BACKGROUND Laminins are a group of proteins largely responsible for the anchorage of cells to basement membranes. We hypothesized that altered Laminin chain production in the bronchial mucosa might explain the phenomenon of epithelial cell shedding in asthma. The aim was to characterize the presence of Laminin chains in the SEBM and epithelium in allergic and non-allergic asthmatics. PATIENTS...

Primary allergic sensitization--IgE formation after Ag exposure--is fundamental in the development of allergic respiratory disease. With the rising prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis, improved understanding of the determining factors for allergic sensitization is needed. Human epidemiologic studies suggest high-dose allergen exposure may paradoxically protect against sensitization. Pros...

Summary A cross-cultural translation of the Vespid Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire (VQLQ) to the Portuguese population (VQLQ-P) was performed, assessing its applicability in wasp and in non-beekeeper bee venom allergic patients. Additionally, we evaluated a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to estimate hymenoptera allergy interference with daily life. Methods. Cross-cultural translation was per...

Quercetin offers interesting beneficial options in clinical practice by providing anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activities. This article reports discusses the effectiveness of oral administration quercetin Phytosome™ adults presenting allergic conjunctivitis. The analysis was conducted evaluating both subjective symptoms reported individuals; objective tear film instability due to conjunc...

The introduction of intranasal corticosteroid (INS) has been the most important therapeutic progress in rhinitis management since the introduction of the first generation of antihistamines. Our knowledge of the mode of action of INS has improved as the airway mucous membrane of the nose is easily accessible for investigation. INS is highly effective in diseases characterized by eosinophil-domin...

A further confounding feature is the presence of persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR). The symptoms for this are different, in that the nose is Dermot Ryan, honorary clinical research fellow, University of Edinburgh; chair, Primary Care Interest Group, European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disorder which has a major impact on the lives of sufferers...

PURPOSE Growing evidence is showing a role of neurogenic inflammation in allergic reactions, with sensory and autonomic nerve fibers releasing neuromediators, which may actively participate in the allergic inflammatory cascade. Although the cornea is the most densely innervated tissue of the human body, little is known on the role of neuromediators at the ocular surface. In this study, we aimed...

An experimental allergic neuritis-like disease was induced in rabbits 3 to 8 weeks after injection with large doses of influenza vaccines mixed with gangliosides, cholesterol, and Freund complete adjuvant. The inclusion of gangliosides was essential to induce the experimental allergic neuritis-like disease. In trials with six different lots of vaccine, both swine influenza and non-swine influen...

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a pruritic, relapsing, chronic disease that arises most commonly during infancy, childhood, or adolescence. It is clear that genetic factors are important in AD, a family history of AD, allergic rhinitis, and/or asthma and other “Atopic” phenomena being common in patient with AD. The two main pathogenetic characteristic of AD are: I) IgE-mediated antigen dependent “Spe...