to be an important medical problem among health care professionals, but also in multioperated children. Clinical manifestations range from urticaria to angioedema, rhinoconjunctivitis, bronchial asthma and anaphylactic shock. METHODS: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of a 12-month latex-specific immunotherapy in sensitized patients, most often health care workers. Twenty-three patients with latex rhinoconjunctivitis (20 of whom also had asthma) were included in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (11 in the active group, 12 in the placebo group). Treatment efficacy was assessed by means of symptom and medication scores. Conjunctival provocation tests and quantitative skin prick tests were also performed. RESULTS: The clinical index (derived by combining changes from baseline of six efficacy variables during the treatment period) did not differ significantly between treatment groups. Change from baseline of rhinitis, conjunctivitis, skin symptoms, asthma symptoms, medication score and cutaneous reactivity were not significantly different between the two groups. A nonsignificant difference in conjunctival reactivity was observed in favor of the active group (p = 0.09). Systemic reactions were much higher in the specific immunotherapy than in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: The present study failed to show a significant improvement of symptoms and medication scores, probably because of the low level of symptoms at baseline and the low maintenance dose of therapy, even if allergen-specific conjunctival reactivity decreased in the active group. Moreover, the incidence of systemic reactions was very high in the active group.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Loss-of-function variations within the filaggrin gene predispose for atopic dermatitis with allergic sensitizations.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a strong genetic background. One of the characteristic features of AD and causative factor for the disease is an impaired epidermal skin barrier based on a primary defect of epidermal differentiation. OBJECTIVES: Recently, 2 loss-of-function mutations (R501X and 2282derl4) in the filaggrin gene (FLG) that cause ichthyosis vulgaris, one of the most common inherited skin disorders of keratinization, have been reported to be strong predisposing factors for AD. METHODS: We evaluated the association of the loss-of-function mutations R501X and 2282del4 within the FLG gene in a large collection of 476 well-characterized white German families with AD by using the transmission-disequilibrium test. RESULTS: Our family-based approach revealed prominent associations between the 2 loss-of-function FLG mutations and AD, as previously observed in a traditional Mendelian linkage analysis and case-control cohort analysis approach. In addition, we observed associations of the FLG mutations in particular with the extrinsic subtype of AD, which is characterized by high total serum IgE levels and concomitant allergic sensitizations. Furthermore, FLG mutations are significantly associated with palmar hyperlinearity in patients with AD, which represents a shared feature of AD and ichthyosis vulgaris. CONCLUSION: Together these data implicate that FLG is the first really strong genetic factor identified in a common complex disease. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These findings underline the crucial role of the skin barrier in preventing allergic sensitization.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed2006

Modulation of atopy patch test and skin prick test by pretreatment with 1% pimecrolimus cream.

BACKGROUND: In a subgroup of patients with atopic eczema (AE), aeroallergens are relevant eliciting factors. The atopy patch test (APT) was proposed as inflammation model for AE. OBJECTIVE: It was the aim of this study to investigate the effect of pretreatment with 1% pimecrolimus cream (Elidel) on the APT and skin prick test (SPT). METHODS: In a randomized, controlled, double-blind study, 20 patients with AE and positive SPT and APT screening reaction to house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, cat dander, grass or birch pollen were enrolled (age 20 +/- 11 years, 55% males). For 2 weeks, patients twice daily applied pimecrolimus and vehicle control to marked fields on their backs and forearms. Then, APT was performed (200 index of reactivity/g extracts in petrolatum; Stallergènes, France) on both fields on the back and SPT was performed on the pretreated forearms. RESULTS: Including only patients with different readings (n = 13), stronger APT suppression of at least 1 ETFAD (European Task Force on Atopic Dermatitis) grade in the pimecrolimus area versus intraindividual control was observed in 10 of these patients after 48 and 72 h (p < 0.05; 90% CI 50.5-93.4). Including all 20 subjects, the analysis still showed a borderline significance compared with the vehicle (p = 0.0564). SPT with histamine and aeroallergens showed a median 7.5-10% reduction in actively pretreated areas (p = 0.086). Immunohistochemical analysis in 2 patients revealed an induction of interferon-gamma in primecrolimus-pretreated skin. CONCLUSION: APT can be used as a model for AE skin inflammation. It was shown for the first time that pimecrolimus pretreatment has a potential to suppress the development of lesions induced by aeroallergen exposure in patients with AE.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

The epidemiology of nevi and signs of skin aging in the adult general population: Results of the KORA-survey 2000.

Nevi can approximate the melanoma risk and demographic changes will increase the meaning of signs of skin aging (SSA). However, little is known about the epidemiology of nevi and SSA in the general adult population. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and age distribution of common and atypical nevi and SSA as well as gender differences in a large population-based sample. Within the Cooperative Health Research in the Augsburg Region (KORA) in Germany, a population-based survey was performed. Data were gathered by interview and the number of pigmented lesions and presence of SSA were obtained by dermatological examination. A total of 2,823 adults (mean age 49 years, 50% women) participated (response 67%). Most subjects (60.3%) exhibited 11 to 50 common nevi and 5.2% had at least one atypical nevus. 51.9% were diagnosed with elastosis (Cutis rhomboidalis nuchae, 18.3%; Morbus Favre Racouchot 1.4%). Ephelides were seen in 16%, lentigines solaris in 62.4%, and lentigines seniles in 33.2%. All signs of skin aging increased significantly with age and so did lentigines solaris, seniles, and actinic keratoses. In contrast, common and atypical nevi and ephelides decreased significantly with age. Signs of skin aging are frequent and increase, in contrast to common and atypical nevi, with age.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Age related, structured educational programmes for the management of atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents: multicentre, randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of age related, structured educational programmes on the management of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in childhood and adolescence. DESIGN: Multicentre, randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Seven hospitals in Germany. PARTICIPANTS: Parents of children with atopic dermatitis aged 3 months to 7 years (n = 274) and 8-12 years (n = 102), adolescents with atopic dermatitis aged 13-18 years (n = 70), and controls (n = 244, n = 83, and n = 50, respectively). INTERVENTIONS: Group sessions of standardised intervention programmes for atopic dermatitis once weekly for six weeks or no education (control group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Severity of eczema (scoring of atopic dermatitis scale), subjective severity (standardised questionnaires), and quality of life for parents of affected children aged less than 13 years, over 12 months. RESULTS: Significant improvements in severity of eczema and subjective severity were seen in all intervention groups compared with control groups (total score for severity: age 3 months to 7 years - 17.5, 95% confidence intervals - 19.6 to - 15.3 v - 12.2, - 14.3 to - 10.1; age 8-12 years - 16.0, - 20.0 to - 12.0 v - 7.8, - 11.4; - 4.3; and age 13-18 years - 19.7, - 23.7 to - 15.7 v - 5.2, - 10.5 to 0.1). Parents of affected children aged less than 7 years experienced significantly better improvement in all five quality of life subscales, whereas parents of affected children aged 8-12 years experienced significantly better improvement in three of five quality of life subscales. CONCLUSION: Age related educational programmes for the control of atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents are effective in the long term management of the disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Allergen cleavage by effector cell-derived proteases regulates allergic inflammation.

The key event of allergic inflammation, allergen-induced crosslinking of mast cell-bound IgE antibodies, is accompanied by release of inflammatory mediators, cytokines, and proteases, in particular beta-tryptase. We provide evidence that protease-mediated cleavage of allergens represents a mechanism that regulates allergen-induced mast cell activation. When used in molar ratios as they occur in vivo, purified beta-tryptase cleaved major grass and birch pollen allergens, resulting in defined peptide fragments as mapped by mass spectrometry. Tryptase-cleaved allergens showed reduced IgE reactivity and allergenic activity. The biological relevance is demonstrated by the fact that lysates from activated human mast cells containing tryptase levels as they occur in vivo cleaved allergens. Additionally, protamine, an inhibitor of heparin-dependent effector cell proteases, augmented allergen-induced release of mediators from effector cells. Protease-mediated allergen cleavage may represent an important mechanism for terminating allergen-induced effector cell activation.

Allergens↗
PubMed2006

Molecular cloning and expression in insect cells of honeybee venom allergen acid phosphatase (Api m 3).

BACKGROUND: Acid phosphatase (Api m 3) is a major allergen in honeybee (Apis mellifera) venom, and its availability as a recombinant protein may facilitate the development of improved diagnostic tests and immunotherapies. OBJECTIVE: One objective is the determination of the complete primary structure of Api m 3 and to obtain recombinant Api m 3 on the basis of expression in insect cells. Another objective is the quantitative analysis of patient serum IgE antibody reactive to recombinant Api m 3. METHODS: The cloning of Api m 3 from venom gland cDNA and its expression as a full-length protein in eukaryotic insect cells is described. The immunoreactivity of serum IgE antibodies of honeybee venom-sensitized patients to recombinant Api m 3 was determined in an enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: PCR amplification generated a 1122-bp DNA fragment whose identity as the coding sequence of Api m 3 was verified by several means. Recombinant Api m 3, expressed in Trichoplusia ni cells, showed an expected molecular weight and enzymatic activity at pH 4.5. Analysis of tryptic fragments of purified recombinant Api m 3 by mass spectrometry confirmed its identity. In immunoassays, recombinant Api m 3 is specifically recognized by IgE antibodies of pooled serum in Western blots and by 37% of the individual sera of honeybee venom-sensitized patients in ELISA analysis. CONCLUSION: The availability of recombinant Api m 3 provides a tool for both the development of improved diagnostic tests and the design of safer and more effective immunotherapeutic approaches for honeybee venom allergy. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The recombinant venom allergen Api m 3 is a key element in the search for an optimized component-resolved approach to honeybee venom allergy with regard to both the development of superior diagnostic tests and the improvement of allergen immunotherapy.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed2006

The spectrum of WRN mutations in Werner syndrome patients.

The International Registry of Werner syndrome (www.wernersyndrome.org) has been providing molecular diagnosis of the Werner syndrome (WS) for the past decade. The present communication summarizes, from among 99 WS subjects, the spectrum of 50 distinct mutations discovered by our group and by others since the WRN gene (also called RECQL2 or REQ3) was first cloned in 1996; 25 of these have not previously been published. All WRN mutations reported thus far have resulted in the elimination of the nuclear localization signal at the C-terminus of the protein, precluding functional interactions in the nucleus; thus, all could be classified as null mutations. We now report two new mutations in the N-terminus that result in instability of the WRN protein. Clinical data confirm that the most penetrant phenotype is bilateral ocular cataracts. Other cardinal signs were seen in more than 95% of the cases. The median age of death, previously reported to be in the range of 46-48 years, is 54 years. Lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) have been cryopreserved from the majority of our index cases, including material from nuclear pedigrees. These, as well as inducible and complemented hTERT (catalytic subunit of human telomerase) immortalized skin fibroblast cell lines are available to qualified investigators.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Atopic eczema.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Dermatitis, Atopic↗
PubMed2006

Proceedings of the 4th Georg Rajka International Symposium on Atopic Dermatitis, Arcachon, France, September 15-17, 2005.

The 4th Georg Rajka International Symposium on Atopic Dermatitis presented a comprehensive view of our current understanding and management of atopic dermatitis (AD). These proceedings highlight contributions related to the history of AD doctrines; genetic and epigenetic background; epidemiology; maturation of the immune system; infection and innate-adaptive immunity; epidermal inflammation, including neurogenic inflammation and pruritus; animal models; skin barrier; evidence-based therapy and education programs; prognostic and severity markers; and allergy testing. Several studies in animal models and human subjects point to impaired skin barrier function as a primary defect that facilitates the effect of environmental factors and immune dysregulation found in AD. The new frontier in AD therapy should, in the near future, reflect our better understanding of the skin barrier. The influence of environmental factors on the skin and other epithelial barriers in the perinatal period needs to be better understood to implement appropriate prevention programs.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Chemosensory function and psychological profile in patients with multiple chemical sensitivity: comparison with odor-sensitive and asymptomatic controls.

OBJECTIVE: We addressed the question if patients with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) differ from participants with self-reported odor sensitivity without MCS and asymptomatic controls in terms of chemosensory, cognitive, and clinical psychological endpoints. METHODS: In a clinical study 23 MCS patients, 21 participants with self-reported odor sensitivity, and 23 controls were investigated using electrophysiological and psychophysical olfactometric tests [chemosensory-event-related potentials (CSERP), olfactory thresholds, odor identification, trigeminal sensitivity]. The participants filled in a mood list, a list of complaints (BL), a Symptom Check List, a State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and an MCS questionnaire. RESULTS: The olfactometric investigations revealed no significant differences between the groups. The MCS group reached significantly higher scores on negative mood states following odorant exposure, on health complaints, global indices, and the somatization subscale of the Symptom Check List, trait and state anxiety and symptoms, and triggering matters of the MCS questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal that neither olfactory functions, nor chemosensory or cognitive olfactory information processing are impaired in MCS patients. They rather support findings of altered psychological profile and moderate psychopathology.

Adult↗