Increase in urinary leukotriene B4 glucuronide concentration in patients with aspirin-intolerant asthma after intravenous aspirin challenge.

Background: Aspirin challenge of aspirin-intolerant asthma (AIA) patients causes a significant increase in leukotriene E4 (LTE4) concentration in urine. However, knowledge on leukotriene B4 (LTB4) generation in patients with AIA is insufficient. Recent research has demonstrated that exogenously administered LTB4 is excreted as glucuronide into the urine in human healthy subjects.

Urinary 3-bromotyrosine and 3-chlorotyrosine concentrations in asthmatic patients: lack of increase in 3-bromotyrosine concentration in urine and plasma proteins in aspirin-induced asthma after intravenous aspirin challenge.

Background: Eosinophil peroxidase and myeloperoxidase halogenate tyrosine residues in plasma proteins and generate 3-bromotyrosine (BY) and 3-chlorotyrosine (CY), respectively.

Objectives: (1) To estimate urinary concentrations of BY and CY in asthmatic patients. (2) To investigate BY concentration in relation to urinary leukotriene E4 (LTE4) concentration in order to evaluate the activation of eosinophils in patients with aspirin-induced asthma (AIA).

A case of polypoid clear cell acanthoma on the scrotum.

A red nodule appeared on the left side of the scrotum of a 37-year-old Japanese man and slowly grew for four years. When he first visited us, it was 5 mm in diameter, polypoid shaped, and had a smooth and slightly moist surface. Histologically, acanthosis, parakeratosis, and dilated blood vessels were seen in the upper dermis.

Correlation of allergen-induced IL-5 and IL-13 production by peripheral blood T cells of asthma patients.

Background: Helper T cells and T cell cytokines are implicated in allergic disorders such as asthma and atopic dermatitis (AD). We reported enhanced interleukin-5 (IL-5) production by peripheral blood T cells of asthmatic patients. Production of cytokines, particularly IL-5 and IL-13, by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from bronchial asthma (BA) and AD patients was investigated in the present study.

[Incidence and characteristics of perioperative pulmonary thromboembolism in Japan].

Background: Perioperative pulmonary thromboembolism (preoperative PTE) is widely recognized as one of the life-threatening perioperative complications in Japan. However, incidence of perioperative PTE is not well surveyed. The Japanese Society of Anesthesiologist (JSA) mailed the questionnaire about incidence of perioperative PTE and its characteristics to the institutions registered in JSA.

Differential effect of IL-4 and IL-13 on the expression of recombination-activating genes in mature B cells from human peripheral blood.

We examined the expression of recombination-activating genes (RAG-1 and RAG-2) and activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) by mature human blood B cells stimulated with anti-CD40 in the presence of IL-4 or IL-13. IL-4 was an effective cofactor for RAG-1 and RAG-2 expression, whereas IL-13 was not. In addition, IL-4-dependent RAG expression combined with AID and IgE expression allowed predominant expression of newly rearranged lambda light chains on IgE+ cells generated from kappa+ cells.

[Molecular cloning of fungal allergens and clinical applications of recombinant allergens in fungal allergy].

A large number of fungi are associated with allergic disorders. There are many problems in using non-standardized fungal extracts for diagnosis of fungal allergy. These problems can be solved by using genetically engineered recombinant allergens.

Reciprocal regulation of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine/macrophage-derived chemokine production by interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13 and interferon-gamma in HaCaT keratinocytes is mediated by alternations in E-cadherin distribution.

Keratinocytes produce many cytochemokines that are involved in the pathogenesis of skin disorders. In particular, the CC chemokines thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC)/macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) play an important role in the infiltration of Th2 cells. This study was undertaken to examine the regulatory effects of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and interferon (IFN)-gamma on TARC/MDC production in the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT.

Clinical features of asthmatic patients with increased urinary leukotriene E4 excretion (hyperleukotrienuria): Involvement of chronic hyperplastic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis.

Background: The urinary leukotriene E4 (U-LTE4) concentration is significantly increased in patients with aspirin-intolerant asthma (AIA). However, the relationship between the clinicopathogenetic factors of asthma and the U-LTE4 concentration remains undetermined.

Objective: We sought to examine the clinical features of asthmatic patients with increased excretion levels of U-LTE4 (hyperleukotrienuria).

Multifocal granular cell tumors of the gastrointestinal tract: Immunohistochemical findings compared with those of solitary tumors.

Granular cell tumors (GCT) are infrequently found in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and only four previous reports have described lesions occurring simultaneously in different sites. The present case of 11 GCT, located in the esophagus, stomach, colon and pericolic adipose tissue, occurred in a 50-year-old Japanese woman. All GCT appeared histologically benign and there was no sign of recurrence at 3 years after surgery.

Measurement of Dermatophagoides mite allergens on bedding and human skin surfaces.

Background: The level of the Dermatophagoides mite group 1 (Der 1) allergens in reservoir dust has been used as an index of exposure in most studies. However, the mite allergen level in reservoir dust cannot directly reflect the personal exposure level.

Objective: We sought to develop a new method for quantifying the Der 1 allergens on bedding and human skin surfaces as an index of exposure to mite allergens.

Significance of complications of allergic diseases in young patients with interstitial cystitis.

Background: It was found that about one-half of interstitial cystitis (IC) patients have complications of allergic diseases. However, significance of the complications have not been studied.

Patients And Methods: Thirty-four patients (age range 20 to 39 years old) meeting the diagnostic criteria of NIDDK established in 1987 were selected.

Adjuvant hydrodistension under epidural anesthesia for interstitial cystitis.

Background: Hydrodistension is the first choice of treatment for interstitial cystitis because it allows for diagnosis, bladder biopsy and treatment. However, the method and efficacy of hydrodistension are variable. We performed adjuvant hydrodistension and examined the efficacy and factors that influence prognosis.

Different apoptotic activity and p21(WAF1/CIP1), but not p27(Kip1), expression in serrated adenomas as compared with traditional adenomas and hyperplastic polyps of the colorectum.

Purpose: Serrated adenomas (SAs), which include a wide spectrum of lesions, can be broadly divided into two subtypes: type I, closely mimicking hyperplastic polyps (HPs), and type II, unequivocal adenomatous tumor. Our preliminary findings showed clinicopathologic differences between them. The present study was conducted to investigate apoptotic activity and expression of the cell cycle regulator proteins p21(WAF1/CIP1) and p27(Kip1) in type I and II SAs, as compared with traditional adenomas (TAs) and HPs.

Interaction with monocytes enhances IL-5 gene transcription in peripheral T cells of asthmatic patients.

Background: The regulatory mechanisms of IL-5 gene transcription in human peripheral T cells are unclear because the transfection efficiency of plasmid constructs into nontransformed T cells is very low.

Methods: Concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated blastocytes derived from peripheral blood lymphocytes of asthmatic subjects were transiently transfected with the human IL-5 gene promoter/enhancer-luciferase gene construct, pIL-5 (-511)Luc, and cultured with THP-1 cells (human monocytoid cells) and anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb). IL-5 level in the culture medium was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Nasal blockage and urinary leukotriene E4 concentration in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Background: Cysteinyl-leukotrienes have been reported to have a primary role in the induction of nasal blockage of allergic rhinitis. However, there has been little experimental evidence that substantiates the relationship between nasal blockage severity and urinary leukotriene E4 (U-LTE4) concentration in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR).

Methods: The concentrations of urinary mediators in 20 SAR patients were measured using an enzyme immunoassay to determine the relationship between nasal blockage severity and U-LTE4 concentration in patients with SAR.

[Malassezia and atopic dermatitis].

Although many exacerbating factors for atopic dermatitis (AD) have been discussed, we are focusing on fungus antigen as a pathogenesis for this condition. About half of the patients were sensitized by Candida albicans and/or Malassezia furfur (MF) using IgE. Patients with severe eruption tended to have a higher concentration of specific IgE.

Transcriptional regulation of the IL-5 gene in peripheral T cells of asthmatic patients.

Mechanisms that underlie the regulation of IL-5 gene expression in human peripheral T cells remain incompletely defined because of the low efficiency of transfection of plasmid constructs into non-transformed T cells. To elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of IL-5 production, concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated blastocytes derived from peripheral blood lymphocytes of asthmatic patients were employed in this study. Transcriptional activity of the synthetic human IL-5 promoter in ConA-stimulated blastocytes correlated with the production of IL-5.

A comparative study of eicosanoid concentrations in sputum and urine in patients with aspirin-intolerant asthma.

Background: Although many studies have assumed that the overproduction of cysteinyl- leukotrienes (cys-LTs) and an imbalance of arachidonic acid metabolism may be plausible causes for the pathogenesis of aspirin-intolerant asthma (AIA), there has been little experimental evidence to substantiate this notion in lower airways of patients with AIA.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the eicosanoid concentrations in sputum and urine from patients with AIA.

Methods: The concentrations of sputum cys-LTs, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), PGF2alpha, PGD2 and thromboxane B2 were measured to assess local concentrations of eicosanoids in patients with AIA and in those with aspirin-tolerant asthma (ATA).

[Analysis of IgE reactivities of purified allergens from Candida albicans and Malassezia furfur among patients with atopic dermatitis].

We analyzed the reactivities of a series of purified allergens from Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Malassezia furfur (M. furfur) with IgE antibodies in sera from patients with atopic dermatitis.

CD40-mediated tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 signaling upregulates IL-4-induced germline Cepsilon transcription in a human B cell line.

Induction of germline C epsilon transcription in B cells by IL-4, which is a critical initiating step for IgE class switching, is enhanced by CD40 engagement. Although signaling by CD40 is initiated by the binding of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF) family members to its cytoplasmic domain, whether those TRAF family proteins mediate enhancement of germline Cepsilon transcription is not evident. We report here that CD40-induced TRAF3-dependent activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase 1 (MEK1) is involved in the upregulation of IL-4-driven germline C epsilon transcription in a human Burkitt's lymphoma B cell line, DG75.

A case of multiple neurofibroma of the larynx and cervical esophagus.

A case of multiple neurofibroma of the larynx and cervical esophagus is reported. Key points concerning the follow-up observations of this case are described.

Expression of Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small nuclear RNA 1 in Japanese nasopharyngeal carcinomas.

An examination was made of the incidence of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome and its exact localization in 39 cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in Japanese patients by means of in situ hybridization (ISH) with a digoxigenin-labeled Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small nuclear RNA 1 (EBER1) oligonucleotide probe. Hybridization signals were observed in the nucleus of tumor cells in all 39 NPCs, including keratinizing carcinomas. The signals varied greatly in intensity from case to case and even from cell to cell in the same tumor, but were recognized in most tumor cells in each case.

Characterization of PGE2 receptor subtypes in human eosinophils.

Although previous pharmacologic studies have indicated that PGE receptors are expressed in human eosinophils, the exact distribution of the subtypes remains mostly unknown. By using a combination of genetic and conventional pharmacologic approaches, coexpression of mRNAs encoding the PGE receptor 2 (EP2) and EP4 was confirmed in eosinophils. Moreover, competitive PCR analysis of eosinophil RNA revealed that levels of the EP4 receptor mRNA were significantly higher than those of the EP2 receptor mRNA (P =.