Measurement of Specific IgG Anti-Fel d 1 Antibodies.

There is currently considerable interest in the role of specific IgG antibodies in allergy. Several studies suggest that specific IgG antibodies may play a protective role in allergy. Successful immunotherapy is associated with increases in allergen-specific IgG antibodies which correlate with clinical outcome.

Understanding of the Molecular Mechanisms of Allergy.

The prevalence of allergic disease has dramatically increased over the past 30 years in Westernized countries. It is unlikely that the rapid increase in the prevalence of allergic disease is the result of genetic changes, which highlights the importance of environmental factors in the development of allergic disease. The "hygiene hypothesis" was put forward in 1989 and focused attention on the notion that exposure to microbes and their products in early life can modify the risk for development of allergic disease.

Laboratory animal allergy is preventable in modern research facilities.

Background: Historical data suggest 15% of laboratory animal workers develop IgE sensitisation and 10% symptoms of laboratory animal allergy (LAA), including occupational asthma. Individually ventilated cages (IVCs) are replacing conventional open cages; we sought to evaluate their impact on the development of LAA.

Methods: We surveyed 750 laboratory animal workers and measured airborne Mus m 1 (mouse allergen) levels in seven UK institutions.

Immunological methods for diagnosis and monitoring of IgE-mediated allergy caused by industrial sensitizing agents (IMExAllergy).

Industrial sensitizing agents (allergens) in living and working environments play an important role in eliciting type 1 allergic disorders including asthma and allergic rhinitis. Successful management of allergic diseases necessitates identifying their specific causes (ie, identify the causative agent(s) and the route of contact to allergen: airborne, or skin contact) to avoid further exposure. Identification of sensitization by a sensitive and validated measurement of specific IgE is an important step in the diagnosis.

Metal worker's lung: spatial association with .

Background: Outbreaks of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) are not uncommon in workplaces where metal working fluid (MWF) is used to facilitate metal turning. Inhalation of microbe-contaminated MWF has been assumed to be the cause, but previous investigations have failed to establish a spatial relationship between a contaminated source and an outbreak.

Objectives: After an outbreak of five cases of HP in a UK factory, we carried out blinded, molecular-based microbiological investigation of MWF samples in order to identify potential links between specific microbial taxa and machines in the outbreak zone.

Occupational allergy to fruit flies () in laboratory workers.

Objectives: (the 'fruit fly') is commonly used in genetic research, but there is only one report of IgE-associated allergy in exposed workers. 4 newly identified cases prompted us to examine the extent of this problem in a university laboratory. Our aim in this study is to determine the prevalence and determinants of sensitisation to fruit flies in a population of exposed workers.

Association of pulse wave velocity with total lung capacity: A cross-sectional analysis of the BOLD London study.

Background: Low lung function, measured using spirometry, has been associated with mortality from cardiovascular disease, but whether this is explained by airflow obstruction or restriction is a question that remains unanswered.

Objectives: To assess the association of total lung capacity (TLC), forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) with several cardio-metabolic and inflammatory markers.

Methods: In the follow up of the Burden of Lung Disease (BOLD) study in London, acceptable post-bronchodilator spirometric, pulse rate, pulse wave velocity and blood pressure data were obtained from 108 participants.

Laboratory Animal Allergy in the Modern Era.

Laboratory animal workers face a high risk of developing laboratory animal allergy as a consequence of inhaling animal proteins at work; this has serious consequences for their health and future employment. Exposure to animal allergen remains to be the greatest risk factor although the relationship is complex, with attenuation at high allergen exposure. Recent evidence suggests that this may be due to a form of natural immunotolerance.

Identification of parvalbumin and two new thermolabile major allergens of Thunnus tonggol using a proteomics approach.

Background: The longtail tuna (Thunnus tonggol) is widely consumed in Asia. Parvalbumin, the main major allergen of fish, has been well identified in multiple fish species, yet little is known about the allergenic proteins in T. tonggol.

Causes of discordance between thyroglobulin antibody assays.

Background: Anti-thyroglobulin (Anti-Tg) assays show poor concordance.

Methods: We have investigated concordance and the causes of discordance between Abbott, Roche and Immulite Anti-Tg assays in 606 patients followed up for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The reference range (RR) or lower reporting limit (LRL) was used to classify samples as negative or positive.

Association of HLA class II alleles with sensitization to cow dander Bos d 2, an important occupational allergen.

Allergic sensitization results from a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Earlier studies have shown that highly polymorphic HLA genes are associated with a variety of allergies. Several important respiratory allergens belong to the family of lipocalin proteins.

Identification of the major allergens of Indian scad (Decapterus russelli).

The purpose of this study was to characterize major allergens of Indian scad (Decapterus russelli) which is among the most commonly consumed fish in Malaysia. Raw and cooked extracts of the fish were prepared. Protein profiles and IgE binding patterns were produced by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting using sera from subjects with fish allergy.

Measurement of specific IgG anti-Fel d 1 antibodies.

There is currently considerable interest in the role of specific IgG antibodies in allergy. Several studies suggest that specific IgG antibodies may play a protective role in allergy. Successful immunotherapy is associated with increases in allergen-specific IgG antibodies which correlate with clinical outcome.

Understanding of the molecular mechanisms of allergy.

The prevalence of allergic disease has dramatically increased over the past 30 years in Westernised countries. It is unlikely that the rapid increase in the prevalence of allergic disease is the result of genetic changes, which highlights the importance of environmental factors in the development of allergic disease. The 'hygiene hypothesis' was put forward in 1989 and focused attention on the notion that exposure to microbes and their products in early life can modify the risk for development of allergic disease.

Exposure-response in occupational allergy.

Purpose Of Review: This review examines the relationship between exposure to workplace allergens and the risk of developing occupational allergy.

Recent Findings: Evidence suggests that the risk of developing occupational allergy increases with allergen exposure; however, with some occupational allergens, this exposure-response relationship is more complex. In laboratory animal workers, the risk of developing occupational allergy increases with exposure, except at high allergen exposure when there is a reduction in sensitization.

Modified Th2 responses at high-dose exposures to allergen: using an occupational model.

Rationale: The relationships between allergen exposures and allergy and asthma are complex. High exposure levels to cat allergen are associated with IgG- and IgG(4)-specific antibody responses without sensitization or risk of asthma, a process described as a "modified Th2 response." Attenuation of risk of allergy and asthma at high exposure levels has been reported in longitudinal studies of both childhood and occupational asthma.

HLA-C and killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor genes in idiopathic bronchiectasis.

Rationale: In idiopathic bronchiectasis, lung inflammation and chronic bacterial infection lead to progressive lung damage. A possible role for natural killer (NK) cells is suggested by the observation that familial bronchiectasis occurs in a rare group of individuals with impaired HLA class I expression and consequent NK cell dysfunction.

Objective: Because the HLA-C locus and killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are of key importance for NK cell recognition, we analyzed HLA-C/KIR combinations by genotyping patients with idiopathic bronchiectasis.

HLA associations with occupational sensitization to rat lipocalin allergens: a model for other animal allergies?

Background: Laboratory animal allergy is a common occupational health problem affecting between 11% and 44% of exposed researchers. Allergy to rats and mice is most common, probably because these are the animals most frequently used.

Objective: We hypothesized that HLA class II molecules, involved in the presentation of allergen to the T cell and likely candidates for controlling the immune response, might be associated with sensitization to rat urinary proteins among laboratory animal handlers.

Domestic aeroallergen levels in Barcelona and Menorca (Spain).

Exposure to common indoor allergens is known to be associated with sensitization and triggers of asthma. Levels of allergens have been barely described in Mediterranean countries. This study reports domestic allergen levels among the general population of two regions of Spain.