Identification of IgE binding components of Tetranychus urticae (TU): species-specific and cross-reacting allergens with house dust mite (HDM) / 천식및알레르기

BACKGROUND: The Tetranychus urticae (TU) is commonly found on fruit trees and green house flowers. A recent investigation demonstrated that the sensitization rate to TU was as high as that of HDM in respiratory allergy patients in middle part of South Korea. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To identify IgE binding components within TU, sera from 8 TU-sen-sitive asthmatic patients and sera from unexposed controls showing negative response to TU on skin prick test were enrolled. SDS-PAGE and immunoblot analysis were applied. To evaluate cross-allergenicity with house dust mite (HDM) two kinds of serum pool were used: one (A) showing isolated positive response to TU and the other (B) showing positive responses to both TU and HDM. ELISA inhibition tests using sera A and B were were used. RESULTS: TU-ELISA inhibition test using serum pool A showed significant inhibition with TU and CRM and minimal inhibition with HDM, while ELISA inhibition test using serum pool B showed significant inhibition with addition of TU and CRM and partial inhibition with HDM. Immunoblot analysis using individual sera showed six IgE binding components (75, 56, 41, 37, 28, 14 kDa) and three (75, 41, 14 kDa) were bound to IgE in more than 50% of sera tested. CONCLUSIONS: Six IgE binding components were identified within TU and three (75, 41, 14 kDa) could be considered major allergens. Extensive cross-allergenicity was noted between TU and CRM TU-derived extracts contain TU-specific addition to common sharing allergens witHDM, Further investigations will be needed to identify species-specific, or common allergenic components within TU.

Exposure to toluene diisocyanate ( TDI) induces IL - 8 and RANTES production from bronchial epithelial cell / 천식및알레르기

BACKGROUND: There have been a few reports suggesting involvement of neutrophil as well as eosinophil in inducing bronchoconstriction aft,er inhalation of TDI. OBJECTIVE: In order to observe the source of chemokines in TDI-induced asthma, this investigation was designed to determine whether IL-8 and RANTES could be produced by human bronchial epithelial cells and whether dexamethasone had any effects on their production. Materials and METHODS: We cultured Beas-2B, a bronchial epithelial cell line, with five concentrations of TDI-human serum albumin (HSA) conjugate and compared them with those having no conjugate. The levels of IL-8 and RANTES in the supernatant were measured by ELISA. To evaluate the effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines, cells were incubated with peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) culture supernatant, which was derived from PBMC culture of a TDI -induced asthmatic subject under exposure to TDI-HSA conjugate, and then compared to those without PBMC supernatant addition. To evaluate the effect of dexamethasone, four concentrations of dexamethasone were pre-incubated and the same steps were repeated. RESULTS: There was significant production of IL-8 from bronchial epithelial cells with addition of TDI-HSA conjugate in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05, respectively), which was significantly augmented with additions of PBMC supernatant (p<0.05, respectively) at each concentration. RANTES production was negligible, however, it increased significantly with addition of PBMC supernatant and TDI-HSA conjugate in a dose response manner(p<0.05, respectively). Compared to the untreated sample, pre-treatment of dexamethasone induced remarkable inhibitions of IL-8 and RANTES production. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that IL-8 and RANTES released from bronchial epithelial cells may contribute to neutrophil and eosinophil recruitment occurring in TDI-induced airway.

Clinical significance of specific IgG and IgE antibodies to toluene diisocyanate ( TDi ) - human - serum albumin ( HSA ) conjugate in TDI - induceed occupational asthma / 천식및알레르기

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: TDI is known to be the most prevalent cause of occupational asthma ( OA ) in Korea. However, the pathogenesis of TDI - induced occupational asthma still remains to be further clarified. So, we evaluated clinical significance of serum specific IgG and IgE antibodies to TDI - HSA conjugate in TDI - induced occupational asthma. Subjects and METHODS: Serum specific IgG and IgE antibodies to TDI - HSA conjugate were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Serum was collected from 50 TDI- induced OA patients ( classified as group I ), and was compared with that from 13 asthmatic subjects with negative TDI - bronchoprovocation test ( BPT, group II ), allergic asthmatics ( group III ), and unexposed healthy controls ( group IV ). RESULTS: The prevalence of specific IgG was significantly higher in group I than in group II (p = 0.01) or group III (p 0.05). However, the prevalence of specific IgE was not different between group I and group II (p> 0.05 ) or group II and group III( p> 0.05 ). There was no significant difference in prevalence of specific IgG according to the asthmatic response during TDI bronchoprovocation test ( p> 0.05 ). No statistical significance was noted between specific IgG and IgE antibodies in group I subjects ( p> 0.05 ). CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that presence of specific IgG to TDI - HSA conjugate is closely related to TDI - BPT results and it may contribute to the development of TDI - induced asthma.

A Study of Serum Levels of Zinc in Acne Vulgaris / 대한피부과학회지

Serum zinc is an essential element in men and animals. Recently on the dermatologic fields, the serum and the skin levels and the roles of zinc have been studied especially in acne vulgaris, but the results were controversial. So to confirm the previous reports and for evaluation of the relationship between the various aspects of acne vulgaris and the serum levels of zinc, the serum levels of zinc were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer in 13 healthy controls and 46 patients with acne vulgaris. In the healthy controls, their mean values of zinc were 0.843+0.251 ppm in total, 0.920+0.219 ppm, in females and 0.777+0.260 ppm in males. There was no statistical difference attributable to sex. In the 46 patients with acne vulgaris, their mean value of zinc was 0.741+0.195 ppm. There was no significant difference in the mean serum zinc level compared with the controls. In the males with acne, the mean va1ue of zinc was 0.727+0.166 ppm, and 0.748+0.208 ppm in females with acne. There was no significant statistical difference between males and females with acne. And females, but not males, with acne had significantly lower serum zinc levelss than controls of the corresponding sex. (p<0.1) By clinical severity, classifying the 46 patients with acne vulgaris into three groups: mild type (only comedones), moderate type (comedones with pa.pules) and severe type (includes pustules, comedones, and papules, etc.), the serum zinc levels of each group were 0.774+0.185 ppm, 0.7880. 200 ppm and 0.666+0.176 ppm. The significant statistical difference was found only in the severe type of acne compared with the healthy controls (p<0.05). Also classifying the patients into three groups (acute, moderate and chronic types of acne) by duration of acne, the serum values of zinc were 0.738+0.158 ppm, 0.692+0.283 ppm and 0.769+0.241 ppm, respectively. Only in the moderate type of acne, the mean serum level of zinc was significantly reduced compared with the control group (p<0.1)

A Case of Incontinentia Pigmenti / 대한피부과학회지

Incontinentia pigmenti is an uncommon genodermatosis. It affects female infants predominantly, described first by Bardach in l925, with the diagnosis of systematized nevus and Bloch in 1926, and Sulzberger in 1928 rnore compIetely. Skin lesions are characterized by 3 stages such as vesicobullous, verucous and finally pigmentary lesions and leave brownish pigmentation on the extremities and trunk. Hesides skin lesions some ectodermaI and mesodermal organs are affected and show developmental abnormalities. We experienced a case of incontinentia pigmenti in a 45-day-old female infant and present it with the review of literature. She showed extensive vesicobullopustular eruption with linear and reticular pigmentation on the extremities and trunk. Clinical and histopathologic findings of these lesions are compatible with Bloch-Sulzberger type of incontinentia pigmenti.

A Case fo Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis / 대한피부과학회지

A case of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) was presented in 46 year-old male patient. The characteristic skin lesions of TEN were developed after some medictions and tetanus anti-toxin (TAT) injection due to trauma. Probably, the cause of the disease was drugs, TAT injection or trauma inself. On the pathologic findings, lower epidermis and dermo-epidermal cleavage were noticed. He was treated with massive antibiotics and steroid. About 7 days after therapy, much improvement achived. However foul odorous yellowish discharge was noticed since 20 days of hospitalization. Wide debridement of necrotic tissue was carried without improvement. Patient expired on 48th hospital day due to sepsis and impending hepatic coma.

A Case fo Keratosis Palmaris et Plantaris Thost-Unna Type / 대한피부과학회지

A case of 17 years old male with KPP of Tbost-Unna Type is reported. The akin lesions were characterized by the presence of confluent, sharply demarcated hyperk eratotic plaques on the palmar and plantar surfaces. Hypercontraction of palms and soles and hyperhidro is of scalp, face, palms and soles were also noted. Roentogenologic study revealed secondary changes of osteoporosis, flexion deformity and osteoarthritis due to soft tissue contracture and phalangeal and metatarsal bones of hands and feet showed bony resorption with tapering appearance. Histalogic findings of palmar lesion showed excessive hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis and acantosis in the epidermis and no pathology was noted in the dermis and skin appendages, He was treated with hot water compress, 5% Salicylic acid ointment and vit. A and D for 2 months and favorable effect was noted. Authors reviewed relevant literature and made discussions also.

A Ultramicroscopic Study Cryptococcus Neoformans Derived from Pigeon Drops / 대한피부과학회지

The morphologic differences hetween a mucoid and pasty type of Cryptococcus neoformans derived from pigeon drops were investigated using an eIectron microscope. The following results were obtained: No essential differences in ultramicroscopic structures were noted hetween the mucoid and pasty type of C. neoformans, but the capsule is thicker in the mucoid type than the pasty one and the intracytoplasmic structures were seen more clearly in the mucoid type. These differences seem to he related to chemical components and the difficulty of penetration of fixing solution through thick capsules. There were no differences between C. neoformans derived from pigeon drops and those from pathogenic strains which were reported by others. Therefore, C. neoformans derived form pigeon drops can infect humans.

A Case of Prurigo Nodularis / 대한피부과학회지

A Case of prurigo nodularis in 47-year-old female was presented with brief review of literatures. This is one of relatively rare dermatoses and still has many disputes in etiology and classification. Multiple erythematous brownish hyperkeratotic lichenified nodules were scattered on the back and extremities associated with intolerable itching trouble. Histopathologically, severe hyperkeratosis with focal neutrophile infiltration and pseudoapitheliomatous hyperplasia of acanthotic lesion in the epidermis is presented. Diagnosis was confirmed by characteristic clinical pictures and histopathological features. Treatment with corticosteroids, sediatives and tranquilizers revealed of favorable results.

A Case of Incontinentia Pigmenti / 대한피부과학회지

A case of incontinentia pigmenti without any developmental defect has been presented. And literatures have been reviewed. The patient was a 20 year old female and had been affected with numerous dark brownish linear streaks of pigmentation on the entirebody. No familiar traits were noted. Diagnosis was confirmed by characteristic clinical picture, laboratory and histopathologic findings.