Expression and activation of the steroidogenic enzyme CYP11A1 is associated with IL-13 production in T cells from peanut allergic children.

Activation of the steroidogenic enzyme CYP11A1 was shown to be necessary for the development of peanut-induced intestinal anaphylaxis and IL-13 production in allergic mice. We determined if levels of CYP11A1 in peripheral blood T cells from peanut-allergic (PA) children compared to non-allergic controls were increased and if levels correlated to IL-13 production and oral challenge outcomes to peanut. CYP11A1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased in activated CD4+ T cells from PA patients.

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy in Primary Immune Deficiencies: Stat1 Gain of Function and Review of the Literature.

Background: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare, severe, otherwise fatal viral infection of the white matter of the brain caused by the polyomavirus JC virus, which typically occurs only in immunocompromised patients. One patient with dominant gain-of-function (GOF) mutation in signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis and PML was reported previously. We aim to identify the molecular defect in 3 patients with PML and to review the literature on PML in primary immune defects (PIDs).

The chitinase-like protein YKL-40 is not a useful biomarker for severe persistent asthma in children.

Background: The chitinase-like protein YKL-40 is thought to play a role in inflammation and tissue remodeling. In adults with severe asthma, YKL-40 is expressed in the airway and YKL-40 levels are elevated in the serum.

Objective: To compare YKL-40 levels in children with severe persistent asthma with those in adults with severe persistent asthma and to determine whether YKL-40 levels correlate with increasing asthma severity in childhood asthma.

Epigenetic modifications and improved regulatory T-cell function in subjects undergoing dual sublingual immunotherapy.

Background: Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only mode of therapy that has been demonstrated to offer a cure in patients with IgE-mediated respiratory allergies.

Objective: We sought to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of timothy grass (TG) and dust mite (DM) dual sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) and to begin to investigate the immune mechanisms involved in successful immunotherapy with multiple allergens.

Methods: The safety and efficacy of dual SLIT with TG and DM in children and adults with demonstrated allergies to TG and DM were investigated in a single-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled phase I study.

Is there a need for clinical guidelines in the United States for the diagnosis of hereditary angioedema and the screening of family members of affected patients?

Background: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by a deficiency of C1 esterase inhibitor (C1 INH) protein or function. Guidelines do not exist regarding diagnostic criteria or routine testing of family members of patients with HAE. Laboratory data for diagnosis include complement factor 4 level; C1 INH antigenic protein level, which is reduced in approximately 85% of patients with HAE; and C1 INH functional assay, which is considered an unreliable test in the United States secondary to inconsistent standardization of assays.

A comparison of intranasal corticosteroid, leukotriene receptor antagonist, and topical antihistamine in reducing symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis as assessed through the Rhinitis Severity Score.

Rhinitis symptom complex consists of rhinorrhea, congestion, itchy mucosa, itchy eyes, and sneezing. Available medications vary in their benefit for each of these symptoms. It was the purpose of this article to compare symptom reduction with three different classes of medications.

A comparison of intranasal corticosteroid, leukotriene receptor antagonist, and topical antihistamine in reducing symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis as assessed through the Rhinitis Severity Score.

Rhinitis symptom complex consists of rhinorrhea, congestion, itchy mucosa, itchy eyes, and sneezing. Available medications vary in their benefit for each of these symptoms. It was the purpose of this article to compare symptom reduction with three different classes of medications.

Cinryze as the first approved C1 inhibitor in the USA for the treatment of hereditary angioedema: approval, efficacy and safety.

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a clinical disorder characterized by a deficiency of C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH). HAE has traditionally been divided into two subtypes. Unique among the inherited deficiencies of the complement system, HAE Types I and II are inherited as an autosomal dominant disorder.

The role of montelukast on perennial allergic rhinitis and associated sleep disturbances and daytime somnolence.

Perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) often causes sleep disturbances and associated daytime somnolence, thus resulting in a poor quality of life. Various clinical interventions in patients suffering from the disorder seek to improve symptoms and quality of life. Additional studies are needed to establish whether the alleviation of PAR symptoms, particularly the reduction of congestion, will improve sleep quality and reduce daytime somnolence.

Allergic rhinitis and its effect on sleep, fatigue, and daytime somnolence.

Objective: To examine the adverse effects of sleep impairment on the quality of life of patients with the disorder and how these effects can be treated with therapies targeted at the underlying problems that influence sleep.

Data Sources: Medline and Ovid search for sleep and rhinitis.

Study Selection: All literature on this topic were reviewed, and, if significant, were incorporated into this review.