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Biomedical subjects

U Diez

Publications and source records attributed to U Diez.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Fatty acids in colostrum from mothers of children at high risk of atopy in relation to clinical and laboratory signs of allergy in the first year of life.

BACKGROUND: It remains controversial whether fatty acid (FA) composition of breast milk relates to development of atopy in the infant. This study evaluates FA in colostrum from mothers of children at high risk of atopy in association with atopy at the age of 1 year. METHODS: The FA of colostrum were analyzed for 218 children (60 with low birth weight between 1500 and 2500 g, 84 with a history of maternal atopy, and 74 with an elevated cord blood immunoglobulin (Ig)E of >0.9 IU/ml). Total lipids were extracted, methylated and separated by gas-liquid chromatography. Laboratory screening for allergic sensitization and clinical examination took place within the Leipzig Allergy Risk Children's Study (LARS). RESULTS: Low birth weight was correlated with low percentage levels of 20:2n-6, 22:2n-6, and 22:3n-3 (r = 0.14, P < 0.05; r = 0.14, P < 0.05 and r = 0.20, P < 0.01, respectively) and low gestational age at birth was correlated with low 22:3n-3 (r = 0.15, P < 0.05). There was no association between FA and atopic eczema at the age of 1 year. However, high linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) was linked to high specific IgE against cow's milk protein (P < 0.05), and low docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5n-3) was associated with elevated total serum IgE (P < 0.05) at the age of 1 year, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The polyunsaturated fatty acid composition of colostrum in a high risk newborn population shows associations with atopic sensitization at the age of 1 year and may be predictive for later atopic disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

The influence of maternal exposure to volatile organic compounds on the cytokine secretion profile of neonatal T cells.

Indoor VOC (volatile organic compound) exposure has been shown to be correlated with airway symptoms and allergic manifestations in children. An investigation was conducted within an ongoing birth cohort study (LISA: Lifestyle-Immune System-Allergy) of the association between maternal exposure to VOCs and immune status at birth, in particular the cytokine secretion profile of cord-blood T cells. In a randomly selected group of 85 neonates, cytokine-producing cord-blood T cells were analyzed using intracellular cytokine detection. VOC exposure was measured in children's dwellings by passive sampling, while parents were asked to complete questionnaires about possible sources of VOC exposure. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated by logistic regression based on categorized quartiles. A positive association was found between elevated percentages of interleukin-4-producing (IL-4) type 2 T cells and exposure to naphthalene (OR = 2.9) and methylcyclopentane (OR = 3.3). Exposure to tetrachloroethylene was associated with reduced percentages of interferon-gamma-producing (IFN-gamma) type 1 T cells (OR = 2.9). In addition, smoking during pregnancy was correlated with a higher indoor air concentration of naphthalene (OR = 3.8), new carpets in infants' bedrooms with elevated methylcyclopentane concentrations (OR = 4.1), and home renovation with a higher trichloroethylene burden (OR = 4.9). Our data suggest that maternal exposure to VOC may have an influence on the immune status of the newborn child.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

T cell reactivity in neonates from an East and a West German city--results of the LISA study.

BACKGROUND: Within an ongoing birth cohort study (LISA) the cytokine production of cord blood T cells was compared between neonates from Leipzig (East Germany) and Munich (West Germany). The aim of this study was to analyse regional differences and influencing factors of the immune status. METHODS: Cytokine production was measured in a randomly selected subgroup of 158 children from the LISA (Life style - Immune system - Allergy) cohort by intracellular cytokine staining. Information on family "atopy" history (FAH) and home characteristics was obtained from questionnaires. RESULTS: Reduced numbers of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) producing T cells were found in association with biparental FAH and housing renovation during pregnancy. In addition, cytokine production was influenced by season. In Munich, the frequency of biparental FAH and of renovation measures during pregnancy was significantly higher as compared to Leipzig. Neonates from Munich showed significantly decreased amounts of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha and elevated levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) producing T cells. Differences in cytokine production between Munich and Leipzig were influenced by season (IL-4) and housing renovation (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha). CONCLUSIONS: Since differences in the T cell cytokine production of neonates in Munich and Leipzig are independent from FAH our findings may provide evidence for the impact of environmental factors upon the fetal immune system.

Cohort Studies↗
PubMed2001

Effect of sulfur dioxide and particulate pollutants on bronchitis in children--a risk analysis.

The general morbidity is being influenced to a great extent by diseases of the respiratory tract. Since their incidence and prevalence have been increasing, the identification of causal factors, especially of environmental origin, is of importance, not just in view of implementing preventive control strategies. Primary irritative gaseous [like sulfur dioxide (SO2)] as well as particulate pollutants (like TSP) can be regarded as causal constituents. Using the opportunity of changing levels of ambient air pollution in East Germany since 1989, the impact of SO2 and TSP on bronchitis was investigated over the last 10 years as part of several intervention studies in a locally defined homogenous population, children. The data suggest a significant association between SO2 and the prevalence of bronchitis in children but not for TSP. Considering the findings of other studies with respect to air pollution and the epidemiology of adverse health effects (especially respiratory disease), these results would amend the hypothesis put forward in a review of the literature as TSP < ultrafine particles (SO4(2-)) = SO2. Although these data show a significant association with only SO2, this does not imply that ultrafine particles, such as SO4(2-), do not contribute to the association with the observed adverse health effects. Nevertheless, the findings suggest that TSP seems less likely to be a predictor in the association with respiratory diseases, particularly not in the presence of high SO2.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Enhanced in vivo IgE production and T cell polarization toward the type 2 phenotype in association with indoor exposure to VOC: results of the LARS study.

The association between indoor exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC), prevalence of allergic sensitization and cytokine secretion profile of peripheral T cells was studied in 3 year old children of the LARS study (Leipzig Allergy Risk Children Study) to investigate the role of VOC exposure as a risk factor for the development of atopic disease. Indoor VOC exposure was measured over a period of 4 weeks in infants' bedrooms using a passive sampling system. Specific IgE antibodies to food, indoor and outdoor allergens were measured by the Pharmacia CAP system and correlated to VOC exposure (n = 120). In addition, cytokine producing peripheral T cells (interleukin(IL)-4, interferon(IFN)-gamma) were measured in a subgroup of 28 children by means of intracellular cytokine staining. For the first time we were able to show that exposure to alkanes (C6, C9, C10) and aromatic compounds (toluene, o-xylene, m + p-xylene, 2-, 3- and 4-ethyl-toluene, chlorobenzene) may contribute to the risk of allergic sensitization to the food allergens milk and egg white (Odds ratios between 5.7 and 11.2). Moreover, significantly reduced numbers of CD3+/CD8+ peripheral T cells were found in children exposed to alkanes (C9-C13), naphthalene and chlorobenzene. Exposure to benzene, ethylbenzene and chlorobenzene was associated with higher percentages of IL-4 producing CD3+ T cells. Both an increase in IL-4 producing type 2 T cells and a reduction of IFN-gamma producing type 1 T cells may contribute to a type 2 skewed memory in response to allergens. Therefore, we suggest exposure to VOCs in association with allergic sensitization to be mediated by a T cell polarization toward the type 2 phenotype.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed2000

Associations between duration of breast-feeding, sensitization to hens' eggs and eczema infantum in one and two year old children at high risk of atopy.

UNLABELLED: Through a cohort study, factors for the development of atopic disorders among children at high-risk of atopy were investigated by means of anamnesis, lifestyle factors and laboratory parameters. 475 high-risk children were selected out of the whole population of infants born within one year in the City and District of Leipzig. These 475 had an increased cord blood IgE (> 0.9 kU7l), double positive atopic family history (parents/siblings) or low birthweight (1500-2500 g). Questionnaires are answered regularly by the parents and the children are clinically examined annually. RESULTS: In the first and second year of life there has been a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.0001) between increased cord blood IgE and increased total IgE. At the age of one year we found eczema infantum in 51 out of 323 high-risk children. There was a significant association (p = 0.0001) between sensitization against hens' eggs and eczema. Infants who had been exclusively breast-fed > or = 5 months were more frequently sensitized to hens' egg and an eczema infantum was to diagnose more frequently. Significant differences in this respect were found within the risk groups, depending on family history of atopy and cord blood IgE. The duration of breast-feeding showed no correlation with sensitization to hens' eggs or atopy in two-year-olds.

Breast Feeding↗
PubMed2000

Effects of indoor painting and smoking on airway symptoms in atopy risk children in the first year of life results of the LARS-study. Leipzig Allergy High-Risk Children Study.

INTRODUCTION: The Leipzig Allergy High-Risk Children Study (LARS) is a prospective nested cohort control study about the influence of chemical indoor exposure in dwellings on the health outcome of atopy-risk children during the first years of life. DESIGN AND METHODS: 475 premature children and children with allergic risk factors have been selected out of the 1995/1996 birth cohort in the city of Leipzig. Twenty-five volatile organic compounds (VOC) were measured in the infant's bedrooms using passive sampling systems for 4 weeks after birth. The babies underwent a medical examination at the age of six weeks and 1 year. The parents answered a questionnaire. RESULTS: Correlations between VOC exposures and infections were calculated by multiple logistic regression. Selected VOC show a direct association to actually painted dwellings (OR = 2.4; 95% Cl 1.1-5.3). An increase of risk of pulmonary infections was observed in infants aged 6 weeks if restoration (painting OR 5.6; 95% Cl 1.3-24.0) or flooring connected with painting had occurred during the pregnancy period. Higher concentration of styrene (> 2.0 micrograms/m3, indicator for flooring) elevated the risk of pulmonary infections in six-week-old infants (OR = 2.1; 95% Cl 1.1-4.2). Environmental benzene > 5.6 micrograms/m3 increased the risk of airway infections in six-week-old babies (OR = 2.4; 95% Cl 1.28-4.48). Smoking in the dwelling (OR = 2.0; 95% Cl 1.1-3.5) as well as restoration (OR = 1.9; 95% Cl 1.1-3.5) are also risk factors of the development of wheezing in the one-year-old child. CONCLUSIONS: The data give indications in order to prevent allergies and chronic lung diseases in atopy risk children exposure to chemicals from indoor air should be minimised from birth on.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed1996

A report on pathological changes of the dipole moment in children suffering from anthracycline cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy is a severe complication of the tomour therapy with anthracyclines. Since even minor disturbances of myocardial cell membranes could influence the dipole moment of the heart the noninvasive measurements of this parameter might be useful, particularly in the paediatric population. 17 children aged 2-15 years treated clinically for various malign blood diseases were examined repeatedly with a modified Nelson lead-system up to 3 years. The dipole moment was evaluated by visual comparison of the calculated horizontal and frontal VCGs, evaluation of 3 distinctive vectors, as well as of the magnitude curves and the velocity curves, all of them compared with the normal age dependent percentiles of each respective child. Conventional 12-lead ECGs were used to confirm rhythm disturbances and alterations of P-, PQ-, QRS-, and QT-durations. Our results show that damages of the heart are different during the time of the drug administration, then consisting of acute toxic reactions such as sudden dilatation and/or rhythm disturbances, and of long-term disturbances leading to growth retardation of the heart with the danger of chronic congestive heart failure months or years after the end of the anthracycline treatment. Morphological and biochemical damages of myofibrils caused by the toxicity of anthracyclines precede functional restraints of the heart. A noninvasive method for an early and reliable diagnosis of these damages is urgently needed, particularly for children. Measurements of the dipole moment with the Nelson-lead system seem to offer this diagnostic tool which aims possible changes of the drug administration protocol. (Fig. 3, Ref. 15.)

Antibiotics, Antineoplastic↗
PubMed1991

Quantitative electrocardiography and vectorcardiography in postnatally developing rats.

The aim of this study was to provide quantitative descriptions of developmental changes of the cardiac electrical activity of rats as background information useful for assessing abnormal development, for example, in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The data are based on the findings of serial examinations of 11 animals, slightly anesthetized by ether, on whom Frank-ECGs were recorded on days 6, 14, 21, 30, 38, and 53 of life. Typical features of the electrocardiograms during the physiologic development are P waves consisting of one positive deflection in all three leads (x, y, and z); and PQ intervals decreasing between days 6 and 14, whereas the heart rate increases during this period. QRS vector loops and the maximum spatial vector (R) shift to the left, whereas the amplitudes of R first increase but decrease with later age. The shape of the QRS magnitude curves is described, the peaks of which occur later during QRS in relation to increasing age. QRS intervals are considerably shorter than in the adult even at day 53. At this age rats have attained the adult configuration of the QRS loop. From day 30 onward, QRS frequency merges with the T wave. It is concluded that the ontogenetic development of the major electrical forces of the rat heart shows peculiarities compared to those seen with the development of other mammalian species. The most probable morphologic and functional postnatal adjustments are discussed with reference to the causes of the developmental electrocardiographic changes.

Aging↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Spontaneous elimination of helicobacter pylori infection in children].

BACKGROUND: With the (13)C-urea-breath test, 6.6 % of 3 372 preschool children of the Leipzig area tested H. pylori positive in 1998. PATIENTS: In 2000, 5.6 % of 3 854 grade-two pupils of the same area tested positive. METHOD: 2 235 children participated in both tests campaigns. Therefore, their H. pylori state could be reinvestigated after two years. RESULTS: 30 of the 104 children, who were tested positive in 1998 were negative in 2000. Using questionnaires completed by the corresponding parents and family physicians, possible reasons of individual elimination were analysed. It was found that 18 of the 25 children received a H. pylori triple therapy. Three children had been tested false-positive in 1998. Four children received antibiotics for other reasons and H. pylori was obviously eradicated too. Only three children were not treated with any antibiotics between 1998 and 2000. For these children, spontaneous elimination is assumed. CONCLUSIONS: Conclusions about spontaneous elimination of H. pylori infections are problematic. Further investigations are needed in consideration of this object.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗