Publications (2)10.06 Total impact
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Article: Vascular endothelial growth factor in allergen-induced nasal inflammation.
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ABSTRACT: Increased vessel number and permeability are important features of the nasal mucosa in allergic rhinitis (AR), and are mediated in part by the cytokine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Eosinophils are the major effector cells in the nasal secretions of patients with AR during the responses to allergen challenges. To evaluate the involvement of VEGF in nasal allergic inflammation, we monitored the levels of VEGF, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and specific antibodies in the nasal lavage fluids (NLFs) of patients with AR in response to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dpt). Sixty-three subjects with sensitization to Dpt were enrolled: 29 patients with AR (group I) who showed positive responses in a nasal provocation test (NPT) with Dpt; and 34 asymptomatic controls (group II) who showed sensitization to Dpt but negative NPT results. NLF samples were collected at baseline, 10, 30, and 60 min, and at 3, 6, and 24 h during the NPT. The ECP levels in the NLF samples were measured using the ImmunoCAP system. VEGF and Dpt-specific IgE, IgA, and IgG in the NLF samples were detected by ELISA. The eosinophil counts and ECP levels in the samples were significantly increased in group I, but not in group II, during the early and late responses. Although the baseline VEGF level was not significantly different between groups I and II, increased VEGF production was noted in group I after the NPT, especially during the early response. The level of Dpt-specific IgA was significantly increased in group I during the NPT. A relationship was found between the levels of VEGF and ECP or Dpt-specific IgA in the NLF samples collected at 10 min and at 3-6 h (P<0.05, respectively). Nasal VEGF secretion in response to allergen exposure may augment eosinophilic inflammation in the nasal mucosa of patients with AR.Clinical & Experimental Allergy 03/2009; 39(5):655-61. · 5.03 Impact Factor -
Article: Clinical and immunologic findings of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate-induced occupational asthma in a car upholstery factory.
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ABSTRACT: Although methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) is widely used in many industries, there have been few immunological studies of MDI-induced occupational asthma. We investigated the effects of MDI exposure on the clinical and immunologic condition of workers in a single car upholstery factory. Fifty-eight MDI-exposed workers were studied. Work-related lower-respiratory symptoms (WRRS) were identified using a questionnaire. Serum-specific IgE and IgG antibodies to MDI-human serum albumin conjugate were detected by ELISA. Atopy was evaluated using a skin prick test. MDI-induced occupational asthma was confirmed in the symptomatic workers with a positive result on an MDI-specific inhalation test. Thirteen (22.4%) of the subjects complained of WRRS. MDI-induced occupational asthma was confirmed in five (8.6%) of the workers, and occupational eosinophilic bronchitis was confirmed in two (3.5%). The prevalence of specific IgG antibodies (20.7%) was higher than that of specific IgE antibodies (8.6%). The prevalence of MDI-induced occupational asthma/eosinophilic bronchitis was strongly associated with the presence of both WRRS and serum-specific IgG antibodies to an MDI-human serum albumin conjugate (P<0.01, <0.05, respectively). These findings suggest that MDI could be a causative agent of occupational asthma among MDI-exposed workers. The prevalence of MDI-induced occupational asthma was 8.6%, and MDI-induced eosinophilic bronchitis was confirmed in two workers. The presence of work-related lower-respiratory symptoms and serum-specific IgG antibodies to an MDI-human serum albumin conjugate may be used to predict MDI-induced occupational asthma/eosinophilic bronchitis in MDI-exposed workers.Clinical & Experimental Allergy 04/2008; 38(4):586-93. · 5.03 Impact Factor
