The effect of cetirizine on IFN-gamma and IL-10 production in children with allergic rhinitis.

Cetirizine, one of the most commonly used antihistamines for the treatment of allergic diseases, possesses some anti-inflammatory properties. Despite its common use, the effect of cetirizine on the production of cytokines from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) needs further clarification. The aim of this study was to investigate whether cetirizine changes interleukin (IL)-10, (IF)-gamma and IL-4 production from PBMCs in children with allergic rhinitis.

Rapid decline of anti-pneumococcal antibody levels in nephrotic children.

Nephrotic children are at increased risk for pneumococcal infections. Antibody responses to the currently recommended pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine have been variable and maintenance of adequate antibody levels over time has not been well documented. In this study, we determined total IgG antibody levels against pneumococcal polysaccharides before and 1, 6, 12 and 36 months after 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) administration in nine children with steroid-responsive nephrotic syndrome during remission while off corticosteroids.

Apoptosis of cord blood neutrophils and their response to colony-stimulating factors.

Neutrophil production and functions are immature in newborns. Although neutrophil kinetics during neonatal period have been widely studied, little is known about the effect of apoptosis on these defects. In this study, we examine the apoptosis of neonatal neutrophils and the effects of colony-stimulating factors (CSF) on this process.