May 25, 2022

Exogenous leptin enhances markers of airway fibrosis in a mouse model of chronic allergic airways disease

  • Research
  • Open Access

Background

Asthma patients with comorbid obesity exhibit increased disease severity, in part, due to airway remodeling, which is also observed in mouse models of asthma and obesity. A mediator of remodeling that is increased in obesity is leptin. We hypothesized that in a mouse model of allergic airways disease, mice receiving exogenous leptin would display increased airway inflammation and fibrosis.

Methods

Five-week-old male and female C57BL/6J mice were challenged with intranasal house dust mite (HDM) allergen or saline 5 days per week for 6 weeks (n = 6–9 per sex, per group). Following each HDM exposure, mice received subcutaneous recombinant human leptin or saline.

May 23, 2022

Use of JAK Inhibitors in AD: The Allergist’s Perspective.Tweetorial. CME

May 21, 2022

Increased expression of IL1-RL1 is associated with type 2 and type 1 immune pathways in asthma

  • Research
  • Open Access

Background

Asthma is a common chronic airway disease in the world. The purpose of this study was to explore the expression of IL1-RL1 in sputum and its correlation with Th1 and Th2 cytokines in asthma.

May 20, 2022

Effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and associated comorbidities: a multicentric prospective study in real life

Abstract

Background

Biologics are currently one of the main treatment options for a number of diseases. The IgG4 monoclonal antibody dupilumab targets the Interleukin-4 receptor alpha chain, thus preventing the biological effects of the cytokines IL-4 and IL-13, that are essential for the Th2 response. Several controlled trials showed that dupilumab is effective and safe in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), severe asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), thus resulting in approval by regulatory agencies.

May 17, 2022

Th1 cytokines synergize to change gene expression and promote corticosteroid insensitivity in pediatric airway smooth muscle

  • Research
  • Open Access

Abstract

Background

Corticosteroids remain a key therapy for treating children with asthma. Patients with severe asthma are insensitive, resistant, or refractory to corticosteroids and have poorly controlled symptoms that involve airway inflammation, airflow obstruction, and frequent exacerbations. While the pathways that mediate corticosteroid insensitivity in asthma remain poorly defined, recent studies suggest that enhanced Th1 pathways, mediated by TNFα and IFNγ, may play a role. We previously reported that the combined effects of TNFα and IFNγ promote corticosteroid insensitivity in developing human airway smooth muscle (ASM).

May 16, 2022

Insights into urticaria in pediatric and adult populations and its management with fexofenadine hydrochloride

  • Review
  • Open Access

Objective

The present narrative review provides a comprehensive update of the current knowledge on urticaria, both in adult and pediatric populations, and on the safety and efficacy of fexofenadine hydrochloride (HCl) as a treatment option.

Data source

A literature search was conducted on Embase and Medline.

Study selection

Clinical studies published in English and published between 1999 and 2020 were selected.

May 11, 2022

Facial Dermatoses and Use of Protective Mask During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Clinical and Psychological Evaluation in Patients Affected by Moderate-Severe Atopic Dermatitis Under Treatment With Dupilumab

Vanessa M, Elia E, Federica V, Edoardo C, Chiara A, Francesca G, Paola S. Facial Dermatoses and Use of Protective Mask During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Clinical and Psychological Evaluation in Patients Affected by Moderate-Severe Atopic Dermatitis Under Treatment With Dupilumab. Dermatol Ther. 2022 May 10:e15573. doi: 10.1111/dth.15573. Epub ahead of print

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: During the SARS-COV-2 pandemic, using face masks became mandatory in many countries. Although evidence suggests that masks can exacerbate several inflammatory skin diseases, few studies focus on their real impact on eczema localized to the face in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients.

May 2, 2022

Asthma and comorbidities: recent advances

Cazzola M, Rogliani P, Ora J, et al. Asthma and comorbidities: recent advances. Pol Arch Intern Med. 2022; 132: 16250. doi:10.20452/pamw.16250

ABSTRACT

Asthma is usually associated with pulmonary and extrapulmonary comorbidities that are more common in patients with severe asthma than in those with mild-to-moderate illness or in the general population. These comorbidities may affect the clinical intensity and severity of asthma and, as a result, increase health care costs related to its therapy. On the other hand, their recognition and appropriate treatment appear to improve asthma outcomes while optimizing therapy by preventing overtreatment. Comorbid conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, allergic rhinitis, obesity, depression, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease are commonly known, though their prevalence varies significantly between studies; however, many more comorbidities may remain undiagnosed and only be discovered in an experienced specialized environment.

April 30, 2022

Airway inflammatory profile among cleaning workers from different workplaces

  • Research article
  • Open Access
Abstract
Background

Cleaning workers represent a significant proportion of the active population worldwide, with poor remuneration, particularly in developing countries. Despite this, they remain a relatively poorly studied occupational group. They are constantly exposed to agents that can cause symptoms and respiratory problems. This study aimed to evaluate upper airway inflammation in professional cleaning workers in three different occupational settings by comparing nasal cytology inflammation and clinical profiles.

Impact of oligomerization on the allergenicity of allergens

  • Review
  • Open Access

Abstract

Type I hypersensitivity (allergic reaction) is an unsuitable or overreactive immune response to an allergen due to cross-link immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies bound to its high-affinity IgE receptors (FcεRIs) on effector cells. It is needless to say that at least two epitopes on allergens are required to the successful and effective cross-linking. There are some reports pointing to small proteins with only one IgE epitope could cross-link FcεRI-bound IgE through homo-oligomerization which provides two same IgE epitopes. Therefore, oligomerization of allergens plays an indisputable role in the allergenic feature and stability of allergens.

April 26, 2022

Refractory flare-up of severe bronchial asthma controlled with mepolizumab due to Pneumocystis pneumonia: a case report

  • Case report
  • Open Access

Abstract

Background

Biologics dramatically improve symptoms of severe asthma; however, various exacerbating factors may induce flare-up. Pneumocystis spp. have not been reported as a cause of asthma exacerbation during biologic use, although patients with severe asthma have high levels of antibodies against Pneumocystis spp.

Case presentation

An 87-year-old female with severe asthma that was well-controlled with mepolizumab, who developed a steroid-resistant refractory flare-up. Chest computed tomography showed bilateral ground glass opacities, and results of polymerase chain reaction tests on induced sputum were positive for Pneumocystis DNA.

April 22, 2022

Deep learning for spirometry quality assurance with spirometric indices and curves

  • Research
  • Open Access

Abstract

Background

Spirometry quality assurance is a challenging task across levels of healthcare tiers, especially in primary care. Deep learning may serve as a support tool for enhancing spirometry quality. We aimed to develop a high accuracy and sensitive deep learning-based model aiming at assisting high-quality spirometry assurance.

April 20, 2022

Maximal inspiratory and expiratory flow at moderate altitude: a study of a Latin American population

 Research - Open Access

Laura Gochicoa-Rangel, Keylin Yaoska RodrĂ­guez-Peralta, Ana Karen GutiĂ©rrez-Bautista, Carlos Guzmán-Valderrábano, Rosario Fernández-Plata, Luis Torre-Bouscoulet & David MartĂ­nez-Briseño 

BMC Pulmonary Medicine volume 22, Article number: 147 (2022)

Abstract

Background

Peak inspiratory and expiratory flows (PIF, PEF) are parameters used to evaluate the mechanics of the respiratory system. These parameters can vary based on whether they are measured using mechanical devices vs. spirometry and based on the barometric pressure at which the measurements are obtained. Our objectives were (1) to report the normal values and variability of PEF and PIF of a Latin American population living at a moderate altitude (2240 m above sea level), (2) to analyze the adjustment of reference values obtained at sea level with those obtained in healthy subjects living at a moderate altitude, and (3) to assess the correlation between PEF obtained by spirometry (PEFs) and PEF obtained by mechanical devices (PEFm).