Diego G Peroni

Publications (39)99.37 Total impact

• Article: Food allergy: the perspectives of prevention using vitamin D.

  Diego G Peroni, Attilio L Boner
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  ABSTRACT: PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We reviewed the scientific publications in the last 2 years on the connections between vitamin D and food allergy, and endeavor to focus on the possible indications for supplementation in order to prevent allergies. RECENT FINDINGS: Ecological studies have suggested a possible relationship between sun exposure and atopic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis and anaphylaxis. However, no direct evaluation of vitamin D status has been performed. Recent studies evaluating the relationship with vitamin D levels at birth or during pregnancy have shown conflicting results with the lower levels of vitamin D associated with eczema, the higher with increased food allergy prevalence. SUMMARY: Although the role of vitamin D in extraskeletal function is certainly intriguing and must not be underestimated, at the moment there is a lack of consistent data addressing the topic of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention of food allergies. However, in light of the vast amount of literature regarding the mechanisms connected with atopic diseases, an evaluation of serum levels of vitamin D and eventually supplementation must be considered as a further opportunity to understand and treat atopic diseases. In this regard, well designed trials on vitamin D supplementation to prevent food allergies are urgently needed.
  Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology 04/2013; · 4.11 Impact Factor
• Article: Colostrum-derived B and T cells as an extra-lymphoid compartment of effector cell populations in humans.

  Diego G Peroni, Salvatore Chirumbolo, Dino Veneri, Giorgio L Piacentini, Laura Tenero, Antonio Vella, Riccardo Ortolani, Ricciarda Raffaelli, Attilio L Boner
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  ABSTRACT: Colostrum contains cellular components that convey immunological protection to offspring. In the present study the main subsets of lymphocytes present in colostrum and in peripheral blood of healthy screened mothers were compared through the evaluation of >15 different flow cytometry markers. Colostrum and peripheral blood samples were collected within 3 days after full-term delivery. Flow cytometry assays and laboratory tests were performed soon after collection. Among B cells, percentages of CD19(+)CD5(+) cells, pertaining to natural immunity system, were significantly higher in colostrum than in peripheral blood (33 vs. 5%, p = 0.047). CD4(+) T cells, effector cells (CD45RA(+)/CD27(-)) and effector memory cells (CD45RA(-)/CD27(-)) were significantly higher in colostrum (p < 0.001) than in peripheral blood, as well as activated CD4(+) T cells (HLA(-)DR(+)) (36% vs. 6% p = 0.0022) and CD4(+) terminally differentiated effector T cells (CD57(+)) (p < 0.001). With regards to CD8(+) T cells, a comparable significant increase in effector (p < 0.02) and effector memory cells (p < 0.001) was also observed. Moreover, an increased surface expression of HLA-DR and CD57 (p < 0.001) on CD8(+) T cells in colostrum was detected. Colostrum contains a different distribution of lymphocyte subsets with respect to peripheral blood from mothers, confirming the observation that lymphocytes probably migrate in milk in a selective way. Colostrum T and B lymphocytes appear to be enriched with subsets possessing effector functions or belonging to the innate immune system, what could transfer a prompt line of defence to offspring.
  The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine: the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians 09/2012; · 1.36 Impact Factor
• Article: Nasal mucosa temperature as a marker of disease in children with allergic rhinitis.

  Diego G Peroni, Elena Cattazzo, Iolanda Chinellato, Michele Piazza, Giovanna Tezza, Attilio L Boner, Giorgio L Piacentini
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  ABSTRACT: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a symptomatic disorder of the nose induced after allergen exposure by an IgE-mediated inflammation of the nasal mucosa. This study was designed to investigate the role of nasal mucosa temperature in AR. We investigated the relationship between eosinophilic infiltration, nasal obstruction, and nasal mucosa temperature in 35 children with rhinitis aged 6-12 years. A significant relationship was shown between nasal temperature values and eosinophil infiltration at nasal cytology (p < 0.01). Nasal temperature was also significantly associated with nasal obstruction, assessed in terms of nasal volume (Vol [2-5 cm]; p < 0.05) and minimum cross-sectional area (p < 0.01). No significant correlation emerged between the degree of nasal obstruction and presence of eosinophils at nasal cytology (p > 0.05). These results suggest a relationship between nasal temperature and nasal mucosa inflammation and obstruction.
  American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy 07/2012; 26(4):e115-8.
• Article: Analysis of urinary parameters as risk factors for nephrolithiasis in children with celiac disease.

  Marco Deganello Saccomani, Carla Pizzini, Giorgio L Piacentini, Attilio L Boner, Diego G Peroni
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  ABSTRACT: Intestinal malabsorption can cause urinary stone disease via enteric hyperoxaluria. It has been shown that celiac disease, a common malabsorption disorder, is associated with an increased risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones in adults. Since no published data are available in the pediatric population, we analyzed urinary excretion of electrolytes in children with celiac disease to assess the risk of nephrolithiasis. The study population consisted of 115 children 1 to 16 years old (mean 5 years) with positive serological tests for celiac disease (anti-endomysium and anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies) referred to us for jejunal biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Assessment was requested because patients presented with poor growth, anemia, gastrointestinal disorders or a family history of celiac disease. After obtaining informed consent we performed urine tests to measure urinary variables and blood tests to exclude metabolic disorders and evaluate renal function. All patients had a biopsy confirmed diagnosis of celiac disease. Oxaluria was normal in all children studied. However, levels of urinary calcium were decreased in patients with celiac disease and were inversely associated with disease severity (p = 0.0004). In contrast to adults, increased urinary excretion of oxalate was not detectable in children presenting with celiac disease. Therefore, the risk of nephrolithiasis appears not to be increased compared to healthy children. The observed hypocalciuria probably further decreases the tendency to form kidney stones.
  The Journal of urology 06/2012; 188(2):566-70. · 4.02 Impact Factor
• Article: How changes in nutrition have influenced the development of allergic diseases in childhood.

  Diego G Peroni, Beatrice Bonomo, Serena Casarotto, Attilio L Boner, Giorgio L Piacentini
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  ABSTRACT: The increasing prevalence of allergic diseases in childhood in the last decades could be linked to concomitant dietary changes, especially with the modified and lower consumption of fruit, vegetables and minerals. The consumption of these foods by pregnant women and children in the first years of life seems to be associated with a reduced risk of asthma and related symptoms. Foods that can prevent the development of wheezing through their antioxidant effects contain vitamin C and selenium; blood levels of these elements correlate negatively with the risk of wheezing. Intake of vitamin E during pregnancy also appears to be correlated with a reduced risk of wheezing for the unborn child. Similarly, low intake of zinc and carotenoids by pregnant women is associated with an increased risk of wheezing and asthma in childhood. Fiber also has anti-inflammatory properties and protective effects against allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis and asthma. The consumption of fat influences the development of the airways. Populations in Western countries have increased their consumption of n-6 PUFAs and, in parallel, reduced n-3 PUFAs. This has led to decreased production of PGE2, which is believed to have a protective effect against inflammation of the airways. Conflicting hypotheses also concern vitamin D; both an excess and a deficiency of vitamin D, in fact, have been associated with an increased risk of asthma. Further studies on the role of these substances are necessary before any conclusions can be drawn on a clinical level. ASTRATTO: La crescente prevalenza negli ultimi decenni delle malattie allergiche in età pediatrica potrebbe essere legata a concomitanti cambiamenti nella dieta, in particolare alla minore e modificata introduzione di frutta, verdura e minerali. Il consumo di questi alimenti da parte delle donne in gravidanza e dei bambini nei primi anni di vita sembra essere associato ad un ridotto rischio di asma e di sintomi correlati. Gli alimenti che possono prevenire lo sviluppo di respiro sibilante (wheezing) attraverso i loro effetti antiossidanti contengono vitamina C e selenio; i livelli ematici di questi elementi sono correlati negativamente con il rischio di wheezing. Inoltre l'assunzione di vitamina E durante la gravidanza sembra essere correlato con un rischio ridotto di respiro sibilante per il nascituro. Allo stesso modo, basso apporto di zinco e di carotenoidi in donne in gravidanza è associata ad un aumentato rischio di wheezing e asma nell'infanzia. Anche le fibre hanno proprietà anti-infiammatorie ed effetti protettivi contro le malattie allergiche come la dermatite atopica e l'asma. Il consumo di grassi influenza lo sviluppo delle vie aeree. Le popolazioni dei paesi occidentali hanno aumentato il loro consumo di n-6 PUFA e, parallelamente, ridotto n-3 PUFA. Ciò ha portato alla diminuzione della produzione di PGE2, che si ritiene abbia un effetto protettivo contro l'infiammazione delle vie aeree. Ipotesi contrastanti riguardano la vitamina D, sia un eccesso che una carenza di vitamina D, infatti, sono stati associati ad un aumentato rischio di asma. Ulteriori studi sul ruolo di queste sostanze sono necessari prima di trarre conclusioni sul piano clinico.
  Italian Journal of Pediatrics 05/2012; 38:22.
• Article: Severe refractory dermatitis and cystic fibrosis.

  Diego G Peroni, Claudia Banzato, Sara Guerresi, Donatella Schena, Marco Deganello, Attilio L Boner, Giorgio L Piacentini
  Archives of Disease in Childhood 03/2012; 97(3):205. · 2.88 Impact Factor
• Article: Diffusion lung capacity of carbon monoxide: A novel marker of airways remodeling in asthmatic children?

  Giorgio L Piacentini, Giovanna Tezza, Elena Cattazzo, Ahmad Kantar, Vincenzo Ragazzo, Attilio L Boner, Diego G Peroni
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  ABSTRACT: Asthma is universally considered a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. Several noninvasive markers, such as exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and exhaled breath temperature (PletM), have been proposed to evaluate the degree of airway inflammation and remodeling in asthmatic children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between diffusion lung capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) and these inflammatory markers in asthmatic children. We compared data of FeNO, PletM, and DLCO collected in 35 asthmatic children at admission (T0) and discharge (T1) after a period spent in a dust-mite-free environment (Misurina, Italian Dolomites, 1756 m). PletM showed a reduction from 29.48°C at T0 to 29.13°C at T1 (p = 0.17); DLCO passed from 93 to 102 (p = 0.085). FeNO mean value was 29.7 ppb at admission and 18.9 ppb at discharge (p = 0.014). Eosinophil mean count in induced sputum was 4 at T0 and 2 at T1 (p = 0.004). Spearman standardization coefficient beta was 0.414 between eosinophils and FeNO and -0.278 between eosinophils and DLCO. Pearson's correlation index between DLCO and PletM was -0.456 (p = 0.019). A negative correlation between DLCO and PletM was found. However, DLCO did not show a significant correlation with FeNO and eosinophils in the airways. Additional studies are needed to clarify the role of DLCO as a potential tool in monitoring childhood asthma.
  Allergy & rhinology (Providence, R.I.). 01/2012; 3(2):e66-73.
• Article: Evaluation of association between exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and childhood asthma control test questionnaire scores in children.

  Iolanda Chinellato, Michele Piazza, Marco Sandri, Fabio Cardinale, Diego G Peroni, Attilio L Boner, Giorgio L Piacentini
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  ABSTRACT: Asthma control represents a major challenge in the management of asthmatic children; however, correct perception of control is poor. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between subjective answers given to the Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) and objective evaluation of exercise-induced bronchonstriction (EIB) by standardized treadmill exercise challenge. EIB was evaluated by standardized treadmill exercise challenge and related to C-ACT scores in 92 asthmatic children. Of the 92 studied children only six children had a concordance between a positive challenge test (ΔFEV1 ≥ 13%) and a positive response to the exercise-related issue of the C-ACT questionnaire (C-ACT total score ≤ 19). There was no significant association between the degree of EIB and the scores relative to the single question on exercise-related problems while a significant association was found when considering the whole questionnaire with C-ACT total score > 19 (r = -0.40, P < 0.001). The two single questions showing a significant association were those focusing on nocturnal asthma. The areas under the ROC curve (AUC) for the sum of the scores of these questions in relationship to a positive response to the exercise test was 0.74. The AUC of the C-ACT total score was 0.76 and 0.55 for the specific question on EIB related problems. The discrimination power of the C-ACT total score in relationship to EIB was moderately good, and C-ACT questionnaire was capable of correctly predicting the absence of EIB in children reporting a global score > 19. However, direct questions on EIB are associated with a high number of false positive and negative responses; better associations are found questioning on the presence on nocturnal symptoms.
  Pediatric Pulmonology 11/2011; 47(3):226-32. · 2.53 Impact Factor
• Article: Exhaled breath temperature and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children.

  Diego G Peroni, Iolanda Chinellato, Michele Piazza, Federica Zardini, Alessandro Bodini, Francesca Olivieri, Attilio L Boner, Giorgio L Piacentini
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  ABSTRACT: It has been hypothesized that exhaled breath temperature (EBT) is related to the degree of airway inflammation/remodeling in asthma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the level of airway response to exercise and EBT in a group of controlled or partly controlled asthmatic children. Fifty asthmatic children underwent measurements of EBT before and after a standardized exercise test. EBT was 32.92 ± 1.13 and 33.35 ± 0.95°C before and after exercise, respectively (P < 0.001). The % decrease in FEV(1) was significantly correlated with the increase in EBT (r = 0.44, P = 0.0013), being r = 0.49 (P < 0.005) in the children who were not receiving regular inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and 0.37 (n.s.) in those who were. This study further supports the hypothesis that EBT can be considered a potential composite tool for monitoring asthma.
  Pediatric Pulmonology 09/2011; 47(3):240-4. · 2.53 Impact Factor
• Article: Exhaled breath temperature and exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children

  Diego G. Peroni, Iolanda Chinellato, Michele Piazza, Federica Zardini, Alessandro Bodini, Francesca Olivieri, Attilio L. Boner, Giorgio L. Piacentini MD
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  ABSTRACT: It has been hypothesized that exhaled breath temperature (EBT) is related to the degree of airway inflammation/remodeling in asthma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the level of airway response to exercise and EBT in a group of controlled or partly controlled asthmatic children. Fifty asthmatic children underwent measurements of EBT before and after a standardized exercise test. EBT was 32.92 ± 1.13 and 33.35 ± 0.95°C before and after exercise, respectively (P < 0.001). The % decrease in FEV1 was significantly correlated with the increase in EBT (r = 0.44, P = 0.0013), being r = 0.49 (P < 0.005) in the children who were not receiving regular inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and 0.37 (n.s.) in those who were. This study further supports the hypothesis that EBT can be considered a potential composite tool for monitoring asthma. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:240–244. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
  Pediatric Pulmonology 09/2011; 47(3):240 - 244. · 2.53 Impact Factor
• Article: Time-effect of montelukast on protection against exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

  Diego G Peroni, Lydia Pescollderungg, Marco Sandri, Iolanda Chinellato, Attilio L Boner, Giorgio L Piacentini
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  ABSTRACT: Montelukast has been proven to assure a protective effect against exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. To verify exactly when montelukast begins protection in asthmatic children by evaluating different time intervals between dosing and challenge. In a double blind, placebo-controlled, three day doses, crossover study, patients were randomized to receive in sequence treatment with either a placebo or montelukast and assigned to one of seven groups that were tested 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 h after drug administration, respectively. For each group, the exercise challenge was always performed at the same hour on the first and third days of treatment. Sixty-nine asthmatic children took part in the study. On day 3, the mean FEV(1) % fall from baseline was 25.54 (95% CI = 21.63/29.46) and 14.89 (95% CI = 11.85/17.92) for the placebo and active drug (p < 0.05), respectively. On day 1, the mean fall of FEV(1) was 28.20 (95% CI = 24.46/31.94) and 19.01 (95% CI = 15.71/22.31) for the placebo and montelukast (p < 0.05), respectively. Clinical protection was achieved in 21 (30%) and 33 (48%) subjects by montelukast on the first and third days, respectively. Montelukast assured protection against exercise-induced bronchoconstriction from the first through the eighth hour from the first day of treatment. However, individual susceptibility to protection was evident since some individuals were not protected at any time. We conclude that in clinical use individual responses to the drug should be carefully evaluated in the follow-up management.
  Respiratory medicine 08/2011; 105(12):1790-7. · 2.33 Impact Factor
• Article: Immune regulatory cytokines in the milk of lactating women from farming and urban environments.

  Diego G Peroni, Lydia Pescollderungg, Giorgio L Piacentini, Erika Rigotti, Mara Maselli, Katherina Watschinger, Michele Piazza, Roberta Pigozzi, Attilio L Boner
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  ABSTRACT: Children living on farms have fewer allergies. It is unclear whether breastfeeding in different environments contributes to preventing allergies by exposing offspring to different cytokines that can modulate immune responses. The aim of this study was to quantify and compare levels of Transforming Growth Factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the colostrum and mature milk of mothers living in towns at sea level (references) and mothers on farms. Milk samples were collected within 3 days postpartum (colostrum) and at the first month of the baby's life (mature milk). Sixty-nine reference mothers and 45 farm mothers participated in the study. TGF-beta1 concentrations were significantly higher both in the colostrum (p < 0.05) and in mature milk (p < 0.05) of farm mothers. In the reference mothers, a significant decrease in TGF-beta1 concentrations was observed between colostrum (650, range 0-8000 pg/ml) and mature milk (250, range 0-8000 pg/ml) (p < 0.05). In farm mothers, TGF-beta1 concentrations were 1102 pg/ml (range 0-14,500) in colostrum and remained high in mature milk (821 pg/ml, range 0-14,650). IL-10 concentrations were higher in the mature milk of farm mothers (p < 0.05). No significant differences in IL-10 were observed between colostrum and mature milk in the control group (15 pg/ml, range 0-1800, and 0 pg/ml, range 0-230) or in farm mothers (9.5 pg/ml, range 0-1775, and 14.2 pg/ml, range 0-930), respectively. Exposure to a farm environment is associated with higher concentrations of TGF-beta1 and IL-10 in breast milk when compared to exposure to an urban environment. Higher cytokine concentrations in breast milk may influence early modulation of the development of an immune response, leading to a reduced prevalence of allergy-related diseases in farm children.
  Pediatric Allergy and Immunology 09/2010; 21(6):977-82. · 2.46 Impact Factor
• Article: Children with nocturnal asthma wheeze intermittently during sleep.

  Attilio L Boner, Giorgio L Piacentini, Diego G Peroni, Charles S Irving, Diana Goldstein, Noam Gavriely, Simon Godfrey
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  ABSTRACT: Nocturnal asthma indicates poor overall control of asthma and adversely affects the quality of life of the patient. The purpose of the present study was to compare the objective measurement of nocturnal wheeze with clinical state, recall of symptoms, and changes in lung function. Nine asthmatic children aged 9 to 16 years were followed with an asthma diary and diurnal measurement of peak flow for a week before the nocturnal study; all but two were apparently well controlled. Breath sounds were recorded and analyzed continuously overnight to quantify wheeze using a phonopneumography sensor attached over the trachea. The analytical system (PulmoTrack) utilized an algorithm to detect wheeze and reject interference. The wheeze rate (Tw/Ttot = duration of wheeze/duration of recording) was calculated minute by minute throughout the night. Recordings lasted over 8 hours and all but two children had wheeze lasting for a total time of between 11 and 87 minutes. The pattern of wheezing was very variable during sleep, with episodes of wheeze separated by periods of quiet breathing. There was no relationship between subjective perception of nocturnal asthma, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) next morning, and the objective measurement of wheeze. Total overnight wheeze was significantly related to the total diary symptom score and to the (small) diurnal variability of peak expiratory flow (PEF). Four of the seven children with asthma who were apparently well controlled had considerable amounts of wheeze during the night that was episodic in nature and unrelated to conventional measures of lung function or nocturnal symptoms.
  Journal of Asthma 04/2010; 47(3):290-4. · 1.52 Impact Factor
• Article: Combined cetirizine-montelukast preventive treatment for food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis.

  Diego G Peroni, Giorgio L Piacentini, Michele Piazza, Elisa Cametti, Attilio L Boner
  Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology: official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology 03/2010; 104(3):272-3. · 2.83 Impact Factor
• Article: Chronic urticaria and celiac disease: a case report.

  Diego G Peroni, Giulia Paiola, Laura Tenero, Martina Fornaro, Alessandro Bodini, Federica Pollini, Giorgio L Piacentini
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  ABSTRACT: We describe a case of a 9-year-old girl who presented chronic urticaria associated with celiac disease. The prevalence of the manifestation of chronic urticaria in celiac disease is unknown but increase in atopic immunologic disorders has been reported in the setting of gluten enteropathy. Relationship between the clinical manifestations is not clear. The present case of subclinical celiac disease diagnosis in an otherwise asymptomatic child with chronic urticaria further reinforces the evidence that differential for celiac disease warrants to be always considered in children with refractory urticaria.
  Pediatric Dermatology 01/2010; 27(1):108-9. · 1.07 Impact Factor
• Article: Atypical bacteria in adenoids and tonsils of children requiring adenotonsillectomy.

  Giorgio L Piacentini, Diego G Peroni, Francesco Blasi, Lydia Pescollderungg, Paul Goller, Lorenz Gallmetzer, Lorenzo Drago, Alessandro Bodini, Attilio L Boner
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  ABSTRACT: The results of this study suggest that atypical bacteria may be involved not only in acute upper airway diseases but also in recurrent infections requiring adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy. Therefore, their identification, followed by an appropriate treatment, should be considered. Although viruses and group A beta-haemolytic streptococci (GABHS) represent the most frequent bacterial aetiological agents of paediatric upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), chlamydia and Mycoplasma pneumoniae have also been found in acute tonsillopharyngitis. Nevertheless their relevance in chronic or recurrent URTI has never been evaluated. This study aimed to further address the role of atypical bacteria in recurrent URTIs requiring adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy. Samples from 55 consecutive children who underwent adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy for recurrent or chronic URTI were cut transversely into smaller sections of 5 mm. Each section was pooled and assayed by specific PCR for viruses and bacteria. Adenovirus was detected in 10 patients (18.2%), influenza A virus in one patient and influenza B virus in another. None of the other tested viruses was found. GABHS was found in 37 patients (67.3%). Moraxella catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenzae were detected in 30 patients (54.5%). M. pneumoniae was detected in 6 patients (10.9%) and C. pneumoniae was found in 10 patients (18.2%).
  Acta oto-laryngologica 12/2009; 130(5):620-5. · 0.98 Impact Factor
• Article: Effective desensitization to imiglucerase in a patient with type I Gaucher disease.

  Diego G Peroni, Lydia Pescollderungg, Giorgio L Piacentini, Walburga Cassar, Attilio L Boner
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  ABSTRACT: We describe a child who had anaphylactic hypersensitivity to imiglucerase therapy for Gaucher disease. Treatment was stopped and symptoms returned. After immune desensitization to imiglucerase using a rush protocol, the patient was able to resume treatment and has not had further hypersensitivity complications to date.
  The Journal of pediatrics 12/2009; 155(6):940-1. · 4.02 Impact Factor
• Article: Transforming growth factor-beta is elevated in unpasteurized cow's milk.

  Diego G Peroni, Giorgio L Piacentini, Alessandro Bodini, Roberta Pigozzi, Attilio L Boner
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  ABSTRACT: Unpasteurized milk consumption was associated with less atopy prevalence. Not only microbial load but also fatty acids and cytokines such as transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) may play a role on the effect of unpasteurized milk. Levels of TGF-beta(1) in different cow's milk samples were evaluated: we consider raw unpasteurized milk before and after boiling, commercial pasteurized and micro-filtrated cow's milk and different commercially available cow's milk formulas. TGF-beta(1) concentration in raw unpasteurized cow's milk was 642.0 +/- 52.9 pg/ml before boiling and decreased significantly after boiling (302.7 +/- 50.59 pg/ml) (p < 0.05). TGF-beta(1) concentrations were also significantly lower in commercial pasteurized milk (246.2 +/- 43.15 pg/ml) and in commercial micro-filtrated milk (213.0 +/- 31.6 pg/ml) in comparison to unpasteurized unboiled milk (p = 0.002). The levels of TGF-beta(1) in all formula samples were below the threshold of detectability for the assays. As TGF-beta(1) in the milk may contribute to the development of the immature gastrointestinal tract by influencing IgA production and oral tolerance induction, we suggest to consider not only the microbial compounds but also the cytokine patterns to explain the protective effect of unpasteurized cow's milk on allergic disorders.
  Pediatric Allergy and Immunology 02/2009; 20(1):42-4. · 2.46 Impact Factor
• Article: Transforming growth factor‐β1 is elevated in unpasteurized cow’s milk

  Diego G. Peroni, Giorgio L. Piacentini, Alessandro Bodini, Roberta Pigozzi, Attilio L. Boner
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  ABSTRACT: Unpasteurized milk consumption was associated with less atopy prevalence. Not only microbial load but also fatty acids and cytokines such as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) may play a role on the effect of unpasteurized milk. Levels of TGF-β1 in different cow’s milk samples were evaluated: we consider raw unpasteurized milk before and after boiling, commercial pasteurized and micro-filtrated cow’s milk and different commercially available cow’s milk formulas. TGF-β1 concentration in raw unpasteurized cow’s milk was 642.0 ± 52.9 pg/ml before boiling and decreased significantly after boiling (302.7 ± 50.59 pg/ml) (p < 0.05). TGF-β1 concentrations were also significantly lower in commercial pasteurized milk (246.2 ± 43.15 pg/ml) and in commercial micro-filtrated milk (213.0 ± 31.6 pg/ml) in comparison to unpasteurized unboiled milk (p = 0.002). The levels of TGF-β1 in all formula samples were below the threshold of detectability for the assays. As TGF-β1 in the milk may contribute to the development of the immature gastrointestinal tract by influencing IgA production and oral tolerance induction, we suggest to consider not only the microbial compounds but also the cytokine patterns to explain the protective effect of unpasteurized cow’s milk on allergic disorders.
  Pediatric Allergy and Immunology 01/2009; 20(1):42 - 44. · 2.46 Impact Factor
• Article: Cow's milk allergic children can present sensitisation to probiotics.

  Francesca M Bruni, Giorgio L Piacentini, Diego G Peroni, Alessandro Bodini, Erica Fasoli, Attilio L Boner
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  ABSTRACT: To evaluate sensitivity to different probiotics in children with cow's milk allergy. Eighty-five patients (age range: 4 months -12 years) presenting atopic dermatitis (AD) were enrolled. Skin prick test (SPT) responses to three different probiotics preparations (Fiorilac, Dicoflor and Reuterin) were evaluated in addition to relevant food allergens. Thirty-nine patients out of 85 (45.8%) had a positive skin response to prick test for cow's milk (3 with reaction <3 mm). Of the thirty-six patients with a cow's milk weal reaction >3 mm, twenty-eight (77.8%) had a skin response to Fiorilac, four patients (11%) to Dicoflor and four (11%) to Reuterin. The proportion of SPT reaction to all the investigated probiotics preparations was significantly lower than cow's milk (r = 9.406; p = 0.002). A significantly higher sensitization was observed for Fiorilac versus Dicoflor (r = 30.916; p < 0.001) and versus Reuterin (r = 34.133; p < 0.001). Probiotic use in patients with cow's milk allergy has to be limited to products that do not contain milk. This should be clearly reported in the label. In selected patients, it is advisable to perform a screening SPT with the product to evaluate its potential contamination with milk.
  Acta Paediatrica 10/2008; 98(2):321-3. · 2.07 Impact Factor