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Biomedical subjects

P K Vedanthan

Publications and source records attributed to P K Vedanthan.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Chronic urticaria sera increase basophil CD203c expression.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 40% of patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria have antibodies to the alpha subunit of the high-affinity IgE receptor. CD203c is a basophil activation marker known to be upregulated by cross-linking of the FcepsilonRIalpha receptor and may serve as a useful marker to identify these patients. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to assess the affect of sera from patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria on basophil CD203c expression. Secondary objectives were to correlate CD203c expression with basophil histamine release and size of the autologous serum skin test and to determine whether the mechanism is mediated by an IgG antibody. METHODS: Sera were obtained from patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria and positive autologous serum skin test or negative autologous serum skin test and normal controls. Sera were incubated with donor whole blood. Activated basophils from whole blood were identified by flow cytometry on the basis of the presence of CD203c on high-expressing IgE positive cells. RESULTS: Incubation of donor basophils with sera from patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria and positive autologous serum skin test demonstrated significant upregulation of CD203c. IgG depletion of representative sera from patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria resulted in significant decrease in CD203c expression on donor basophils. CD203c expression correlated with basophil histamine release and the size of the autologous serum skin test. CONCLUSION: Sera from patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria and positive autologous serum skin test significantly upregulate basophil CD203c and correlate with basophil histamine release. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This article describes an activation marker on basophils whose expression is increased by sera from patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

The prevalence of Dermatophagoides mite allergen in Colorado homes utilizing central evaporative coolers.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of mite allergen was studied in homes in which the indoor relative humidity may be increased by use of an evaporative cooler. METHODS: Colorado homes in which central evaporative coolers are used and control homes were evaluated. ELISAs with monoclonal antibodies specific for Der p 1 and Der f 1 were performed on dust samples from each home in May and August. Indoor relative humidity and temperatures were recorded daily. RESULTS: May samples did not show significant levels of mite allergen ( < 2 micrograms/gm dust). Of the August samples, 48 of 95 samples from homes with evaporative coolers (50.5%) had levels of Der p 1 and Der f 1 of 2 micrograms/gm dust or greater, but only 5 of 95 control samples (5.2%) had levels of 2 micrograms/gm dust or greater (p < 0.00001). Twelve of 19 homes with evaporative coolers (63%) were positive for mite allergen. Five of 19 (26%) control homes were positive (p < 0.05). The homes with evaporative coolers had average indoor relative humidity of 51% or greater: control homes had average relative humidity of less than 45%. CONCLUSION: Altering the indoor environment by raising indoor relative humidity through use of evaporative coolers leads to conditions that may facilitate Dermatophagoides survival.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Clinical study of yoga techniques in university students with asthma: a controlled study.

Adult asthmatics, ranging from 19 to 52 years from an asthma and allergy clinic in a university setting volunteered to participate in the study. The 17 students were randomly divided into yoga (9 subjects) and nonyoga control (8 subjects) groups. The yoga group was taught a set of breathing and relaxation techniques including breath slowing exercises (pranayama), physical postures (yogasanas), and meditation. Yoga techniques were taught at the university health center, three times a week for 16 weeks. All the subjects in both groups maintained daily symptom and medication diaries, collected A.M. and P.M. peak flow readings, and completed weekly questionnaires. Spirometry was performed on each subject every week. Analysis of the data showed that the subjects in the yoga group reported a significant degree of relaxation, positive attitude, and better yoga exercise tolerance. There was also a tendency toward lesser usage of beta adrenergic inhalers. The pulmonary functions did not vary significantly between yoga and control groups. Yoga techniques seem beneficial as an adjunct to the medical management of asthma.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

House dust mite sensitivity is a factor in chronic urticaria.

BACKGROUND: Chronic urticaria is one of the perplexing problems faced by clinicians. There are a few reports associating house dust mite sensitivity with chronic urticaria, based upon the patient's history as well as intradermal skin testing and in vitro analysis. AIMS: To investigate the possible association between house dust mite sensitivity and chronic urticaria. METHODS: In this case control study three groups of patients were enrolled. Group I: Chronic urticaria (73 subjects). Group II: Chronic urticaria with collateral allergic disorders (49 subjects). Group III: Normal subjects without chronic urticaria or other allergies (25 subjects). All the patients underwent skin prick testing with antigens of the house dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) and Dermatophagoides farinae (DF), with positive and negative controls. RESULTS: Among the patients with chronic urticaria, 78/122 (64%) patients had skin sensitivity to house dust mites. Out of these, 39/73 (53%) had chronic urticaria alone and 39/49 (79%) had chronic urticaria with other associated allergies. Among the normal control subjects, 7/25(28%) reacted positively to house dust mites. CONCLUSION: This study suggests a possible association of house dust mite sensitivity with chronic urticaria.

Adult↗