TPS--a cytokeratin marker for therapy control in breast cancer.
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Biomarkers, Tumor↗
Biomedical subjects
R Einarsson
Publications and source records attributed to R Einarsson.
Thermal and storage stability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) allergens.
The effect of storage and high temperatures on the stability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae allergens was studied by immunoblotting. Saccharomyces cerevisiae allergic serum pool and 125I- and galactosidase-labelled anti-IgE were used in the assays. Freeze-dried extracts were reconstituted with saline and with 50% glycerol and then stored at room (+20 degrees C) and refrigerator temperature (+6 degrees C) for different time periods. The stability was better in 50% glycerol at +6 degrees C than at room temperature without glycerol. However, after 1 month, two of the most important allergens of S. cerevisiae, the 48 and 32 kDa protein allergens, lost their IgE-binding capacity even in the extracts stored with 50% glycerol at +6 degrees C. The 45 kDa allergen was, on the other hand, quite stable after storage for 9 months at +6 degrees C. Although the beneficial effect of 50% glycerol was clear, storage at +6 degrees C, even with 50% glycerol should not exceed 1 month for S. cerevisiae extracts. Two commercially available S. cerevisiae extracts in solution with valid expiry dates were also analysed. They had only little allergenic potency, while a freeze-dried extract stored for 8 years showed good allergenic potency. Heating S. cerevisiae extracts resulted in precipitation, the precipitated fraction contained almost all the specific proteins as judged by electrophoresis and IgE detection. The supernatant fraction contained only a few allergens.
Allergens↗
Cat (Fel d I), dog (Can f I), and cockroach allergens in homes of asthmatic children from three climatic zones in Sweden.
We have investigated the levels of cat (Fel d I), dog (Can f I), and cockroach (Per a I) allergens in dust from bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms from 123 homes of asthmatic children in three zones of Sweden with varying climates. Absolute indoor humidity (AIH), relative humidity (RH), rate of ventilation in air changes per hour (ach), and number of airborne particles were also measured. Fel d I, Can f I, and Per a I allergen contents were determined by mab ELISA, and the levels were related to various environmental factors. The major cat allergen, Fel d I, was detected in all homes, and the concentrations varied between 16 ng and 28,000 ng/g fine dust. The dog allergen, Can f I, was detected in 85% of the homes, and the levels varied from 60 ng to 866,000 ng/g dust. Cockroach allergen was detected in only one home (40 ng/g). Fel d I and Can f I allergens were equally distributed geographically. Dust from living rooms contained significantly higher (P < 0.05) concentrations of both Fel d I and Can f I allergens than dust from bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. The levels tended to be higher in homes with poor ventilation (< 0.5 ach) and in homes with wall-to-wall carpets. Significantly higher (P < 0.01) numbers of airborne particles were found in homes with high humidity (i.e., AIH > or = 7 g/kg or RH > or = 45%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Air Conditioning↗
Indirect contact with pets can confound the effect of cleaning procedures for reduction of animal allergen levels in house dust.
To investigate the capacity of common vacuum cleaners and chemical treatment to reduce cat (Fel d I) and dog (Can f I) allergen content in house dust, 52 families with allergic children and no pets at home were recruited. Five groups of 10-11 families used their central vacuum cleaners (n = 10), their own old vacuum cleaners plus either tannic acid (n = 10) or placebo (n = 10) applied to carpets and upholstry after the first sample was collected on Day 0 or new vacuum cleaners equipped with either HEPA (high efficiency particulate air)- (n = 11) or microfilters (n = 10). Dust samples were collected from carpets and upholstered furniture in the living rooms and from the mattresses of the children on Days 0, 7, 21, and 35. Fel d I and Can f I allergens were determined by sandwich ELISA methods. Central, micro-filter and HEPA-filter vacuum cleaners did not reduce the concentrations nor the total amount/sampling area of Fel d I or Can f I. Tannic acid initially reduced (p < 0.05) both the concentration and the total amount of Fel d I by 30% and Can f I by 10%, but only for one week. The levels increased to base-line after 21-35 days. The concentrations of Fel d I increased 10-30 times in homes visited by cats or cat owners. We conclude, that tannic acid treatment reduced pet allergen concentrations and total amounts in dust for one week only.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Allergens↗
Allergens in school dust. I. The amount of the major cat (Fel d I) and dog (Can f I) allergens in dust from Swedish schools is high enough to probably cause perennial symptoms in most children with asthma who are sensitized to cat and dog.
BACKGROUND: We investigated the levels of Fel d I and Can f I in dust from tables, chairs, and floors in 29 classrooms in four Swedish schools. METHODS: School authorities were questioned about building characteristics, students were interviewed about their health and exposure to animals, and cleaning personnel were asked about methods and frequency of cleaning. Dust samples were taken from floors and horizontal surfaces of chairs and tables in all classrooms during a 6-week period. RESULTS: Higher amounts of Fel d I were found on chairs (geometric mean, 953 ng per gram of dust) than on tables (525 ng/gm) and floors (134 ng/gm). The concentration of Can f I (5.3 ng/gm) on chairs was 2 to 20 times higher than Fel d I. The concentration of Can f I (200 ng/gm) in dust from floors was twice as high as that of Fel d I. The concentration of Can f I on chairs was within the range previously found by other investigators in houses with dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Since the levels of both Fel d I and Can f I were much higher on chairs than on floors, we hypothesize that allergen is brought to schools on the clothes of students and teachers. We conclude that the levels of the two major allergens from furred pets (i.e., Fel d I and Can f I) in Swedish schools are probably high enough to sensitize children and to induce asthma in most children who are allergic to cats or dogs.
Adult↗
Oligoclonal IgG in cerebrospinal fluid detected by isoelectric focusing using PhastSystem.
Identification of oligoclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is one of the major laboratory signs in multiple sclerosis (MS). Oligoclonal IgG can also be seen in other immunostimulating central nervous system diseases, e.g. meningitis caused by Borrelia spirochetes. A convenient isoelectric focusing (IEF) method combined with polyethyleneglycol-enhanced (PEG) immunofixation and silverstaining using PhastSystem for detection of oligoclonal IgG bands in serum and unconcentrated spinal fluid was developed. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples earlier investigated using agarose IEF combined with immunoblotting and avidin-biotin amplified double-antibody peroxidase staining (= A-IEF) were blindly re-analysed using PhastGel IEF 3-9 modified with addition of Pharmalyte 8-10.5 followed by immunofixation and silver staining (= PhastIEF). PhastSystem IEF using PhastGel had the same capability to separate and visualize oligoclonal IgG bands as the conventional agarose IEF. However, PhastIEF was more convenient and less time-consuming than A-IEF. PhastIEF combined with immunofixation and silver staining using application of standardized amounts of IgG for both the serum and CSF samples (40-60 ng IgG/lane is fast, well-standardized and reproducible. The method is sensitive and uses only a minute volume of unconcentrated cerebrospinal fluid for the investigation of CSF IgG pattern.
Cost-Benefit Analysis↗
Gastrointestinal stability of baker's yeast allergens: an in vitro study.
An in vitro model was established to study the stability of baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) allergens in conditions simulating the gastrointestinal tract. The protocol consisted of 2 hr incubation under gastric conditions (pH 1.2, +37 degrees C and gastric enzymes) and 2 hr incubation under duodenal conditions (pH 6.8, +37 degrees C and duodenal enzymes). These were studied together and separately, as well as under pure acidic conditions without gastric enzymes. The yeast extracts contained equal amounts of allergen and were analyzed by IgE-immunoblotting. The acidic conditions had partly an enhancing and slightly degrading effect on the yeast allergens, whereas the gastric enzymes destroyed several allergens, including the important intermediate allergens of 31 and 45 kD. After treatment under both gastric and duodenal conditions most of the yeast allergens were destroyed, except mannan and a 10 kD protein component. The findings suggest that the allergen exposure caused by baker's yeast takes place mainly on the mucosal surfaces orally and oesophageally and through viable baker's yeast organisms that manage to pass the stomach and duodenum and possibly lead to intestinal growth of the organism. Patients with IgE production against the 10 kD allergen and mannan are, however, moderately exposed to allergens consisting of soluble antigenic material only.
Allergens↗
Mite (Der p 1, Der f 1) and cat (Fel d 1) allergens in the homes of babies with a family history of allergy.
Carpet and floor dust samples were collected in four different seasons, from 39 Swedish homes of babies with a family history of allergy. House-dust mite (Der p 1, Der f 1) and cat (Fel d 1) allergen contents were determined by mab ELISA, and the levels were related to various environmental factors. Both mite and cat antigens were detected in 94% of the samples and in all homes, but the levels were low (Der p 1, range 15 ng-1944 ng/g fine dust; Der f 1, range 14 ng-264 ng/g of fine dust; Fel d 1, range 16 ng-3120 ng/g fine dust). Mite-allergen levels were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in floor dust than in carpets, and D. pteronyssinus predominated. In contrast, the levels of cat antigen were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in carpets than in floor dust. There was no clear relation between mite-allergen levels and type of house, except that the higher values were found in homes with dampness problems. Cat-allergen levels were higher than total mite-allergen content, and the highest levels were found in homes with a cat (P < 0.05). Rather high concentrations of cat allergen were also found in homes without a cat, which may explain why cat sensitization is so common in Sweden. As the prevalence of house-dust mite sensitivity is increasing in Swedish children, and as the individual patient threshold for eliciting symptoms varies, we suggest that sensitization may possibly occur at a lower exposure level than generally accepted as risk level for sensitization (2 micrograms/g dust).
Allergens↗
Hydrolysed cow's milk formulae. Allergenicity and use in treatment and prevention. An ESPACI position paper. European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
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Animals↗
Vacuum cleaning decreases the levels of mite allergens in house dust.
To investigate the capacity of chemical treatment of surfaces and the difference in capacity among common vacuum cleaners to reduce mite allergen content in house dust, we recruited 52 families with allergic children. Ten families used their central vacuum cleaners. Forty-two families were randomly divided into four groups with 10 or 11 families in each. These families used either new vacuum cleaners with either HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) or micro-filters, or their own vacuum cleaners with either tannic acid or placebo. Dust samples were collected from carpets and upholstered furniture in the living rooms and from the mattresses of the children at Days 0, 7, 21, and 35. Der pI and Der fI allergens were determined by sandwich ELISA. After one week, tannic acid reduced the concentration of mite allergens/g of dust and the total amount/sampling area by 30% and 34%, respectively (p < 0.05), but there was no significant decrease in relation to placebo. After 5 weeks, central, HEPA- and micro-filter vacuum cleaners decreased the mite allergen concentration by 10-50% (p < 0.05) and the total amount of mite allergen from the investigated areas by 50-85% (p < 0.01). In relation to the placebo group the decrease was significant for HEPA- and micro-filter vacuums (p < 0.05). The total amount of mite allergens/sampling area was more significantly (p < 0.05) reduced than the concentration/g of dust. We conclude, that tannic acid reduces mite allergen concentrations in dust and total amount/sampling area for a short period of time.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Allergens↗
Allergens of the fungi imperfecti.
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Allergens↗
Stability of Candida albicans allergens during storage.
Stability of Candida albicans allergens was studied under various storage conditions. Lyophilized extract was reconstituted with human serum albumin (NSA) diluent, glycerol-free and in the presence of 10% or 50% glycerol and stored at various temperatures for different time periods. All extracts were tested at the same time with immunoblotting using C. albicans allergic patient sera and galactosidase-labelled anti-IgE. The highest number of detected allergens in the immunoblotting pattern was found in the presence of 50% glycerol at +6 degrees C. The most important allergen of C. albicans, the 46 kD protein allergen was stable up to 10 weeks at +6 degrees C in the presence of 50% glycerol but thereafter began to lose its IgE-binding capacity. After 30 weeks more than 50% of the IgE binding had disappeared. The 27 kD protein, another important allergen, was also labile but retained the allergenicity better than the 46 kD one. The 29 kD protein allergen was stable at all storage conditions, except +37 degrees C tested even after one year. More than 6 months storage at +6 degrees C or higher temperature is, however, unacceptable even in the presence of the 50% glycerol. These findings have particular importance in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases.
Allergens↗
The major allergen content of allergenic preparations reflect their biological activity.
The content of major allergens in biologically standardized allergenic preparations of birch, mite (Der p), cat, Alternaria (Alt a) and ragweed (Amb e) was determined. It was found fairly constant between species, i.e. varied within a factor of 2, with the exception of Alt a 1 in Alternaria alternata extract. This variation is allowed by authorities between different batches prepared from the same species of allergen. The method for biological standardization (BS) prescribed in the Nordic Guidelines has, for common inhalant allergens, been shown to give reproducible results between regions of Europe. However, it is difficult to define patients suitable for BS of most food allergens as well as less common inhalant allergens. Therefore we propose that, in the future, BS is replaced by determination of well-established major allergens and that 1 ng of major allergen is given the value of 1 Biological Unit.
Adult↗
Monitoring of mite Dermatophagoides farinae allergen-specific IgG and IgG subclass distribution in patients on immunotherapy.
House dust mite D. farinae and Der f II-specific IgG and IgG subclass responses were evaluated in 32 adults with perennial rhinitis undergoing immunotherapy for 1 year by means of IgG-RAST and ELISA. The ELISA method, which is based on subclass-specific monoclonal antibodies, could detect 0.5-1.5 ng/ml of specific antibodies. D. farinae and Der f II-specific IgG4 antibodies increased continuously as immunotherapy proceeded, while total IgG and IgG1 antibodies reached a plateau value 6 months after the start of immunotherapy, followed by a slow decrease during maintenance therapy. During the early phase of treatment the concentration of IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies rose, even though the increase of IgG4 antibodies dominated. The positive clinical outcome as measured by the decrease in conjunctival sensitivity was associated with an increased ratio of specific IgG4/IgG1 antibodies as well as the magnitude of the IgG4 subclass response. Quantitation of IgG subclass antibodies in patients undergoing immunotherapy may be of some clinical value, but the clinical usefulness needs to be demonstrated for each type of allergen and possibly also for each assay system.
Adult↗
Expression of birch pollen-specific IgE-binding activity in seeds and other plant parts of birch trees (Betula verrucosa Ehrh.).
Dot immunoblotting of crude extracts of various aerial parts of birch trees, using patient serum rich in birch pollen IgE, showed IgE-binding activity in leaves, buds, twigs, seeds, bark, and old male catkins. Seed extracts analysed by SDS-PAGE, electroblotting to nitrocellulose and immune detection using isotope-conjugated anti-IgE verified the presence in seeds of an IgE-binding protein of an approximate molecular weight of 12 kD, distinct from the major allergen (molecular weight 17 kD) of Betula verrucosa pollen. The allergen of birch seeds was readily leachable from the seeds. Many of the birch plant part extracts were active in RAST inhibition using birch pollen RAST discs, but showed low potency relative to the allergenicity of birch pollen allergens.
Allergens↗
Genetic variants of alpha 1-antitrypsin and hemoglobin typed by isoelectric focusing in preselected narrow pH gradients with PhastSystem.
In this method for automatically running and staining isoelectric focusing (IEF) gels, pre-made dehydrated polyacrylamide gels were rehydrated before assays run with the PhastSystem (Pharmacia LKB Biotechnology). The typing of genetic variants of hemoglobin and alpha 1-antitrypsin in narrow pH gradients (pH 6.7-7.7 and 4.2-4.9, respectively) was simple, convenient, and reproducible. The clinically important variants of alpha 1-antitrypsin (ZZ and SZ) were identified from serum or dried blood on filter paper. The fast screening of abnormal hemoglobin samples (HbS) for cases in clinical medicine was easily performed. The total analysis time for the phenotyping with conventional protein staining was approximately 60 min.
Genetic Variation↗
Aspergillus fumigatus specific IgE and IgG antibodies for diagnosis of Aspergillus-related lung diseases.
IgE and IgG antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus were detected by crossed radio immunoelectrophoresis (CRIE) on the sera of seven patients with aspergilloma, six patients with allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and 25 patients with extrinsic asthma with Aspergillus allergy. IgE-CRIE analysis indicated the presence of A. fumigatus-specific IgE in sera of patients with ABPA and Aspergillus asthma but not of aspergilloma patients. IgG-CRIE showed that both aspergilloma and ABPA patient sera contained high levels of circulating specific IgG antibodies in contrast to sera of Aspergillus asthma patients, which did not show detectable amounts of Aspergillus-specific IgG antibodies. Specific IgE binding could be demonstrated for the major allergens Ag-10 and AG-40 in all ABPA patients, in 80% of Aspergillus asthma patients but not in sera from aspergilloma patients. Specific IgG antibodies directed towards the major allergens could be detected in most of the aspergilloma patients, between 30-70% of the ABPA patients but not in sera from patients with Aspergillus asthma.
Aspergillosis↗
Detection of Chlorella-specific IgE in mould-sensitized children.
The content of IgE, specific to the unicellular green alga Chlorella sp., was analysed in sera from 46 atopic children sensitized to moulds, using radioallergosorbent test (RAST), immunoblotting and crossed immunoelectrophoresis/crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE/CRIE). Chlorella-specific IgE was found in 23/46 sera by RAST, in 28/41 sera by immunoblotting and in 6/30 sera by CIE/CRIE. The Chlorella components most frequently binding IgE as analysed by gradient gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting were of molecular weights of approximately 13, 17, 19, 26 and 49 kD. Twenty-nine precipitating antigens, including seven IgE-binding precipitates were detected by CIE/CRIE. The study shows that low concentrations of specific IgE are formed to the green alga Chlorella in sera from atopic individuals sensitized to moulds.
Adolescent↗