Specific inhalation challenge with flour induced release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in nasal fluid.

Background: Neurotrophins may play a role in the pathophysiology of allergic occupational rhinitis (OR). We sought to investigate whether an immediate allergic reaction that induces nasal inflammation is also able to induce changes in levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in nasal lavage (NAL) fluid from patients with allergic OR.

Methods: Ten patients sensitized to flour underwent control and active specific inhalation challenge (SIC) on consecutive days.

Prospective outcome assessment of occupational rhinitis after removal from exposure.

Objective: To conduct a prospective evaluation of clinical and quality of life (QOL) outcomes of occupational rhinitis (OR) after cessation of exposure.

Methods: We assessed changes in nasal symptoms, disease-specific QOL, nasal patency, and nasal inflammation in 20 subjects with confirmed OR. Olfactory function was assessed cross-sectionally at follow-up.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 increases in the sputum from allergic occupational asthma patients after specific inhalation challenge.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) play a role in the pathogenesis of asthma. MMP-9 increases in the sputum of asthmatic patients after bronchial challenge with common allergens. We sought to assess whether a high-molecular-weight occupational allergen was able to induce changes in MMP-9 as well as in other MMPs and TIMPs in subjects with occupational asthma.

Matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in nasal lavage after an inhalation challenge with flour.

Objectives/hypothesis: The existence of nasal mucosa remodeling in allergic rhinitis is controversial. Few data are available on the dynamics of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in nasal fluid after an allergen challenge. We examined whether an immediate allergic reaction that induces nasal congestion and inflammation is able to also induce changes in remodeling parameters in nasal fluid.

Proinflammatory mediators in nasal lavage of subjects with occupational rhinitis.

We sought to investigate the type and kinetics of late-phase nasal inflammatory response after nasal challenge with occupational allergens. Participants were 10 subjects experiencing work-related rhinitis symptoms who underwent specific inhalation challenge and tested positive for occupational rhinitis. During challenge, we monitored changes in inflammatory cells, eosinophil cationic protein, myeloperoxidase, and interleukin-8 in nasal lavage samples.

Long-term pathologic consequences of acute irritant-induced asthma.

Background: Acute irritant-induced asthma (IrIa) or reactive airways dysfunction syndrome is caused by exposure to a high concentration of an agent. The long-term pathologic consequences of IrIa remain thus far unknown.

Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the chronic airway inflammation and remodeling that occur in association with IrIa.

Long-term outcomes of acute irritant-induced asthma.

Rationale: The long-term outcomes of acute irritant-induced asthma (IIA) are mostly unknown.

Objectives: To study the long-term outcomes of IIA.

Methods: We reassessed 35 subjects who experienced IIA at a mean interval of 13.