[The new treatment of bilharziosis].
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Anthelmintics↗
Biomedical subjects
L Businco
Publications and source records attributed to L Businco.
[Climatotherapy of bronchial asthma].
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Asthma↗
Harmonic dwarfism, lymphopenia, deficit of IgA and IgE in a 6-year old boy.
A six-year old boy who had suffered from the age of two with chronic diarrhea has been found to be severely retarded in statural growth. Examinations discovered marked lymphopenia with a T lymphocyte defect accompanied by absent IgA and IgE. In contrast with other cases described in literature, in this case the immunodeficiency was not accompanied by bone or cartilage alterations. The only factor apparently responsible for his lack of growth was the malabsorption.
Child↗
Current concepts on the relationship between immunodeficiency and allergy.
The relationship between immunodeficiency and atopy represent one of the most significant yet at the same time one of the least understood phenomena in medicine today. This paper will therefore attempt to review the present state of knowledge. Current data focusing on the role of histamine as a negative feed-back regulator of the immune system will also be summarized. It has recently become evident that although several lines of evidence have documented abnormal suppressor T cell functions or numbers in the atopic state, the exact mechanism, however, is not clear yet. It would be important to assess whether the disturbed T cell activity is primary or secondary to the other findings in the atopic diathesis.
Adolescent↗
T-cell subsets in atopic dermatitis.
The T-cell subpopulations as defined by monoclonal antibodies OKT4 and OKT8 have been evaluated in 17 children with severe atopic dermatitis and high IgE levels. Normal percentage and absolute number of total T-cells and helper and suppressor/cytotoxic subsets were found. No relationship could be established between the distribution of T-cell subsets, serum IgE levels or the severity of the eczema.
Adolescent↗
IgE levels and PMN chemotaxis in atopic dermatitis.
In the recent years immunological abnormalities, including defective polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) chemotaxis and both quantitative and functional defects in T-lymphocytes, have been reported in atopic dermatitis (AD). To date there is still a controversy regarding the causes of PMN chemotaxis defect and the possible mechanism underlying this abnormality in patients with AD. The aim of this study was to investigate the PMN chemotactic function in 18 children affected with AD and high levels of serum IgE, and in 4 children with Hyper IgE Syndrome (HIES). Our results showed a marked PMN chemotaxis defect (p less than 0.01) in the patients with HIES, while in the subjects with AD PMN cellular chemotaxis was normal and there was no correlation between the results of chemotaxis and serum IgE levels.
Adolescent↗
Evaluation of nasal and blood eosinophilia in children suffering from perennial allergic rhinitis treated with beclomethasone dipropionate.
In 16 children suffering from allergic rhinitis, and treated with intranasal Beclomethasone Dipropionate (BDP) for 3 months, therapy significantly diminished the number of nasal eosinophils, while it did not cause any change in blood eosinophilia. This may confirm the local effect of this drug, given at 300 microgram/die. The reduction of nasal eosinophilia during BDP therapy can be explained by the attenuation of the tissue damage characterized by allergic inflammation. The release of mediators, particularly histamine, increases epithelial permeability and promotes penetration of the high molecular weight allergens which thereby gain access to submucosal mast cells. Further release of mediators makes the mucosa more and more permeable to allergen entry. BDP decreases mucous permeability and allergen absorption, so reducing inflammation and consequently the migration of eosinophils to the sites of the allergic reaction.
Administration, Intranasal↗
On the reliability of RAST in childhood food allergy.
144 children, showing adverse reactions to cow's milk and/or egg, were studied retrospectively. The case finding criteria used was positive elimination and challenge tests with the offending food (s). Specific IgE against the offending food(s) were found in 70% of cases, the majority of whom exhibited early-onset symptoms. RAST seems to be a useful laboratory test in food allergy characterized by early-onset symptoms. Likewise, RAST may be a valuable tool when severe reactions following the ingestion of food are suspected, and dangerous challenge tests are to be avoided.
Animals↗
[Specific bactericidal activity of polymorphonuclear lymphocytes in patients with cystic fibrosis].
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Adolescent↗
Evaluation of long-term oral administration of a sustained release theophylline preparation in children with chronic asthma.
Over a one-year-period 23 children with chronic asthma were given an oral sustained-release theophylline preparation in twice-daily doses. Constant therapeutic theophylline levels were maintained in 18 children for the whole period, while in 5 subjects the values were in almost all instances below the therapeutic range. In both groups, however, a good clinical effect from the preparation was observed. Only two children reported nausea and mild abdominal pains, whereas other two children had serum theophylline levels above 20 micrograms/ml with no side effects. It is concluded that oral sustained-release theophylline preparation is effective in providing therapeutic drug concentrations on a 12 hr dose schedule, thus avoiding the risk of lower compliance observed in children given normal theophylline tablets.
Administration, Oral↗
Allergy and experimental chronic broncho-pneumopathy.
House dust is a mixture of specific and non-specific stimulating factors. More particularly it contains a wide range of irritating factors, antigens, responsible for the production of immediate and delayed allergic reactions, moulds, microbes, etc. It may therefore be understood that inhalation of house dust induces in the respiratory tract of treated rats various reactive pictures. These pictures are, however, dominated by immuno-allergic reactions. Immuno-allergic reactions are manifested by the dominant increase in plasma cells and lymphocytes. This increase generally occurs in the vicinity of connective tissue macrophages containing numerous dust granules, as if macrophagic digestion formed more active antigens from the dust. Sometimes in the proximity of these plasma cell aggregates, mast cells in the degranulation phase are observed. The release of histamine, serotonin, etc. which occurs with mast cell degranulation produces the intense tissue edema which is observed in these areas. An infiltration with eosinophils is also observed here probably drawn to the site on account of their protective, enzymatic, antihistaminic action. The morphological picture thus indicates the co-existence of two allergic reactive movements: one of the immediate type, the other of the delayed type linked to specific allergens of the mixture of antigens present in house dust. The stimulus of the inhalation of house dust also includes the possible action of microbes, irritants, etc. which produce regressive changes in the tissue, attract polymorphs and stimulate the proliferation of fibroblasts so that more or less wide area of tissue undergo a fibrous transformation. Such changes may be found in the pulmonary parenchyma as well as in the bronchial mucosa. The concordance of these findings with those of chronic bronchitis in man appear sufficiently important to attribute, a predominantly allergic pathogenesis to both pathological conditions. This concept obviously does not exclude other etiopathogenetic factors which under certain environmental or constitutional conditions, may in various degrees be also included in the overall picture of respiratory tissue reactivity.
Allergens↗
Results of a milk and/or egg free diet in children with atopic dermatitis.
Food allergy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. Exclusion of eggs and milk from the diet of children during the first few months of life has been proven to significantly reduce the severity of eczema in children aged between 2 and 8 years. We studied the efficacy of exclusion of milk and/or egg from the diet of 59 children with severe atopic dermatitis. A detailed personal and family history was obtained. Total and specific IgE levels were determined on one hand, and intracutaneous tests were evaluated on the other. All allergens suspected of being implicated in the genesis of atopic dermatitis were eliminated from the diet. Clinical improvement was observed in 80% of cases after dietary exclusion. The younger children responded best, and the response to diet was not influenced by the severity of the eczema. No relation was observed between the family history of atopy and response to diet. Neither total nor specific IgE titers presented significant differences when the responder groups were compared.
Adolescent↗
Skin eosinophilia from influenza viruses. An experimental histological study.
The authors would first like to stress the increasing frequency of bronchial asthma during or after influenza. To find an explanation for this occurrence they observed tissue reactions following an injection of viral material. In their experiments, they injected into the skin of guinea pigs, strains of the Hong Kong, Texas and USSR influenza viruses using current vaccines, sacrificing groups of animals 2, 6, 24, 48 hours and 7 days after the injection. The histological study revealed the following picture of reaction to influenza viruses. Two hours after the injection: marked and diffuse infiltration of eosinophils in the connective tissue of the skin. After 6 hours: the infiltration shows a predominance of neutrophils. After 24 hours: the neutrophil infiltration is predominant and diffuse. There is evidence of considerable degranulation of eosinophils. The cutaneous histiocytes undergo fibrocytic and marcophagic proliferation. After 28 hours, the same picture. After 7 days there is sever degeneration with a peripheral fibroblastic reaction. The most important finding of this experiment is the early marked infiltration of eosinophils which follows the injection of the influenza viruses. The eosinophil infiltration appears to be related to the release of histamine caused by influenza viruses. The histological examination did not reveal the presence of immune allergic-type cells at any time. Therefore, the onset of asthmatic attacks would appear to be more related to the histamine-releasing action of the influenza viruses rather than to their sensitizing activity. Naturally, the latter may occur in human pathologies.
Animals↗
[The primary and secondary prevention of allergic diseases in the child "at risk" for atopy: a review of the literature and the authors' personal experience].
The increasing prevalence of the atopic diseases in the industrialized countries is closely linked together the numerous efforts to attempt to prevent them. Several Authors have suggested environmental and/or dietetic measures in the "at risk" babies in the first months of life, more critical for the atopy development. The environmental measures are directed to the avoidance of the major inhalant allergens (house dust mite, pet allergens, cigarette smoking, etc.). The employment of the acaricides can be useful to this purpose. The dietetic measures include: prolonged and exclusive breast feeding in the first six months of life, delayed and gradual weaning, avoidance of the major food allergens (cow's milk proteins, egg, fish, etc.) for the breast-feeding mother, choice of an adequate cow's milk substitute when the breast-feeding is not sufficient. For long time soya milk has been employed. In the last decade partially or highly hydrolyzed formulae were introduced, but in some cases they can be more allergenic of cow's milk. In this paper we reviewed the various environmental and dietetic measures and the different prevention programs that the several Authors have adopted in "at risk" babies.
Allergens↗
Cord blood mononuclear leukocytes of neonates at risk of atopy have a deficiency of arachidonic acid.
Essential fatty acids and their delta-6-desaturated derivatives are major components of cellular membrane phospholipids, contributing to their stability and functions. They are also precursors of inflammation mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, and are involved in cellular immunoregulation. Recent studies have stressed the importance of essential fatty acids in various diseases. Patients with atopic dermatitis have altered essential fatty acids levels in plasma and a clinical improvement has been shown after oral administration of essential fatty acids. The aim of our study was to investigate the distribution of essential fatty acids in the membranes of cord blood mononuclear leukocytes of newborns at risk of atopy, and to correlate the levels of essential fatty acids at birth with total IgE values and with the onset of atopic disease. Newborns at risk of atopic disease have a significant reduction in arachidonic acid in the membranes of cord blood mononuclear leukocytes. Our data show a significant decrease in arachidonic acid in neonates at risk of atopy, suggesting that the abnormality of essential fatty acids is a primary phenomenon associated with atopic status.
Arachidonic Acid↗
Atopic sensitization in children of Somali immigrants in Italy.
Children of immigrants are known to be at greater risk for developing allergic manifestations than the population in general. In this study we observed children of Somali origin living in Italy in order to find plausible explanations for the high risk of allergic disease in immigrants. Fifty-two children aged 0-14 years (mean = 6.7 years) were examined during the spring season. The mothers of the children were asked to fill in a questionnaire on symptoms and signs of atopic diseases and the family history of atopy. In addition, a physical examination and skin tests were performed. All families used mattresses, pillows and/or blankets made of wool, known to favor the growth of mites. In the majority of these children's families we found at least five people cohabitating in the same room. Skin prick tests were most frequently positive for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Seventy-four percent (14/19) of those with symptoms were positive to D. pteronyssinus. Only 14% (2/14) of those positive to D. pteronyssinus were positive to Lolium perenne. Thirty-seven percent (19/52) had atopic symptoms and 15% (5/33) of those without symptoms were positive to D. pteronyssinus (p < 0.0001 compared to those with symptoms). Sensitization to food allergens occurred less frequently as compared to common inhalant allergens (p < 0.0001). A high prevalence of atopic diseases among children of Somali immigrants in Italy might be attributed to contact with the new environment and poor socioeconomic conditions that promote, for example, the growth of mites. However, further studies are needed to document these differences.
Adolescent↗
Is prevention of food allergy worthwhile?
Several studies performed in high-risk babies have demonstrated a significant reduction in the prevalence and severity of atopic diseases with dietary and environmental manipulations. It has been demonstrated that prolonged breast-feeding and the avoidance of cow's milk, eggs and fish during the first three months of lactation significantly decrease both the prevalence and the severity of atopic disease up to the age of 5 years. We have shown a significant reduction in both the prevalence and the incidence of atopic dermatitis, food allergy and asthma in high-risk children followed up to the age of 5 years who received preventive dietary (prolonged breast-feeding, cow's milk- and egg-free diet to the nursing mothers, supplementation with a soya formula containing sucrose when breast milk was not available, delayed weaning) and environmental measures (no smoking and no pets in the house, measures for the elimination of mites, etc.). However, occasionally, breast-fed infants may experience allergic sensitization to food antigens ingested by the mother during lactation. The factors that determine which infants will develop sensitization to food antigens in breast milk are not fully understood. The genetic predisposition to IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions is certainly a prerequisite; however, properties of human milk, such as immune characteristics, may play a role in the phenotypic expression of sensitization. Our studies suggest that the abnormally low levels of the long-chain polyunsaturated derivatives found in infants at risk of atopy are unlikely to be corrected by breast-feeding and may explain the contradictory results from studies on the effectiveness of breast milk against the development of atopic dermatitis.
Diet↗
Detection of undegraded beta-lactoglobulins and evaluation of the molecular weight of peptides in hydrolysate cow's milk formulae.
Hydrolysate formulae have been developed with the purpose of reducing the allergenicity of cow's milk proteins, thus providing a suitable formula for feeding babies with cow's milk allergy. More recently, hydrolysate formulae have also been used with babies at high risk of atopy in order to prevent cow's milk allergy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of intact cow's milk proteins and the molecular weights of peptides in several batches of two extensively hydrolyzed formulae and two partially hydrolyzed formulae. The results show the presence of a significant amount of intact beta-lactoglobulin in one partially hydrolyzed formula and of peptides with high molecular weights (>16,900 D) in the two partially hydrolyzed formulae. In conclusion, the present study confirms that partially hydrolysed formulae contain a large proportion of peptides with high molecular weights: in addition, undegraded beta-lactoglobulin was detected in a partially hydrolyzed whey formula. These data strongly indicate that partially hydrolyzed formulae may be not only allergenic in an already sensitized individual, but also immunogenic in a predisposed baby.
Animals↗