MedWorm: Asthma

Respiratory Problems Linked To Soda Intake

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:00:00 +0100

A recent study by Zumin Shi, Discipline of Medicine at the University of Adelaide and team, published in Respirology, suggests soda intake can raise the risk of respiratory problems, including Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) Between 2008 and 2010, around 16,000 people, over the age of 16 (average age 46.7), were examined in terms of their soda consumption, using the South Australian Monitoring and Surveillance System. The researchers state that 1 in every 10 people drink at least half a litre of carbonated beverages per day. The authors found a 12... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Drinking soda raises risk for asthma, COPD: Study

Health News: CBSNews.com — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:17:40 +0100

Overall, 13.3 percent of participants with asthma and 15.6 percent of those with COPD drank more than two cups of soda each day, study found (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Soda Linked to Lung Disease (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Allergy — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:13:00 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- More bad news for soda lovers: in addition to obesity and heart disease, the sugary drinks may be tied to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Australian researchers found. (Source: MedPage Today Allergy)

Soft drinks 'increase asthma risk'

Nursing Times Breaking News — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:12:00 +0100

A link between asthma and high levels of soft drink consumption has been suggested by researchers in Australia. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

Severe Asthma Attacks Reduced By Combined Asthma Medication Therapy

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

A Henry Ford Hospital study has found that using two types of common asthma medications in combination reduces severe asthma attacks. Researchers say using long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) in fixed-dose combination with inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) appear to reduce asthma attacks as well as or better than corticosteroids alone... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Panic, Breathlessness And Unheard Pain: The Trauma Of Being On A Ventilator While Conscious

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

More and more people being cared for on ventilators are conscious during the treatment, but what is it like to be fully conscious without being able to communicate with the world around you? A thesis from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, has lifted the lid on a world of panic, breathlessness and unheard pain. It has been far more common since the beginning of the 21st century for patients to be conscious during ventilator treatment... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Soft Drinks May Raise Odds for Respiratory Ills

MedlinePlus Health News — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:00 +0100

Asthma, COPD more likely for those who regularly consume soda, flavored mineral water, researchers say Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), Carbohydrates (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

News From The Journal Of Clinical Investigation: Feb. 6, 2012

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0100

IMMUNOLOGY: How a stomach-colonizing bacterium protects against asthma The bacterium Helicobacter pylori can be found colonizing the stomach lining of almost half the world's population. Although persistent infection with Helicobacter pylori increases an individual's risk of developing stomach cancer, it also decreases their risk of developing asthma. A team of researchers led by Anne Muller, at the University of ZÃ¼rich, Switzerland, has now identified a cellular mechanism by which persistent infection with Helicobacter pylori protects mice from developing allergic asthma... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Breastfeeding And Lung Function At School Age: Does Maternal Asthma Modify The Effect?

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Breastfeeding is associated with improved lung function at school age, particularly in children of asthmatic mothers, according to a new study from researchers in Switzerland and the UK. "In our cohort of school age children, breastfeeding was associated with modest improvement in forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF50) in our whole group and with improvements in forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1) only in the children of asthmatic mothers," said Claudia E... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Drinking large amounts of soft drinks associated with asthma and COPD

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Wiley-Blackwell) A new study published in the journal Respirology reveals that a high level of soft drink consumption is associated with asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Genome-Wide Association Study of Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma and Epstein-Barr Virus Status-Defined Subgroups

JNCI — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Overall, these results provide strong evidence that EBV status is an etiologically important classification of cHL and also suggest that some components of the pathological process are common to both EBV-positive and EBV-negative patients. (Source: JNCI)

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Cutting the risk of a fatal asthma attack

Daily Express - Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

KIMBERLEY Perrott was determined that her asthma would never hold her back. Aged 17, she was studying for a diploma in performing arts, attended dance classes most evenings and frequently performed on stage. (Source: Daily Express - Health)

Merck Has Positive Results With New Insomnia Drug

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:00:00 +0100

Merck has announced positive results in a phase 3 trial of its insomnia drug. It's a key player in the companies up and coming products, especially considering the loss of patent protection on its top drugs for asthma and allergys. The experimental drug known as suvorexant, uses a new mechanism created to help people sleep, but at the same time aiming to mitigate side effects associated with popular sleep aids. Analysts think that annual sales of the drug could top $500 million within several years. Peter S... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Immature Citrus sunki Peel Extract Exhibits Antiobesity Effects by β-Oxidation and Lipolysis in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100

In this study, we investigated the antiobesity activity of immature C. sunki peel extract (designated CSE) using high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese C57BL/6 mice and mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In the animal study, body weight gain, adipose tissue weight, serum total cholesterol, and triglyceride in the CSE-administered group decreased significantly compared to the HFD group. Also, CSE supplementation reduced serum levels of glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Moreover, it significantly decreased the accumulation of fatty droplets in liver tissue, suggesting a protective effect against HFD-induced hepatic steatosis. Dietary supplementation with CSE reversed the HFD-induced decrease in the phosphorylation levels of AMP-activated protein k...

Traffic-Related Asthma Costs Two Cities Big MoneyTraffic-Related Asthma Costs Two Cities Big Money

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:43:34 +0100

Traffic pollution may cost two California cities millions each year in managing children's asthma, a new study suggests. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

DC-derived IL-18 drives Treg differentiation, murine Helicobacter pylori-specific immune tolerance, and asthma protection

Journal of Clinical Investigation — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:32:05 +0100

Persistent colonization with the gastric bacterial pathogen Helicobacter pylori causes gastritis and predisposes infected individuals to gastric cancer. Conversely, it is also linked to protection from allergic, chronic inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases. We demonstrate here that H. pylori inhibits LPS-induced maturation of DCs and reprograms DCs toward a tolerance-promoting phenotype. Our results showed that DCs exposed to H. pylori in vitro or in vivo failed to induce T cell effector functions. Instead, they efficiently induced expression of the forkhead transcription factor FoxP3, the master regulator of Tregs, in naive T cells. Depletion of DCs in mice infected with H. pylori during the neonatal period was sufficient to break H. pylori–specific tolerance. DC depletion result...

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Unraveling the mystery of the hygiene hypothesis through Helicobacter pylori infection

Journal of Clinical Investigation — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:32:05 +0100

Epidemiological studies have revealed an inverse association between Helicobacter pylori infection and the incidence of allergic asthma. This association is consistent with the hygiene hypothesis, which posits that exposure to microbes early in life prevents the later development of allergic diseases, and has been reproduced in mouse models of asthma. In this issue of the JCI, Oertli and colleagues report that H. pylori infection in neonates elicits tolerogenic DCs that produce IL-18, which drive the generation of Tregs that subsequently protect the mice from allergic asthma. This finding strengthens the intriguing link between pathogen exposure and allergic disease. (Source: Journal of Clinical Investigation)

Lung Function At School Age Better Thanks To Breastfeeding

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0100

A study by researchers in Switzerland and the UK reveals that breastfeeding is linked to enhanced lung function at school age, especially in children born to asthmatic mothers. The study is published online ahead of print publication in the American Thoracic Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Claudia E. Kuehni, M.D... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Persistent elevation of peripheral blood myeloid cell counts associated with omalizumab therapy.

American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy : AJHP — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:07:01 +0100

Conclusion A patient with asthma and common variable immunodeficiency developed an elevation of peripheral blood myeloid cells that was first noticed 29 months after the initiation of monthly omalizumab injections. Omalizumab was discontinued, and the abnormality persisted for 1 month after the last dose. The patient's blood count results remained within normal limits 3 months after the last dose. PMID: 22302255 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy : AJHP)

Sunshine May Help To Prevent Allergies And Eczema

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Increased exposure to sunlight may reduce the risk of both food allergies and eczema in children, according to a new scientific study. Researchers from the European Centre for Environment & Human Health, along with several Australian institutions, have found that children living in areas with lower levels of sunlight are at greater risk of developing food allergies and the skin condition eczema, compared to those in areas with higher UV. The research team used data from a study of Australian children and analysed how rates of food allergy, eczema and asthma varied throughout the country... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Breastfeeding OK for Moms With Asthma

eMedicineHealth.com — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

(Source: eMedicineHealth.com)

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Combined asthma medication therapy shown to reduce attacks

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Henry Ford Health System) A Henry Ford Hospital study has found that using two types of common asthma medications in combination reduces severe asthma attacks.Researchers say using long-acting beta-agonists in fixed-dose combination with inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) appear to reduce asthma attacks as well as or better than corticosteroids alone. Patient groups who had in greatest benefits were patients 18 and older, African-American patients, male patients, and patients with moderate to severe asthma. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Non‐atopic males with adult onset asthma are at risk of persistent airflow limitation

Clinical and Experimental Allergy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions & Clinical RelevanceWe conclude that in patients with adult onset asthma, male gender and absence of atopy are associated with persistent airflow limitation. This might suggest that amongst patients with adult onset asthma, non‐atopic male patients are at increased risk of accelerated decline in lung function.© 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd (Source: Clinical and Experimental Allergy)

Nitric oxide and asthma severity: towards a better understanding of asthma phenotypes

Clinical and Experimental Allergy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Clinical and Experimental Allergy)

Prenatal negative life events increases cord blood IgE: interactions with dust mite allergen and maternal atopy

Allergy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsPrenatal stress was independently associated with elevated cord blood IgE. Mechanisms underlying stress effects on fetal immunomodulation may differ based on maternal atopic status. (Source: Allergy)

Clara cell protein in nasal lavage fluid and nasal nitric oxide - biomarkers with anti-inflammatory properties in allergic rhinitis

Clinical and Molecular Allergy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The correlation between nasal CC16 and nNO levels in patients with allergic rhinitis, along with an inverse relationship between their levels and the occurrences of MC in allergic inflammation, may indicate that both biomarkers have anti-inflammatory effects by suppression of cell recruitment. The mechanisms behind these observations warrant further analyses. (Source: Clinical and Molecular Allergy)

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Enhanced effects of cigarette smoke extract on inflammatory cytokine expression in IL-1beta-activated human mast cells were inhibited by Baicalein via regulation of the NF-kappaB pathway

Clinical and Molecular Allergy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our results showed that CSE significantly increased inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 production in IL-1-activated HMC-1. It may partially explain why cigarette smoke contributes to lung and cardiovascular diseases. BAI inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines through inhibition of NF-kappaB activation and IkappaBalpha phosphorylation and degradation. This inhibitory effect of BAI on the expression of inflammatory cytokines induced by CSE suggests its usefulness in the development of novel anti-inflammatory therapies. (Source: Clinical and Molecular Allergy)

JCI online early table of contents: Feb. 6, 2012

EurekAlert! - Cancer — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Journal of Clinical Investigation) This release contains summaries, links to PDFs, and contact information for the following newsworthy papers to be published online, Feb. 6, 2012, in the JCI: The heart can make 'bad' fat burn calories; How a stomach-colonizing bacterium protects against asthma; A sticky problem for stomach cancer; New controller of cancer cell multiplication identified; Promoting instability in cancer cells; and Site-specific nerve damage explained. (Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer)

Playing in the sun ¿reduces risk of eczema and food allergies in children¿

the Mail online | Health — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:48:15 +0100

Scientists used data from analysis of Australian children and how rates of food allergies, eczema and asthma varied throughout the country. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Managing asthma in primary care through imperative outcomes

Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Over all three of the data collection periods adherence to effectively applied management of asthma guidelines proved to be below the minimum recommended clinical evaluation work‐up as set out by the Expert Panel Report 3 (EPR3) of the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). Applying a greater focus on essential outcomes through different disease management documents resulted in an improved quality of managed care, but still requires dedicated and continuous education and motivation. (NWU‐0052‐08‐A5) (Source: Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice)

Variation at GLCCI1 and FCER2: one step closer to personalized asthma treatment

Future Medicine: Pharmacogenomics — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:01:53 +0100

Pharmacogenomics , February 2012, Vol. 13, No. 3, Pages 243-245. (Source: Future Medicine: Pharmacogenomics)

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DIY science: should you try this at home?

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:59:00 +0100

When Richard Handl was arrested for attempting to split the atom on his stove, he joined a growing band of home experimenters cooking up all kinds of trouble behind the kitchen doorÄngelholm is a pretty southern Swedish town, famed for its clay cuckoo manufacturing, a clay cuckoo being a kind of ocarina, which is a kind of flute. The crime rate here is practically zero. Except one of its residents was last year arrested for trying to split the atom in his kitchen. His name is Richard Handl and he buzzes me into his first-floor flat.I wanted to meet Richard because I keep seeing reports of home science experimenters clashing with the authorities. There's been a spate of them this past year or two.I glance into Richard's kitchen and recognise his cooker from the news. It was horrendously, a...

Breastfeeding OK for Moms With Asthma

WebMD Health — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:30:23 +0100

New moms with asthma can safely breastfeed without worrying that the practice will increase their child’s asthma risk, a new study shows. (Source: WebMD Health)

Traffic-related asthma costs two cities big money

Reuters: Health — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:28:14 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Traffic pollution may cost two California cities millions each year in managing children's asthma, a new study suggests. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Traffic-Related Asthma Costs Two Cities Big Money

MedlinePlus Health News — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:28:06 +0100

Traffic pollution may cost two California cities millions each year in managing children's asthma, a new study suggests.Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: Air Pollution, Asthma in Children, Health Statistics (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Asthmatic Moms Who Breast-feed May Help Their Children’s Lungs

The Doctors Lounge - Health News — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:00:00 +0100

At age 12, those kids had better lung function than formula-fed kids (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Health News)

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Spontaneous pneumothorax in a patient with dendriform pulmonary ossification: report of a case

Surgery Today — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:11:08 +0100

We report herein the rare case of a patient with dendriform pulmonary ossification (DPO) who developed spontaneous pneumothorax. A 33-year-old male with a history of bronchial asthma presented with pneumothorax of the left lung. An intraoperative inspection revealed no findings of bullae in the entire left lung, but inflammatory pleural changes were identified on the interlobular surface of the left lower lobe. In addition, hard, twig-like configurations were clearly palpable in the subpleural parenchyma and were resected. A histological examination showed acicular bone formations containing myeloid tissue and marrow fat in the lung. DPO was thus diagnosed, and the bony spines were considered to have caused a rupture of the elastic fiber layer of the visceral pleura. DPO may thus hav...

Penetration patterns of monomeric and polymeric 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate monomer in human skin

RSC - J. Environ. Monit. latest articles — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:31:31 +0100

J. Environ. Monit., 2012, Advance ArticleDOI: 10.1039/C2EM10546B, PaperJennifer M. Thomasen, Leena A. Nylander-FrenchDermal exposure has been linked to isocyanate sensitization and asthma. We demonstrate that monomeric and polymeric 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanates present in clearcoats used in automotive paints penetrate readily into human skin.To cite this article before page numbers are assigned, use the DOI form of citation above.The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry (Source: RSC - J. Environ. Monit. latest articles)

Breastfeeding linked to improved lung function at school-age, especially with asthmatic mothers

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:14:14 +0100

Breastfeeding is associated with improved lung function at school age, particularly in children of asthmatic mothers, according to a new study. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Mixed approach encourages physical activity in asthma patients

MedWire News - Respiratory — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:53:33 +0100

A multicomponent protocol can lead to clinically significant increases in physical activity among patients with asthma, US researchers report. (Source: MedWire News - Respiratory)

Online asthma test could help cut emergency admissions

Nursing Times Breaking News — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:40:00 +0100

A new asthma test to help people work out the extent to which they risk a serious attack should also help cut down on the number of emergency hospital admissions. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

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Breastfeeding tied to stronger lungs, less asthma

Reuters: Health — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:00:55 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Kids who were breastfed as babies may have better lung function, and a lower risk of asthma, than those who were formula-fed, two new reports suggest. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Breastfeeding Tied to Stronger Lungs, Less Asthma

MedlinePlus Health News — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:00:52 +0100

Kids who were breastfed as babies may have better lung function, and a lower risk of asthma, than those who were formula-fed, two new reports suggest.Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: Asthma in Children, Breast Feeding (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

clarithromycin, Biaxin, Biaxin XL

MedicineNet Asthma General — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: clarithromycin, Biaxin, Biaxin XLCategory: MedicationsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 2/3/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Asthma General)

Too Few American Adults Getting Needed Vaccinations: CDC

MedicineNet Asthma General — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Too Few American Adults Getting Needed Vaccinations: CDCCategory: Health NewsCreated: 2/2/2012 4:06:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 2/3/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Asthma General)

Breastfeeding and lung function at school age: Does maternal asthma modify the effect?

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(American Thoracic Society) Breastfeeding is associated with improved lung function at school age, particularly in children of asthmatic mothers, according to a new study from researchers in Switzerland and the UK. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Is Childhood Asthma Associated With Educational Level and Longest-Held Occupation?

American Journal of Epidemiology — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Children with asthma can experience chronic morbidity that may interfere with education and career progression. The authors investigated retrospectively whether a history of childhood asthma is associated with educational level and longest-held occupation, by gender. Cross-sectional analysis included a nationally representative sample of 10,452 adults aged ≥20 years who participated in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001–2004). Logistic regression was used to assess associations between a childhood-asthma history and educational level, employment, and longest-held occupation. An estimated 6.9% of men and 5.8% of women had a childhood-asthma history. Persons with a childhood-asthma history tended to have a higher educational level than those with no asthma...

Bronchial And Alveolar Nitric Oxide In Exercise‐Induced Bronchoconstriction In Asthmatic Children

Clinical and Experimental Allergy — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance:Our results suggest that inflammation is present in the central and peripheral airways and that it is associated with the severity of EIB. Clinicaltrials.govNCT00952835© 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd (Source: Clinical and Experimental Allergy)

[Allergic march in children, from rhinitis to asthma: Management, indication of immunotherapy.]

Archives de Pediatrie — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Scheinmann P, Pham Thi N, Karila C, de Blic J Abstract Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common IgE dependent disorder. AR is maybe one of the steps of the allergic march, which starts with atopic dermatitis and food allergy and includes atopic asthma. AR and asthma are frequently associated. AR is frequently under-diagnosed and undertreated although it affects quality of life and school performance. Management of AR depends on its severity and will associate environmental control (best guided by environmental investigation and skin testing of specific IgE antibodies), pharmacotherapy (with antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids as first line drugs). At present allergen immunotherapy is considered in patients with severe AR, insufficiently controlled by pharmacotherapy an...

IL-6 and IL-13 in Induced Sputum of COPD and Asthma Patients: Correlation with Respiratory Tests

Respiration — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Respiration (DOI:10.1159/000334900) (Source: Respiration)

RSV hospitalisation and healthcare utilisation in moderately prematurely born infants

European Journal of Pediatrics — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:12:28 +0100

In conclusion, RSV hospitalisation in moderately prematurely born infants is associated with increased health-related cost of care. Nevertheless, if RSV prophylaxis is to be cost-effective, a high risk group of moderately prematurely born infants needs to be identified. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00431-012-1673-0Authors Deena Shefali-Patel, Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, MRC Asthma Centre for Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, King’s College London, London, UKMireia Alcazar Paris, Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, MRC Asthma Centre for Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, King’s College London, London, UKFran Watson, Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, MRC Asthma Centre for Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma...

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£4m boost for MRC-Asthma UK Centre

Medical Research Council Research News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0100

The Medical Research Council (MRC) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) have co-funded a groundbreaking programme of asthma research at the MRC-Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma. (Source: Medical Research Council Research News)

Regional quantification of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors and β‐adrenoceptors in human airways

British Journal of Pharmacology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions and Implications. From the present radioligand binding approach with intact tissue segments, we constructed a distribution map of mAChRs and β‐adrenoceptors in human bronchus and lung parenchyma for the first time, providing important evidence for future pharmacotherapy and new drug development for respiratory disorders.© 2012 The Authors. British Journal of Pharmacology © 2012 The British Pharmacological Society (Source: British Journal of Pharmacology)

Is low dose inhaled corticosteroid therapy as effective for inflammation and remodeling in asthma? A randomized, parallel group study.

Respiratory Research — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: 200mcg/day of FP was as effective as 1000mcg/day in improving symptom control, airway inflammation, lung function and AHR in adults with mild to moderate asthma in the short term. Future studies should examine potential differential effects between low and high dose combination therapy (ICS/long acting beta agonist) on inflammation and airway remodeling over longer treatment periods. (Source: Respiratory Research)

Predictors of flu vaccination among urban Hispanic children and adults

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Possible methods for increasing vaccination levels in urban Hispanic communities include improving health literacy, making low-cost vaccination available and encouraging providers to use other office visits as opportunities to mention vaccination to patients. Registration number This study is registered at http://ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00448981). (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)

Risk for attempted suicide in children and youths after contact with somatic hospitals: a Danish register based nested case-control study

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Based on the results of the study a strategy to minimise the risk of attempted suicide among children and youths must be implemented. The strategy should mainly focus on children at high risk—that is, children from families with low socioeconomic status, and children with a psychiatric history, a history of previous suicide attempts and with an unstable somatic disease subsequently causing many admissions. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)

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Regulatable stiffness in relaxed airway smooth muscle: a target for asthma treatment?

Journal of Applied Physiology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we describe a calcium-sensitive component of ASM stiffness mediated through the Rho-kinase signaling pathway. The stiffness of ovine tracheal smooth muscle was assessed in the relaxed state under the following conditions: 1) in physiological saline solution (Krebs solution) with normal calcium concentration; 2) in calcium-free Krebs with 2 mM EGTA; 3) in Krebs with calcium entry blocker (SKF-96365); 4) in Krebs with myosin light chain kinase inhibitor (ML-7); and 5) in Krebs with Rho-kinase inhibitor (Y-27632). It was found that a substantial portion of the passive stiffness could be abolished when intracellular calcium was removed; this calcium-sensitive stiffness appeared to stem from intracellular source and was not sensitive to ML-7 inhibition of myosin light chain phosp...

Cough and dyspnoea may discriminate allergic and infectious respiratory phenotypes in infancy

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

To cite this article: Rancière F, Clarisse B, Nikasinovic L, Just J, Momas I. Cough and dyspnoea may discriminate allergic and infectious respiratory phenotypes in infancy. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: doi: 10.1111/j.1399‐3038.2011.01257.x.AbstractAsthma symptoms are non‐specific during infancy, making the identification of different subgroups among preschool children with early respiratory manifestations an important challenge. We previously used a clustering approach to identify bronchial obstructive phenotypes in 1‐yr‐old infants from the Pollution and Asthma Risk: an Infant Study (PARIS) birth cohort. In the present study, we examined whether these phenotypes were stable at 3 yr and studied their comorbidity and risk factors. Partitioning around medoids (PAM) method was app...

Birth order effect on childhood food allergy

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

To cite this article: Kusunoki T, Mukaida K, Morimoto T, Sakuma M, Yasumi T, Nishikomori R, Heike T. Birth order effect on childhood food allergy. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2012: DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐3038.2011.01246.x.AbstractHigher birth order is associated with a smaller risk of allergy (birth order effect). The purpose of this study was to compare the significance of the birth order effect on the prevalence of specific allergic diseases [bronchial asthma (BA), atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic rhinitis (AR), allergic conjunctivitis (AC), and food allergy (FA)] among schoolchildren. A questionnaire survey dealing with the prevalence of allergic diseases was administered to the parents of 14,669 schoolchildren aged 7–15 yr. Based on the data, the prevalence of each allergic disease...

A long‐term follow‐up of allergic diseases in Iceland

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Discussion: The prevalence of allergic diseases is high in Iceland among children and young individuals. Asthma and atopic eczema are very common in childhood, but decreases with age while the prevalence of rhinoconjunctivitis increases markedly. The very high and increasing prevalence of rhinoconjunctivitis among 15‐ to 21‐year‐old individuals is noteworthy. (Source: Pediatric Allergy and Immunology)

The yin and yang of non-neuronal ∝7-nicotinic receptors in inflammation and autoimmunity.

Current Drug Targets — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Filippini P, Cesario A, Fini M, Locatelli F, Rutella S Abstract The alkaloid nicotine, a major addictive component of tobacco, exerts anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating activities on multiple cell types, such as T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, mononuclear phagocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes, in lung, spleen, liver, kidney and gastrointestinal tract. In addition, nicotine may blunt pro-inflammatory cytokine release, with prominent effects on T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 cytokines. The non-neuronal α7-nicotinic cholinergic receptors are a primary target for nicotine through the JAK2 and STAT3/NF-κB pathways, ultimately mediating the inhibition of pro-inflammatory gene transcription. The present paper reviews the growing evidence in favor of detrimental as...

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Chronic Rhino-Sinusitis and Asthma: Concept of Unified Airway Disease (UAD) and its Impact in Otolaryngology

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:14:03 +0100

This article is based on our experience on (20 cases) chronic rhino-sinusitis and asthma, and observations and results from various literatures. Implement of the concept of unified airway disease and ability to translate its principles into successful diagnostic and treatment strategies can enhance the practice of otolaryngology. The end result is the potential for improved patient care. In our study 80% cases have reduced frequency of symptoms and all (100%) cases having improved night time symptoms thus the use of short-acting beta2 agonist to control the asthma symptoms decreases. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s12070-012-0495-8Authors Rakesh Singh Meena, J. L. N. Medical College, Ajmer, Rajasthan, IndiaDeepali Meena, J. L. N. Medic...

Management of Smell Dysfunction

Current Allergy and Asthma Reports — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:13:10 +0100

Abstract Olfaction is an essential chemosensory system in the living world. Although less appreciated in humans, smell impairment significantly affects many aspects of quality of life. Smell disorders may be caused by an impaired nasal airway or by lesions in the olfactory system, leading to reduced or distorted smell perception. The most common causes of smell disorders are aging, upper respiratory tract infection, sinonasal disease, and head trauma. Recovery is rarely complete. Counseling is important in progressive or severe smell loss. In patients with distorted smell perception, antidepressant medication is sometimes necessary. Best response to treatment is achieved for nasal obstruction and sinonasal inflammatory disease. Treatment of olfactory impairment caused by s...

Sinus Imaging for Diagnosis of Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Children

Current Allergy and Asthma Reports — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:13:09 +0100

Abstract Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a relatively common disease in children but is often overlooked because at times the clinical symptoms are subtle and nonspecific. This makes imaging very important in the diagnosis. Among the different techniques, plain radiography has limited utility, whereas CT scan and MRI have a major role in evaluating the modifications caused by the disease. In particular, a CT scan provides higher resolution of bone and soft tissue and removes the overlapping structures that are present in conventional radiography. CT is recommended in isolated sphenoid sinusitis, is essential in diagnosing fungal sinusitis, and is the technique of choice when orbital complications are suspected. MRI allows investigation of not only the morphology of structu...

Does Decline of Lung Function in Wheezy Infants Justify the Early Start of Controller Medications?

Indian Journal of Pediatrics — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:12:04 +0100

Conclusions Lung function, eosinophilic percentage, total serum IgE and asthma risk factors could be used as predictors for ongoing wheeze in this subset of children. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s12098-012-0694-zAuthors Magdy Zedan, Allergy Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Pin Code: 35516 Box 50, Mansoura, EgyptNehad Nasef, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EgyptMohamed El-Bayoumy, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EgyptMohamed El-Assmy, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EgyptGehan Attia, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EgyptMohamed...

Some Allergic Inflammation May Be Due To Exposure To Common Environmental Bacteria

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Could some cases of asthma actually be caused by an allergic reaction to a common environmental bacteria? New research findings published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that this idea may not be as far-fetched as it seems. In a research report appearing in the February 2012 print issue, researchers show a link between common environmental bacteria and airway inflammation... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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VIDEO: Online test to gauge asthma risk

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:07:51 +0100

A new online test is being launched that will help people with asthma gauge to what extent they are at risk from a serious attack. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Lungs Infected With Plague Bacteria Also Become Playgrounds For Other Microbes

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Among medical mysteries baffling many infectious disease experts is exactly how the deadly pneumonic plague bacterium, Yersinia pestis, goes undetected in the first few day of lung infection, often until it's too late for medical treatment. New research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine has opened a door to the answer. Researchers led by William E. Goldman, PhD, professor and chair of microbiology and immunology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hilland a leading authority on Y... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

News Beyond Our Pages

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Previous research on reslizumab, an anti–IL-5 mAb, in asthmatic patients did not provide a clear clinical benefit; however, improvements were noted in small studies in subgroups of patients with eosinophilic asthma. Castro et al (Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2011;184:1125-32) investigated reslizumab's effectiveness in 106 patients with uncontrolled asthma with eosinophilia exclusively. The primary outcome (asthma control questionnaire) was not significantly improved. However, the authors found that airway function improved and sputum and blood eosinophilia decreased in the reslizumab-treated group. Moreover, they reported a novel finding. Patients with nasal polyposis had a statistically significant improvement in asthma control compared with those without polyposis. Thus there might be a s...

Fungi and allergic lower respiratory tract diseases

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Asthma is a common disorder that in 2009 afflicted 8.2% of adults and children, 24.6 million persons, in the United States. In patients with moderate and severe persistent asthma, there is significantly increased morbidity, use of health care support, and health care costs. Epidemiologic studies in the United States and Europe have associated mold sensitivity, particularly to Alternaria alternata and Cladosporium herbarum, with the development, persistence, and severity of asthma. In addition, sensitivity to Aspergillus fumigatus has been associated with severe persistent asthma in adults. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is caused by A fumigatus and is characterized by exacerbations of asthma, recurrent transient chest radiographic infiltrates, coughing up thick mucus plugs,...

New approaches to personalized medicine for asthma: Where are we?

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Access to an electronic medical record is essential for personalized medicine. Currently, only 40% of US physicians have such access, but this is rapidly changing. It is expected that 100,000 Americans will have their whole genome sequenced in 2012. The cost of such sequencing is rapidly dropping, and is estimated to be $1000 by 2013. These technological advances will make interpretation of whole genome sequence data a major clinical challenge for the foreseeable future. At present, a relatively small number of genes have been identified to determine drug treatment response phenotypes for asthma. It is anticipated that this will dramatically increase over the next 10 years as personalized medicine becomes more of a reality for asthma patients. (Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immun...

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Advances in mechanisms of asthma, allergy, and immunology in 2011

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

2011 was marked by rapid progress in the identification of basic mechanisms of allergic disease and the translation of these mechanisms into human cell systems. Studies published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology this year provided new insights into the molecular determinants of allergenicity, as well as the environmental, cellular, and genetic factors involved in sensitization to allergens. Several articles focused on mechanisms of allergen immunotherapy and the development of novel strategies to achieve tolerance to allergens. Additional studies identified substantial contributions from TH17-type cells and cytokines to human disease pathogenesis. Finally, new therapeutic applications of anti-IgE were identified. The highlights of these studies and their potential clinical...

CD27 expression on allergen-specific T cells: A new surrogate for successful allergen-specific immunotherapy?

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

To date, allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is the only causal treatment for allergic diseases. The principle of ASIT is to administer gradually increasing doses of allergen, either as allergen extracts or as recombinant allergen. The aim is to reprogram the allergen-specific immune response from a TH2-driven IgE-dominated response toward a tolerant state. By inducing immune tolerance to an allergen, diseases such as allergic rhinitis might even be prevented in progressing toward a severe chronic disorder, such as asthma. Although the concept of specific immunotherapy is more than 100 years old, our knowledge about the underlying immunologic mechanisms is limited (for overview, see ). Moreover, some patients are clinically unresponsive to ASIT, and the identification of solid predictor...

Correction

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

With regard to the February 2011 article entitled “The burden of adult asthma in the United States: Evidence from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey” (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2011;127:363-9.e3), several numbers need to be corrected. First, the initial sentence of the Results section, both in the abstract and in the body of the article, should read “Of 44,795 adults, 1,935 reported an encounter for asthma.” Second, in , the Proportion rows for all headings other than “Adult MEPS total” are incorrect as given. A corrected version of the Table appears below: (Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology)

Maternal Asthma Medication Use and the Risk of Selected Birth Defects

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Asthma is a common obstructive pulmonary disease experienced during pregnancy. Clinical guidelines recommend women with asthma maintain asthma medication use during pregnancy. Epidemiologic studies suggest an association between several types of defects and asthma or asthma medication use during pregnancy. Data from a large, population-based, multicenter, case-control study was used. This provides the opportunity to study specific birth defects with minimal heterogeneity in case groups, as well as control for a variety of potential confounders. (Read the full article) (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Multicenter Analysis of Quality Indicators for Children Treated in the Emergency Department for Asthma

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Studies of the association between process and outcome measures of the quality of acute asthma care for children have been mixed. These studies are limited by small, single-institution settings or by examining the association at the aggregate level. This first multicenter analysis of the process-outcome association in acute asthma care for children revealed no association. Because the validity of process measures depends on association with outcomes, further study is needed before implementing existing process measures as performance metrics. (Read the full article) (Source: PEDIATRICS)

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RCT of Montelukast as Prophylaxis for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Children

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: In preschool-aged children, 12-week treatment with montelukast, compared with placebo, did not reduce the incidence of URI. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Maternal Asthma Medication Use and the Risk of Selected Birth Defects

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Positive associations were observed for anorectal atresia, esophageal atresia, and omphalocele and maternal periconceptional asthma medication use, but not for other defects studied. It is possible that observed associations may be chance findings or may be a result of maternal asthma severity and related hypoxia rather than medication use. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Multicenter Analysis of Quality Indicators for Children Treated in the Emergency Department for Asthma

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: We found no clinically significant association between process and outcome quality measures in the delivery of asthma-related care to children in a multicenter study. Although the quality of emergency department care does not predict successful discharge, other factors, such as outpatient care, may better predict outcomes. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Asian medicine: A fungus in decline

Nature — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Nature 482, 7383 (2012). doi:10.1038/482035b Author: Uttam Babu Shrestha Estimates of wildlife trade for traditional Asian medicine should include that of the caterpillar fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Nature480, S101–S103; 201110.1038/480S101a).The fungus, used to treat asthma and other diseases, is legally harvested on a huge scale (Source: Nature)

Airway inflammation in asthma, a single measurement is not enough

Respirology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

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The role of low-level lactate production in airway inflammation in asthma

AJP: Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The objective was to study aerobic glycolysis in human asthma and the role of this metabolic pathway in airway hyperreactivity and inflammation in a mouse model of asthma. Human peripheral blood and mouse spleen CD4 T cells were isolated by negative selection. T cell proliferation was measured by thymidine incorporation. Cytokines and serum lactate were measured by ELISA. Mouse airway hyperreactivity to inhaled methacholine was measured by a FlexiVent apparatus. The serum lactate concentration was significantly elevated in clinically stable asthmatic subjects compared with healthy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease controls, and negatively correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s. Proliferating CD4 T cells from human asthma and a mouse model of asthma produced higher amounts ...

Alcohol reduces airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and allergic airway inflammation in mice

AJP: Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

There is very limited knowledge about the effects of alcohol on airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in asthma. Historical accounts of alcohol administration to patients with breathing problems suggest that alcohol may have bronchodilating properties. We hypothesized that alcohol exposure will alter airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and pulmonary inflammation in a mouse model of allergic asthma. To test this hypothesis, BALB/c mice were fed either 18% alcohol or water and then sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). AHR was assessed by means of ventilation or barometric plethysmography and reported as either total lung resistance or enhanced pause, respectively. Airway inflammation was assessed by total and differential cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), cyto...

The dopamine D2 receptor is expressed and sensitizes adenylyl cyclase activity in airway smooth muscle

AJP: Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Dopamine receptors are G protein-coupled receptors that are divided into two subgroups, "D1-like" receptors (D1 and D5) that couple to the Gs protein and "D2-like" receptors (D2, D3, and D4) that couple to Gi. Although inhaled dopamine has been reported to induce bronchodilation in patients with asthma, functional expression of dopamine receptor subtypes has never been described on airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells. Acute activation of Gi-coupled receptors inhibits adenylyl cyclase activity and cAMP synthesis, which classically impairs ASM relaxation. In contrast, chronic activation of Gi-coupled receptors produces a paradoxical enhancement of adenylyl cyclase activity referred to as heterologous sensitization. We questioned whether the dopamine D2-like receptor is expressed on ASM, whether...

TGF-{beta} enhances deposition of perlecan from COPD airway smooth muscle

AJP: Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to investigate functional properties of the different perlecan domains in relation to airway smooth muscle cells (ASMC). Primary human ASMC obtained from donors with asthma (n = 13), COPD (n = 12), or other lung disease (n = 20) were stimulated in vitro with 1 ng/ml transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) before perlecan deposition and cytokine release were analyzed. In some experiments, inhibitors of signaling molecules were added. Perlecan domains I–V were seeded on tissue culture plates at 10 μg/ml with 1 μg/ml collagen I as a control. ASM was incubated on top of the peptides before being analyzed for attachment, proliferation, and wound healing. TGF-β1 upregulated deposition of perlecan by ASMC from COPD subjects only. TGF-β1 upregulated ...

{beta}2-Agonists upregulate PDE4 mRNA but not protein or activity in human airway smooth muscle cells from asthmatic and nonasthmatic volunteers

AJP: Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study shows, for the first time, that PDE4D5 is predominantly expressed in human ASM cells from people with and without asthma and that formoterol does not upregulate PDE4D protein production. This leads us to speculate that continual therapy with β2AR agonists is unlikely to cause PDE4-mediated tachyphylaxis. (Source: AJP: Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology)

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Relationship between body composition, inflammation and lung function in overweight and obese asthma

Respiratory Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study suggests that both body composition and inflammation independently affect lung function, with distinct differences between males and females. Lean tissue exacerbates the obese-asthma phenotype in females and the mechanism responsible for this finding warrants further investigation. (Source: Respiratory Research)

Sensitization to aeroallergens at Mohamed V Hospital (Rabat, Morroco).

Annales de Biologie Clinique — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Abbi R, Zinsou CM, Dami A, Ouzzif Z, Elmechtani S, Tellal S, Bouhsain S Abstract This transversal case study aimed at drawing the biological profile of sensitized patients consulting for respiratory allergies at Mohamed V Military Hospital-Rabat. One hundred four patients were included in the case study, who have benefitted from specialized medical consultation and those who came to the biochemistry laboratory holding a medical check-up prescription for allergy (NFS and biochemical check-up). The biochemical analysis were made up of TMA Phadiatop(®), correct proportioning of specific IgE serum, and complete IgE. The different anamnestic and clinical parameters acting upon the sensitization to respiratory allergens have been collected through a multiple choice question sur...

Structural and Functional Characterization of a Novel Nonglycosidic Type I NKT Agonist with Immunomodulatory Properties.

Journal of Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kerzerho J, Yu ED, Barra CM, Alari-Pahisa E, Girardi E, Harrak Y, Lauzurica P, Llebaria A, Zajonc DM, Akbari O, Castaño AR Abstract Activation of type I NKT (iNKT) cells by CD1d-presented agonists is a potent immunotherapeutic tool. α-Galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) is the prototypic agonist, but its excessive potency with simultaneous production of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines hampers its potential therapeutic use. In search for novel agonists, we have analyzed the structure and function of HS44, a synthetic aminocyclitolic ceramide analog designed to avoid unrestrained iNKT cell activation. HS44 is a weaker agonist compared with α-GalCer in vitro, although in vivo it induces robust IFN-γ production, and highly reduced but still functional Th2 response. Th...

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