Serum Human ß-Defensin 2 Is Increased in Angioedema Accompanying Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a common cutaneous disease caused by mast-cell degranulation. Human ß-defensin 2 (HBD2) is a well-known antimicrobial peptide that is also a pruritogen inducing vascular permeability via non-IgE-mediated mast-cell degranulation. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the associations between serum HBD2 levels and the clinical characteristics of CSU patients. METHODS: Serum samples from 124 CSU patients and 56 healthy controls were screened for the levels of HBD2 and translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP)_ by using ELISA. The urticaria activity score over 7 days (UAS7) was used to measure disease activity in CSU patients. Accompanying angioedema was self-reported. RESULTS: Serum HBD2 levels were higher in the CSU group than in healthy subjects (median [interquartile range], 84.1 [43.5, 142.5] vs. 59.5 [26.7, 121.5], p = 0.034). In CSU patients, serum HBD2 level was negatively correlated with the peripheral basophil percentages (Spearman's rho = -0.229, p = 0.01) and vitamin D levels (-0.262, p = 0.02), but positively correlated with TCTP levels (0.252, p = 0.006). In CSU patients, HBD2 level was higher in those with than without angioedema (101.7 [50.9, 184.2] vs. 66.7 [37.9, 132.0], p = 0.019). It did not differ by aspirin hypersensitivity or atopy status, or autologous serum skin test positivity. CONCLUSION: A known mast-cell degranulator, HBD2 was elevated in the sera from CSU patients compared to healthy controls and may be involved in the pathogenesis of accompanying angioedema.

Recent update on the management of anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening systemic allergic reaction presenting various clinical manifestations. Its prevalence has increased in almost all age groups and both sexes. Food, venom, and drugs are major causes in both children and adults; a higher prevalence of food-induced anaphylaxis is noted in children, while a higher prevalence of drug-induced anaphylaxis is noted in adults. The pathogenic mechanism is mediated by immunologic and nonimmunologic mechanisms, where mast cells and basophils are key cells that release mediators. A diagnosis of anaphylaxis is mainly based on clinical symptoms and physical findings; however, an increased serum tryptase level is a useful biomarker. Epinephrine is the first-line drug to treat acute symptoms, and an epinephrine auto-injector should be prescribed for each patient. Antihistamines and systemic corticosteroids are used to relieve symptoms. This review updates current issues in the management of anaphylaxis as well as the new guidelines for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Recent update on the management of anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening systemic allergic reaction presenting various clinical manifestations. Its prevalence has increased in almost all age groups and both sexes. Food, venom, and drugs are major causes in both children and adults; a higher prevalence of food-induced anaphylaxis is noted in children, while a higher prevalence of drug-induced anaphylaxis is noted in adults. The pathogenic mechanism is mediated by immunologic and nonimmunologic mechanisms, where mast cells and basophils are key cells that release mediators. A diagnosis of anaphylaxis is mainly based on clinical symptoms and physical findings; however, an increased serum tryptase level is a useful biomarker. Epinephrine is the first-line drug to treat acute symptoms, and an epinephrine auto-injector should be prescribed for each patient. Antihistamines and systemic corticosteroids are used to relieve symptoms. This review updates current issues in the management of anaphylaxis as well as the new guidelines for proper diagnosis and treatment.