[Clinical features of oral allergy syndrome to plant foods allergens in Kanto regions].

Background: Recently, it is recognized that the patients of oral allergy syndrome (OAS) to fruits are increasing. However, there are little knowledges of the background, character, and seriousness about these patients in Kanto regions.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the clinical features of OAS patients to plant origin foods in Kanto regions.

Quantification of leukotriene B4 glucuronide in human urine.

We have developed a method for measuring leukotriene B4 glucuronide, a marker of systemic leukotriene B4 biosynthesis, in human urine. This method involves the separation of two positional isomers of leukotriene B4 glucuronide by high-performance liquid chromatography, followed by hydrolysis with beta-glucuronidase and then leukotriene B4 quantification by enzyme immunoassay after purification by high-performance liquid chromatography. One of two positional isomers of leukotriene B4 glucuronide was predominantly present in urine.

Urinary eicosanoid and tyrosine derivative concentrations in patients with vasculitides.

Background: Vasculitides are classified on the basis of the type of cell involved, namely, eosinophilic vasculitides such as Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) and noneosinophilic vasculitides. However, knowledge on inflammatory mediators and oxidative tissue damage associated with vasculitides is insufficient.

Objective: We measured the urinary concentrations of inflammatory mediators and tyrosine derivatives to assess biomarkers associated with the pathophysiology of vasculitides.