Corticoids synergize with IL-1 in the induction of LCN2

OBJECTIVE

Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is an adipokine that was first identified in neutrophil granules. In the last years it was recognized as a factor that could impair chondrocyte phenotype, cartilage homeostasis as well as growth plate development. Both pro-inflammatory cytokines and glucocorticoids (GCs) modulate LCN2 expression. Actually, GCs were found to be LCN2 inducers, suggesting that part of the negative actions exerted by these anti-inflammatory drugs at cartilage level could be mediated by this adipokine. So, in this study we wanted to investigate whether corticoids were able to act in synergy with IL-1 in the induction of LCN2 and the signaling pathway involved in this process.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the realization of this work, ATDC5 mouse chondrogenic cell line was used. We determined the mRNA and protein expression of LCN2 by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot respectively, after GC or mineralcorticoid treatment. Different signaling pathways inhibitors were also used.

RESULTS

GC and mineralcorticoid were able to induce the expression of LCN2 in ATDC5 cells. Interestingly, both corticoids synergized with IL-1 in the induction of LCN2. The effect of these corticoids on the expression of LCN2 occurred through GC or mineralcorticoid receptors and the kinases PI3K, ERK1/2 and JAK2.

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged use of corticoids may have detrimental effects on cartilage homeostasis. Based on our results, we conclude that corticoids could increase the negative actions exerted by IL-1 by increasing the expression of LCN2.

Oleocanthal inhibits proliferation and MIP-1α expression in human multiple myeloma cells

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy that causes devastating bone destruction by activating osteoclasts in the bone marrow milieu. MM is the second of all hematological malignancies. Thus, the search for new pharmacological weapons is under intensive investigation being MM a critically important public health goal. Recently, it has been demonstrated that macrophage inflammatory protein 1- alpha (MIP-1 α) is crucially involved in the development of osteolytic bone lesions in MM. Phenolic components of extra virgin olive oil are reported to have anti tumor activity. However, the underlying mechanisms and specific targets of extra virgin olive oil remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the effects of a recently isolated novel extra virgin olive oil polyphenol, oleocanthal, on the human multiple myeloma cell line ARH-77. Here we report that this natural compound has a remarkable in vitro activity by inhibiting MIP-1 α expression and secretion in MM cells. In addition, we also demonstrated that oleocanthal inhibits MM cells proliferation by inducing the activation of apoptosis mechanisms and by down-regulating ERK1/2 and AKT signal transduction pathways. This in vitro study suggests a therapeutic potential of oleocanthal in treating multiple myeloma.

Identification of a novel recurrent gain on 20q13 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia by array CGH and gene expression profiling

BACKGROUND

The presence of genetic changes is a hallmark of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The most common cytogenetic abnormalities with independent prognostic significance in CLL are 13q14, ATM and TP53 deletions and trisomy 12. However, CLL displays a great genetic and biological heterogeneity. The aim of this study was to analyze the genomic imbalances in CLL cytogenetic subsets from both genomic and gene expression perspectives to identify new recurrent alterations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The genomic imbalances and expression levels of 67 patients were analyzed. The novel recurrent abnormalities detected with bacterial artificial chromosome array were confirmed by FISH and oligonucleotide microarrays. In all cases, gene expression profiling was assessed.

RESULTS

Copy number alterations were identified in 75% of cases. Overall, the results confirmed FISH studies for the regions frequently involved in CLL and also defined a new recurrent gain on chromosome 20q13.12, in 19% (13/67) of the CLL patients. Oligonucleotide expression correlated with the regions of loss or gain of genomic material, suggesting that the changes in gene expression are related to alterations in copy number.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates the presence of a recurrent gain in 20q13.12 associated with overexpression of the genes located in this region, in CLL cytogenetic subgroups.

Allergen-specific nasal provocation testing: review by the rhinoconjunctivitis committee of the Spanish Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Specific nasal provocation testing (NPT) consists of eliciting a response from the nasal mucosa by controlled exposure to allergens. It is indicated in the diagnostic confirmation of allergic rhinitis and when discrepancies arise or difficulties exist in the assessment of a patient's medical history and the results of skin and/or serological tests. The technique is also applied to evaluate sensitivity to the allergen, the efficacy and safety profile of treatment, and in research on the pathophysiological mechanisms of nasal response to allergens. NPT also provides information on the etiology of occupational respiratory diseases of allergic origin. Although there have been many studies and publications on the use and standardization of bronchial provocation tests with allergen, few analyze specific NPT. In this review, the Rhinoconjunctivitis Committee of the Spanish Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology discuss the methodology, monitoring, and assessment of allergen-specific NPT in order to provide a practical and up-to-date review of the technique.

Enhanced diagnosis of pollen allergy using specific immunoglobulin E determination to detect major allergens and panallergens

BACKGROUND

Pollen is one of the main causes of allergic sensitization. It is not easy to make an etiological diagnosis of pollen-allergic patients because of the wide variety of sensitizing pollens, association with food allergy, and increasing incidence of polysensitization, which may result from the presence of allergens that are common to different species, as is the case of panallergens.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the results of skin prick tests (SPT) using whole pollen extract with specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E determination for several allergens (purified panallergens included) in the diagnosis of polysensitized pollen-allergic patients.

METHODS

The study sample comprised 179 pollen-sensitized patients who underwent SPT with pollen extract and allergen-specific IgE determination against different allergens.

RESULTS

The level of concordance between the traditional diagnostic test (SPT) and IgE determination was low, especially in patients sensitized to the panallergens profilin and polcalcin. In the case of SPT, the results demonstrated that patients who are sensitized to either of these panallergens present a significantly higher number of positive results than patients who are not. However, IgE determination revealed that while patients sensitized to polcalcins are sensitized to allergens from a higher number of pollens than the rest of the sample, this is not the case in patients sensitized to profilins. On the other hand, sensitization to profilin or lipid transfer proteins was clearly associated with food allergy.

CONCLUSIONS

Sensitization to panallergens could be a confounding factor in the diagnosis of polysensitized pollen-allergic patients as well as a marker for food allergy. However, more studies are required to further investigate the role of these molecules.

In vitro transcription and translation inhibition via DNA functionalized gold nanoparticles

The use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has been gaining momentum as vectors for gene silencing strategies, combining the AuNPs' ease of functionalization with DNA and/or siRNA, high loading capacity and fast uptake by target cells. Here, we used AuNP functionalized with thiolated oligonucleotides to specifically inhibit transcription in vitro, demonstrating the synergetic effect between AuNPs and a specific antisense sequence that blocks the T7 promoter region. Also, AuNPs efficiently protect the antisense oligonucleotide against nuclease degradation, which can thus retain its inhibitory potential. In addition, we demonstrate that AuNPs functionalized with a thiolated oligonucleotide complementary to the ribosome binding site and the start codon, effectively shut down in vitro translation. Together, these two approaches can provide for a simple yet robust experimental set up to test for efficient gene silencing of AuNP-DNA conjugates. What is more, these results show that appropriate functionalization of AuNPs can be used as a dual targeting approach to an enhanced control of gene expression-inhibition of both transcription and translation.

Rhinitis and its association with asthma in patients under 14 years of age treated in allergy departments in Spain

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis is the most frequent chronic allergic disease in children, and may be an important risk factor for the subsequent development of asthma.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the characteristics of patients younger than 14 years of age presenting with rhinitis and the possible association with asthma.

METHODS

We carried out a prospective, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional epidemiologic study (Alergológica 2005) of 917 patients under the age of 14 consulting for the first time in allergy departments in Spain.

RESULTS

Rhinitis was diagnosed in 42.5% of the children. The association between asthma and rhinitis was significantly higher in children than in adults (44.9% vs 35.5%; P<.05). Time from onset of rhinitis was significantly associated with the development of asthma (2.97 vs 2.06 years; P<.0001). Allergy was the most frequent cause of rhinitis in children with and without asthma. Allergy to epithelia and fungi was more frequent in children with rhinitis and asthma than in children with rhinitis alone. We found no differences in the frequency of treatment with immunotherapy between children with and without asthma.

CONCLUSION

Rhinitis was frequently associated with asthma in children consulting for the first time at allergy departments. Time since onset of rhinitis and sensitivity to epithelia and fungi were associated with the development of asthma.

Epidemiology of allergic rhinitis in allergy consultations in Spain: Alergológica-2005

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is considered to be the most frequent allergic disorder.

OBJECTIVE

To present the data from the Alergológica-2005 on the characteristics of patients with AR.

METHODS

An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional epidemiologic study was performed on 4991 patients consulting for the first time in Allergology services in Spain.

RESULTS

Fifty-five percent of patients consulting Allergology services for the first time were diagnosed with AR, of whom 65% also had conjunctivitis and 37% asthma. Two out of every three subjects with AR consulted their primary care physician twice in the previous 4 months. One third was treated by another specialist in the preceding year and one of every five required treatment in emergency departments. AR affected the quality of life (SF-12), in some cases causing time off work and school. The most frequently involved allergens were pollens (51%), followed by dust mites (42%). Polysensitization was found in 31% of cases. Antihistamines and nasal topical corticoids were the most widely used drugs. In 38% of patients, treatment with specific immunotherapy was begun.

CONCLUSIONS

AR was the leading cause of consultations in Alergológica-2005. Rhinitis was frequently associated with other allergic disorders in 65% of patients with conjunctivitis and 37% with asthma. The illness led to a substantial use of healthcare resources and significantly affected the quality of life of the sufferers.

Towards an operational system for oil-spill forecast over Spanish waters: initial developments and implementation test

The ESEOO Project, launched after the Prestige crisis, has boosted operational oceanography capacities in Spain, creating new operational oceanographic services and increasing synergies between these new operational tools and already existing systems. In consequence, the present preparedness to face an oil-spill crisis is enhanced, significantly improving the operational response regarding ocean, meteorological and oil-spill monitoring and forecasting. A key aspect of this progress has been the agreement between the scientific community and the Spanish Search and Rescue Institution (SASEMAR), significantly favoured within the ESEOO framework. Important achievements of this collaboration are: (1) the design of protocols that at the crisis time provide operational state-of-the-art information, derived from both forecasting and observing systems; (2) the establishment, in case of oil-spill crisis, of a new specialized unit, named USyP, to monitor and forecast the marine oceanographic situation, providing the required met-ocean and oil-spill information for the crisis managers. The oil-spill crisis scenario simulated during the international search and rescue Exercise "Gijón-2006", organized by SASEMAR, represented an excellent opportunity to test the capabilities and the effectiveness of this USyP unit, as well as the protocols established to analyze and transfer information. The results presented in this work illustrate the effectiveness of the operational approach, and constitute an encouraging and improved base to face oil-spill crisis.

L-selectin expression on neutrophils from allergic patients

BACKGROUND

L-selectin (CD62L) is an adhesion molecule involved in leucocyte attachment to endothelium at sites of inflammation, and it has been demonstrated that L-selectin is rapidly shed after neutrophil activation. Recently, it has been reported that there is increasing evidence of neutrophil participation in asthma and the allergic process.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was designed to determine whether an IgE-dependent mechanism can modulate L-selectin expression on the surface of neutrophils. Moreover, we analyse the potential implication of intracellular signal-transduction pathways and whether specific immunotherapy (IT), glucocorticoids and antihistamines might regulate this process.

METHODS

Peripheral blood neutrophils from three groups of donors (asthmatic group without IT treatment, IT-treated asthmatic group and healthy group) were used. Cells were challenged in vitro with the specific allergen that produced clinical symptoms in asthmatic patients and also with the allergen to which the patients were not sensitive. Neutrophils from healthy donors were also challenged with allergens. Expression of CD62L on the neutrophil surface was analysed by flow cytometry, and soluble CD62L (sCD62L) in culture supernatant by ELISA. In an attempt to discover which IgE receptor is involved, we also challenged the neutrophils with monoclonal antibody to FcepsilonRI, FcepsilonRII (CD23) and galectin-3 receptors.

RESULTS

When neutrophils from allergic patients were challenged with specific allergens that produce clinical allergy symptoms, L-selectin was down-regulated from the surface of those cells, accompanied by a concomitant up-regulation of soluble L-selectin in the supernatant. The challenge with antibodies against FCepsilonRI, FCepsilonRII (CD23) and galectin-3, induces down-modulation of L-selectin on the surface of the neutrophils in all three cases. Calphostin C, wortmannin and manoalide attenuated CD62L down-regulation, suggesting the potential implication of protein kinase C, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and phospholipase A(2) in the process. IT and glucocorticoids modulated allergen-dependent CD62L down-regulation, whereas antihistamines (terfenadine, loratadine and cetirizine) or nedocromil sodium did not affect the shedding of L-selectin.

CONCLUSIONS

We present evidence that the neutrophil surface expression of CD62L can be modulated by an allergen-dependent mechanism. The modulation of CD62L expression can be induced through the three receptors of IgE. This process can be affected by IT.

A sensitive monoclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to quantify Parietaria judaica major allergens, Par j 1 and Par j 2

BACKGROUND

Parietaria pollen is one of the most important causes of pollinosis in Mediterranean countries. Parietaria judaica pollen extract presents two major allergens, Par j 1 and Par j 2, that belong to the lipid transfer protein family.

OBJECTIVE

To develop an ELISA for quantification of both major allergens of P. judaica pollen extracts, and to assert correlation of these allergens content with the allergenic activity of extracts.

METHODS

Natural Par j 1-Par j 2 allergens were purified by gel filtration, ion exchange, and affinity chromatography and identified by mass spectrometry. Rabbit antisera were obtained using this protein preparation as antigen and used for immunoaffinity purification of nPar j 1-Par j 2. BALB/c mice were immunized with the immunopurified nPar j 1-Par j 2 and after fusion and screening by direct ELISA, 5D4 monoclonal antibody was selected as capture antibody to develop a quantitative two-site ELISA. Bound proteins were detected by a biotinylated Par j 1-Par j 2-specific polyclonal antibody.

RESULTS

The optimized ELISA was developed from 25 to 8000 pg/mL of purified Par j 1-Par j 2, and a linear portion of 200-1000 pg/mL. The intraassay and interassay coefficients of variation were lower than 7% and 14% respectively. The assay was very sensitive and specific as it had a detection limit of 25 pg/mL and did not detect reactivity with the same family plants, as Urtica. Par j 1-Par j 2 allergens content was measured in 14 P. judaica and two P. officinalis pollen extracts showing a significant correlation with their allergenic activity measured by enzyme allergosorbent test inhibition.

CONCLUSIONS

The results proved the usefulness of the two-sandwich ELISA for the standardization of Parietaria pollen extracts intended for clinical use, because of its good correlation with allergenic potency.

[The vacuum chest wall lifter in the treatment of pectus excavatum]

Since 2002, the Eckart Klobe vacuum has been used in our Service as an innovate and non-invasive procedure in patients with pectus excavatum. This vacuum method contributes not only to hold promise as a valuable adjunct in minimally invasive surgery, but also as an effective method to lift and fix the funnel for repairing pectus excavatum in some patients. Our experience is limited to the use of this device in 10 patients, during the Nuss technique. This procedure has been useful for safer passage of the introducer, and as a definitive treatment in a 10 years old girl with pectus excavatum and a Haller index of 5.1 with successful result after one year of treatment. The aim of this study is to report the safety and efficacy of this procedure in appropriate patients. Long-term results will be necessary to confirm this method as an alternative to more invasive techniques.

Development of a Sandwich-Type ELISA for Measuring Pla a 1, the Major Allergen of Platanus acerifolia Pollen

BACKGROUND

Platanus acerifolia is an important cause of pollinosis in Western European cities. Pla a 1, a nonglycosylated 18-kDa protein with a prevalence of 80%, is a major allergen in P. acerifolia pollen extracts. Our aim was to develop a Pla a 1-specific ELISA to quantify this protein in allergenic extracts and preparations for clinical use.

METHODS

Pla a 1 was purified by cation exchange at pH 7.0, gel filtration, and anion exchange chromatography at pH 10.0. Monoclonal (mAb) and polyclonal antibodies were obtained by immunizing mice and rabbits with nPla a 1. One (5C1) of the 13 mAb obtained was used as capture antibody at 5 mug/ml and biotin-labeled specific polyclonal antiserum at 0.63 microg/ml served for detection.

RESULTS

The prevalence of Pla a 1-specific IgE to purified Pla a 1 among 47 P. acerifolia-allergic patients was 79%. The Pla a 1-ELISA developed has a linear range of 3-25 ng/ml, high sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.5 ng/ml and is highly specific as none of the 24 pollen, mite, mold, and plant food extracts tested gave positive results. The assay could quantify Pla a 1-like proteins in other planetree pollen extracts. A good correlation was obtained between Pla a 1 content of 11 P. acerifolia pollen extracts (average content 0.69% of the total protein) and their IgE-binding activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The described two-site sandwich ELISA to measure Pla a 1 is useful for standardization of planetree pollen extracts intended for clinical use.

Markov chains: Computing limit existence and approximations with DNA

We present two algorithms to perform computations over Markov chains. The first one determines whether the sequence of powers of the transition matrix of a Markov chain converges or not to a limit matrix. If it does converge, the second algorithm enables us to estimate this limit. The combination of these algorithms allows the computation of a limit using DNA computing. In this sense, we have encoded the states and the transition probabilities using strands of DNA for generating paths of the Markov chain.

Tolerance and short-term effect of a cluster schedule with pollen-extracts quantified in mass-units

We performed a prospective, multicenter study to assess the tolerance and possible short-term effects of allergen vaccines administered according to a cluster schedule in the months immediately preceding the onset of the pollen season. The study was carried out in eight centers and included 191 patients (children and adults) with allergic respiratory disease due to sensitization to olive tree and/or grass pollen. Of these, 34 patients acted as controls and the remaining patients received immunotherapy administered in the initiation phase according to a cluster schedule of eight doses injected on four visits. After 3 months of treatment, significant differences were found between the two groups in medication consumption (antihistamines in drops and oral formulations: p = 0.045 and p = 0.001, respectively; short-acting beta2-agonist treatments: p = 0.004) and respiratory symptoms (wheezing and coughing: p = 0.035 and 0.014, respectively). The cytokine profile (interleukin [IL]-4, 5, 10 and 2, interferon [IFN-gamma], and tumor necrosis factor [TNF-alpha]) was determined before the start of treatment and at the end of follow-up (4-5 months). Levels of IL-4, 5 and 10 (Th2 profile) decreased while those of IL-2, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha (Th1 profile) decreased. These differences were more marked in the active group than in the control group but were not statistically significant. No severe adverse effects were recorded. This study shows that the schedule tested had an acceptable tolerance profile and produced significant changes in symptom and medication scores after a few months of treatment. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study is needed to confirm these results.

Oligomerization triggers binding of a Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab pore-forming toxin to aminopeptidase N receptor leading to insertion into membrane microdomains

Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1A toxins, in contrast to other pore-forming toxins, bind two putative receptor molecules, aminopeptidase N (APN) and cadherin-like proteins. Here we show that Cry1Ab toxin binding to these two receptors depends on the toxins' oligomeric structure. Toxin monomeric structure binds to Bt-R1, a cadherin-like protein, that induces proteolytic processing and oligomerization of the toxin (Gomez, I., Sanchez, J., Miranda, R., Bravo A., Soberon, M., FEBS Lett. (2002) 513, 242-246), while the oligomeric structure binds APN, which drives the toxin into the detergent-resistant membrane (DRM) microdomains causing pore formation. Cleavage of APN by phospholipase C prevented the location of Cry1Ab oligomer and Bt-R1 in the DRM microdomains and also attenuates toxin insertion into membranes despite the presence of Bt-R1. Immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that initial Cry1Ab toxin binding to Bt-R1 is followed by binding to APN. Also, immunoprecipitation of Cry1Ab toxin-binding proteins using pure oligomeric or monomeric structures showed that APN was more efficiently detected in samples immunoprecipitated with the oligomeric structure, while Bt-R1 was preferentially detected in samples immunoprecipitated with the monomeric Cry1Ab. These data agrees with the 200-fold higher apparent affinity of the oligomer than that of the monomer to an APN enriched protein extract. Our data suggest that the two receptors interact sequentially with different structural species of the toxin leading to its efficient membrane insertion.

Myeloperoxidase release after allergen-specific conjunctival challenge

BACKGROUND

Allergen-specific conjunctival challenge is a fruitful and complete tool in evaluating pathophysiological phenomena of allergic inflammation. After challenge, a significant neutrophil infiltrate occurred in allergic subjects. The primary (azurophilic) granules of neutrophils contain a variety of enzymes that might potentiate inflammation, such as myeloperoxidase (MPO). It is not known whether allergen-specific conjunctival challenge (ASCC) is able to elicit MPO release. We also investigated the possible role of immunotherapy (IT) in the release of MPO.

METHOD

The groups studied included Dactylis glomerata-sensitive adult atopic patients suffering from seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and healthy adult nonatopic volunteer controls. One group of allergic patients received no specific hyposensitization (not-IT allergic group). A second group of allergic patients had been immunotherapy-treated with Dactylis glomerata extract for the preceding three years and continued to receive a maintenance dose within the highest potency of the extract (IT-allergic group). ASCC with Dactylis glomerata was performed outside the pollen season in all subjects. Myeloperoxidase was assayed by MPO-enzyme immunoassay method.

RESULTS

Thirty minutes after challenge, myeloperoxidase levels in the non-immunotherapy allergic patients were significantly higher compared than in the healthy group (p<0.001). The levels of myeloperoxidase released in the immunotherapy allergic group were significantly lower than those in the nonimmunotherapy allergic group (p<0.001) and higher than those in nonallergic subjects (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that after ASCC there is a release of MPO. Our study suggests that immunotherapy actively modifies the release of MPO after ASCC.

Rupatadine 10 mg and cetirizine 10 mg in seasonal allergic rhinitis: a randomised, double-blind parallel study

This randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, multicentre clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of rupatadine, a new antihistamine with antiplatelet-activating factor (PAF) activity, and cetirizine in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). A total 249 patients were randomised to receive rupatadine 10 mg once daily (127 patients) or cetirizine 10 mg (122 patients) for two weeks. The main efficacy variable was the mean total daily symptom score (mTDSS) and was based on the daily subjective assessment of the severity of each rhinitis symptom--nasal (runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching and nasal obstruction) and non-nasal (conjunctival itching, tearing, and pharyngeal itching)--recorded by patients in their diaries. The mTDSS was 0.7 for both treatment groups (intention to treat analysis). In the investigator's global evaluation of efficacy at the seventh day, 93.3% and 83.7% patients in the rupatadine and cetirizine groups, respectively, showed some or great improvement (p = 0.022). In the per protocol analysis (n = 181), runny nose at the seventh day of treatment was absent or mild in 81.1% of patients in the rupatadine group and in 68.6% of patients in the cetirizine group (p = 0.029). In any case statistical significance was not maintained at the second week. Overall, all treatments were well tolerated. Adverse events (AEs) were similar in both treatment groups, i.e. headache, somnolence and fatigue/asthenia as the most often reported. Somnolence was reported in 9.6% and 8.5% of patients treated with rupatadine or cetirizine, respectively. The most reported AEs (67%) were mild in intensity. Our results suggest that rupatadine 10 mg may be a valuable and safe alternative for the symptomatic treatment of SAR.

Twofold symmetries in nucleotide distribution in large domains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Chromosome I

Single stranded chains of biological DNA show a widespread occurrence of parity for complementary nucleotides, i.e., A=T, G=C. This has been referred to as A-T, G-C symmetry. A distinction must be made between this, which this paper calls mirror symmetry, and twofold symmetry, where complementary nucleotide parity occurs between two segments, of the same length and equidistant from a symmetry center, along a single-stranded DNA chain. I have analysed the sequence of Chromosome I of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the occurrence of complementary nucleotide symmetry. Open reading frame (ORF) sequences made up 63% of the total chromosome length and most of them were asymmetric for both A-T and G-C. The sign of A-T asymmetry was correlated with transcriptional orientation (A>T for sense and A<T for antisense ORFs), whereas G-C asymmetry was not. However, long single-stranded segments of Chromosome I were A-T mirror symmetric because they contained similar frequencies of ORFs in both transcriptional orientations. The same results were obtained with the AA-TT pair of complementary dinucleotides. Profiling of AA-TT symmetry along Chromosome I showed this chromosome to be organized as a succession of five domains that were twofold symmetric for AA-TT, placed between two subtelomeric regions without clear symmetry properties. This pattern was destroyed when ORF sequences were randomly repositioned along the chromosome. Based on the above findings, an architectural model is proposed for Chromosome I, in which the twofold symmetric domains, from 30 to 50 kb long, correspond to chromosome loops.

Allergen-dependent CD14 modulation and apoptosis in monocytes from allergic patients

BACKGROUND

CD14 is a most important monocyte surface molecule. Recently, it has been reported that there is an important relationship between CD14 and immunoglobulin E, and that regulation of CD14 expression is an effector mechanism mediating apoptosis of monocytes.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was designed to determine whether specific allergens were able to modulate CD14 expression and apoptosis by monocytes from allergic patients or whether specific immunotherapy (IT) might affect these processes.

METHODS

One group of adult allergic asthmatic patients had received IT for the previous 3 years. Another similar group was not treated with IT. We challenged peripheral blood monocytes from both groups of asthmatic patients in vitro with the specific allergen that produced clinical symptoms in asthmatic patients. The cells were also challenged with allergen to which the patients were not sensitive. Monocytes from normal subjects were also challenged with allergens. Expression of CD14 on the monocyte surface was analyzed by flow cytometry, and soluble CD14 (sCD14) in culture supernatant by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The three groups of subjects were challenged with allergens, and apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

When monocytes from non-IT-treated asthmatic patients were cultivated with the allergens to which the patients were sensitive, a significant up-regulation on the monocyte surface was observed compared with results from the healthy group (P < 0.003) and from the IT asthmatic group (P < 0.003). A significantly higher sCD14 level was observed in the culture supernatant of the monocytes from the IT asthmatic group were observed compared with those from the healthy group (P < 0.001) and those from the non-IT asthmatic group (P < 0.001). A significantly higher apoptosis level was observed in monocytes from the IT asthmatic group compared with those from the healthy group (P < 0.001) and those from the non-IT asthmatic group (<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We present evidence that the expression of CD14 on the surface of monocytes and the apoptosis of the same cells can be modulated by an allergen-dependent mechanism. These processes can be affected by IT.

Tolerance of a cluster schedule on the treatment of seasonal allergic respiratory disease with pollen extracts quantified in mass units

In order to evaluate the tolerance of a cluster schedule on specific immunotherapy (SIT), 306 patients were included in a multicenter study. The patients were suffering from rhinoconjunctivitis with/without asthma, caused by sensitization to olive and/or grass pollen. SIT was administered subcutaneously according to a cluster schedule in which the maintenance dose is reached after four visits (3 weeks). The extracts were biologically standardized with major allergens quantified in mass units. Local reactions appeared in 7.2% of the patients and 1.3% of the doses. Systemic reactions (SR) were recorded in 1.2% of the doses administered to 9.5% of the patients. No anaphylactic shock was registered, and all the SR responded fully and rapidly to treatment. There was no difference in SR according to diagnosis or allergen extract used. The majority of SR occurred with the administration of vial of higher concentration (Vial 2: 7 SR (22%), Vial 3: 32 SR (78%), p < 0.05). Of the 32 SR recorded with Vial 3, 13 (41%) were immediate, with no existing association between dose administered and appearance of SR. However, of the 18 delayed SR (56%), 14 occurred after the administration of the first two doses of Vial 3 and four occurred after administration of the second two doses (78% vs 22%, p < 0.05). On the other hand, this regime realized an important saving in cost and time compared to the conventional schedule (1581 fewer doses and 2754 fewer visits were necessary to reach the optimal dose). Considering all these factors, the clinical profile of the proposed regime may be qualified as good. However, future studies are necessary in order to better adjust the schedule to avoid the delayed SR that occurred after the administration of the first two doses of Vial 3.

The allergenic relevance of profilin (Ole e 2) from Olea europaea pollen

Many works have dealt with the study of the allergenic relevance of profilin from allergenic extracts, mainly derived from pollens and vegetable foods. Olive pollen extracts also contain a profilin allergen (Ole e 2). This protein has been characterized in detail, so the amino-acid sequence of three isoforms and the structural model of one of them are already known. The prevalence of Ole e 2 for olive allergenic patients has been evaluated by different in vivo and in vitro methods, and the results compared with those obtained for another pollen profilins.

Respiratory burst in neutrophils from asthmatic patients

BACKGROUND

The role of oxygen radicals has been implicated in disease processes of asthma. We have previously shown that specific allergens were able to activate respiratory burst by neutrophils from allergic patients sensitized to allergens of the same type as those which produce clinical allergy.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we attempted to evaluate the production of respiratory burst by an anti-IgE Ab in neutrophils from asthmatic allergic patients (with and without immunotherapy treatment) and in neutrophils from healthy subjects.

METHOD

Neutrophils were stimulated by 10 microg/mL of anti-IgE Ab for 15 min at 37 degrees C. The production of respiratory burst from neutrophils was assayed by luminol-amplified chemiluminescence method.

RESULTS

The respiratory burst was significantly higher in neutrophils from non-IT-asthmatic patients than in neutrophils from both healthy (p < 0.001) and IT-asthmatic (p < 0.001) groups. The IT-asthmatic group presented levels of respiratory burst approximately equal to those from non-allergic subjects (p=0.426).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that neutrophils obtained from allergic asthmatic patients have an increased propensity to generate respiratory bursts, in comparison with neutrophils from healthy subjects. Immunotherapy actively modifies the respiratory burst by neutrophils from allergic asthmatic patients.

[Early surgery in Poland syndrome]

Poland's congenital malformation presents a variable grade of complexity, depending upon the extent of the muscular and chondro-costal defect. Surgical repair for cosmetic reasons only, may be performed during childhood or puberty due to the absence of symptoms. However, this does not occur when the costal defects has a considerable size, with pulmonary herniation and impairment of respiratory function. In this cases, early surgical correction is preferred in order to adequately stabilize the chest wall. In this paper we present our experience of early surgical treatment in 5 patients affected by a complex syndrome, that were treated with autologous costal transplants and the use pof polytetrafluoroethylene to cover the chest wall defect. We discuss the surgical procedure performed, as well as the advantages of this material with respect to others described up to date and the good results obtained in one of the cases followed-up for five years.

IgE-dependent release of myeloperoxidase by neutrophils from allergic patients

BACKGROUND

The three forms of IgE receptor: the heterotrimeric high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcepsilonRI), the low-affinity receptor for IgE (FcepsilonRII/CD23) and the Mac-2/IgE-binding protein (epsilonBP), have previously been found on human neutrophils. We have previously shown that specific allergens are able to activate functional responses by neutrophils from allergic patients sensitized to those allergens. Neutrophils are present in the sites of allergic inflammation. The primary (azurophilic) granules of neutrophils contain a variety of enzymes that might potentiate inflammation, such as myeloperoxidase (MPO). It is not known whether specific allergens are able to elicit MPO release by neutrophils from allergic patients.

METHODS

Neutrophils were challenged in vitro with the specific allergen that produced clinical symptoms in asthmatic patients. Also, the cells were challenged with allergens that the patients were not sensitive to. Neutrophils from normal subjects were also challenged with allergens.

RESULTS

The in vitro challenge of neutrophils with allergens that the patients were sensitive to elicited a release of MPO by these cells. The in vitro activation of neutrophils was highly allergen-specific, in such a way that allergens other than those accounting for clinical symptoms did not evoke MPO release, and allergens were ineffective on neutrophils from healthy donors.

CONCLUSION

An IgE-dependent mechanism might promote MPO release by neutrophils at allergic sites.