• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.409-415
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• 2007

Allergy skin prick test and intradermal test represent one of the major tools in the diagnosis of IgE-mediated diseases like as atopic asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, food and drug allergy, and insect bite when properly performed. Skin tests are of particular importance in fields such as allergen standardization, pharmacology, and epidemiology. Even if skin tests seem easy to perform, adequate and proper interpretation requires well-trained physicians who can recognize the numerous factors that may modify the results of skin tests.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.60 no.4
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• pp.99-105
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• 2017

Food allergy (FA) is a serious health problem, and severe FA such as food-induced anaphylaxis can often be life threatening. The incidence of FA has been increasing especially in children. They usually develop early in life and affect up to 10% of children. The 2 most common food allergens worldwide are milk and eggs, while the third one varies depending on the countries: peanuts in the United States and Switzerland, wheat in Germany and Japan, tree nuts in Spain, sesame in Israel, and walnuts in Korea. These common food allergens are different and difficult to identify because of differing study methodologies, population, geography, age, and dietary exposure patterns. The current management of FA relies on the strict avoidance of culprit allergens, the prompt treatment of allergic reactions, including epinephrine use for food-induced anaphylaxis, monitoring, and education to prevent further reactions. Newer approaches for tolerance induction to FA and FA immunotherapy have been under investigation but are not yet ready for real-world application. Thus, consistent and systematic education of patients, caregivers, and food-handling people is of primary importance for the management and prevention of FA reactions. This review assesses and compares IgE-mediated FA in children in Korea and other countries, with a focus on summarizing the prevalence, common triggers, and management of FA.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.324-329
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• 2014

For evaluating the anti-allergy activity of mushrooms, forty two mushroom extracts were studied their inhibitory activities on the IgE-mediated degranulation in rat basophilic leukemia cell line (RBL-2H3 cell). Effects of mushroom extracts on the release of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and beta-hexosaminidase, and the cell viability of the IgE-sensitized were measured. From the analysis, five mushroom extracts such as the water extract from Flammulina velutipes (Curt.:Fr.) Sing showed the suppressive activities on IL-4 release as 20%. Eight extracts including the water extract of Ganoserma lucidum showed the suppressive activities on ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase release as 20%. Almost all of the extracts stimulated the proliferation of RBL-2H3 cell. The water extracts of Flammulina velutipes and Phellinus linteus were examined against the inhibitory activity in the production of IL-4 and ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase. Additionally, the extracts from Ganoserma lucidum, Isaria japonica, Phellinus linteus and Pleurotus ostreatus inhibited dose-dependently on ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase production. In conclusion, the result suggests that the mushrooms with the potent inhibitory efficacies on the degranulation of the mast cell would be candidate resources for the anti-allergy resources, and thus need to study for their utilization.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.351-354
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• 2008

Anaphylaxis is an acute systemic reaction caused by IgE-mediated immunological release of mediators from mast cells and basophils to allergenic triggers, such as food, insect venoms, and medications. An alternative definition was recently proposed as follows: anaphylaxis is a "condition caused by an IgE mediated reaction" that is "often life threatening and almost always unanticipated." The reaction can be severe enough to lead to the rapid onset of symptoms, including dizziness, upper airway occlusion, bronchial constriction, hypotension, urticaria, cardiovascular arrhythmias and possible cardiac arrest. The incidence or prevalence of anaphylaxis in Korean pediatrics has not known. Thus, Epidemiology of Anaphylaxis in Pediatrics based on the data from Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (KHIRA) from 2001 to 2007 and questionnaire to the member of Korean Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Disease (KAPARD) who are working at the training hospitals was studied. The incidence of anaphylaxis under age 19 is 0.7-1.0 per 100,000 year-person. The causes of anaphylaxis based on data from KHIRA were unknown (61.7%), food (24.9%), medications (12.4%), and serum (1.0%).

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.718-726
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• 2015

In this study, the inhibitory activities of fifty plant extracts on IgE-mediated degranulation in the rat basophilic leukemia cell line (RBL-2H3 cells) were measured; the release of interleukin (IL)-4 and β-hexosaminidase from IgE-sensitized cells treated with the plant extracts was measured; and the effects of the plant extracts on cell viability were tested. The results of the analysis of plant extracts at 20 μg/ml, including the aerial part of Magnolia sieboldii K. Koch, exhibited suppressive activities upon the release of IL-4. Furthermore, several plant extracts including methanol extracted from Lindera erythrocarpa Makino (aerial part) at the same concentration significantly inhibited the release of β-hexosaminidase. Twenty-six of the plant extracts, including methanol extract of Weigela subsessilis (Nakai) L. H. Bailey (branch), showed a cell proliferation effect of over 80% at 100 μg/ml. In conclusion, the results suggest that the leaf/stem of Geum japonicum Thunb. and the stamen/ovary of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., which exhibited effective inhibition on β-hexosaminidase release and IL-4 release from mast cells and showed high cell viability, could be useful candidates as anti-allergy materials.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.550-560
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• 2022

Background: The effect of ginsenoside Rh2 (G-Rh2) on mast cell-mediated anaphylaxis remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the effects of G-Rh2 on OVA-induced asthmatic mice and on mast cell-mediated anaphylaxis. Methods: Asthma model was established for evaluating airway changes and ear allergy. RPMCs and RBL-2H3 were used for in vitro experiments. Calcium uptake, histamine release and degranulation were detected. ELISA and Western blot measured cytokine and protein levels, respectively. Results: G-Rh2 inhibited OVA-induced airway remodeling, the production of TNF-α, IL-4, IL-8, IL-1β and the degranulation of mast cells of asthmatic mice. G-Rh2 inhibited the activation of Syk and Lyn in lung tissue of OVA-induced asthmatic mice. G-Rh2 inhibited serum IgE production in OVA induced asthmatic mice. Furthermore, G-Rh2 reduced the ear allergy in IgE-sensitized mice. G-Rh2 decreased the ear thickness. In vitro experiments G-Rh2 significantly reduced calcium uptake and inhibited histamine release and degranulation in RPMCs. In addition, G-Rh2 reduced the production of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-4 in IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. Interestingly, G-Rh2 was involved in the FcεRI pathway activation of mast cells and the transduction of the Lyn/Syk signaling pathway. G-Rh2 inhibited PI3K activity in a dose-dependent manner. By blocking the antigen-induced phosphorylation of Lyn, Syk, LAT, PLCγ2, PI3K ERK1/2 and Raf-1 expression, G-Rh2 inhibited the NF-κB, AKT-Nrf2, and p38MAPK-Nrf2 pathways. However, G-Rh2 up-regulated Keap-1 expression. Meanwhile, G-Rh2 reduced the levels of p-AKT, p38MAPK and Nrf2 in RBL-2H3 sensitized IgE cells and inhibited NF-κB signaling pathway activation by activating the AKT-Nrf2 and p38MAPK-Nrf2 pathways. Conclusion: G-Rh2 inhibits mast cell-induced allergic inflammation, which might be mediated by the AKT-Nrf2/NF-kB and p38MAPK-Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathways.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.392-402
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• 2021

Purpose: The present study assessed the role of an amino acid-based formula (AAF) in the growth of infants with cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA). Methods: Non-breastfed, term infants aged 0-6 months with symptoms suggestive of CMPA were recruited from 10 pediatric centers in China. After enrollment, infants were started on AAF for two weeks, followed by an open food challenge (OFC) with cow's milk-based formula (CMF). Infants with confirmed CMPA remained on AAF until 9 months of age, in conjunction with a cow's milk protein-free complementary diet. Body weight, length, and head circumference were measured at enrollment and 9 months of age. Measurements were converted to weight-for-age, length-for-age, and head circumference-for-age Z scores (WAZ, LAZ, HCAZ), based on the World Health Organization growth reference. Results: Of 254 infants (median age 16.1 weeks, 50.9% male), 218 (85.8%) were diagnosed with non-IgE-mediated CMPA, 33 (13.0%) tolerated CMF, and 3 (1.2%) did not complete the OFC. The mean WAZ decreased from 0.119 to -0.029 between birth and enrollment (p=0.067), with significant catch-up growth to 0.178 at 9 months of age (p=0.012) while being fed the AAF. There were no significant changes in LAZ (0.400 vs. 0.552; p=0.214) or HCAZ (-0.356 vs. -0.284; p=0.705) from the time of enrollment to age 9 months, suggesting normal linear and head growth velocity. Conclusion: The amino acid-based study formula, in conjunction with a cow's milk proteinfree complementary diet, supported normal growth till 9 months of age in a cohort of Chinese infants with challenge-confirmed non-IgE-mediated CMPA.

• BMB Reports
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.142-147
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• 2021

Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) containing unmethylated CpG phosphorothioate (PS CpG-ODN) are known to decrease IgE synthesis in Th2 allergy responses. Nonetheless, the therapeutic role of PS CpG-ODN is limited due to cytotoxicity. Therefore, we developed a phosphodiester (PO) form of CpG-ODN (46O) with reduced toxicity but effective against allergies. In this study, we first compared the toxicity of 46O with CpG-ODNs containing a PS backbone (1826S). We also investigated the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of 46O injected intravenously in a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD). To elucidate the mechanism of 46O underlying the inhibition of IgE production, IgE- and TGF-β-associated molecules were evaluated in CD40/IL-4- or LPS/IL-4-stimulated B cells. Our data showed that the treatment with 46O was associated with a lower hematological toxicity compared with 1826S. In addition, injection with 46O reduced erythema, epidermal thickness, and suppressed IgE and IL-4 synthesis in mice with OVA-induced AD. Additionally, 46O induced TGF-β production in LPS/IL-4-stimulated B cells via inhibition of Smad7, which suppressed IgE synthesis via interaction between Id2 and E2A. These findings suggest that enhanced TGF-β signaling is an effective treatment for IgE-mediated allergic conditions, and 46O may be safe and effective for treating allergic diseases such as AD and asthma.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.40-47
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• 2004

Purpose: A new classification of gastrointestinal food allergy was published, but the changes of terminology between previously reported terms and the new ones were in a state of disorder. This has resulted in confusion between medical communication and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The clinical observations of infants presenting with gastrointestinal cow milk allergy (GI-CMA) were performed, and the changes in the terminology reviewed through the published Korean literature. Methods: Between March 2003 and July 2003, data from 37 consecutive infants with GI-CMA, aged 2 weeks to 15 months, were reviewed. The challenge and elimination test of cow milk, and the endoscopic and histologic findings, were used for the seven subdivisions of GI-CMA according to a new classification on the basis of patients' ages, clinical manifestations and location of gastrointestinal lesions. Results: The 37 patients had a mean age of $5.4{\pm}4.8$ months, with those observed in 26 (70.3%) of patients being below 6 months of age. The seven final diagnoses were; cow milk protein-induced enterocolitis (CMPIE) in 12 (32.4%), cow milk protein proctitis (PROC) in 12 (32.4%), IgE-mediated (IGE) in 6 (16.2%), gastroesophageal reflux-associated cow milk allergy (GERA) in 5 (13.5%) and eosinophilic gastroenterocolitis in 2 (5.4%). CMPIE was revealed as the typical type in 7 (18.9%) and the atypical type in 5 (13.5%), and all of typical CMPIE revealed cow milk protein-induced enteropathy. The mean age at symptom onset was $4.3{\pm}0.8$ months, and for those with typical and atypical CMPIE, and PROC and GERA were $3.8{\pm}4.6$, $10.4{\pm}3.8$, $3.4{\pm}3.9$ and $7.8{\pm}5.7$ months, respectively (p<0.05). The period from onset of symptom to diagnosis was $2.4{\pm}3.3$ (0.5~12) months, with those observed in atypical CMPIE and GERA being over 3months. Although the birth weights in all patients were within the 10~90 percentile range, the body weights on diagnoses were below the 3 percentile in 48.6%; IGE 16.7%, EOS 0%, typical CMPIE 85.7%, atypical CMPIE 60.0%, PROC 25.0% and GERA 100% (p<0.05). Through the review of the Korean literature, 8 case reports and 14 original articles for GI-CMA were found. Conclusion: GI-CMA is not a rare clinical disorder and is subdivided into seven categories on the basis of the patient's age, clinical manifestations and location of the gastrointestinal lesions. The terms for GI-CMA are changing with new classifications, and careful approaches are necessary for medical communications.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.35.1-35.13
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• 2020

Antigen delivery systems play critical roles in determining the quality and quantity of Ab responses in vivo. Induction of protective antibodies by B cells is essential in the development of vaccines against infectious pathogens, whereas production of IgE antibodies is prerequisite for investigation of allergic responses, or type 1 hypersensitivity reactions. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are efficient platforms for expression of proteins of interest in highly repetitive manners, which grants strong Ab responses to target antigens. Here, we report that delivery of hen egg lysozyme (HEL), a model allergen, through VLP could provoke strong HEL specific IgE Ab responses in mice. Moreover, acute allergic responses were robustly induced in the mice sensitized with VLPs that express HEL, when challenged with recombinant HEL protein. Our data show that antigen delivery in the context of VLPs could function as a platform for sensitization of mice and for subsequent examination of allergic reactions to molecules of interest.