BACKGROUND Sensitization to hazelnut (HN) is frequent and requires clarification to determine whether this sensitization is clinically relevant. The aim of this study was to investigate basophil activation profiles in HN-sensitized and allergic subjects. METHODS Basophil activation was determined by flow cytometric analyses of CD63 and CD203c expression using several HN allergen concentration...

Our recent study has shown that hyperventilation of humidified warm air (HWA) triggered cough and reflex bronchoconstriction in patients with mild asthma. We suggested that a sensitizing effect on bronchopulmonary C-fibers by increasing airway temperature was involved, but direct evidence was lacking. This study was carried out to test the hypothesis that HWA enhances the pulmonary C-fiber sens...

Porphyrin YD2-o-C8-based dyes were employed to sensitize room-temperature (RT) chemical-assembled ZnO aggregated anodes for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). To reduce the acidity of the YD2-o-C8 dye solution, the proton in the carboxyl group of a porphyrin dye was replaced with tetrabuthyl ammonium (TBA⁺) in this work. The short-circuit current density (Jsc) of the YD2-o-C8-TBA-sensit...

BACKGROUND Macrophages are mononuclear cells with phagocytic and antigen presenting properties. The role of macrophages in IgE-dependent allergic reactions and oral tolerance remains unclear. In previous works we demonstrated that ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized rabbits present histopathological modifications of the mucosa in different regions of the digestive tract. The present study analyzes macro...

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of stress and neuropeptides on airway responses in ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized rats. METHODS Three experimental conditions were employed: neonatal capsaicin treatment, foot shock stress and OVA sensitization. For neuropeptide depletion, male Wistar rats were neonatally treated with capsaicin (50 mg/kg) or with control solution 2 ...

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) has been suggested as a non-invasive biomarker of airway inflammation, which is increased in atopic subjects. Whether sensitization to particular allergens is a predictive factor for increased FeNO levels is not yet fully understood. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study. From October to December in 2015, the medical documents of 127 mild, ste...

This study investigates the response of small venules to IgE-dependent, antigen-mediated mast cell activation. Intravital microscopy was utilized to visualize 25- to 40-μm mesenteric venules, mast cell degranulation (on-line detection), vascular permeability changes (albumin leakage), leukocyte adhesion, and the formation of platelet aggregates in rats sensitized with 10 μg of intraperitoneal e...

We evaluated the effects of aerobic exercise (AE) on airway inflammation, exhaled nitric oxide levels (ENO), airway remodeling, and the expression of Th1, Th2 and regulatory cytokines in a guinea pig asthma model. Animals were divided into 4 groups: non-trained and non-sensitized (C), non-sensitized and AE (AE), ovalbumin-sensitized and non-trained (OVA), and OVA-sensitized and AE (OVA+AE). OVA...

BACKGROUND The functional role of nitric oxide (NO) and various nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms in asthma remains unclear. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the effects of ozone and ovalbumin (OVA) exposure on NOS isoforms. METHODS The expression of inducible NOS (iNOS), neuronal NOS (nNOS), and endothelial NOS (eNOS) in lung tissue was measured. Enhanced pause (Penh) was measured as a...

BACKGROUND Extra-European immigrants are increasingly seen in allergy clinics. In view of their different genetic background they represent an opportunity to investigate the dynamics of sensitization to airborne allergens. OBJECTIVE We investigated the pattern of airborne sensitization among allergic extra-European immigrants living in two areas of northern Italy. METHODS Extra-European imm...