scholarly journals Asthma/Rhinitis (The United Airway) and Allergy: Chicken or Egg; Which Comes First?

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1483
Author(s):  
John O. Warner
Keyword(s):  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Allergic Sensitization ◽  
Airway Diseases ◽  
Gene Environment ◽  
Genes And Environment ◽  
Asthma And Allergy ◽  
Allergic March ◽  
Inflammatory Molecules ◽  
And Control

While allergy, asthma and rhinitis do not inevitably co-exist, there are strong associations. Not all those with asthma are allergic, rhinitis may exist without asthma, and allergy commonly exists in the absence of asthma and/or rhinitis. This is likely due to the separate gene/environment interactions which influence susceptibility to allergic sensitization and allergic airway diseases. Allergic sensitization, particularly to foods, and eczema commonly manifest early in infancy, and not infrequently are followed by the development of allergic rhinitis and ultimately asthma. This has become known as the “allergic march”. However, many infants with eczema never develop asthma or rhinitis, and both the latter conditions can evolve without prior eczema or food allergy. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the ontogeny of allergic sensitization and allergic disease will facilitate rational approaches to the prevention and management of asthma and allergic rhinitis. Furthermore, a range of new, so-called biological, therapeutic approaches, targeting specific allergy-promoting and pro-inflammatory molecules, are now in clinical trials or have been recently approved for use by regulatory authorities and could have a major impact on disease prevention and control in the future. Understanding basic mechanisms will be essential to the employment of such medications. This review will explain the concept of the united airway (rhinitis/asthma) and associations with allergy. It will incorporate understanding of the role of genes and environment in relation to the distinct but interacting origins of allergy and rhinitis/asthma. Understanding the patho-physiological differences and varying therapeutic requirements in patients with asthma, with or without rhinitis, and with or without associated allergy, will aid the planning of a personalized evidence-based management strategy.

scholarly journals Effect of Probiotics on Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized, Controlled, Clinical Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 1918 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahnaz Sadeghi-Shabestari ◽  
Yalda Jabbari Moghaddam ◽  
Hasan Rezapoor ◽  
Mojataba Sohrabpour
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Standard Therapy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
P Value ◽  
Nasal Discharge ◽  
Oral Corticosteroids ◽  
And Control

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common diseases in the world and affects about 10-50% of the general population. Probiotics are live microorganisms that help the normal state of the intestine, and if prescribed correctly, they can stimulate the mucosal immune system to prevent inflammatory symptoms of allergy and atopy. The present study aims to investigate the role of probiotics in the treatment of AR when added to standard therapy as adjuvant agents. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 28 patients older than 15 years with AR randomly divided into probiotics and control groups. The probiotics group received standard therapy for AR accompanied by probiotic capsules every 12 hours for eight weeks, whereas the control group received standard therapy for AR with placebo capsules as the same protocol. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 23 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA) and, the P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In the probiotics group, 14.3% of patients had sneezing at the baseline, which significantly decreased to 4.6% (P<0.01). Also, the necessity for nasal and oral corticosteroids after treatment with probiotics in the probiotics group was less than the control group (P<0.01). Although cough, nasal discharge, conchae hypertrophy, and night sleep disorders reduced after treatment with probiotics, this reduction was not statistically significant between the two groups. Conclusion: Based on the results of this clinical trial, the use of probiotics had no significant effect on the outcome of patients with AR. [GMJ.2020;9:e1918] 

Exploring the Causal Relationship Between Cannabis and Schizophrenia: What is the Role of Genes and Environment?

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Kuepper ◽  
I. Myin-Germeys ◽  
M. Konings ◽  
R. van Winkel ◽  
J. van Os ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Comt Gene ◽  
Differential Sensitivity ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
Gene Environment ◽  
Genes And Environment ◽  
New Evidence ◽  
Moderating Role

Frequent use of cannabis has been associated with poor outcome in patients with psychosis or schizophrenia, and research has become more and more interested in the question whether cannabis may actually cause psychosis or schizophrenia. Since only a minority of cannabis users eventually develops psychosis or schizophrenia, cannabis is suggested to be a component cause, potentially interacting with environmental as well as genetic factors. However, little is known about this putative interaction. Recent research in our group has therefore focused on differential sensitivity to cannabis and its psychosis-inducing effects. Experimental and observational work for instance showed that a functional polymorphism within the COMT gene moderates the acute effects of cannabis on psychosis outcome. In this presentation new evidence from epidemiological work is presented, showing gene-environment interactions within the cannabis-psychosis association. These results point to a moderating role for both age of onset of cannabis use and childhood trauma. Also a certain haplotype within the COMT gene was found to increase the risk of developing schizophrenia after adolescent cannabis use. Complex gene-environment interactions as well as interactions between cannabis and other environmental risk factors seem to underlie the cannabis-psychosis relationship. Possible biological mechanisms such as sensitization processes that may underlie these interactions will be discussed.

scholarly journals Plasma ascorbic acid therapy and eosinophilic counts in allergic rhinitis: a pilot study

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 126
Author(s):  
Manish Munjal ◽  
Atul Singh ◽  
Shubham Munjal ◽  
Indu Verma ◽  
Abhra Ghosh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Health Care Facility ◽  
Plasma Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Acid Therapy ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Role of plasma ascorbic acid in reducing the eosinophilic counts in subjects of allergic rhinitis was studied.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 60 patients were randomly selected from the Rhinology clinics of Oto- Rhino- laryngology and Head-Neck services of a tertiary health care facility. Shift in the eosinophilic counts in three groups of patients i.e., allergic rhinitis, placebo and control groups was analyzed and compared. The study was undertaken in a period of 1<sup>1/2</sup> years (June 2009 -January 2010) Blood eosinophilic count as %age of DLC was noted.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The mean eosinophilic count was elevated in allergic patients (8.009±2.91) with respect to that in the controls (4.70±1.26). It reverted to normal with treatment with vitamin C. No change was seen in the placebo group. (5.45±3.56).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Vitamin-c reduces the eosinophilic counts in allergic rhinitis.</p><p> </p>

scholarly journals The Role of IgE in Upper and Lower Airway Disease: More Than Just Allergy!

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippe Gevaert ◽  
Kit Wong ◽  
Lauren A. Millette ◽  
Tara F. Carr
Keyword(s):  
Immunoglobulin E ◽  
Allergic Sensitization ◽  
Airway Disease ◽  
Allergic Airway Disease ◽  
Lower Airway ◽  
Clinical Practices ◽  
Optimal Care ◽  
Airway Diseases ◽  
Ige Mediated

AbstractImmunoglobulin E (IgE) is a well-known key factor in allergic airway disease; however, its central role in non-allergic airway inflammation is often underestimated. In some airway diseases, IgE is produced as a result of allergic sensitization. However, in others, IgE production occurs despite the lack of a specific allergen. Although multiple pathways contribute to the production of IgE in airway disease, it is its activity in mediating the inflammatory response that is associated with disease. Therefore, an understanding of IgE as the unifying component of upper and lower airway diseases has important implications for both diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the role of IgE in each upper and lower airway disease highlights its potential utility as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target. Further classification of these diseases by whether they are IgE mediated or non–IgE mediated, rather than by the existence of an underlying allergic component, accounts for both systemic and localized IgE activity. Improvements in diagnostic methodologies and standardization of clinical practices with this classification in mind can help identify patients with IgE-mediated diseases. In doing so, this group of patients can receive optimal care through targeted anti-IgE therapeutics, which have already demonstrated efficacy across numerous IgE-mediated upper and lower airway diseases.

scholarly journals Vitamin D3 levels in allergic rhinitis: a case control study from South Karnataka

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 1295
Author(s):  
Vinay S. Bhat ◽  
Anupama A.
Keyword(s):  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Vitamin D3 ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Region Of Residence ◽  
And Control

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disorder seen in routine otolaryngology practice. There has been an increased interest in researchers worldwide regarding role of vitamin D3 in pathogenesis of allergy. This study intends to compare levels of vitamin D3 in patients with clinically diagnosed allergic rhinitis and subjects without allergic rhinitis. This study was conducted in rural South Karnataka where incidence of allergic rhinitis is on the rise. Main objective of this study was to assess vitamin D3 levels in patients with clinically diagnosed AR and compare it with vitamin D3 levels in control group where normal subjects were included.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Total of 100 patients were included in this study. Case group comprised of 50 patients clinically diagnosed as AR and control group comprised 50 subjects without any symptoms of AR. All the patients underwent serum vitamin D3 estimation. Other parameters such as age, gender, occupation (outdoor vs indoor) and region of residence (urban vs rural) were also compared between the groups.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> This study did not find significant difference between two groups when all the parameters compared. Significant number of study subjects both in case and control group were found to be either deficient or inadequate in vitamin D3 levels.</p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> we did not find significant difference in vitamin D3 levels between cases and controls. Further studies with bigger sample size and robust study design may throw more light on association of vitamin D3 with AR.

scholarly journals THE ROLE OF THE MICROBIOME IN RESPIRATORY DISEASE: ALLERGIC RHINITIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arundeep Singh ◽  
Kirsten Kloepfer
Keyword(s):  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Allergic Sensitization ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
The United States ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Causative Role ◽  
Microbial Dysbiosis ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Respiratory Microbiota

Background:  Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common disorders affecting patients in the United States and developed and developing countries. Currently, no effective methods of prevention or effective cures exist for allergic rhinitis. This is due to unanswered questions regarding the etiology of allergic sensitization and the development of symptoms after sensitization. Recently dysbiosis of the microbiota has been investigated as a potential contributor to the development of allergic sensitization and symptoms.  We decided to review the current evidence and describe potential mechanisms between allergic rhinitis and microbial dysbiosis of the upper airway and GI tract.     Methods:  To perform our review, we utilized PubMed, compiling the most relevant and well-performed studies focusing on the gut and upper respiratory microbiota in allergic rhinitis. Association and experimental studies were predominantly sought and used, though systemic reviews and review articles were included to ensure we included all pertinent studies within the past ten years.     Findings:  Significant evidence exists supporting the hypothesis that dysbiosis in upper respiratory and gut microbiota is associated with the development of allergic rhinitis. Additionally, existing longitudinal studies demonstrate that dysbiosis appears to precede the development of allergic symptoms, while experimental studies in murine models have provided evidence for defining a causative role for microbial dysbiosis. To date, modulation of the microbiome shows efficacy for treatment, but little to no efficacy for prevention.    Conclusion and Potential Impacts:  This review highlights the potential role of the gut and upper respiratory microbiota in the development of allergic rhinitis, providing an additional avenue for treatment and prevention in clinical settings. Given the results of prevention studies utilizing microbiome modulation, more research is required to establish the exact role of the microbiota in allergic disease and to examine the effects of personalized formulations of probiotics to further our understanding and possibly prevent the development of allergic rhinitis. 

Contemporary thinking about the role of genes and environment in eating disorders

2004 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia M. Bulik ◽  
Federica Tozzi
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Science Practice ◽  
Genetic Studies ◽  
Gene Environment ◽  
Genes And Environment ◽  
State Of The Science

SummaryObjective – To review recent literature documenting how family, twin and molecular genetic studies of eating disorders have revolutionized our conceptualizations of anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Methods – We summarized extant litera-ture on genetic epidemiology of eating disorders. Results – Results of extant studies highlight the underlying biological vulnera- bilities associated with these conditions. Genetic research has also opened up new avenues and approaches for exploring how the environment exerts its influence on risk. Conclusions – We discuss state-of-the-science findings in the genetics of eating disorders, explore various mechanisms of gene-environment interplay, and discuss implications of this research for science, practice, families and individuals with eating disorders.

Morphogenesis of a New Human Herpes-Type Virus Isolate (Sasha Virus)

1973 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 592-593
Author(s):  
R. F. Zeigel ◽  
W. Munyon
Keyword(s):  
Virus Isolate ◽  
Calf Serum ◽  
Uranyl Acetate ◽  
Human Herpes ◽  
Human Embryonic Lung ◽  
Human Herpes Virus ◽  
Intracytoplasmic Inclusions ◽  
Hel Cells ◽  
And Control

In continuing studies on the role of viruses in biochemical transformation, Dr. Munyon has succeeded in isolating a highly infectious human herpes virus. Fluids of buccal pustular lesions from Sasha Munyon (10 mo. old) uiere introduced into monolayer sheets of human embryonic lung (HEL) cell cultures propagated in Eagles’ medium containing 5% calf serum. After 18 hours the cells exhibited a dramatic C.P.E. (intranuclear vacuoles, peripheral patching of chromatin, intracytoplasmic inclusions). Control HEL cells failed to reflect similar changes. Infected and control HEL cells were scraped from plastic flasks at 18 hrs. of incubation and centrifuged at 1200 × g for 15 min. Resultant cell packs uiere fixed in Dalton's chrome osmium, and post-fixed in aqueous uranyl acetate. Figure 1 illustrates typical hexagonal herpes-type nucleocapsids within the intranuclear virogenic regions. The nucleocapsids are approximately 100 nm in diameter. Nuclear membrane “translocation” (budding) uias observed.

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