NLRP3 inflammasome (rs10754558) gene polymorphism in patients with atopic dermatitis.

The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a high molecular weight protein complex that has been linked to a variety of allergic and inflammatory disorders in humans, including atopic dermatitis (AD). Polymorphisms in NLRP3 genes could lead to immune dysregulation. This case-control study aimed to assess the association between NLRP3 inflammasome (rs10754558) gene polymorphism in AD and the incidence and severity of the disease. We included 62 subjects in each of the AD and control groups. Serum total IgE levels and NLRP3 inflammasome (rs10754558) gene polymorphism were assessed and compared between the two study groups and among the AD group as arranged by disease severity. The AD group showed significantly higher levels of serum total IgE compared to controls (p˂0.001). Serum IgE levels were also significantly associated with AD severity. The (rs10754558) G allele was significantly predominant among AD participants (OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.1 -4.92) and 51.6% of the AD group was carriers of the GG genotype. Moreover, there was a substantial correlation between NLRP3 (rs10754558) G allele and AD score index for disease severity (OR: 7.17; 95% CI: 1.47 - 35.7). In conclusion, NLRP3 inflammasome (rs10754558) gene polymorphism G allele could be an important factor in the predisposition and exacerbation of AD.

Pollen sensitization among Egyptian patients with respiratory allergic diseases.

Pollen is responsible for seasonal allergies, such as allergic rhino-conjunctivitis (AR), and has become a growing public health concern. Climate change affects the range of allergenic species as well as the timing and length of the pollen season. In Egypt, data on pollinosis are scarce. This study aimed to identify the most prevalent pollen causing allergies among Egyptian patients with respiratory allergies. A total of 200 patients with respiratory allergic diseases, allergic rhinitis and/or bronchial asthma (BA), were included. Medical history taking and physical examinations were conducted on each patient. Complete blood count (CBC), total immunoglobulin E (IgE) determination, spirometry, specific IgE, and skin prick tests (SPTs) for common aeroallergens and food were performed. Of the 200 patients, 106 (53%) were females. The age of study subjects ranged 16-66 years (mean ± SD, 34.42 ± 13.0), and 65% were living in urban areas. Grass pollen, mainly from Timothy grass and maize, were the most prevalent allergens (28.5%). Timothy grass was the most common type of pollen in patients with AR (28.3 %). Elder pollen was more prevalent among asthmatic patients (P = 0.004). Bermuda grass was statistically more prevalent in rural than in urban areas (P = 0.008). Maize was linked to uncontrolled BA, whereas Timothy grass was the most prevalent among patients with moderate/severe AR. Forty-three patients had oral allergy syndrome; oranges and tomatoes were the most cross-reactive food allergies (12% and 11.5%, respectively). Exacerbation of allergic symptoms was noted during January, December, March, and June. In conclusion, pollen plays a substantial role in affecting patients with respiratory allergies in Egypt. Grass pollen is the most prevalent type of pollen, especially in urban areas.

Anti-tubulin-alpha-1c antibody as a marker of value in Behçet syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Behçet's syndrome (BS) is a multi-systemic vasculitis characterized by recurrent oral ulcers, genital ulcers, ocular lesions, and other systemic manifestations. As there is no laboratory diagnostics of BS, the diagnosis is mainly clinical. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the utility of the autoantibody against tubulin-α-1c in diagnosis of BS and its clinical significance. METHODS: Sixty BS patients and sixty healthy controls were enrolled in this study. We assessed all patients by Behçet disease current activity form (BDCAF), routine laboratory investigations, and immunological markers (ANA, anti-DNA, ANCA). Anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECA) and anti-tubulin-alpha-1c antibodies were performed for all participants. RESULTS: Regarding duration of illness, Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS), and BDCAF, the mean value was 4.77 ± 4.239, 19.80 ± 10.020, and 9.52 ± 5.476, respectively. On comparing laboratory investigations, there was only significant increase in anti-tubulin-alpha-1c antibody in BS patients compared to healthy controls. Regarding AECA, there was no any significant correlation except with CRP. Anti-tubulin-alpha-1c detected significant direct correlation with the presence of posterior uveitis, panuveitis, and venous thrombosis as well as BVAS, C4, and protein/creatinine ratio. Regarding diagnostic performance of both AECA and anti-tubulin-alpha-1c, the cutoff value of AECA for diagnosis was 27.250, with sensitivity and specificity of 93.3% and 96.7%, respectively. The cutoff value of the anti-tubulin-alpha-1c for diagnosis was 22.300, with sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 96.7% respectively. CONCLUSION: Anti-tubulin-α-1c antibodies are of diagnostic value in BS and are indicative of activity with 100% sensitivity and 96.7% specificity. Key Points • There is lack of specific laboratory, radiological, or histological diagnostics for Behcet syndrome. • We aimed to evaluate the significance of tubulin-α-1c autoantibody in diagnosis of Behcet syndrome. • There is elevation of tubulin-α-1c autoantibody with sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 96.7%, respectively.